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.

Abstract: The amount of energy to provide optical breakdown can be determined based on mapped optical breakdown thresholds of the treatment volume, and the laser energy can be adjusted in response to the mapped breakdown thresholds. The mapping of threshold energies can be combined with depth and lateral calibration in order to determine the location of optical breakdown along the laser beam path for an amount of energy determined based on the mapping. The mapping can be used with look up tables to determine mapped locations from one reference system to another reference system.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and processes for preventing or delaying presbyopia. More particularly, the present invention relates to processes and apparatus for ablating epithelial cells in the germinative zone or the pregerminative zone of the crystalline lens of the eye so that onset or progression of presbyopia or one or more symptoms is delayed or prevented.

Abstract: A laser eye surgery system comprises subsystems which communicate with one another through low voltage differential signaling (LVDS). The laser eye surgery system may comprise a first subsystem interface, including an LVDS driver or transmitter coupled to and in communication with an LVDS receiver of a first subsystem of the laser eye surgery system. The first laser eye surgery subsystem itself may comprise an LVDS transmitter coupled to and in communication with an LVDS receiver to return data to the first subsystem. Further laser eye surgery subsystems may also include the same arrangement of drivers and receivers with respective subsystem interfaces. LVDS lowers power consumption and the risk of error in communication between laser eye surgery systems, leading to safer and more reliable surgical procedures performed.

Abstract: Apparatus to treat an eye comprises an annular retention structure to couple to an anterior surface of the eye. The retention structure is coupled to a suction line to couple the retention structure to the eye with suction. A coupling sensor is coupled to the retention structure or the suction line to determine coupling of the retention structure to the eye. A fluid collecting container can be coupled to the retention structure to receive and collect liquid or viscous material from the retention structure. A fluid stop comprising a porous structure can be coupled to an outlet of the fluid collecting container to inhibit passage of the liquid or viscous material when the container has received an amount of the liquid or viscous material. The coupling sensor can be coupled upstream of the porous structure to provide a rapid measurement of the coupling of the retention structure to the eye.

Abstract: The patient interface may comprise an axis for alignment with an axis of the eye such as an optical axis of the eye. The interface may comprise a guide to allow the interface to move along the axis with the eye, which can inhibit increases in intraocular pressure when the patient is aligned with the laser. The interface may comprise a lock to hold the patient interface at a location along the axis, which can maintain alignment of the patient with the laser eye surgery system. The interface may comprise a plurality of transducers to measure forces to the eye during surgery. The laser eye surgery system can be configured in one or more of many ways to respond to the measured forces. For example, the system may offset the position of laser beam pulses to increase the accuracy of the placement of the beam pulses on the eye.

Abstract: One exemplary method for removing and/or inhibiting unwanted molecular structures and/or cells from or at human or animal tissue, can include the steps of a) supplying fluid medium so that the fluid medium is adjacent to or covers the molecular structures and/or cells that are to be removed and/or inhibited, b) generating pressure pulses in the fluid medium, wherein preferably each pressure pulse comprises a pressure current and/or a pressure wave and/or a shock wave and/or wherein preferably the pressure pulses have the form of a pressure jet of the fluid medium that is or can be directed onto the molecular structures and/or cells, and/or exhibit at least one preferential direction or main propagation direction, c) removing the molecular structures and/or cells from the tissue by the impacting pressure pulses and/or inhibiting molecular structures and/or cells which remain at the tissue by the impacting pressure pulses, d) wherein the pressure pulses are so formed or selected that during removing and/or inh

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser system generating a first beam at a wavelength suitable for performing selective laser trabeculoplasty and selectively generating a second beam at a wavelength suitable for performing secondary cataract surgery procedures. The laser system is able to select between directing the first beam or the second beam to the eye of a patient. The first beam is suitably generated at 1064 nm from a Nd:YAG laser and the second beam is frequency doubled to 532 nm in a KTP doubling crystal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for setting up a medical laser machine configured to be used in eye surgery for making a multi-planar incision. In various embodiments, a software interface is provided to receive, from a user, one or more dimensional measurements of an eye of a patient as input, automatically calculate precise geometric and other setup parameters, based on a set of equations, of a multi-planar incision for the patient's eye, and provide the calculated parameters to the user for setting up the medical laser machine to make the incision.

