Abstract: The invention relates to an image processing method for estimating a risk of atheroma plaque breakage, that includes the step of receiving (40) a so-called elastogram image representing the inner deformation resulting from the compression of an analyzed blood vessel tissue based on blood pressure, the step of pre-segmenting (50) the elastogram in order to obtain a pre-segmented image including a plurality of areas, and the step of calculating an elasticity image (60) representing the elasticity of at least one region of the elastogram, the region corresponding to an area selected among the plurality of areas of the pre-segmented image, and the elasticity image enabling the user to estimate the risk of atheroma plaque breakage, wherein said method is characterized in that: the pre-segmentation is carried out while considering the tissue as being a non-compressible elastic solid in order to determine the Young modulus gradient as equal to the sum of the Lagrange multiplier gradient and of a space depending vect

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser device for machining material, comprising a laser beam source which supplies pulsed laser radiation, and a variable deflection unit that introduces said laser radiation into the material at different, selectable points so as to create optical breakthroughs. The inventive laser device further comprises a pulse-selecting apparatus which modifies selected laser pulses of the pulsed laser radiation regarding at least one optical parameter in such a way that no more optical breakthroughs can be created using the modified laser pulses.

Abstract: Methods, software, and systems are provided for determining an ablation target shape for a treatment for an eye of a patient. Techniques include determining wavefront information from the eye of the patient with a wavefront eye refractometer, determining anterior corneal shape information from the eye with a corneal topography device, and combining the wavefront information and the anterior corneal shape information to determine the ablation target shape.

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 smoke capture adapter comprising: a first adapter part having a first generally ring-shaped portion with a first cylindrical inner surface for securely engaging a laser apparatus having a beam propagation axis, the first generally ring-shaped portion being oriented such that the beam propagation axis passes through a region bound the first generally ring-shaped portion and a tubular outlet extending from said first generally ring-shaped portion for communicating with a vacuum tube; a second adapter part rotatably connected to the first adapter part and arranged to rotate generally about the beam propagation axis having a second generally ring-shaped portion adjacent the first generally ring-shaped portion, the first and second generally ring-shaped portions defining a generally toroidal cavity and an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity; the tubular outlet and inlet in fluid communication through the cavity; whereby the position of the inlet relative to the first adapter part may be adjusted by rota

Abstract: Heat is generated in corneal fibrils in a cornea of an eye according to a selected pattern. The heat causes the corneal fibrils corresponding to the selected pattern to transition from a first structure to a second structure. The second structure provides a desired reshaping of the cornea. A cross-linking agent is then activated in the region of corneal fibrils according to the selected pattern. The cross-linking agent prevents the corneal fibrils from changing from the second structure. Thus, embodiments stabilize corneal tissue and improve its biomechanical strength after desired structural changes have been achieved in the corneal tissue. Accordingly, the embodiments help to preserve the desired reshaping of the cornea.

Abstract: A method for generating control data for an eye-surgical treatment device, which separates tissue layers in the eye cornea by application of a laser device, wherein a contact glass having a contact surface deforms the cornea to conform to the shape of the contact surface during the operation of the laser device. The contact surface is first placed on a cornea apex at a contact surface apex and is then pressed against the same for deforming the cornea. The method includes: generating the control data of the laser device such that the data specifies coordinates of target points located in the cornea for the laser device, and upon generation of the target point coordinates the deformation of the cornea which is present during the operation of the laser device as a result of the contact glass is taken into consideration.

Abstract: A planning device generating control data for a treatment apparatus for refraction-correcting ophthalmic surgery is provided, said apparatus using a laser device to separate a corneal volume, which is to be removed for correction, from the surrounding cornea by at least one cut surface in the cornea of an eye, said planning device comprising an interface for receiving corneal data including information on pre-operative cuts which were generated in a previous ophthalmic operation, and computing means for defining a corneal cut surface which confines the corneal volume to be removed, said computing means defining the corneal cut surface on the basis of the corneal data and generating a control dataset for the corneal cut surface for control of the laser device.

Abstract: A contact glass for ophthalmic surgery, including a concave anterior lens surface for placement on the eye and a suction channel annularly surrounding the periphery of the anterior lens surface. The suction channel allows the contact glass to be fixed to the eye by means of a vacuum, it is envisaged that the suction channel comprise a multiplicity of suction orifices, which are annularly arranged with respect to the anterior lens surface and through which the vacuum acts on the eye.

Abstract: There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for developing laser systems that can create precise predetermined clear corneal incisions that are capable of reducing induced astigmatism. The systems, apparatus and methods further provide laser systems that can provide these incisions at or below Bowman's membrane.

