Epithelium treatment methods and devices for treating the epithelium

摘要

Described here are methods and devices for treating an eye, where an epithelial flap has been raised from the eye by epithelial delamination. Some of the treatment methods comprise administering an effective treatment agent to a cornea, epithelium, or eye, before, during, or after the delamination. A number of treatment agents are described. Exemplary treatment agents include adhesion molecules, lubricants, nourishing agents, growth factors, and the like. Other described treatment methods and the devices for such treatment involve cooling the eye, epithelium, or cornea, before, during, or after the delamination. In some variations, the step of cooling comprises cooling a delaminating device to an effective temperature during the delamination. In other variations, the step of cooling comprises introducing a cool fluid to the eye, epithelium, or cornea, before, during, or after the delamination. Other described methods involve the modification of a bandage contact lens, and the introduction of intact epithelial cells to the epithelial flap.