Apparatus for the cross-linking of ocular tissue with electromagnetic radiation

摘要

An apparatus for generating an alteration of biomechanical properties of ocular tissue, into which a photosensitizer (14) has been introduced, contains means (18, 20) for radiating into the tissue electromagnetic radiation (12′) which reacts with the photosensitizer for the purpose of generating a cross-linking. The setting means permit an inhomogeneous distribution of the irradiance in the tissue and a setting of the depth of action (16′).

主权项

1. Apparatus for generating an alteration of biomechanical properties of a cornea (10) that contains photosensitizer (14), further comprising means for radiating into the cornea (10) electromagnetic radiation (12′) which with the photosensitizer (14) brings about a cross-linking, wherein the means (18, 20) for radiating set a depth of action (16, 16′) of the electromagnetic radiation (12′) in the cornea (10) in such a manner that, starting from the anterior surface (10a) of the cornea (10), in the direction of the radiation as far as a predetermined depth of action (16, 16′) an outer part of the cornea is exposed to electromagnetic radiation which is partially absorbed as far as the predetermined depth of action, whereas in deeper regions of the cornea close to the back (10b) thereof the electromagnetic radiation has no effect, wherein the depth of action is the depth of penetration of the electromagnetic radiation into the cornea.