Apparatus and method for removing epithelium from the cornea
An apparatus and a method for removing epithelium from the cornea include a fluid agent for facilitating de-epithelialization of the cornea. A disc includes a biocompatible material operable for covering a predetermined zone of a cornea. The disc is hydrated by the fluid agent, wherein the hydrated disc is pliable for conforming to a surface of the cornea. An application of the hydrated disc to the cornea substantially constrains the fluid agent to the determined zone and softens a corneal epithelium enabling delamination of the epithelium from an underlying stroma.
1. An apparatus comprising:
means for facilitating de-epithelialization of the cornea; and
means for covering a predetermined zone of a cornea, said covering means being hydrated by said facilitating means, wherein said hydrated covering means conforms to a surface of the cornea, and softens a corneal epithelium enabling delamination of the epithelium from an underlying stroma.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 , further comprising means for containing said covering means.
3. An apparatus comprising:
a fluid agent for facilitating de-epithelialization of the cornea; and
a disc comprising a biocompatible material operable for covering a predetermined zone of a cornea, said disc being hydrated by said fluid agent, wherein said hydrated disc is pliable for conforming to a surface of the cornea, and an application of said hydrated disc to the cornea substantially constrains said fluid agent to said determined zone and softens a corneal epithelium enabling delamination of the epithelium from an underlying stroma.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 , further comprising a sterile packet for containing at least said disc.
5. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 , wherein said fluid agent comprises isopropyl alcohol.
6. The apparatus as recited in claim 5 , wherein said biocompatible material comprises a hydroxylated polyvinyl acetate material.
7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6 , wherein a concentration level of said isopropyl alcohol is at least in part determined by a desired application time and an ability of the combination of said isopropyl alcohol and said hydroxylated polyvinyl acetate material to create a moldable fluid matrix having the pliability to mold to the cornea.
8. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 , wherein said delamination of the epithelium is substantially symmetrical.
9. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 , wherein said disc further comprises a hollowed center for application of an additional agent.
10. The apparatus as recited in claim 9 , wherein said additional agent comprises a riboflavin solution or antibiotics.
11. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 , wherein said disc further comprises a curved surface generally matching a curve of the cornea.
12. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 , wherein said disc further comprises a rigid top layer.
13. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 , wherein said disc further comprises a nub on a top surface for aiding in moving said disc.
14. A method comprising the steps of:
applying to a cornea a disc comprising a biocompatible material operable for covering a predetermined zone of the cornea, said disc being hydrated by a fluid agent for facilitating de-epithelialization of the cornea, and said hydrated disc is pliable for conforming to a surface of the cornea, wherein the application of said hydrated disc to the cornea substantially constrains said fluid agent to said predetermined zone and softens a corneal epithelium; and removing said hydrated disc after a period of time, thereby enabling delamination of the epithelium from an underlying stroma.
15. The method as recited in claim 14 , further comprising the step of moving said hydrated disc around the cornea using a nub on a top surface of said disc.
16. The method as recited in claim 14 , wherein said period of time is at least in part determined by a concentration of said fluid agent.
17. The method as recited in claim 14 , wherein said fluid agent comprises isopropyl alcohol.
18. The method as recited in claim 17 , wherein said biocompatible material comprises a hydroxylated polyvinyl acetate material.
19. The method as recited in claim 18 , wherein a concentration level of said isopropyl alcohol is at least in part determined by an ability of the combination of said isopropyl alcohol and said hydroxylated polyvinyl acetate material to create a moldable fluid matrix having the pliability to mold to the cornea.
20. The method as recited in claim 14 , wherein said delamination of the epithelium is substantially symmetrical.