Abstract: An improved multifocal design for an ocular implant is provided. This ocular implant includes an intraocular lens (IOL) and a number of haptics. The IOL passes optical energy. A microstructure within the IOL places the IOL under tension. The microstructure is operable to be broken in a controlled manner to release tension in the IOL and reshape the IOL. This may be done at any time post operatively and in conjunction with wavefront aberrometry to provide improved results. The haptics mechanically couple to the IOL in order to position and secure the IOL within the eye.

Abstract: An improved multifocal design for an ocular implant is provided. This ocular implant includes an intraocular lens (IOL) and a number of haptics. The IOL passes optical energy. A microstructure within the IOL places the IOL under tension. The microstructure is operable to be broken in a controlled manner to release tension in the IOL and reshape the IOL. This may be done at any time post operatively and in conjunction with wavefront aberrometry to provide improved results. The haptics mechanically couple to the IOL in order to position and secure the IOL within the eye.

Abstract: A method for determining a peak fluence of an excimer laser includes scanning an excimer laser beam in a predetermined pattern on a film. The film can include a polymer layer atop a substrate including an upper layer having a first characteristic and a lower layer having a second characteristic detectably distinct from the first characteristic. The predetermined pattern includes a plurality of discrete points receiving incrementally greater numbers of pulses, at least one point receiving a sufficient number of pulses to penetrate through the polymer layer and the upper layer. A breakthrough point is detected at which a smallest number of pulses was sufficient to penetrate through the polymer layer and the upper layer, thereby exposing the lower layer to a detection of the second characteristic. A peak fluence of the excimer laser can then be determined from the number of pulses received at the detected breakthrough point.

Abstract: A method of the present invention is directed to improving an outcome of a surgical procedure on a patient cornea. The method includes the steps of measuring a mechanical parameter of a cornea of an eye and determining a laser-surgery prescription for the cornea to improve a visual parameter therefor. The prescription is then adjusted based upon the measured mechanical parameter of the cornea.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for corneal tissue treatment prior to surgery are disclosed. It has been discovered that an important factor contributing to the variance between predicted and actual results in both photoablation and mechanical resection of corneal tissue is the degree of hydration of the tissue, particularly the degree of hydration in the surface layers of tissue. The compositions of the invention contain a polymeric matrix and a hydration fluid, the fluid being held in the matrix by a predefined osmotic pressure such that upon application of the composition to the corneal surface, a standardized level of hydration is achieved in the corneal tissue by fluid transfer between the matrix and the tissue.

Abstract: The invention features improvements in PRK procedures that relate to preventing non-uniform removal of material from the corneal surface. It has been realized that photoablation by-products resulting during the PRK procedure can affect the accuracy and the predictability of the procedure. Under certain conditions, the plume of photoablation by-products that have left the corneal surface can non-uniformly redeposit onto the ablation area and thus affect the uniformity of subsequent material removal. The plume of photoablation by-products, in the space above the corneal surface, can also non-uniformly affect the escape of further photoablation products from the surface. In addition to the plume effects, it has been realized that the hydration level of the corneal tissue during the PRK procedure can vary over the ablation area and likewise non-uniformly affect the PRK procedure.