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.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering therapeutic or diagnostic energy (e.g., light, ultrasound, ionizing radiation (e.g., x-ray), vibration, heat energy, etc.) into the eye. An energy emitting device is positioned on the eye and used to deliver energy into the eye. The device may be constructed to allow the subject's eyelids to open and close while the device is positioned on the eye. The device is useable for various energy based or energy-mediated therapies, including crosslinking of corneal collagen, light therapy, photodynamic therapy, photo-activation of drugs, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring a topography of an optical tissue surface of an eye are provided by combining a measured elevation of the surface with a priori information of the surface to provide an estimate of mean and covariance of post-measurement orthogonal polynomial sequence amplitudes associated with the surface, determining a variance of elevation of the surface from the estimate, and constructing the topography from the estimate of mean and covariance of post-measurement amplitudes based on a comparison of the variance of elevation of the surface with a pre-determined threshold. The a priori information includes an estimate of mean and covariance of pre-measurement orthogonal polynomial sequence amplitudes associated with the surface.

Abstract: A method of preparing an apparatus for material processing by generating optical breakthroughs in an object. The apparatus includes a variable focus adjustment device. A contact element is mounted to the apparatus, the contact element has a curved contact surface having a previously known shape. The position of the contact surface is determined prior to processing the object, by focusing measurement laser radiation near or on the surface by the variable focus adjustment device, and the focus position is adjusted in a measurement surface intersecting the expected position of the contact surface. Radiation from the focus of the measurement laser radiation is confocally detected. The position of points of intersection between the measurement surface and the contact surface is determined from the confocally detected radiation to determine the position of the contact surface from the position of the points of intersection and the previously known shape of the contact surface.

Abstract: A laser system for ophthalmic surgery includes a laser engine to generate a pulsed laser beam, and an XY scanner, to receive the generated pulsed laser beam, and to output a scanning laser beam, the XY scanner including an X scanner, including two X scanning minors, and a Y scanner, including two Y scanning minors. The XY scanner can modify essentially independently an angle the outputted scanning laser beam makes with an optical axis, and a position at which the outputted scanning laser beam intersects a subsequent reference plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

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: 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 system and method are provided for an ophthalmic surgical procedure to provide a refractive correction for an eye. Specifically, the procedure is indicated when the desired refractive correction “dreqd” exceeds the capability of a correction achievable when corneal tissue is only ablated. In accordance with the present invention, an optimized refractive correction “d1” is accomplished by the ablation of corneal tissue (e.g. by a PRK or LASIK procedure). The optimized correction is then followed by a complementary refractive correction “d2” wherein stromal tissue is weakened with Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB). Together, the optimized refractive correction (ablation) and the complementary refractive correction (LIOB) equal the desire refractive correction (dreqd=d1+d2).

Abstract: Optical correction methods, devices, and systems reduce optical aberrations or inhibit refractive surgery induced aberrations. Error source control and adjustment or optimization of ablation profiles or other optical data address high order aberrations. A simulation approach identifies and characterizes system factors that can contribute to, or that can be adjusted to inhibit, optical aberrations. Modeling effects of system components facilitates adjustment of the system parameters.

Abstract: The system according to the present invention is used to create an ablation such that the surface of the cornea comprises a central region having a convex central steepening with a first radius of curvature and a surrounding region having a convex shape with a second radius of curvature, wherein the first radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature for performing a presbyopic correction. The ablation depth in the central region varies between a minimum ablation depth in the center and a maximum ablation depth at the border of the central region. The ablation depth in the surrounding region is the same as the maximum ablation depth at the border of the central region.

Abstract: A laser system for the irradiation of an eye includes a laser configured to emit a laser beam; a focusing device configured to focus the laser beam; and a beam-shaping device configured to generate a predetermined intensity distribution in a cross section of the laser beam such that an intensity minimum of the laser beam is disposed in region of a center of the cross section of the laser beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for ophthalmic laser surgery, comprising a source (110) of pulsed laser radiation with radiation parameters matched to the making of an incision in an ocular tissue, particularly in the cornea, a scanner (160) for deflecting the laser radiation, an electronic control unit (190) which has been set up to control the scanner in accordance with a predetermined incision geometry, and a modulator unit (170) for modulating the laser pulses emitted from the source (110). The control unit (190) has furthermore been set up to control the modulator unit (170) in accordance with a beam-deflection pattern established for the incision geometry in such a manner that in predetermined parts of the beam-deflection pattern at least some of the laser pulses have a reduced pulse energy or are suppressed.

Abstract: A method for modifying the refractive index of ocular tissues. The method comprises irradiating select regions of ocular tissue with a visible or near-IR laser. The irradiation results in the formation of structures in the ocular tissue, characterized by a change in refractive index, and which exhibit little or no scattering loss.

