These studies will develop corneal masks, formed in situ, with known central radii of curvature. Mask formation will utilize a new technology, allowing application of a viscous fluid to smooth over all corneal irregularities before gelling in place. Mask firmness will be achieved chemically in the presence of a hard contact lens. Lens removal will leave an ablatable mask of the same curvature to guide an excimer laser to leave an exact replica of the lens curvature on the cornea. Rabbit experiments will determine the optimal mask matrix for rapid setting, good ablation characteristics, and reproducible central radii of curvature. Induced scars and astigmatic areas will be ablated away while reprofiling the corneal surface. The rabbit feasibility studies will guide procedures for future studies in cats for corneal changes required to correct myopic and hyperopic conditions. The condition of the eye will be assessed by slitiamp biomicroscopy, pneumotonography, and ultrasonic pachymetry. Baseline corneal topography will be compared to postoperative results by nine-ring comeoscopic photoanalysis. Myopic and hyperopic conditions, scars, opacities, and astigmatism can theoretically benefit from laser surgery. Some 140 million U. S. citizens use corrective vision devices. Together with therapeutic surgeries, the market potential is large.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:The potential market for procedures on photoablative reprofiling of the cornea is very large. However, these procedures are still considered experimental. The procedure will have to become widely accepted before the potential can be realized. We have assumed that FLOWGELS masks would be used in at least 20% to 50% of these procedures. Conservatively, if only 10% of the individuals suited for these procedures are considered, then it is estimated that 27,000(20% of those electing to have the procedure) would have FLOWGELS masks applied during the procedure. Product costs have not been determined, however at $50.00 per procedure, gross sales would exceed $1 million per year at these very conservative estimates.National Eye Institute (NEI)
