| 摘要 |
Laser apparatus and method associated therewith for adjusting the tension in thermoplastic (polyamide, polyester or polypropylene) sutures. The sutures 4 are irradiated causing them to soften and equilibrate to the desired tension using an argon-ion or carbon dioxide laser beam 5 which is brought to a line-focus 4 commensurate in size with the sutures. An embodiment for use following ophthalmic surgery to reduce astigmatism is shown with an optical fibre 20 transmitting the laser beam to the focusing and directing head 21 containing the lenses 22, 23 which produce the line focus 4. Also attached is a hood 28 which includes lights 29, a translucent screen 30 with a set of placido rings 31. A television camera 32 is used to view the curvature of the patients eye 3 and position of the laser beam via a beam splitter 25. Distortion of the eye by inappropriately tensioned sutures is thus reduced. <IMAGE> |