Abstract: A method for generating control data to control a laser device for correcting defective vision. A cut surface is specified which is curved, has a vertex and an edge, and is to be created in the eye. One or more paths, along which a focus of the laser radiation is to be adjusted, are defined for the control data and are selected such that they lie on or near the cut surface. To select the paths, a reference plane, preferably perpendicular, with respect to a direction of incidence of the laser radiation is determined, and different displacement positions are determined for said reference plane from the vertex to the edge of the cut surface. Multiple axes or semi-axes are determined for each displacement position. Intersections of the axes are connected into closed curves which are concentric or form a spiral.

Abstract: A laser system for modifying the index of refraction of an optical hydrogel material. The laser system comprises a computer program to determine the position and shape of refractive structures to be written into the optical hydrogel material to correct a patient's vision, and a focused laser that generates laser light having a wavelength of from 400 nm to 900 nm, and which operates with an average power of 10 mW to 1000 mW to produce a pulse energy from 0.05 nJ to 1000 nJ with a peak intensity at focus of greater than 1013 W/cm2. The refractive structures exhibit a change in the index of refraction of 0.01 to 0.06 in the optical hydrogel material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a lenticle from the cornea. For this purpose, a device for liquefying the lenticle and a device for suctioning off the resulting fluid are provided. The lenticle is liquefied and the resulting fluid is then suctioned off.

Abstract: A wavefront sensor is integrated with a surgical microscope for allowing a doctor to make repeated wavefront measurements of a patient's eye while the patient remains on an operating table in the surgical position. The device includes a wavefront sensor optically aligned with a surgical microscope such that their fields of view at least partially overlap. The inclusion of lightweight, compact diffractive optical components in the wavefront sensor allows the integrated device to be supported on a balancing mechanism above a patient's head during a surgical procedure. As a result, the need to reposition the device and/or the patient between measuring optical properties of the eye and performing surgical procedures on the eye is eliminated. Many surgical procedures may be improved or enhanced using the integrated device, including but not limited to cataract surgery, Conductive Keratoplasty, Lasik surgery, and corneal corrective surgery.

Abstract: An irradiation system for opthalmological applications includes: a radiation source (1) for changing the biomechanical properties of the cornea; an optical system for directing the radiation towards the tissue; a beam-splitter (3) which couples out a part of the radiation directed towards the tissue for measuring or monitoring purposes; the beam-splitter also being set up in order to combine a further radiation of a different wavelength with the first-mentioned radiation; a controller for controlling the system, including a sensor; a mechanical stand (16) for supporting an irradiation unit (17); and interfaces for exchange of data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction ring (2) for ophthalmic surgery, with a first suction region (4), which is designed to suck the suction ring onto an eye (18), and with a second suction region (10), which is designed to aspirate a functional element (12). The functional element and/or the suction ring may exhibit measuring means. The functional element may be formed in the manner of a container, so that it can receive a liquid which in operation is located between the cornea of the eye and a lens.

Abstract: A variable-applanation patient interface can include a lens support system, attachable to a distal end of an ophthalmic surgical laser system; a contact lens, supported by the lens support system and configured to make contact with an eye-surface; and an adjustable coupler, coupled to at least one of the lens support system and the contact lens, and configured to be coupled to a non-central region of the eye-surface, to accommodate the contact lens to contact a central region of the eye-surface with a central applanation, to enable a change between the central applanation and an extended applanation, and to accommodate the contact lens to contact an extended region of the eye-surface larger than the central region with the extended applanation.

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

Abstract: An arrangement for carrying out surgical laser treatments of the eye is adapted to emit pulsed treatment radiation with a wavelength of between about 190 nm and about 380 nm and a pulse duration in the femtosecond range. Such treatment radiation allows nonaggressive corneal or intraocular laser treatment of the eye, for example in order to make corneal cuts or deliberately ablate corneal tissue.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser apparatus includes components for providing a first pulsed laser beam (140) having beam properties matched to the ablation of corneal material and for providing a second pulsed laser beam (290) having beam properties matched to the making of an incision in the ocular tissue. The components include separate laser-sources (110, 130) for generating the two laser beams and also a plurality of optical elements which guide the two laser beams on separate beam paths to a respective beam exit location and focus them to a focal point situated outside the beam exit location. In accordance with the invention, the optical elements include an optical waveguide (250) serving for guidance of the second laser beam, at least the two laser-sources being accommodated in a common housing (340) and the optical waveguide extending within the housing at least over a part of its length.