Abstract: A method for providing vision correction to a patient. The method includes: (a) measuring the degree of vision correction needed by the patient and determining the location and shape of refractive structures that need to be positioned within the cornea to partially correct a patient's vision; (b) directing and focusing femtosecond laser pulses in the blue spectral region within the cornea at an intensity high enough to change the refractive index of the cornea within a focal region, but not high enough to damage the cornea or to affect cornea tissue outside of the focal region; and (c) scanning the laser pulses across a volume of the cornea or the lens to provide the focal region with refractive structures in the cornea or the lens. Again, the refractive structures are characterized by a change in refractive index, and exhibit little or no scattering loss.

Abstract: The embodiments include method of nonlinear optical photodynamic therapy of tissue including the steps of providing pulsed infrared laser light for two-photon excited fluorescence tissue exposure, and selectively focusing the pulsed infrared laser light within the tissue at a focal plane to activate a photosensitizing agent to generate free radicals within a highly resolved axial and lateral spatial domain in the tissue. The invention is also directed to an apparatus for performing nonlinear optical photodynamic therapy of tissue including a pulsed infrared laser for providing two-photon excited fluorescence beam tissue exposure, a scanner for selectively and controllably moving the tissue and the beam relative to each other, and optics for selectively focusing the pulsed infrared laser light within the tissue at a point in a focal plane to activate a photosensitizing agent to generate free radicals within a highly resolved axial and lateral spatial domain in the tissue.

Abstract: A method for treating presbyopia utilizes an Erbium based, pulsed laser to sever sub-conjunctival strictures located within the scleral matrix of the eye. Introduction of treatment energy into the scleral matrix increases or facilitates an increase in accommodation, thereby mitigating the effects of presbyopia. The treatment energy can be directed into the scleral matrix to form tunnel ablations in and through the strictures of the scleral matrix. The tunnel ablations can enhance the accommodation of the patient's eye, enabling the eye to refocus at near distances while not losing its ability to focus at a distance.

Abstract: One or more treatment parameters are determined for a cornea reshaping procedure. The one or more treatment parameters are selected so as to reduce an amount of collagen shrinkage in a cornea of a patient's eye caused by the cornea reshaping procedure. For example, the one or more treatment parameters could be selected so as to minimize an amount of stromal collagen shrinkage in the cornea of the patient's eye caused by the cornea reshaping procedure. As another example, the cornea reshaping procedure could include irradiating multiple spots on the cornea of the patient's eye, where each spot is associated with an amount of stromal collagen. The one or more treatment parameters could be selected so that no more than 1% or 5% of the stromal collagen in the irradiated spots undergoes clinically significant shrinkage as a result of the cornea reshaping procedure.

Abstract: Presbyopia in a patient's eye is treated by inducing spherical aberration in the central section of the pupil, while the peripheral section of the pupil is treated in a manner other than the central section of the pupil. For example, the peripheral section of the pupil may remain untreated, or high-order aberration may be controlled, and/or a second area of spherical aberration may be provided with different focus power.

Abstract: A device for machining the cornea of a human eye with focused pulsed laser radiation includes controllable components, a control computer for controlling these components and a control program for the control computer. The control program contains instructions that are designed to generate an incision figure in the cornea permitting the insertion of an intrastromal corneal ring implant. The incision figure includes a ring incision situated totally deep within the corneal tissue and an opening incision extending at right angles to the ring plane of the ring incision from the anterior surface of the cornea or from the posterior surface of the cornea as far as at least the ring incision. The ring incision exhibits, assigned to the opening incision (44), a radial—relative to the ring axis—widening zone in which the opening incision impinges on the ring incision.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic laser system and an operating method. The laser system includes a laser, a scanner unit, a focusing lens and a beam splitter that directs radiation that reaches the beam splitter from the direction of the area of examination through a confocal aperture orifice onto a detector. The invention also includes a control unit with which a cornea arranged in the examination area can be irradiated by the laser at illumination laser power and detection light can be registered by the detector. The cornea is scanned in three dimensions, in that the cornea is irradiated at multiple points and detection light is registered from there. Based on the detection light, a laser cut in the cornea is identified and the form and/or position of the laser cut calculated. The invention further relates to refractive laser surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing cuts in a transparent material, in particular in the cornea, by creating optical openings in said material by means of laser radiation that is focused in said material, whereby the focal point is displaced in order to produce the cut from a surface grid-type array of optical openings arranged in sequence. The focal point is displaced along a trajectory and optical openings along said trajectory that are adjacent are not produced immediately after one another. In addition, the surface grid-type array of optical openings is constructed from at least two sub-grids, the optical openings of which are processed sequentially grid by grid.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, compositions and methods used to improve vision and/or to treat an eye lens disease or condition. In some embodiments, the invention relates to altering or removing eye lens material for the treatment of presbyopia. In additional embodiments, the invention relates to placing compositions in a lens of an eye to improve elasticity of the lens both therapeutically by improving elasticity and/or improving refractive properties and/or prophylactically by preventing renewed stiffening and/or renewed deterioration of the lens refractive properties. In further embodiments, the invention relates to devices and methods of obtaining and analyzing data for use in altering the lens to optimize its elasticity and/or refractive properties.

