New intrastromal corneal reshaping procedure using high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses

Abstract

A minimally invasive keratorefractive procedure using high-intensity, low-energy femtosecond laser pulses to perform intrastromal ablation is described. Because of the low pulse energy and the ultrashort duration, tissue in the corneal stroma can be ablated with almost no heat or shockwave generation. This technique obviates the need for the laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap but retains the advantages of the LASIK procedure. In the technique, a series of femtosecond laser pulses create temporary microchannels in the stroma, oriented perpendicular to the eye's optical axis. After the microchannels are created, a second series of femtosecond pulses directly ablate the desired amount of stromal tissue in a controlled fashion. The ablated material is ejected from the microchannels so the surface layer above the ablated regions collapses, with a consequent change in the refractive power of the cornea. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.