Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for ablating a lens of an eye. An access incision is made through outer eye tissue to access the lens. A laser tool is inserted through the access incision. Electromagnetic energy is focused using the inserted laser tool to ablate a portion of the lens, where said ablation breaks the lens into a plurality of pieces for removal from the eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmological apparatus (1) for breakdown of eye tissue includes a base station (2) with a light source (21) for generating light pulses and a support arm (3), with an application head (4) that can be placed onto an eye (6) mounted on the base station (2). The light pulses are transmitted from the base station (2) to the application head (4) through an optical transmission system (22). The application head (4) has a light projector (41) for focused projection of the light pulses for punctiform breakdown of eye tissue. The support arm (3) is of rigid design and, at one end, has a hinge (Rz) with a horizontally oriented rotation axis (rz), the hinge (Rz) being mounted in such a way that the application head (4) can be placed onto the eye (6) with a rotation (zrot) extending about the rotation axis (rz).

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating presbyopia are provided. In accordance with an embodiment, by way of example only, a method of treating presbyopia of an eye includes ablating the stroma to form a final ablated shape in the stroma, the final ablated shape including a central zone defined by a concavity having a central zone depth and a central zone diameter, the central zone depth and the central zone diameter each selected to provide the cornea with a near-vision add power after the epithelium is regenerated over the stroma.

Abstract: A shape change is induced in a cornea for treating a keratoconus condition, and/or correcting a refractive error and/or a high order aberration. A beam of laser pulses is focused to a stromal layer of a patient's eye, and an intrastromal pocket is ablated. An injection port is cut between the intrastromal pocket and a cornea surface of the eye. A polymerizable fluid is flowed into the intrastromal pocket through the injection port. The fluid is cured to form a polymeric insert, and thereby inducing a cornea shape change.

Abstract: A system for performing intrastromal ophthalmic laser surgery requires Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of stromal tissue without compromising Bowman's capsule (membrane). In detail, the system is computer-controlled to create symmetrical cuts in the stroma relative to a defined axis of the eye. Importantly, these cuts are all distanced from the axis. The actual location and number of cuts in the surgery will depend on the degree of visual aberration being corrected. Further, the system may create different types of cuts in the stroma. For example, the symmetrical cuts (by type) may include cylindrical, radial or annular layer cuts. The different type cuts may be intersecting or non-intersecting depending on the visual aberration being treated.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a prescription for laser-ablation corneal treatment includes receiving a measured correction prescription for a current patient. Next a database of treatment outcomes on a plurality of previously treated patients is accessed. The database contains a desired correction, and an actual correction. A difference between the desired correction and the actual correction represents an over- or undercorrection resulting from surgery. From the difference data is calculated a distribution of data points as a function of correction level. From the data-point distribution is calculated a statistically based offset applicable to the correction prescription for matching actual corrections with desired corrections. From the data-point distribution is calculated a confidence interval of the data using a predetermined confidence level. The statistically based offset is then adjusted based upon the confidence interval to provide an optimized prescription.

Abstract: An evaluating unit which is adapted to determine a degree of an instantaneous overlap between an optical zone of the eye and the structure, or at least a part of the structure effecting refractive correction, based on a recorded image. By determining the degree of overlap between the instantaneous optical zone and the structure to be introduced, it is possible to control the superposition of the optical zone with the tissue volume which is specifically altered by means of the laser cutting and, accordingly, to enable a maximum coverage.

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 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 apparatus for material processing by laser radiation, including a laser source which emits a processing beam, and a beam path for focusing and scanning, the beam path focusing the processing beam into a processing volume and shifting the position of the focus therein. A beam splitting device generates several foci in the processing volume and the beam splitting device splits the processing beam up into a primary beam and at least one secondary beam and leaves the cross section of the beam in a pupil plane of the beam path unchanged during said division and introduces an angle of separation between the primary and secondary beams, so that these beams expand in the beam path in directions which differ by the angle of separation.

Abstract: The transplanted cornea attachment method in eye microsurgery and the implant for attaching transplanted corneas, both donor and artificial, without the use of sutures consisting in the cutting of a fragment of the donor tissue (2) and, subsequently, the incision of the corresponding fragment (1) in the recipient tissue (3) so that the donated fragment (2) and the recipient incision (1) have teeth that interlock with each other, and the circular incision (5) in the stroma of the donor and recipient corneal stroma which is less in diameter in the donor tissue and more in diameter in the recipient tissue wherein the fastening implant (4) is subsequently inserted.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the applicability of a treatment pattern for manipulation of a cornea of an eye using a laser. The concept of the present invention is based on the determination of an actual volumetric profile based on a set of input data and a theoretical volumetric profile which is created independently based on only the basic optical parameters. On the basis of a comparison of the determined volumetric profiles it is determined whether the actual volumetric profile is within predetermined tolerances.

