TREPHINE DEVICE FOR REMOVING ANTERIOR EPITHELIAL CELLS FROM CORNEAL SURFACES

摘要

A trephine device for at least partially removing a section of the anterior epithelial cells from a corneal surface, typically prior to laser excimer reshaping of a portion of the corneal surface, comprises a housing (2) having upper (4) and lower (6) end portions, removal means (18) integral to the housing (2), and means for activating and deactivating the removal means(18). The removal means (18) may have at least one cutting surface adapted to conform substatially to the shape of the cornea, with the cutting surface contacted with the cornea at a pressure sufficient to remove the anterior epithelial cells without affecting underlying corneal tissue.