Corneal template and surgical procedure for refractive vision correction

Abstract

A method for the selective removal of corneal tissue, and change of curvature thereof, for refractive vision correction, by means of a correction template in conjunction with a planar cutting high pressure water jet micro-keratome. The correction template is adapted to provide a planar cutting guide, on the corneal tissue, for the refractive correction required, with the template being shaped with a non-planar surface of predetermined configuration (related to the desired correction). The non-planar surface of the template is fitted to the area of the cornea to be refractively corrected, whereby the corneal tissue to be removed is selectively deformed so as to be substantially conformed to and held against the non-planar surface. Application of a vacuum between the template and cornea aids in this holding. The water jet micro-keratome, in a sheet-like configuration provides a full non-scanning transverse planar cut through the corneal tissue at a position adjacent the template, such that release of the template from the corneal tissue results in the undeformed configuration thereof having the desired correction. Use of the water jet micro-keratome provides a cut corneal tissue surface of smoothness and polish, substantially equivalent to that of the original surface.