Abstract: System and method of photoaltering a material. The system includes a laser source operable to produce a primary pulsed beam, a holographic optical element configured to receive the primary pulsed beam and transmit a plurality of secondary beams, and a scanner operable to direct the secondary beams to the material. The secondary beams are based on the primary pulsed beam. The method includes phase shifting a pulsed laser beam to produce an input beam, holographically altering the input beam to produce a plurality of transmission beams, and scanning a portion of the material with the transmission beams.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the energy of a laser. In particular, the invention relates to an initial determination of a laser energy and the monitoring of the laser energy preferably of an excimer laser for use in a refractive laser system for treatment of any eye. An apparatus for determining an energy of an excimer laser comprises a tool comprising an area being ablated with a plurality of laser pulses of said excimer laser using at least one predetermined multi spot ablation pattern, said ablation area comprising a specific ablation area being as large as the ablation area or smaller, an image capturing means for capturing at least one image comprising at least said specific ablation area of the tool; an analyzing means for analyzing said at least one image, wherein the size of the specific ablation area provides a measure of the energy of the excimer laser.

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 astigmatism. The systems, apparatus and methods further provide laser systems that can provide these incisions at or below Bowman's membrane and in conjunction a precise predetermined capsulotomy shot pattern.

Abstract: A method and device for flapless, intrastromal keratomileusis for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, i.e., for vision correction by corneal reshaping without creating a flap. Ultra-short laser pulses are used to create a temporary micro-channel extending to an end point located within the cornea. A second series of ultra-short laser pulses are then delivered to photo-ablate material in the vicinity of the micro-channel end-point. The photo-ablated material may exit through the micro-channel used to deliver the laser pulses, or via a separate micro-channel. With the micro-channel oriented substantially normal to the optical axis of the cornea, and by continuing to supply the ultra-short laser pulses in the appropriate number while moving the point of ablation along the micro-channel, the photo-ablation of the intrastromal tissue may continue in a controlled fashion and the cornea reshaped in a predetermined manner without creating a flap.

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: An orientation method for corrective eye surgery that registers pairs of eye images taken at different times and with the patient in different positions includes retrieving reference digital image data on an eye of the patient, including image data on an extracorneal eye feature. Real-time image data are collected that include image data on the extracorneal eye feature. A combined image is displayed of a superposition of the data sets, and a determination is made as to whether the combined image indicates an adequate registration between them based upon the extracorneal eye feature data in the two data sets. If the registration is not adequate, one of the data sets is manipulated until an adequate registration is achieved. A system is directed to apparatus and software for orienting a corrective program for eye surgery.

Abstract: A system and method for minimizing adverse visual effects that may be introduced during laser refractive surgery, requires making laser incisions into stromal tissue in a predetermined manner. Specifically, a plurality of irregular incisions are statistically distributed in the stroma in a manner that causes them to be visually elusive, and thereby minimize their adverse visual effects. The incisions must, however, still accomplish their intended surgical purpose of weakening the stroma in a predetermined manner. To do this, each irregular incision has a width of arc length d?m, a length dzl and a characteristic radial distance drn from the visual axis of the eye. Values for d?m, dzl and drn are established using a random number generator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for reducing damage caused by a dielectric breakdown during surgical application of a pulsed-electric field (PEF) device. By detecting a dielectric breakdown when it occurs or before it occurs, the properties of the pulsed electric field can be adjusted to reduce damage caused by the energy released during the breakdown. A dielectric breakdown or its precursor can be detected optically, acoustically, or electrically.

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 cardiac ablation instrument capable of removing blood from a treatment area is provided. The instrument includes a catheter configured to deliver a distal end thereof to a patient's heart. The instrument can also include an expandable element coupled to the distal end of the catheter wherein the expandable member is configured to be positioned adjacent a target area thereby defining a treatment area between the expandable member and the target area. Further, the instrument can include an irrigation mechanism configured to dispense an irrigation fluid from the catheter thereby displacing blood from the treatment area. Additionally, the instrument includes an energy emitter configured to deliver energy to tissue within the treatment area. The instrument can also include a contact sensor configured to determine the presence of such blood within the treatment area. Methods for ablating tissue are also provided.

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 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: In a system for stabilizing a pattern of structural changes in corneal fibrils, an eye treatment system causes corneal fibrils of a cornea of an eye to transition from a first structure to a second structure. An application device applies a cross-linking element to the corneal fibrils. An activating device applies an initiating element to the corneal fibrils and activates the cross-linking element. The cross-linking element causes cross-linking in the corneal fibrils to preserve the second structure of the corneal fibrils. Another application device may apply a cross-linking breaker to the corneal fibrils. The cross-linking breaker halts or reverses at least partially the cross-linking in the corneal fibrils. Another activating device applies an initiating element to the corneal fibrils and activates the cross-linking breaker. Advantageously, the cross-linking breaker provides greater control over the amount and progress of cross-linking that occurs in the corneal fibrils.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for irradiating a laser beam to a patient's eye, comprises: a plurality of laser sources which emit treatment laser beams having different wavelengths, each laser source being held in a main body to be mountable and demountable and connected to a power source through a connector; a light delivery optical system having a mirror for making the laser beams from the laser sources coaxial with each other to deliver each laser beam to the patient's eye; an input unit for inputting mounting information of each laser source; a control unit which checks a predetermined operation of each laser source by a sensor at the time of activation to determine whether an abnormality is present or not in each laser source, and displays an indication that the abnormality is present on a display, wherein the control unit will not perform the operation check whether the abnormality is present or not in the laser source or laser sources unmounted in the main body, based on the mounting information input by

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for determining an ablation treatment for an eye of a patient. The systems and method may involve determining an ellipsoid shape corresponding to an anterior corneal surface of the patient's eye. The ellipsoid shape may include an anterior portion, a major axis, and an apex, where the major axis intersects the anterior portion at the apex. The systems and method may also involve determining a tilted orientation of the eye, such as when the patient fixates on a target during a laser ablation procedure. The systems and method may further involve determining the ablation treatment based on the ellipsoid shape and/or the tilted orientation.