Abstract: Systems and methods of laser treatment of the intact crystalline lens to increase ionic transport of antioxidants in specific areas where flexural changes and transparency reduction come from lens aging. Microchannels created in patterns and grids placed strategically in the inner lens carry antioxidants from the source—the anterior and the epithelium—into areas scarce or void of transport mechanisms (and thus scarce of antioxidants). A variety of patterns are utilized to facilitate ions traveling along new pathways.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus for irradiating a laser beam to a patient's eye from a tip of a probe, includes: a probe connector to which fibers of the probe are connected; a splitting unit for splitting a laser beam from a laser source into a plurality of beams; and a control unit for controlling the apparatus. The control unit receives a command to select the number of laser beams to be irradiated from the probe tip; drives the splitting unit according to the received command to switch the number of delivered beams corresponding to the number of fibers to which the laser beam from the laser source will be delivered and increases output of the laser source when the number of delivered beams is switched to an increased number and decreases the output of the laser source when the number of delivered beams is switched to a decreased number.

Abstract: System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.

Abstract: A scanning lens component includes a primary and transverse axis stages and motors. The primary axis motor includes a first coil moving along the primary axis in the first direction along with the primary axis stage and a first magnet configured to move in a second, opposite direction, in response to movement of the first coil a first distance that exceeds a threshold primary axis distance. The transverse axis stage is adjacent and coupled to the primary axis stage and moves along a transverse axis in a third direction. The transverse axis motor includes a second coil for moving along the transverse axis in the third direction with the transverse axis stage, and a second magnet configured to move in a fourth, opposite direction, in response to movement of the second coil along the transverse axis in the third direction a second distance that exceeds a threshold transverse axis distance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for planning and forming incisions in a cornea, lens capsule, and/or crystalline lens nucleus are disclosed. A method includes measuring spatial dispositions, relative to a laser surgery system, of at least portions of the corneal anterior and posterior surfaces. A spatial disposition of an incision of the cornea is generated based at least in part on the measured corneal anterior and posterior spatial dispositions and at least one corneal incision parameter. A composite image is displayed that includes an image representative of the measured corneal anterior and posterior surfaces and an image representing the corneal incision.

Abstract: Methods and systems for planning and forming incisions in a cornea, lens capsule, and/or crystalline lens nucleus are disclosed. A method includes measuring spatial dispositions, relative to a laser surgery system, of at least portions of the corneal anterior and posterior surfaces. A spatial disposition of an incision of the cornea is generated based at least in part on the measured corneal anterior and posterior spatial dispositions and at least one corneal incision parameter. A composite image is displayed that includes an image representative of the measured corneal anterior and posterior surfaces and an image representing the corneal incision.

Abstract: An optical system for a laser therapy instrument for the application of laser radiation on and in the eye, includes a femtosecond laser, an objective. The objective or at least one lens or lens group of the objective is shiftable in the direction of the optical axis being intended for shifting of the focus position from the region of the cornea to the region of the crystalline lens and vice versa. The optical system may include at least two optical assemblies designed for the axial variation of the focus of the therapeutic laser radiation, with the focus variation range ?z differing between the individual assemblies and a changing device, designed for the insertion of any one of these assemblies into the therapeutic laser beam path at a time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a scanning device for focusing a beam of rays in defined regions of a defined volume, comprising an input optics wherein the beam of rays penetrates first, having at least one first optical element; a focusing optics for focusing the beam of rays exiting from the input optics; and a deflecting device arranged between the first optical element and the focusing optics, for deflecting the beam of rays after it has passed through the first optical element, based on a position of the focus to be adjusted in lateral direction. In order to adjust the position of the focus of the beam of rays in the direction of the beam of rays, and optical element of the input optics can be displaced relative to the deflecting device.

