Patent ID: 6063071
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A method for treating recurrent corneal erosion, comprising the steps of:(A) forming a marked corneal surface by applying a pigment to an outer surface of a cornea over a site associated with said recurrent corneal erosion, wherein said marked corneal surface is centered about and covers said site, and wherein said marked corneal surface has an outer perimeter that is 0.5 to 2.5 mm away from a center of said site; and(B) illuminating said marked corneal surface with laser light for a period sufficient to treat said recurrent corneal erosion;wherein said laser light is transmitted through said outer surface to a depth in said cornea during said illuminating step, said depth being limited to less than 5% of a thickness of said cornea; andwhereby no tissue is removed from said outer surface of said cornea during said illuminating step (B), and said cornea has a shape of curvature prior to said illuminating step (B) and said shape of curvature of said cornea is substantially retained following said illuminating step (B).