On the selection of the nozzle geometry and other parameters for cutting corneal flaps with waterjets

A cutting waterjet to produce corneal flaps during refractive surgery or to slice donor corneas for corneal grafting was developed. Jets generated with several different nozzles were compared to determine the most appropriate nozzle geometry for this application. In this paper, it is also discussed how other variables, such as stand-off distance and transverse velocity, can affect the characteristics of the cut. The cutting mechanisms, giving bases for an application of waterjets for cutting other types of tissues, are also discussed.