Abstract: Computer systems, programs, and methods can advantageously be used to process optical data. These approaches often involve modifying a first format data to a second format data, and are useful in simplifying the complications due to data from different wavefront systems, different aberrometer devices and aberrometer software versions, different clinical studies and different measurement conditions. A centralized database system can be used effectively in a clinical research setting, which can be a medical center, a college, or a research department in a company, or in other diagnosis or treatment facilities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for calculating a course of refractive treatment for correcting a refractive error of a patient's eye. It is based on the concept to combine at least a first treatment which provides an overcorrection of the intended correction with at least a second treatment which corrects said overcorrection.

Abstract: A system and process for treating retinal diseases includes passing a plurality of radiant beams, i.e., laser light beams, through an optical lens or mask to optically shape the beams. The shaped beams are applied to at least a portion of the retina. Due to the selected parameters of the beams—pulse length, power and duty cycle—the beams can be applied to substantially the entire retina, including the fovea, without damaging retinal or foveal tissue, while still attaining the benefits of retinal phototherapy or photostimulation.

Abstract: A laser system for refractive surgery comprises a laser beam for generating laser beam pulses and optical means for directing these laser beam pulses as a working beam onto an eye. Some of the working radiation is extracted for optical coherence tomography, in order to measure geometrical structures in the cornea.

Abstract: A method for providing faster visual and functional recovery of patients following refractive surgery such as laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is disclosed. The method comprises providing a covering to the eye of a patient comprising an inner portion having an inner rigidity and at least one inner radius of curvature; and an outer portion having an outer rigidity and at least one outer radius of curvature; wherein the inner rigidity is greater than the outer rigidity.

Abstract: Methods, software, and systems are provided for determining an ablation target shape for a treatment for an eye of a patient. Techniques include determining wavefront information from the eye of the patient with a wavefront eye refractometer, determining anterior corneal shape information from the eye with a corneal topography device, and combining the wavefront information and the anterior corneal shape information to determine the ablation target shape.

Abstract: A device for laser-aided eye surgery comprising a patient table, as well as at least one laser system with a laser treatment head for emission of a focused laser beam onto an eye of a patient to be treated on the table. The laser system comprises an operation microscope with a viewing beam path running collinear to the laser beam path at least in the area of the emission location of the laser beam. According to the invention, the device is characterized by at least a first camera to create an image at least comprising the area from the mouth to the forehead of a patient lying on a table, as well as by a display device to display the picture taken. As an alternative to, or in addition to, the first camera and the display device, the eye-surgery device can comprise a laser projector for projection of a laser light pattern onto the patient's body as well as a guiding computer controlling the projector with an image signal output to which an image signal input of the projector is attached.

Abstract: An optical eye-contact element is disclosed that is at least partly translucent, the optical eye-contact element giving rise to a wavefront error of at most about ?/2, preferentially at most about ?/4, highly preferentially at most about ?/10, in a traversing light beam. The optical eye-contact element may be a so-called applanation plate or applanation lens.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for altering the optical characteristics of an Intraocular Lens (IOL), in situ, using laser techniques. Specifically, a computer-controlled laser unit either creates microbubbles, or converts inclusions, inside the IOL, to establish a predetermined optical barrier having a predetermined opacity. The resultant optical barrier is oriented in the IOL to control light passing through the IOL, and to thereby minimize or correct adverse optical effects that would otherwise be present.

Abstract: An ophthalmic patient interface system includes an interface device and an ocular device. The interface device includes a frame having a first end and a second end, a lens disposed at the first end, and a skirt affixed to the first end. The second end is adapted to couple with a surgical laser system, and the skirt is adapted to seal against an anterior surface of an eye. The ocular device includes magnifying optics and is adapted to be removably seated within the second end. The magnifying optics image a region on a corneal side of the lens when the ocular device is seated within the second end.