Abstract: Laser systems operating at two or more wavelengths.

Abstract: A technique for detecting and providing alerts or indications that can be used for controlling or altering the displacement speed of an applicator coupling skin heating energy across a treated skin. A temperature sensor monitors the rate of skin temperature change and provides feedback related to altering the applicator displacement speed according to the rate of skin temperature change. Disclosed is also an applicator for implementing this method.

Abstract: A method of treating glaucoma in an eye by managing fluid flow past an implanted shunt having an elastomeric plate and a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube. The plate is positioned over a sclera of the eye with an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube open to an outer face of the plate. An inflow end of the drainage tube tunnels through the sclera to the anterior chamber of the eye. The plate may have regions of greater propensity for cell adhesion alternating with regions of lesser cell adhesion. For example, regions of texturing around the plate or drainage tube may be provided to control the size of a bleb that forms over the implant. The effective surface area of the plate may be balanced against a number of fenestrations. The drainage tube has a reduced profile and may be shaped with a non-circular external cross-section to reduce its height. A scleral groove may be used to further reduce the height of the drainage tube on the sclera.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An extension of the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A retraction of the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for correcting presbyopic vision create a dye ring in the cornea. The intrastromal ring is created using a femtosecond laser and is centered on the visual axis. A black or a colored pigment is then injected. The internal diameter of the ring is dimensioned so as to create an intracorneal pinhole and improve the near and intermediate vision of the non-dominant eye while only slightly altering the distance vision of that eye. The pinhole dye ring in the cornea of the presbyopic eyes enhances the depth of field, thereby allowing improved presbyopic performance without the need for corrective lenses.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a housing tube, a first housing tube portion of the housing tube having a first stiffness, a second housing tube portion of the housing tube having a second stiffness, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. An extension of the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end may be configured to gradually curve the housing tube and the optic fiber. A retraction of the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end may be configured to gradually straighten the housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus includes: an irradiation optical system including an optical scanner for two-dimensionally scanning spots of a treatment laser beam and an aiming beam on eye tissue; a control unit to control the irradiation optical system to irradiate the treatment beam to a spot position based on an irradiation pattern of spots for treatment beam irradiation and based on an aiming rule associated with the irradiation pattern to irradiate the aiming beam to indicate the treatment beam spot position; and a movement unit to move an irradiation position of each beam. The control unit irradiates the treatment beam to a sequence of spots from a n-th position to a m-th position in association with the irradiation pattern, and then controls the movement unit and irradiates the aiming beam based on the aiming rule to a position different from the spot position just irradiated by the treatment beam.

Abstract: An ophthalmic treatment system of an embodiment is used for performing therapy on target tissue in a patient's eye. The ophthalmic treatment system comprises a light source, a delivery system, a storage device, an adjusting means, a display device. The light source is configured to produce treatment light. The delivery system is configured to deliver the treatment light to the patient's eye. The storage device is configured to store a treatment template that identifies target tissue within the patient's eye. The adjusting means is configured for adjusting a treatment pattern included in the treatment template. The display device is configured to display information indicating the treatment pattern included in the treatment template and display information indicating the treatment pattern that has been adjusted by the adjusting means.

Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument for the application of laser radiation in a patient's eye, particularly for the examination and/or surgical laser treatment of the cornea and the lens of the eye, includes a femtosecond laser, an objective and optical assemblies. The optical assemblies are arranged in front of the objective, and selectively vary the focus position in the coordinate direction X,Y and Z either within the region of the cornea or within the region of the lens of the eye. The objective or at least one lens group is movable relative to the eye. The variation of the position of the lens group or objective shifts the focus position from the cornea to the lens of the eye and vice versa.

