Laser reprofiling system employing an erodable mask
Patent 5019074 Issued on May 28, 1991. Estimated Expiration Date: August 11, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
A laser system for reprofiling a surface comprising a laser and an erodable mask disposed between the laser means and the surface for providing a predefined profile of resistance to erosion by laser radiation, and control for controlling the laser such that upon irradiation of the mask, a portion of the laser radiation is selectively absorbed and another portion is transmitted to the surface in accordance with the mask profile to selectively erode the surface. The mask can be connected to the support structure and disposed in optical alignment with the laser means and the cornea. The mask can be directed integrated with the support structure or, preferably, a transparent stage can be formed as part of the support structure to support and position the masking lens. In one preferred embodiment, the mask is spatially separated from the surface and imaged onto the surface, thereby permitting the use of an oversized mask, which is easier to form.
Other References
Fine et al., "Preliminary Osbervations on Ocular Effects . . . ", vol. 64, No. 2, American Journal of Ophthalmologypp. 209-222 (Aug. 1967)
Beckman, et al., "Limbectomies, Keratectomies, and Keratostomies Performed . . . " vol. 71, American Journal of Opthalmology, pp. 1277-1283 (Jun. 1971)
Mainster, "Opthlamic applications of infrared lasers-thermal considerations" vol. 18, No. 4, Invst. Opthal. and Vis. Sci., pp. 414-420 (1979)
Peyman, et al, "Modification of Rabbit Corneal Curvature with use of Carbon Dioxide Laser Burns", vol. No. 11, No. 5, Opthalmic Surgery, pp. 325-329 (May 1980)
Keates et al., "Carbon Dioxide Laser Beam Control for Corneal Surgery", vol. 12, No. 2, Opthalmic Surgery, pp. 117-122, (Feb. 1981)
Girard, "Refractive Keratoplasty", vol. 2, Corneal Surgery, pp. 142-171 (1981)
Taboada et al., "Response of the Corneal Epithelium to KrF Excimer Laser Pulses", vol. 40, Health Physics, pp. 677-683 (May 1981)
Chetverukhin et al., "Refraction Thermokeratoplasty and Laser Keratoplasty", Vestn. Oftal., pp. 67-69 (USSR 1982)
Srinivasan et al., "Far-UV Photoetching of Organic Material", Laser Focus, (May 1983)
Srinivasan, "Kinetics of the Ablative Photodecomposition of Organic Polymers . . ", vol. Bl, J. of Vac. Sci. Technol., pp. 923-926 (1983)
Srinivasan, "Action of Far-Ultraviolet Light on Organic Polymer Films . . .", pp. 12-14 (Oct. 1983)
Trokel, et al., "Excimer Laser Surgery of the Cornea", vol. 96, American Journal of Opthalmology, pp. 710-715 (1983)
Galbavy, "Use of Diamond Knives in Ocular Surgery", vol. 15, No. 3, Opthalmic Surgery, pp. 203-205 (Mar. 1984)
Puliafito et al., "Excimer Laser Ablation of the Cornea and Lens", vol. 92, No. 6, Opthalmology, pp. 741-748 (Jun. 1985)
L'Esperance, Jr., "New Laser Systems and Their Potential Clinical Usefulness", Trans. New Orleans Acad. of Opthalmol., pp. 182-209 (1985)
L'Esperance, Jr., "Current Status of Opthalmic Photovaporization Therapy", Trans. New Orleans Acad. of Opthalmol, pp. 231-255 (1985)
O'Hara et al., vol. 11 IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletinpp. 1168-1169 (1969)
Binder et al., "Refractive Keratoplasty" vol. 100 Arch. Opthalmol. pp. 802-806 (1982
August 11, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
