Device for lifting an epitheleal layer and placing a corrective lens beneath it

Abstract

This relates to a lens made of donor corneal tissue suitable for use as a contact lens or an implanted lens, to a method of preparing that lens, and to a technique of placing the lens on the eye. The lens is made of donor corneal tissue that is acellularized by removing native epithelium and keratocytes. These cells optionally are replaced with human epithelium and keratocytes to form a lens that has a structural anatomy similar to human cornea. The ocular lens may be used to correct conditions such as astigmatism, myopia, aphakia, and presbyopia.

1 . A device for separating a living epithelial tissue region from an eye having an anterior corneal surface and an epithelial tissue layer, the device being configured for lifting from the corneal surface, a substantially continuous, living epithelial layer substantially free from corneal tissue and having at least an edge connected to the corneal surface.  
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device is further configured for lifting an epithelial layer comprising an epithelial flap.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device is further configured for lifting an epithelial layer of sufficient size for placement of a vision corrective lens on the anterior corneal surface completely beneath the epithelial layer.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the device comprises a vacuum.  
     
     
         5 . A device for separating a living epithelial tissue region from an eye having an anterior corneal surface and an epithelial tissue layer, comprising a device configured for lifting from the corneal surface, a substantially continuous, living epithelial layer substantially free from corneal tissue and having at least an edge connected to the corneal surface, said device further configured to be removed from contact with the corneal surface leaving the living epithelial layer attached.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the device is further configured for lifing an epithelial layer comprising an epithelial flap.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the device is further configured for lifting an epithelial layer of sufficient size for placement of a vision corrective lens on the anterior corneal surface completely beneath the epithelial layer.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the device comprises a vacuum.