Abstract: A system and method are provided for fragmenting a crystalline lens, to facilitate its removal from the lens bag during an ophthalmic laser surgery. First, a predetermined pattern is used to make Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) cuts that section the lens into asymmetrical, operational segments. At least one operational segment is then selected and softened with a plurality of compact LIOB cuts. Once softened, the selected segment is aspirated. The remaining operational segments are then subsequently removed. During a procedure, an imaging unit can monitor movements of the lens bag to ensure proper placement of the LIOB cuts on the lens.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for removing a natural lens and inserting an Intraocular Lens (IOL) into the lens capsule of an eye. Specifically, this is accomplished by inserting the IOL through an opening on the posterior capsule that is created using a focused laser beam. The system includes a laser unit, a detector for creating images of the interior of the eye, and a computer that controls the cooperative functions of the detector and the laser unit. Based on images of the posterior capsule provided by the detector, the computer is used to control movements of the focal point through tissue of the posterior capsule to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) on posterior capsule tissue. The result is a laser capsulotomy that creates an opening through the posterior capsule allowing the natural lens to be removed and the IOL to be implanted.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for removing a natural lens and inserting an Intraocular Lens (IOL) into the lens capsule of an eye. Specifically, this is accomplished by inserting the IOL through an opening on the posterior capsule that is created using a focused laser beam. The system includes a laser unit, a detector for creating images of the interior of the eye, and a computer that controls the cooperative functions of the detector and the laser unit. Based on images of the posterior capsule provided by the detector, the computer is used to control movements of the focal point through tissue of the posterior capsule to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) on posterior capsule tissue. The result is a laser capsulotomy that creates an opening through the posterior capsule allowing the natural lens to be removed and the IOL to be implanted.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for removing a natural lens and inserting an Intraocular Lens (IOL) into the lens capsule of an eye. Specifically, this is accomplished by inserting the IOL through an opening on the posterior capsule that is created using a focused laser beam. The system includes a laser unit, a detector for creating images of the interior of the eye, and a computer that controls the cooperative functions of the detector and the laser unit. Based on images of the posterior capsule provided by the detector, the computer is used to control movements of the focal point through tissue of the posterior capsule to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) on posterior capsule tissue. The result is a laser capsulotomy that creates an opening through the posterior capsule allowing the natural lens to be removed and the IOL to be implanted.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for removing a natural lens and inserting an Intraocular Lens (IOL) into the lens capsule of an eye. Specifically, this is accomplished by inserting the IOL through an opening on the posterior capsule that is created using a focused laser beam. The system includes a laser unit, a detector for creating images of the interior of the eye, and a computer that controls the cooperative functions of the detector and the laser unit. Based on images of the posterior capsule provided by the detector, the computer is used to control movements of the focal point through tissue of the posterior capsule to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) on posterior capsule tissue. The result is a laser capsulotomy that creates an opening through the posterior capsule allowing the natural lens to be removed and the IOL to be implanted.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for removing a natural lens and inserting an Intraocular Lens (IOL) into the lens capsule of an eye. Specifically, this is accomplished by inserting the IOL through an opening on the posterior capsule that is created using a focused laser beam. The system includes a laser unit, a detector for creating images of the interior of the eye, and a computer that controls the cooperative functions of the detector and the laser unit. Based on images of the posterior capsule provided by the detector, the computer is used to control movements of the focal point through tissue of the posterior capsule to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) on posterior capsule tissue. The result is a laser capsulotomy that creates an opening through the posterior capsule allowing the natural lens to be removed and the IOL to be implanted.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a femto-fragmentation procedure on tissue in the crystalline lens of an eye requires that a laser beam be directed and focused to a focal point in the crystalline lens of the eye. The focal point is then guided, relative to an axis defined by the eye, to create a segment cluster by causing Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of tissue in the crystalline lens. The resultant segment cluster includes a plurality of contiguous, elongated segments in the crystalline lens that are individually tapered from an anterior end-area to a posterior end-area. Specifically, this is done to facilitate the removal of individual segments from the segment cluster in the crystalline lens.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a femto-fragmentation procedure on tissue in the crystalline lens of an eye requires that a laser beam be directed and focused to a focal point in the crystalline lens of the eye. The focal point is then guided, relative to an axis defined by the eye, to create a segment cluster by causing Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of tissue in the crystalline lens. The resultant segment cluster includes a plurality of contiguous, elongated segments in the crystalline lens that are individually tapered from an anterior end-area to a posterior end-area, Specifically, this is done to facilitate the removal of individual segments from the segment cluster in the crystalline lens.

