Abstract: A method for performing a trabeculodissection comprising the steps of forming a scleral flap, determining the treatment arc of tissue located under the scleral flap, designating a number of discrete test areas along the treatment arc under the scleral flap, performing test ablations within the discrete test areas with a galvanometric scanning laser delivery system, determing the discrete treatment zones corresponding to the test areas, programming the galvanometric scanning laser delivery system based upon the results of the test ablations, ablating the tissue, and repairing the sclearal flap.

Abstract: A thin, pliable mat to enhance visualization of corneal topography during rastostereography or videokeratoscopy. The mat is approximately 20 microns or less in thickness and constructed from hydrophobic material. In one preferred embodiment, the mat has a pattern etched thereon. In an alternative embodiment, a pattern is projected onto the mat. For rastostereography the pattern is a grid. For videokeratoscopy the pattern is concentric circles. The mat conforms to the surface of the cornea and the pattern is analyzed using conventional technology to determine corneal topography.

Abstract: A surgical suture having an elastic component that contracts under the application of laser energy to affect tightening of the suture. In one preferred embodiment the elastic component is a dome portion of a rivet. A first rivet has a concave dome portion and is attached to one end of a suture and a second rivet has a convex dome portion and is attached to the opposite end of the suture. Application of appropriate laser energy to either the concave or convex dome cause the dome to flatten thereby either loosening or tightening the suture. In another embodiment, the suture is formed of concentric fibers having a relatively non-elastic outer clad and a relatively elastic inner core. Application of laser energy to the clad causes the suture to elongate and loosen. Application of appropriate laser energy to the elastic core causes the inner core to contract and tighten the suture. In another embodiment, the suture has alternating segments of elastic and non-elastic material.

Abstract: A method of using rastophotogrammetry and Placido-disc videokeratoscopy in ophthalmological surgery to calibrate a surgical laser wherein the effect of laser ablation on various substrates is measured by performing rastophotogrammetry or Placido-disc videokeratoscopy on the substrate before and after laser ablation to determine whether there is a uniform ablation and no unwanted effects created by the laser. The substrate can be calibration block, an intraoccular lens implant, a contact lens, an artificial cornea, or cornea.

Abstract: This invention contemplates the use of a surgical laser device characterized by ultra-violet or infrared radiation to achieve controlled trabeculodissection in selected regions of the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's Canal. The surgical laser is positioned over the corneoscleral bed for non-contact delivery, or, alternatively, it is inserted under a sclera flap with a contact tip and laser radiation is directed toward the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm creating an ultra-thin trabecular meshwork and Canal of Schlemm. The outflow of aqueous humor through the disected trabecular meshwork functions as a self-limiting end point to the surgery when the aqueous humor absorbs the laser energy.

Abstract: A method fo performing dacryocystorhinostomy is provided in which the surgeon inserts a video endoscope into a punctum, through the associated canaliculus and into the lacrimal sac. The surgeon passes a bone cutting laser, connected to a fiber optic bundle, through the other punctum, through the associated canaliculus and into the lacrimal sac. The laser is illuminated through the fiber optic bundle and visualized through the video endoscope. The laser is properly positioned sometime with the help of a transnasal videoendoscope to confirm optimal position relative to nasal structure. The laser is then activated so as to form a full thickness tear draining fistula through the sac and the nasal bone. A tube or stent may be placed to keep the fistula patent or from closure.

Abstract: A change is effected in the refractive power (spherical and astigmatical) of an intraocular implant of the type having a lens, either formed of a series of laminates of material, or having a lens that is coated with material, said material, when subject to laser energy providing for its expansion or contraction, and thereby varying the curvature of the lens, and hence, effecting an increase or decrease in its relative refractive index or power. The direction at which the laser energy is applied to the lens can effect the relative change in the refractive power of the lens. A modification provides haptics diametrically or concentrically extending from the optic lens, with a segment of material such as hydrogel or collagen at the juncture between the haptics and the lens, which when directionally exposed to laser energy, can cause an increase or decrease in the relative refractive power of the implanted lens.

Abstract: A method of treating subretinal neovascularization (SRNV) using a fiberoptic probe to introduce laser energy transsclerally to obliterate the SRNV complex without damaging the sclera or retina.

Abstract: An intraocular (IOL) assembly for implanting in the posterior chamber of a human eye after an extracapsular extraction is disclosed. The IOL assembly includes an optic holder having haptic elements for locating and positioning the optic holder in fixed position within the posterior chamber of the eye and an optic lens releasably secured to the optic holder for interchange of different optic lens as needed, without removing the entire optic holder from the eye. Haptic elements include flexible and resilient haptic elements with reversely curving free ends for implanting the optic holder within the posterior chamber. For releasably securing the optic lens to the optic holder, several different mechanical and/or adhesive constructions or techniques may be employed.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implanting in the posterior chamber of a human eye after an extracapsular extraction, the intraocular lens having adhesive means applied to its backside thereof, said adhesive means being applied either an annulus, around the outer perimeter of backside of the lens, or entirely over the backside of the lens, when implanted against the posterior wall, and has a tendency to effect tissue growth between said posterior wall and the adhesive means for effectively retaining the implanted intraocular lens in place; the adhesive means comprising either a biological glue, formed either as fibrin, comprised of an annular patch, or as a collagen, formed as an annular patch, or as a fibrin containing as an additive ingredient collagen particles, or being impregnated with lyophilized fibronectin, or the adhesive means may comprise a biological glue in the form of mussel glue, for adherence against the backside of the lens, either around its circumferential perimeter, or over the entire backside of