Abstract: A system and method of performing therapy on target eye tissue. A light source produces a beam of light, and a scanning device deflects the light beam to produce an pattern of the light beam. An ophthalmic lens assembly includes a mirror for reflecting the light beam pattern onto the target eye tissue. The mirror is rotatable to angularly align the light beam pattern to the target tissue. Control electronics control the scanning device to apply the light beam pattern onto the reflective optical element at first and second angular orientations separated by a predetermined angle RA. The predetermined angle RA is set such that light beam patterns applied to the target tissue at the first and second angular orientations, which are also angularly aligned to the target tissue through rotation of the mirror, automatically are adjacently abutting to each other on the target tissue.

Abstract: Instruments for creating a corneal channel and methods of use.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, refractive correction includes controlling a focus of pulsed laser radiation having ultrashort pulses. A channel is created with the pulsed laser radiation to facilitate separation of the lenticule from the eye. A posterior incision is created with the pulsed laser radiation to form a posterior side of the lenticule. An anterior incision is created with the pulsed laser radiation to form an anterior side of the lenticule.

Abstract: A device for machining the human cornea with focused laser radiation includes controllable components for setting the location of the radiation focus, a control computer for controlling these components, and also a control program for the control computer. The control program contains instructions that have been designed to bring about, upon execution by the control computer, the generation of incisions in the cornea in accordance with a predetermined incision figure, the incision figure defining a corneal bed, a flap situated on the bed and also at least one tissue strip situated in the region of the peripheral edge of the flap between the bed and the flap and extending along the edge of the flap. After the flap has been folded away, the tissue strip has to be removed and enables a creaseless post-ablative close fitting of the folded-back flap against the surface of the bed. In this manner, microstriae which may impair the visual capacity can be avoided.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.

Abstract: A device for processing material of a workpiece, the device including a pulsed processing laser, a focusing lens, a beam-deflection unit, a control unit and a confocal detector unit. The intensity of the laser radiation is variable. An imaging unit is provided to detect structures within the workpiece using electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation of the imaging unit is radiated via the beam-deflection unit and the focusing lens into the workpiece, and evaluating device is provided and compares the position of the focus of the laser radiation determined by the detector unit with the expected position of the focus in the image of the workpiece obtained by the imaging unit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided in which an iris or eye image is taken during a refractive diagnostic analysis. The image is employed for aligning data from the analysis with data from other refractive analysis instruments, as well as aligning a refractive surgical tool, such as a laser, with the eye for treatment. Further, the stored iris image is compared with the patient's iris before treatment, verifying that the correct eye is to be treated with a developed treatment pattern. A variety of refractive instruments can be used, such as corneal topography systems and wavefront aberration systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for providing data for vision correction utilizing a volumetric ablation and an intrastromal manipulation. The provided data may be used by a laser ablating the surface of the cornea in combination with a laser which operates intrastromal to optimize a corneal re-shaping procedure. One aspects of the invention relates to the minimization of the amount of corneal tissue to be removed.

Abstract: Heat is generated in corneal fibrils in a cornea of an eye according to a selected pattern. The heat causes the corneal fibrils corresponding to the selected pattern to transition from a first structure to a second structure. The second structure provides a desired reshaping of the cornea. A cross-linking agent is then activated in the region of corneal fibrils according to the selected pattern. The cross-linking agent prevents the corneal fibrils from changing from the second structure. Thus, embodiments stabilize corneal tissue and improve its biomechanical strength after desired structural changes have been achieved in the corneal tissue. Accordingly, the embodiments help to preserve the desired reshaping of the cornea.

Abstract: An ophthalmological device (1) for treating eye tissue by means of pulsed laser beams (L) comprises a laser system (12) which is designed, in a first mode of operation, to generate pulsed laser beams (L) with a wavelength in the NIR infrared range and, in a second mode of operation, to generate pulsed laser beams (L) with a wavelength in the UVA ultraviolet range.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems establish an optical surface shape that mitigates or treats a vision condition in a patient. An optical surface shape for a particular patient can be determined using a set of patient parameters for the specific patient by using a compound modulation transfer function (CMTF). The compound modulation transfer function can include a combination of modulation transfer functions (MTF's) at a plurality of distinct frequencies.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer program products, and kits involving deformation mechanisms are provided for the removal of corneal tissue in optical vision treatments. According to exemplary embodiments, deformation mechanisms may be used in combination with the administration of femtosecond photoalteration lasers to create or define volumetric tissue portions for such removal.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to corneal ablation for treatment of one or more high-order optical aberrations are provided. A method includes providing a defect-correcting prescription, determining an ablation profile to impose the prescription on the cornea, and determining a sequence of laser-energy ablations to impose the ablation profile on the cornea. The prescription comprises a high-order optical correction. The ablation profile includes a first-segment profile and a second-segment profile. The second-segment profile corresponds to at least one high-order optical correction. The ablation sequence includes applying ablations corresponding to the first-segment profile prior to applying ablations corresponding to the second-segment profile.

