Corneal excision or scoring device

Abstract

Disclosed is a corneal excision or scoring device. In one embodiment, the device includes a stabilizing portion having a first opening adapted to encircle an eye, such that at least a portion of the stabilizing portion engages the conjunctival formix of the eye when inserted. The device may also include a second opening adapted to receive a cutting portion having a cutter capable of cutting or scoring the eye. In another embodiment, the device includes a stabilizing portion having an interior with a stop and an exterior serrated edge formed from a plurality of teeth. The stabilizing portion becomes inserted in an eye, such that the serrated edge rests on a sclera of the eye. Next, a cutting portion becomes inserted into the stabilizing portion to cut or score the eye, and the stop limits the distance the cutting portion may be inserted. Related methods are also disclosed.

1 . A device capable of cutting or scoring an eye, comprising:
 a stabilizing portion having a first opening adapted to engage the conjunctival formix of the eye when inserted in the eye, and a second opening adapted to receive a cutting portion having a cutter capable of cutting or scoring the eye.   
   
   
       2 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizing portion is substantially hollow and the diameter of the first opening is greater than the diameter of the second opening. 
   
   
       3 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 1 , a flared region of the stabilizing portion includes the first opening. 
   
   
       4 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the stabilizing portion and the cutting portion comprise substantially concentric tubes. 
   
   
       5 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 4 , wherein the cutter comprises a substantially circular blade having an uninterrupted edge. 
   
   
       6 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the cutting portion comprises a substantially cylindrical tube having a gripping portion at one end and the cutter at the other end. 
   
   
       7 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 6 , wherein the cutter comprises a blade substantially following a perimeter of the tube. 
   
   
       8 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 6 , wherein the tube further includes a projection positioned between the cutter and the gripping portion, the projection limits the depth of the cutting or scoring when it engages at least a portion of the stabilizing portion. 
   
   
       9 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 8 , wherein the projection comprises a substantially circular rim having a diameter greater than a diameter of the substantially cylindrical tube. 
   
   
       10 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 9 , wherein the stabilizing portion includes a gripping portion at one end and a flared region at the other end, the flared region assisting a user in engaging the stabilizing portion with the conjunctival formix. 
   
   
       11 . A device capable of cutting or scoring an eye, comprising:
 a stabilizing portion having a surface, the stabilizing portion for inserting in the eye to manipulate the position of the eye; and   a cutting portion having a substantially uninterrupted sidewall positioned between a cutter and a projection positioned on an exterior of the sidewall, the cutting portion for inserting inserted into the stabilizing portion to cut or score the eye,   wherein engagement of the projection with the surface of the stabilizing portion functions to limit the distance the cutting portion may be inserted into the stabilizing portion.   
   
   
       12 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 11 , wherein the stabilizing portion and the cutting portion are substantially hollow concentric tubes. 
   
   
       13 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 11 , wherein the stabilizing portion has a first opening adapted to encircle the eye, such that at least a portion of the stabilizing portion engages the conjunctival formix of the eye when inserted in the eye. 
   
   
       14 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 13 , wherein the stabilizing portion has a second opening adapted to receive the cutting portion, the diameter of the first opening is greater than the diameter of the second opening. 
   
   
       15 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 14 , wherein the cutting portion comprises a substantially hollow tube and the cutter comprises a blade substantially following a perimeter of the tube. 
   
   
       16 . The corneal excision or scoring device of  claim 15 , wherein the projection comprises a substantially circular rim having a diameter greater than a diameter of the tube. 
   
   
       17 . A method of corneal excision or scoring an eye, comprising:
 engaging the conjunctival formix of the eye; and   cutting or scoring the eye.   
   
   
       18 . The method of corneal excision or scoring of  claim 17 , wherein the engaging step comprises encircling the eye. 
   
   
       19 . The method of corneal excision or scoring of  claim 18 , wherein the engaging step comprises inserting a stabilizing portion of a corneal excision or scoring device into the eye, such that a portion of the stabilizing portion engages the conjunctival formix of the eye. 
   
   
       20 . The method of corneal excision or scoring of  claim 19 , wherein the cutting or scoring comprises inserting a cutting portion into the stabilizing portion to cut or score the eye. 
   
   
       21 . A method of corneal excision or scoring, comprising
 aligning a stabilizing portion of a corneal excision or scoring device on an eye;   inserting the stabilizing portion into the eye, such that a portion of the stabilizing portion engages the conjunctival formix of the eye;   manipulating the eye to a desired position; and   inserting a cutting portion into the stabilizing portion to cut or score the eye.   
   
   
       22 . The method of corneal excision or scoring of  claim 21 , wherein the inserting the cutting portion step comprises inserting until a projection engages a stop. 
   
   
       23 . The method of corneal excision or scoring of  claim 22 , wherein the inserting the cutting portion step comprises inserting the cutting portion to cut or score an area 2-4 mm away from a limbus of the eye. 
   
   
       24 . The method of corneal excision or scoring of  claim 21 , wherein inserting the stabilizing portion comprises inserting a stabilizing portion having an opening positioned in a flared region.