PARTIALLY LUBRICIOUS EPITHELIAL DELAMINATOR

摘要

The described devices and methods are useful in the field of ophthalmology. Described herein are epithelial delaminators, applicators, lens inserters and methods of using those devices for separating an epithelium from a cornea and for introducing an ocular device beneath a corneal epithelium. Typically, the devices may be used to lift a section or portion of the corneal epithelium and, variously, to insert a lens or other ocular correction device beneath the lifted epithelium in a single application stroke to introduce a medicine or diagnostic material beneath the epithelium, or simply to lift the epithelium for other treatment or for conducting reformation of the cornea, perhaps using a laser or mechanical device. The described devices and methods for using them involve separating or lifting corneal epithelium from the eye in a substantially continuous layer to form a flap or pocket. The described delaminator that separates the epithelium from the comea may be at least partially covered with a lubricious material on at least one surface, often the surface adjacent to the epithelium. The devices and methods may comprise a combined epithelial delaminator and ocular device inserter. The combined delaminator and inserter may be configured to separate the epithelium from the cornea, e.g., between the epithelium and the corneal stroma (Bowman's membrane) in the region of the lamina lucida, and also to introduce an ocular device on the eye without the need for an additional inserter or an additional insertion step. The devices and methods described herein may be used as part of an ocular therapy including ocular corrective surgery and laser eye corrective surgery.