Abstract: A contour measuring apparatus and method of using the apparatus is disclosed to measure the three-dimensional contour of a surface. A multi-point light source directs a plurality of light beams onto the surface to be measured. The light beams are reflected through a lens onto a photodetector to produce electro-optically measurable optical images. A structure is provided to determine the local radius of curvature of the surface at each desired point of incidence of individual light beams and the three-dimensional surface contour of the surface being measured. A calibration device is provided to reduce instrument errors of the apparatus. The calibration device includes a calibration surface with a known contour to be positioned in substitution of the surface being measured.

Abstract: A contour measuring apparatus and method of using the same is disclosed to measure the three-dimensional contour of a surface. Structure is provided to direct first light beams onto the surface being measured. Reflections of the first light beams from the surface are received for generating electrical output signals corresponding to electro-optically measurable optical images. The output signals are electrically processed to determine the radius of curvature of the surface being measured. A higher spatial resolution can be achieved without changing the spacing of the array of light points.

Abstract: A contour measuring apparatus and method of using the same is disclosed to measure the three-dimensional contour of a surface. Structure is provided to direct first light beams onto the surface being measured. Reflections of the first light beams from the surface are received for generating electrical output signals corresponding to electro-optically measurable optical images. Each of the images corresponds to the location of the first light beams. Structure determines the approximate location of the center of the surface being measured with respect to an optical axis extending through the contour measuring apparatus. The location determining structure comprises a component for directing a single light beam along the optical axis of the contour measuring apparatus onto the surface being measured so as to reflect to the means for generating electrical output signals.

Abstract: In the context of ultraviolet-laser sculpting of the cornea to achieve optical correction through a newly shaped anterior surface, the invention subjects the laser beam to certain shaping and homogenizing operations prior to any attempt to specially characterize the beam for a particular sculpturing procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the shaping and homogenizing operations present a tolerably homogeneous beam of enlarged dimension, so that specialty-characterizing may proceed on a dimensional scale that is greater than the corresponding dimension of ultimate surgical delivery to the eye, thereby enabling greater control of the quality of specialty-characterizing. Provision is made for selectively monitoring the quality of the homogeneity and/or of the specially-characterized beam, with further provision for automated cutoff of laser beam delivery to an eye in the event that quality is not within predetermined limits of tolerance.

Abstract: An eye restraining device includes a ring-shaped element which contacts the sclera of an eye so that the cornea projects above the ring-shaped element. A second embodiment includes a head restraint including a plurality of adjustable engaging components for accommodating different sized heads.

Abstract: A contour measuring apparatus and method of using the apparatus is disclosed to measure the three-dimensional contour of a surface. A multi-point light source directs a plurality of light beams onto the surface to be measured. The light beams are reflected through a lens onto a photodetector to produce electro-optically measurable optical images. A structure is provided to determine the local radius of curvature of the surface at each desired point of incidence of individual light beams and the three-dimensional surface contour of the surface being measured. A calibration device is provided to reduce instrument errors of the apparatus. The calibration device includes a calibration surface with a known contour to be positioned in substitution of the surface being measured.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiometer converts UV radiation to fluorescent radiation. An optical signal corresponding to the intensity of detected fluorescent radiation is converted to an electrical signal corresponding to the power or energy of the detected fluorescent emission. A monitoring element receives the electrical signal and monitors the power or energy of the UV radiation.