Scientific Optics, Inc.

Scientific Optics, Inc. C/o Avalon Ventures

Jonathan Grierson

David M Lieberman

'Universal improvement' of vision is achieved by effectively changing the shape of the anterior refracting surface of the cornea to an ideal 'turtleback' shape, on which is imposed the necessary curvature adjustment to achieve correction of distance vision. In accordance with one embodiment, the cornea is actually formed to the turtleback shape through corneal surgery, preferably laser ablation surgery. In accordance with a second embodiment, a contact lens with the desired distance corrected ideal turtleback shape on its anterior surface is positioned over the cornea.

Method and apparatus for universal improvement of vision

Certain disorders of the cornea exhibit unique characteristics in a surface model of the cornea. Through various manipulations of the characteristics of the surface model of a patient's cornea, certain 'markers' that are associated with disorders of the eye may be revealed.

Diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye

Eye measurements taken on a patient being fitted for contact lens will include a refraction test and an additional measurement representing corneal depth variation on the surface of an imaginary cylinder having the same diameter as the lens. This information then used during lens manufacture to produce lens in which the perimeter is not circular and does not lie in a plane, but which drops backwards towards the eye at appropriate points to produce a saddle-shaped perimeter.

Contact lens with shaped periphery

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for causing the optical center of the eye to align &ldquo;HIGH point&rdquo; of the anterior surface of the cornea. In accordance with one aspect of the invention relating to corneal ablation procedures, the HIGH point of the eye is used as the pole of a spherical surface which is fitted approximately to a portion of the anterior surface of the cornea within a &ldquo;bounded region.&rdquo; For corneal ablation procedures, the &ldquo;bounded region&rdquo; comprises a generally inverted-cup shaped region of the anterior surface of the eye bounded at its periphery by a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a local z-axis. During the operation local high points which project above the spherical surface are ablated. According to another aspect of the invention relating to radial keratotomy procedures, a pair of incisions in the plane of a &ldquo;great circle&rdquo; are formed in the cornea to weaken and flatten it. As used herein, a &ldquo;great circle&rdquo; is formed by a plane containing the HIGH point and parallel to the local z-axis. The &ldquo;bounded region&rdquo; for radial keratotomy procedures is defined absolutely in terms of a circle projected onto the corneal surface which is centered about an axis passing through the HIGH point and parallel to the z-axis.

Method for improving vision

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for causing the optical center of the eye to align 'HIGH point' of the anterior surface of the cornea. In accordance with one aspect of the invention relating to corneal ablation procedures, the HIGH point of the eye is used as the pole of a spherical surface which is fitted approximately to a portion of the anterior surface of the cornea within a 'bounded region.' For corneal ablation procedures, the 'bounded region' comprises a generally inverted-cup shaped region of the anterior surface of the eye bounded at its periphery by a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a local z-axis. During the operation local high points which project above the spherical surface are ablated. According to another aspect of the invention relating to radial keratotomy procedures, a pair of incisions in the plane of a 'great circle' are formed in the cornea to weaken and flatten it. As used herein, a 'great circle' is formed by a plane containing the HIGH point and parallel to the local z-axis. The 'bounded region' for radial keratotomy procedures is defined absolutely in terms of a circle projected onto the corneal surface which is centered about an axis passing through the HIGH point and parallel to the z-axis.

Growing community of inventors

Atwater, OH, United States of America

Jonathan Grierson