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: Systems and methods for measuring a topography of an optical tissue surface of an eye are provided by combining measured elevations of the surface with a priori information of the surface to provide an estimate of mean and covariance of post-measurement orthogonal polynomial sequence amplitudes associated with the surface, determining a variance of elevation of the surface from the estimate, and constructing the topography from the estimate of mean and covariance of post-measurement amplitudes based on a comparison of the variance of elevation of the surface with a pre-determined threshold. The a priori information includes an estimate of mean and covariance of pre-measurement orthogonal polynomial sequence amplitudes associated with the surface.

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: Systems and methods for fine-tuning refractive shapes for vision treatment are provided. Techniques encompass determining a variable index of refraction for a cornea of the eye, and determining the refractive treatment shape for the eye based on the variable index of refraction. Techniques also encompass determining a variable radius of curvature of an anterior surface of a cornea of the eye, and determining the refractive treatment shape for the eye based on the variable radius of curvature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a femtosecond laser ophthalmological system and especially to the use of a femtosecond laser to create a flap for LASIK refractive surgery or for other applications that require removal of corneal or lens tissue at specific locations such as in corneal transplants, stromal tunnels, corneal lenticular extraction and cataract surgery. The output of a femtosecond laser is scanned into overlapping circles of laser pulses which are then moved in an overlapping trajectory on a patient's eye to ablate the eye tissue in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A system and method for altering the configuration of a transparent material (e.g. the cornea of an eye) requires identifying local stress distribution patterns inside the material. These patterns are then used to define boundary (interface) surfaces between volumes within the material. In operation, a laser unit performs Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) along selected boundary surfaces to disrupt stress distribution patterns between volumes of the material that are separated from each other by the boundary surface. This LIOB allows an externally applied force to thereby alter the configuration of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing material with focused electromagnetic radiation, comprises: a source emitting electromagnetic radiation, means for directing the radiation onto the material, means for focusing the radiation on or in the material, a unit for generating a pattern in the optical path of the electromagnetic radiation, an at least partially reflective surface in the optical path before the focus of the focused radiation, said pattern being imaged onto said at least partially reflective surface through at least part of said directing means and said focusing means, at least one detector onto which an image of the pattern is reflected by said surface and which generates electrical signals corresponding to said image, said image containing information on the position of the focus, a computer receiving said electrical signals and programmed to process said image so as to generate an electrical signal depending on the focal position, and a divergence adjustment element arranged in said optical path and adapt

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer-implemented method for correcting refractive errors in a living eye using a laser vision correction system that involves first calculating an amount of sphere based on preoperative manifest refraction and higher order aberrations data associated with the eye, and then correcting for the calculated amount of sphere by ablating at least a portion of the eye. The preoperative manifest refraction may include preoperative manifest sphere, preoperative spherical equivalent, regular astigmatism, and oblique astigmatism, and the preoperative higher-order aberrations may include 4th-order spherical and 3rd root mean square. Other factors may also be used to adjust the calculated amount of sphere. A device readable medium for storing the calculation and instructions for operating a laser vision correction system for practicing the method is also disclosed, as is a method of treating refractive errors.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for scaling the size and/or position of a marker on a magnified image of an object. In preferred embodiments, the object is an eye that is undergoing laser eye surgery. The eye is viewed through a magnification system or microscope and an image of the eye is presented on a display. One or more markers are present on the image, each identifying a specific target location or landmark on the eye. When a desired magnification setting is selected, the image is scaled accordingly. In addition, one or more of the markers is scaled in size and/or position to reflect the magnification setting. This allows the marker to maintain identification of the target location while reflecting the selected magnification level.

Abstract: A method for correcting higher order aberrations in an eye requires Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of stromal tissue. In detail, the method identifies at least one volume of stromal tissue in the eye, with each volume defining a central axis parallel to the visual axis of the eye. Thereafter, a pulsed laser beam is focused to a focal spot in each volume of stromal tissue to cause LIOB of stromal tissue at the focal spot. Further, the focal spot is moved through the volume of stromal tissue to create a plurality of incisions centered about the respective central axis of the volume. As a result, a predetermined selective weakening of the stroma is caused for correction of the higher order aberration.

Abstract: A method for ablating a presbyopic lens for restoring accommodation in human eye and a system thereof wherein a laser beam is directed obliquely to carry out multiple photoablations in circular way within the lens behind the iris and preferably near the edge or equator of the lens and/or in the vicinity of zonules to re-establish accommodation of the lens lost due to presbyopia.

Abstract: Ultra-short pulsed laser radiation is applied to a patient's eye to create a row of bubbles oriented perpendicular to the axis of vision. The row of bubbles leads to a region of the eye to be ablated. In a second step, a femtosecond laser beam guided through the row of bubbles converts it to a channel perpendicular to the axis of vision. In a third step, a femtosecond laser beam is guided through the channel to ablate a portion of the eye. Using a femtosecond laser with intensity in the range of 1011-1015 W/cm2 for the second and third steps facilitates multi-photon ablation that is practically devoid of eye tissue heating. Creating bubbles in the first step increases the speed of channel creation and channel diameter uniformity, thereby increasing the precision of the subsequent multi-photon ablation.

