Corneal sponge and method of use

[54] CORNEAL SPONGE AND METHOD OF USE

[75] Inventor: Selji Itoh, Mohara, Japan

[73] Assignee: Katsuhiko Mukai, Kashiwa, Japan

[21] Appl. No.: 52,619

[22] Filed: Apr. 27,1993

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data

Sep. 29, 1992 [JP] Japan 4-283751

[51] Int. CI.5 A61B 9/00

[52] U.S. Q 606/4; 606/5;

606/6; 128/853; 128/858

[58] Field of Search 606/4, 5, 6; 128/853,

128/858, 890-893

[56] References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

4,122,847 10/1978 Craig 128/858

4,570,626 2/1986 Norris et al 128/858

5,108,388 4/1992 Trokel 606/5

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

0372127 6/1990 European Pat. Off. 606/4

9111158 8/1991 WIPO 606/5

Primary Examiner—David M. Shay
Assistant Examiner—Sonya C. Harris
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Staas & Halsey

[57] ABSTRACT

A sponge which is placed on the cornea for laser treatment to absorb unavoidable exuded fluids from the peribulber. This corneal sponge offers protectiveness, convenience and improved effectiveness of corneal laser therapy. The corneal sponge has a surgical space to expose the portion of the cornea to be treated, and is marked for accurate and easy alignment of the microscopic field. The corneal sponge contains a cool ophthalmic solution used to minimize inflammatory response which may cause postoperative complications such as corneal haze and inconsistent corneal refractions.

10 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets