Surgical instruments and method for corneal reformation

Abstract

Multiple surgical instruments for use with a surgical method of corneal reformation. Surgical instruments include the optional use of vibration with an epithelial separator or cannula to separate an epithelial sheet from the cornea of no more than about 85 microns thick. The surgical method of corneal reformation reduces the risk of trauma and shortens overall recovery while yielding improved visual acuity. The method comprises making a relatively shallow incision of no more than about 85 microns deep into the corneal epithelium, separating the corneal epithelial sheet from the underlying Bowman's Membrane using an epithelial separator or a specialized cannula, and lifting the epithelial sheet away from the ablation zone so that the Bowman's Membrane and underlying stromal bed can be reformed.

1 . A surgical instrument for use in corneal reconstruction, comprising: 
 a cutting member; and    means for vibrating said cutting member.    
   
   
       2 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein said cutting member comprises a circular cutting blade for forming an arcuate cut extending over an arc from about 250 degrees to about 330 degrees.  
   
   
       3 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a stop member for controlling a depth of cut.