Preformed lens systems and methods

Abstract

Systems, methods, computer program products, and kits involving deformation mechanisms are provided for the removal of corneal tissue in optical vision treatments. According to exemplary embodiments, deformation mechanisms may be used in combination with the administration of femtosecond photoalteration lasers to create or define volumetric tissue portions for such removal.

1 . A method of providing a surgical treatment to an eye of a patient, the method comprising:
 positioning a corneal deformation mechanism against an anterior surface of the eye of the patient, so as to induce a first intended biomechanical conformation within a corneal stromal tissue of the eye;   delivering a first photoaltering energy protocol to the eye while the corneal stromal tissue is in the first intended biomechanical conformation, so as to incise the corneal stromal tissue along a first target surface;   positioning the corneal deformation mechanism against the anterior surface of the eye of the patient, such that the corneal stromal tissue of the eye assumes a second intended biomechanical conformation different from the first intended biomechanical conformation;   delivering a second photoaltering energy protocol to the eye while the corneal stromal tissue is in the second intended biomechanical conformation, so as to incise the corneal stromal tissue along a second target surface different from the first target surface; and   removing a portion of corneal stromal tissue bounded by the first and second target surfaces,   wherein the corneal deformation mechanism comprises an applanation assembly that provides a first shape configuration and a second shape configuration, such that when in the first shape configuration, the applanation assembly is shaped to induce the first intended biomechanical conformation within the corneal stromal tissue, and when in the second shape configuration, the applanation assembly is shaped to induce the second intended biomechanical conformation within the corneal stromal tissue.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the corneal deformation mechanism comprises an applanation plate and a removable body, the removable body constructed of a material having an index of refraction of about 1.377. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the removable body is removed from the applanation plate during the first positioning and delivering steps, and wherein the removable body is coupled with the applanation plate and contacts the anterior surface of the eye during the second positioning and energy delivery steps. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the removable body is coupled with the applanation plate and contacts the anterior surface of the eye during the first positioning and energy delivery steps, and wherein the removable body is removed from the applanation plate during the second positioning and delivering steps. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of removing the portion of corneal stromal tissue comprises emulsifying the portion of corneal stromal tissue with an ultrasonic device. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the step of removing the portion of corneal stromal tissue comprises aspirating the emulsified tissue. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the step of removing the portion of corneal tissue comprises aspirating the portion of tissue through a corneal incision. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising removing a natural crystalline lens from the eye of the patient. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising replacing a natural crystalline lens of the eye of the patient with an artificial intraocular lens implant. 
     
     
         10 . A method of providing a surgical treatment to an eye of a patient, the method comprising:
 positioning an energy transmission assembly against an anterior surface of the eye of the patient, so as to induce a first intended biomechanical conformation within a corneal stromal tissue of the eye;   delivering a first photoaltering energy protocol through the energy transmission assembly to the eye while the corneal stromal tissue is in the first intended biomechanical conformation, so as to incise the corneal stromal tissue along a first target surface;   positioning the energy transmission assembly against the anterior surface of the eye of the patient, such that the corneal stromal tissue of the eye assumes a second intended biomechanical conformation different from the first intended biomechanical conformation;   delivering a second photoaltering energy protocol through the energy transmission assembly to the eye while the corneal stromal tissue is in the second intended biomechanical conformation, so as to incise the corneal stromal tissue along a second target surface different from the first target surface; and   removing a portion of corneal stromal tissue bounded by the first and second target surfaces,   wherein the energy transmission assembly provides a first shape configuration and a second shape configuration, such that when in the first shape configuration, the energy transmission assembly is shaped to induce the first intended biomechanical conformation within the corneal stromal tissue, and when in the second shape configuration, the energy transmission assembly is shaped to induce the second intended biomechanical conformation within the corneal stromal tissue.   
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the energy transmission assembly comprises an applanation plate and a removable body, the removable body constructed of a material having an index of refraction of about 1.377. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the removable body is removed from the applanation plate during the first positioning and delivering steps, and wherein the removable body is coupled with the applanation plate and contacts the anterior surface of the eye during the second positioning and energy delivery steps. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the removable body is coupled with the applanation plate and contacts the anterior surface of the eye during the first positioning and energy delivery steps, and wherein the removable body is removed from the applanation plate during the second positioning and delivering steps. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the step of removing the portion of corneal stromal tissue comprises emulsifying the portion of corneal stromal tissue with an ultrasonic device. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the step of removing the portion of corneal stromal tissue comprises aspirating the emulsified tissue. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the step of removing the portion of corneal tissue comprises aspirating the portion of tissue through a corneal incision. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 10 , further comprising removing a natural crystalline lens from the eye of the patient. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 10 , further comprising replacing a natural crystalline lens of the eye of the patient with an artificial intraocular lens implant. 
     
     
         19 - 22 . (canceled)