Optically coupled technique for photorefractive surgery of the cornea

A novel optically coupled laser probe and method that achieve noninvasive in vivo refractive flattening of the cornea of experimental eyes is described. This new refractive surgery concept is based on the highly localized photodisruption and/or photoablation of tissue within the stromal layer of the cornea without other layers' being affected. This is accomplished by a microscope probe that is optically index matched to the corneal surface, thereby achieving high numerical apertures. The sharp focal volume ensures highly localized energy deposition. Preliminary results in rabbit, primate, and human eye-bank eyes indicate significant permanent refractive changes with an exceptionally small amount of tissue modification.