Abstract: An ophthalmic treatment system of an embodiment is used for performing therapy on target tissue in a patient's eye. The ophthalmic treatment system comprises, a light source, a delivery system, an obtaining means, a setting means and control electronics. The light source is configured to produce treatment light. The delivery system is configured to deliver the treatment light to the patient's eye. The obtaining means is configured to obtain information acquired by capturing the patient's eye. The setting means is used for setting a position in the patient's eye by using the information obtained by the obtaining means. The control electronics is configured to control the delivery system based on the position set by the setting means.

Abstract: A method and a device for forming cut surfaces in a transparent material, particularly in the cornea, by producing optical breakthroughs in the material by application of laser radiation focused into the material. The focal point is adjusted in three dimensions to form the cut surface by the sequential arrangement of optical perforations. The focal point is guided in such a manner that cutting is divided into at least two steps, and in at least one of the steps, the formation of the cut is carried out with a path radius that decreases in size, and in one of the steps, the cut formation is carried out with a path radius that increases in size.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to provide a projector device and a medical device with said projector device, said devices facilitating an improved projection of a two-dimensional pattern onto a plane in an optical body, in particular in an eye.

Abstract: A device for the exact manipulation of material, especially of organic material, includes a pulsed laser system with a radiation source, said radiation source being a cavity-dumped fs oscillator.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the flexible housing tube, and a cable disposed within the flexible housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical laser system includes a laser engine, to generate a laser beam, a first Z scanner, to receive the generated laser beam, and to scan a focal spot of the laser system over a first Z interval along an optical axis of the laser system an XY scanner, to receive the laser beam output by the first Z scanner, and to scan the focal spot of the laser system in a direction essentially transverse to the optical axis of the laser system, and a second Z scanner, to receive the scanned laser beam from the XY scanner, and to scan the focal spot of the laser system over a second Z interval along the optical axis of the laser system.

Abstract: Patterned laser treatment of the retina is provided. A visible alignment pattern having at least two separated spots is projected onto the retina. By triggering a laser subsystem, doses of laser energy are automatically provided to at least two treatment locations coincident with the alignment spots. All of the doses of laser energy may be delivered in less than about 1 second, which is a typical eye fixation time. A scanner can be used to sequentially move an alignment beam from spot to spot on the retina and to move a treatment laser beam from location to location on the retina.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to provide a projector device and a medical device with said projector device, said projector device facilitating an improved measurement of the local refractive power of an optical body, in particular an eye.

Abstract: A system and method for treating ophthalmic target tissue, including a light source for generating a beam of light, a beam delivery system that includes a scanner for generating patterns, and a controller for controlling the light source and delivery system to create a dosimetry pattern of the light beam on the ophthalmic target tissue. One or more dosage parameters of the light beam vary within the dosimetry pattern, to create varying exposures on the target tissue. A visualization device observes lesions formed on the ophthalmic target tissue by the dosimetry pattern. The controller selects dosage parameters for the treatment beam based upon the lesions resulting from the dosimetry pattern, either automatically or in response to user input, so that a desired clinical effect is achieved by selecting the character of the lesions as determined by the dosimetry pattern lesions.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an auto-fixing actuation control, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, a first flexible housing tube portion having a first stiffness, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of the auto-fixing actuation control may gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for increasing the amplitude of accommodation and/or changing the refractive power and/or enabling the removal of the clear or cataractous lens material of a natural crystalline lens is provided. Generally, the system comprises a laser, optics for delivering the laser beam and a control system for delivering the laser beam to the lens in a particular pattern. There is further provided a range determining system for determining the shape and position of the lens with respect to the laser. There is yet further provided a method and system for delivering a laser beam in the lens of the eye in a predetermined shot pattern.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include an actuation structure, a nosecone fixed to the actuation structure by one or more links and one or more link pins, a flexible housing tube, and an optic fiber disposed in the flexible housing tube and the actuation structure. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.

Abstract: Treatment table verification techniques involve comparing intended refraction information with expected optical refraction information, and validating or qualifying the treatment table based on such comparisons. Systems and methods for verifying treatment tables provide enhanced safety for laser vision correction treatments.