Abstract: A comprehensive multi-mode system for performing ophthalmic laser surgery on selected tissue inside an eye includes a laser unit for generating and focusing a laser beam to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) at a focal point in selected tissue. Also included is a selector for defining an operational mode according to characteristics of the tissue to be altered by LIOB. In combination, the operational mode specifies value ranges for configuration parameters for a pulsed femtosecond laser beam, establishes a base reference datum in the eye, and identifies a scanning procedure for the focal point of the laser beam to customize the system for a particular surgical procedure. A computer that is connected to the laser unit is responsive to the selector for implementing the operational mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for stabilizing an eye for an ocular laser procedure while minimizing corneal distortions which can adversely affect a surgical laser beam. For the systems, a patient interface includes a contact element for stabilizing the eye and establishing a conformal interface with the anterior surface of the cornea. More specifically, devices are disclosed which overlay both a central corneal region and a peripheral corneal region. In some embodiments, a first material is used in the contact element to overlay the central corneal region and a second material is used in the contact element to overlay the peripheral corneal region. Typically, the first and second materials differ in terms of hardness and deformability. In another embodiment disclosed herein, a contact element having a viscoelastic material for stabilizing an eye for a laser procedure is described.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a femto-fragmentation procedure on tissue in the crystalline lens of an eye requires that a laser beam be directed and focused to a focal point in the crystalline lens of the eye. The focal point is then guided, relative to an axis defined by the eye, to create a segment cluster by causing Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of tissue in the crystalline lens. The resultant segment cluster includes a plurality of contiguous, elongated segments in the crystalline lens that are individually tapered from an anterior end-area to a posterior end-area. Specifically, this is done to facilitate the removal of individual segments from the segment cluster in the crystalline lens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for performing ocular laser surgery using a patient interface having a posterior contact surface that may include surface irregularities that were generated during manufacturing of the patient interface. A beam delivery system having a focusing lens, scanning subsystem and adaptive optic (e.g. deformable mirror) is provided for guiding the surgical laser beam through the patient interface and to a desired focal spot location. An optical detector generates image data representing the posterior patient interface surface which is then processed by a computer system to identify surface irregularities by comparing the image data to a reference surface or axis. In particular, a surface irregularity can be identified as having a z-axis component; a tilt component and a surface profile component. Each irregularity component can be compensated separately by sending an adjustment signal to one of the beam delivery system components.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a line recognition template that replicates an object is provided for use as a control reference during ophthalmic surgery on the object. Creation of the template first requires aligning a plurality of reference points along a central “z” axis, with anatomically measured lengths (?“z”n) between adjacent reference points. Axially-symmetric surfaces can then be traced between selected, adjacent, reference points to create the template. For the present invention, the location of reference points, and the tracing of axially-symmetric surfaces, are based on a cross sectional image of the object for surgery. Preferably, the cross sectional image is obtained using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) techniques.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for removing a natural lens and inserting an Intraocular Lens (IOL) into the lens capsule of an eye. Specifically, this is accomplished by inserting the IOL through an opening on the posterior capsule that is created using a focused laser beam. The system includes a laser unit, a detector for creating images of the interior of the eye, and a computer that controls the cooperative functions of the detector and the laser unit. Based on images of the posterior capsule provided by the detector, the computer is used to control movements of the focal point through tissue of the posterior capsule to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) on posterior capsule tissue. The result is a laser capsulotomy that creates an opening through the posterior capsule allowing the natural lens to be removed and the IOL to be implanted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for performing ocular laser surgery using a patient interface having a posterior contact surface that may include surface irregularities that were generated during manufacturing of the patient interface. A beam delivery system having a focusing lens, scanning subsystem and adaptive optic (e.g. deformable mirror) is provided for guiding the surgical laser beam through the patient interface and to a desired focal spot location. An optical detector generates image data representing the posterior patient interface surface which is then processed by a computer system to identify surface irregularities by comparing the image data to a reference surface or axis. In particular, a surface irregularity can be identified as having a z-axis component; a tilt component and a surface profile component. Each irregularity component can be compensated separately by sending an adjustment signal to one of the beam delivery system components.

