Abstract: The invention contemplates controlled ablation of the cornea, using ultraviolet laser radiation, wherein irradiated flux density and exposure time are so controlled as to achieve desired depth of the ablation. Sculpturing action results from controlled change of projected laser-spot size, in the course of a given treatment, wherein, in one illustrative case, projected laser-spot size ranges from a maximum which covers the entire area to be treated, down to a predetermined minimum tolerable size, wherein cornea-curvature change is myopia-corrective. Further illustrative techniques and situations are also disclosed, for achievement of hyperopia correction, for astigmatism correction, and in connection with corneal-transplant operations.

Abstract: The invention contemplates use of a scanning laser characterized by ultraviolet radiation to achieve controlled ablative photodecomposition of one or more selected regions of a cornea. Irradiated flux density and exposure time are so controlled as to achieve desired depth of the ablation, which is a local sculpturing step, and the scanning action is coordinated to achieve desired ultimate surface change in the cornea. The scanning may be so controlled as to change the front surface of the cornea from a greater to a lesser spherical curvature, or from a lesser to a greater spherical curvature, thus effecting reduction in a myopic or in a hyperopic condition, without resort to a contact or other corrective auxiliary lens technique, in that the cornea becomes the corrective lens. The scanning may also be so controlled as to reduce astigmatism and to perform the precise incisions of a keratotomy.

Abstract: The invention contemplates use of a scanning laser characterized by ultraviolet radiation to achieve controlled ablative photodecomposition of one or more selected regions of a cornea. Irradiated flux density and exposure time are so controlled as to achieve desired depth of the ablation, which is a local sculpturing step, and the scanning action is coordinated to achieve desired ultimate surface change in the cornea. The scanning may be so controlled as to change the front surface of the cornea from a greater to a lesser spherical curvature, or from a lesser to a greater spherical curvature, thus effecting reduction in a myopic or in a hyperopic condition, without resort to a contact or other corrective auxiliary lens technique, in that the cornea becomes the corrective lens. The scanning may also be so controlled as to reduce astigmatism and to perform the precise incisions of a keratotomy.

Abstract: The invention involves the apparatus and the technique for non-invasive surgery to remove cataracted-lens tissue from an afflicted lens. The beam output of a laser is focused to a spot of maximum power density at the anterior surface of a cataracted lens and scanned over a predetermined area or areas of the cataracted lens. The beam is selective and safe since it's diffuse as it enters the eye through the cornea and is also diffuse (being divergent) in the unlikely event that the beam passes through an opening it has created in the cataracted lens. This diffusion assures against damage to either or both of the cornea and the retina. Focal power levels are used sufficient to achieve cataract material destruction thru ablative photodecomposition, thermal decomposition, photofragmentation, photoemulsification or any combination thereof. Various features are disclosed for assuring safety and uniformity in the removal of involved tissue.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for surgically removing surface portions of an eye such as cataract tissue. The eye surface portions to be removed are vaporized by a carbon dioxide laser beam. Smoke and vaporized portions are withdrawn by a vacuum pump.