Abstract: An ophthalmic illuminator includes a one or more light combining stages arranged in series to augment a white light source with various color spectral bands. A first stage combines white light from a white light source with colored light from a first color source. Each subsequent stage in the series adds its own respective colored light. The color sources may be selectively turned on/off or driven with variable amounts of power. In this fashion, a combined light is produced by the final stage that represents a desired chromaticity and brightness as desired for a particular ophthalmic therapeutic procedure.

Abstract: A segmented scleral expansion band adapted for implantation within or fastening to a segment of the sclera of an eye lying outside of and adjacent to the ciliary body of the eye, is formed from a number of arcuate segments, curved to match the curvature of the globe of the eye, and joined together at each end to form a complete scleral expansion band. The band is implanted in the sclera of the eye by forming circumferential tunnels, inserting the band segments through the tunnels, and joining the ends of the segments to form a complete scleral expansion band. The scleral expansion band is useful in treating presbyopia and other ocular disorders.

Abstract: A segmented scleral expansion band adapted for implantation within or fastening to a segment of the sclera of an eye lying outside of and adjacent to the ciliary body of the eye, is formed from a number of arcuate segments, curved to match the curvature of the globe of the eye, and joined together at each end to form a complete scleral expansion band. The band is implanted in the sclera of the eye by forming circumferential tunnels, inserting the band segments through the tunnels, and joining the ends of the segments to form a complete scleral expansion band. The scleral expansion band is useful in treating presbyopia and other ocular disorders.

Abstract: An adaptive laser system for ophthalmic use is provided. In another aspect, a relatively inexpensive laser is employed. In another aspect of the present system, non-linear optical imaging uses multiphoton fluorescences and/or second harmonic generation, to create three-dimensional mapping of a portion of the eye in combination with automated feedback to assist with a surgical operation. In a further aspect of the present system, the patient interface uses laser induced markings or indicia to aid in focusing and/or calibration. Still another aspect employs temporal focusing of the laser beam pulse.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting an intraocular lens in a patient's eye includes a light source for generating a light beam, a scanner for deflecting the light beam to form an enclosed treatment pattern that includes a registration feature, and a delivery system for delivering the enclosed treatment pattern to target tissue in the patient's eye to form an enclosed incision therein having the registration feature. An intraocular lens is placed within the enclosed incision, wherein the intraocular lens has a registration feature that engages with the registration feature of the enclosed incision. Alternately, the scanner can make a separate registration incision for a post that is connected to the intraocular lens via a strut member.

Abstract: A laser instrument for therapy on the human eye, designed for surgery of the cornea, the sclera, the vitreous body or the crystalline lens, especially suitable for use in immediate succession with other instruments for eye diagnosis or eye therapy, in such a way that during the alternating use of the various instruments, the eye or at least the patient preferably remains in a predetermined position and alignment within one and the same treatment area.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, a plurality of actuation controls of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of an actuation control of the plurality of actuation controls may gradually straighten the flexible housing tube. A gradual straightening of the flexible housing tube may gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: This invention is related to refractive eye surgery and specifically regarding guiding a laser beam through free space using a set of rotatable mirrors to guide said laser beam into a hand piece module that converts the laser beam into a two dimensional random overlapping scanning parallel laser beam that is delivered to the eye for ablation of cornea tissue to reshape the cornea of the eye. The rotating mirror set module allows a hand piece having an eye stabilization and distance control unit to be positioned by the surgeon onto a patient's eye for performing the surgery.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and processes for preventing or delaying presbyopia. More particularly, the present invention relates to processes and apparatus for ablating epithelial cells in the germinative zone or the pregerminative zone of the crystalline lens of the eye so that onset or progression of presbyopia or one or more symptoms is delayed or prevented.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical device is disclosed that combines laser energy for treatment of vision or ocular defect and illumination energy for visualization of a treatment site during surgery in a single common waveguide fiber, thereby enabling reduction of a diameter of a probe or canula of the device, whereby a smaller incision may be utilized to reduce trauma to the eye. The device may further include additional features, such as a conduit for supply of material or removal of material from the treatment site.