Abstract: A methodology is provided for correcting the placement of a laser beam's focal point. Specifically, this correction is done to compensate for displacements of the focal point that may be caused when implant material (e.g. an Intraocular Lens (IOL)) is positioned on the optical path of the laser beam. The methodology of the present invention then determines a deviation of the laser beam's refracted target position (uncompensated) from its intended target position. A calculation of the deviation includes considerations of the laser beam's wavelength and refractive/diffractive characteristics introduced by the implant material. This deviation is then added to the refracted target position to make the refracted target position coincide with the intended target position of the focal point. The laser beam will then focus to its intended target position.

Abstract: A system and method for altering the shape of a lamina of transparent material (e.g. the cornea of an eye), as it is being subjected to a transverse pressure differential, requires a computer controlled laser unit. In accordance with specified input parameters, the computer directs the laser unit to perform LIOB over predetermined surfaces within the lamina. This weakens the material for a desired reshaping of the lamina in response to the pressure differential. With respect to a perpendicular axis that is defined by the lamina, surfaces parallel to the axis (e.g. cylindrical surfaces) are separated from each other by about two hundred microns. For surfaces perpendicular to the axis, the separation is about ten microns. In each instance, the cuts that result from LIOB are only about two microns thick.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for stabilizing an eye for an ocular laser procedure while minimizing corneal distortions which can adversely affect a surgical laser beam. For the systems, a patient interface includes a contact element for stabilizing the eye and establishing a conformal interface with the anterior surface of the cornea. More specifically, devices are disclosed which overlay both a central corneal region and a peripheral corneal region. In some embodiments, a first material is used in the contact element to overlay the central corneal region and a second material is used in the contact element to overlay the peripheral corneal region. Typically, the first and second materials differ in terms of hardness and deformability. In another embodiment disclosed herein, a contact element having a viscoelastic material for stabilizing an eye for a laser procedure is described.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a femto-fragmentation procedure on tissue in the crystalline lens of an eye requires that a laser beam be directed and focused to a focal point in the crystalline lens of the eye. The focal point is then guided, relative to an axis defined by the eye, to create a segment cluster by causing Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of tissue in the crystalline lens. The resultant segment cluster includes a plurality of contiguous, elongated segments in the crystalline lens that are individually tapered from an anterior end-area to a posterior end-area. Specifically, this is done to facilitate the removal of individual segments from the segment cluster in the crystalline lens.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for using a laser unit to treat a crystalline lens (or lens capsule) to compensate for any tilt angle “?” there may be between a lens axis and an operational axis of the laser unit (i.e. “z” axis). To begin, a contiguous sequence of procedure paths that collectively define the boundary surface of a lens volume are identified, with each procedure path inclined by the tilt angle “?”. A slice occurs in an x-y plane that is on the boundary surface of the volume of lens and includes portions of several procedure paths. The slices are projected into the x-y plane where they are sequenced for use as trace paths for the laser unit. The trace paths are used to guide a laser beam to perform LIOB along the slice for the different values of “z” to incise the boundary surface.