Structural Manipulation of Microcone Arrays for Microsurgical Modification of Ophthalmic Tissues

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to utilize controllable fiber-drawing techniques in order to fabricate glass microcone arrays for use in office-based optical surgery instruments. The cone spacing is controlled via the drawing process while an etching process controls the cone height-to-base ratio. The device viability was tested by imprinting, and subsequent staining, of low-density polyethylene and porcine corneas, resulting in a consistent patterned structure of micron-sized perforations. After imprint, the device was examined and no evidence of microcone fracture or overpenetration was present during the course of these experiments. This research promises to lead to advances in optical surgery for the treatment of recurrent corneal erosions, providing quicker, safer, and more cost-effective procedures with decreased risk of vision loss and scarring associated with current procedures such as anterior stromal puncture. The ease of procedure and micron-sized incisions could potentially replace current techniques and provide a viable treatment alternative for recurrent corneal erosions in the visual axis.