Abstract: A method for correcting myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and multi-focal vision problems is accomplished without the use of a microkeratome or an Excimer laser by using a photodisruption laser such as a femtosecond (“FS”) laser to form a flap of varying thicknesses and radii of curvature. This procedure enables a refractive surgeon to reshape the cornea by controlling the shrinkage of the cornea's collagen fibers.

Abstract: A system includes at least one radiation source configured to generate radiation for a cornea reshaping procedure and a corneal cross-linking procedure. The system also includes a delivery device configured to deliver the radiation to the patient's eye. The system further includes a controller configured to control the delivery of the radiation to the patient's eye during the cornea reshaping procedure and the corneal cross-linking procedure. The controller may be configured to control the delivery of radiation so that the cornea reshaping procedure and the corneal cross-linking procedure at least partially overlap in time. The delivery device may be configured to deliver radiation to specified areas of the patient's eye during the cornea reshaping procedure and to deliver radiation only to the same specified areas of the patient's eye during the corneal cross-linking procedure.

Abstract: A patient transfer arrangement includes a movable substructure and a carrier member that is connected to the substructure and that is adapted to receive a patient in a sitting or lying position. A connecting device is detachably connectable to a complementary connecting device provided on a base unit of a medical treatment apparatus, in order to fasten the carrier member detachably to the medical treatment apparatus in such a position that a patient supported on the carrier member in a sitting or lying position is accessible to a medical treatment by means of a treatment unit of the medical treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A laser device, in particular for ophthalmological laser surgery, comprising a laser source (14) for providing laser radiation, controllable scan components (20) for setting a focus position of the laser radiation, measuring components (30) for registering information that is representative of an actual position of the radiation focus, and also a control arrangement (22) controlling the laser source and the scan components.

Abstract: A method of treating a human eye, generally to correct vision, and preferably in one embodiment to increase the amplitude of accommodation of the lens. The method utilizes a laser to create a desired pattern within the lens. Various patterns for treating the eye lens are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for obviating Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) which require an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device for imaging the interface surface between the posterior surface of an intraocular lens (IOL) and the capsular bag. Further, the OCT device is used to identify areas of relative opacity caused by a biological growth on the interface surface in the optical zone of the IOL. A laser unit is then used to direct the focal point of a femtosecond laser beam onto the areas of relative opacity to ablate the biological growth by Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) to thereby obviate the PCO.

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 device and a computer program for material processing, in particular refractive eye surgery, operate with a pulsed femtosecond laser and the individual focal points are positioned in such a way that the spacings of neighboring focal points for the most part vary, in order to avoid a regular grating structure avoiding undesired diffraction phenomena.

Abstract: A device for machining the human cornea with focused pulsed femtosecond laser radiation comprises scanner components for local setting of the beam focus, a control computer for controlling the scanner components, and a control program for the control computer. The control program contains instructions that upon execution by the control computer are designed to bring about the generation of an incision figure in the cornea encompassing a flap incision (38, 40). In accordance with the invention the incision figure further encompasses an auxiliary incision (50) connected with the flap incision and leading locally, preferentially directly, away from the latter as far as the surface of the cornea. The auxiliary incision is expediently generated temporally ahead of the flap incision and forms a discharge channel through which gases can escape that may arise in the course of the cutting of the flap incision.

Abstract: A laser system for ophthalmic surgery includes a laser source to generate a pulsed laser beam, an XY scanner to receive the pulsed laser beam and to output an XY-scanning beam, scanned in two directions transverse to a Z direction, a Z scanner in a scanner housing to receive the XY-scanning beam and to output an XYZ-scanning beam scanned additionally in the Z direction, a mirror to deflect the XYZ-scanning beam received from the Z scanner, and an objective, in an objective housing, to receive the deflected XYZ-scanning beam and to focus the received XYZ-scanning beam onto a target region, wherein the scanner housing is separate from the objective housing.

Abstract: Example systems and methods for performing individually customized corneal ablative surgery is presented. The example systems and methods rely on a parametric model that correlates corneal measurements with predicted post-operative results and algorithm updates that facilitate achieving desired post-operative results.

Abstract: A method for controlling a device for the treatment or refractive correction of the human eye using an electronic data processing system provides a simple overview of the influence of all of the parameters. To this end, once the operating parameters have been determined, a graphical simulation of the operating procedure is carried out in the form of a graphical visualization.