摘要 |
This invention is a pliable intrastromal corneal insert (1) designed to be inserted into an inter-lamellar channel made within the cornea of a mammalian eye. It is made of a physiologically compatible polymer and may be used to adjust corneal curvature and thereby correct vision abnormalities. The insert (10) or segment may also be used to deliver therapeutic or diagnostic agents to the corneal interior or to the interior of the eye. The insert (10) subtends at least a portion of a ring, or "arc", encircling the anterior cornea (33) outside of the cornea's field of view but within the cornea's frontal diameter. The invention also includes both a minimally invasive procedure for inserting one or more of the devices into the cornea (12) as well as the thus corrected eye. <IMAGE> |