Abstract: Presbyopia in a patient's eye is treated by inducing spherical aberration in the central section of the pupil, while the peripheral section of the pupil is treated in a manner other than the central section of the pupil. For example, the peripheral section of the pupil may remain untreated, or high-order aberration may be controlled, and/or a second area of spherical aberration may be provided with different focus power.

Abstract: A system and method to compensate for the deformation of an eye requires calculation of an induced deformation angle ?, wherein the deformation is intentionally induced during laser surgery by a contact lens, and a refraction angle ?. Specifically, during laser surgery, the cornea of an eye is typically stabilized by a contact lens. This deforms the cornea. When the contact lens is removed after the surgery, the cornea recovers from the deformation. For the present invention, the angle ? is calculated, and corrected by the angle ?, so that surfaces altered during surgery (e.g. by LIOB) will become substantially parallel to incoming light in the eye, after the contact lens has been removed after surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus for refractive ophthalmic surgery by laser radiation including a source of radiation which emits a processing beam a beam path for focusing and scanning. The beam path focuses the processing beam into a cornea of an eye and shifts a position of a focus therein. A beam splitting device generates several foci in the cornea and divides the processing beam into a primary beam and at least one secondary beam. The primary and secondary beams have substantially the same cross section as the processing beam which is incident on the beam splitting device and the beam-splitting device introduces a separation between the primary and secondary beams. The primary and secondary beams expand in the beam path. A contact glass induces a pre-defined geometric boundary surface at the cornea.

Abstract: A laser system for changing the index of refraction of cornea tissue in a living eye. The laser system comprises a laser that provides laser pulses with a wavelength from 400 nm to 900 nm and a pulse energy from 0.01 nJ to 10 nJ, and a control device for setting the operating parameters of the laser below an optical breakdown threshold of the tissue to avoid photo-disruption and tissue destruction of the tissue, and to direct the laser pulses at the cornea tissue resulting in a change in the index of refraction of the tissue within regions irradiated by the laser pulses.

Abstract: Systems and methods of improving vision using an ophthalmological laser system are provided. A predetermined pattern characterized by a plurality of positions along a plurality of spatially distributed iris tissues of an eye of a patient is obtained. A laser illumination light beam is aligned in accordance with one or more of the plurality of positions along the plurality of spatially distributed iris tissues. The laser illumination light beam is delivered in the predetermined pattern to the plurality of spatially distributed iris tissues of the patient. At least a subset of the spatially distributed iris tissues is cauterized by the delivery of the laser illumination light beam in the predetermined pattern, thereby resulting in a permanent decrease in diameter of the pupil of the eye.

Abstract: A phototherapy device includes a light source; a light emanation block; and a heat exchanger for the dissipation of heat from one or more heat loads associated with the device. Heat may be transferred via the heat exchanger from the light source independently of the dissipation of heat from one or more of the other device heat loads. Substantially thermally isolated heat transfer regions may be provided, and such regions may be maintained at different operating temperatures, to control the transfer of heat in conjunction with a phototherapy method and to promote efficient and enhanced device operation and performance.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for correcting vision in a patient by modifying the refractive index of cornea tissue. The method comprises identifying and measuring the degree of vision correction of the patient; and determining the position and type of refractive structures to be written into the cornea tissue of the patient to correct the patient's vision. The refractive structures are written by irradiating select regions of the cornea tissue with focused laser pulses having a wavelength from 400 nm to 900 nm and a pulse energy from 0.01 nJ to 10 nJ. The refractive structures are characterized by a positive change in refractive index in relation to non-irradiated cornea tissue of the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods of photoaltering a region of a material using a pulsed laser beam. The method includes scanning the pulsed laser beam in a first portion of the region with a first pattern, scanning the pulsed laser beam in a second portion of the region with a second pattern, and separating a flap of the material at the region. The system includes a laser, a controller selecting at least first and second patterns, and a scanner operable in response to the controller. The first pattern has a first maximum acceleration associated with the second portion, and the second pattern has a second maximum acceleration associated with the second portion. The second maximum acceleration is less than the first maximum acceleration. The scanner scans the pulsed laser beam from the laser in the first portion with the first pattern and in the second portion with the second pattern.