Treatment Systems for Vitreous Floaters

摘要

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are provided for using a computer-controlled, laser system to perform a partial vitrectomy of the vitreous humor in an eye. Operationally, an optical channel is first defined through the vitreous humor. Vitreous and suspended deposits (floaters) in the optical channel are then ablated and in some cases removed (e.g. aspirated) from the optical channel. In some instances, a clear liquid can be introduced into the optical channel to replace the ablated matter, and to thereby establish unhindered transparency in the optical channel.

主权项

1. A method for removing deposits from an optical channel to establish transparency in the channel, wherein the optical channel is defined to extend through an otherwise clear gel-like substance in the channel, the method comprising the steps of:
identifying an axis, wherein the axis extends through the gel-like substance; defining an optical channel through the gel-like substance, wherein the optical channel is substantially cylindrical shaped and extends radially outward to a distance r from the axis; and ablating the gel-like substance in the optical channel, and deposits suspended therein.