Abstract: A method and system of treating connective tissue to increase flexibility of the connective tissue or decrease tension in the connective tissue includes forming perforations in the connective tissue to at least 90% of the depth or thickness of the connective tissue and maintaining the perforations in the connective tissue. The method alters the tissue to enhance the fundamental mechanisms involved the immunology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics of the metabolism of the connective tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for predicting the results of a therapeutic intervention to an eye. An imaging system is configured to provide image data representing at least a portion of the eye of the patient. An input device is configured to permit a user to design a proposed therapeutic intervention for the eye of the patient. A finite element modeling component is configured to generate a finite element model representing the condition of the eye of the patient after the proposed therapeutic intervention according to the image data, the proposed therapeutic intervention, and at least one biomechanical property of tissue comprising the eye. The generated model is constructed as to have no a priori restraints on the motion of the corneal limbus. A display is configured to display the generated model to the user.

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: An apparatus for cutting a flap in the cornea of an eye (10) exhibits the following: a laser radiation source for generating laser radiation, means for shaping and guiding the laser radiation in relation to the cornea (20) in such a manner that in the cornea an incision (28) arises which enables a folding of the flap (26) upwards from the cornea. In the process the incision (28) is guided in the hinge region (22) of the cornea in such a way that an undercut arises under the hinge region (22). By this means it is ensured that, in particular in the case of an fs LASIK, the intervention into the stroma is effected substantially symmetrically in relation to a central axis of the cornea (20), so that no undesirable deformations of the cornea result post-operatively by reason of the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A method for modifying a refractive property of ocular tissue in an eye by creating at least one optically-modified gradient index (GRIN) layer in the corneal stroma and/or the crystalline by continuously scanning a continuous stream of laser pulses having a focal volume from a laser having a known average power along a continuous line having a smoothly changing refractive index within the tissue, and varying either or both of the scan speed and the laser average power during the scan. The method may further involve determining a desired vision correction adjustment, and determining a position, number, and design parameters of gradient index (GRIN) layers to be created within the ocular tissue to provide the desired vision correction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a refractive surgical treatment that uses a laser which produces a succession of laser pulses applied to a material region. The laser pulses irradicates the material region to be divided where the energy of the individual pulse in less than the energy required to produce the material division or cutting.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser surgery apparatus for cutting a tissue in a cornea with laser light into a lenticular tissue corresponding to an amount of correction of refractive-error, includes: a pulse laser light source for outputting pulse laser light; an irradiation optical system including a moving optical system for moving a laser spot to which laser light is collected; a setting unit configured to set a cutting line for cutting the lenticular tissue to have a cut tissue by laser light irradiation such that the further cut lenticular tissue has a width equal to or less than a half of a diameter of the lenticular tissue, and that the further cut lenticular tissue is interlinked together without being separated from one another; and a control unit configured to drive the moving optical system based on the set cutting line and to cut a corneal tissue with laser light.

Abstract: A cornea center positioning method for excimer laser keratomileusis includes the following steps of establishing a horizontal offset model and a vertical offset model by way of measuring the pupil diameter and offset of the pupil center relative to the center of the corneal vertex under different luminance levels, and inputting data of the established models into a laser keratomileusis machine with an eye tracking system, which can dynamically track the pupil location and keep the ablation center precisely at the center of the corneal vertex.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a cutting instrument that creates incisions in selected areas of the cornea; an eye therapy system that applies reshaping forces to the cornea; and a controller that determines the selected areas of the cornea for the incisions and the reshaping forces from the eye therapy system, such that the reshaping forces and the incisions combine to achieve corrective reshaping of the cornea. Other systems and methods include measuring an eye to determine a required amount of reshaping of a cornea; determining one or more doses of cross-linking agent and one or more corresponding doses of photoactivating light according to the required amount of reshaping; applying the cross-linking agent to the cornea; and delivering, from a light source, the photoactivating light to the area of the eye, the photoactivating light combining with the cross-linking agent to induce the corrective reshaping of the cornea.

Abstract: A method for the reduction or elimination of astigmatism in an eye that includes an astigmatism axis, the method including determining an astigmatism axis of an eye and forming a first set of incisions in a cornea of the eye that are bisected by the astigmatism axis. The method including forming a second set of incisions in the cornea that are bisected by the astigmatism axis, wherein the first set of incisions and the second set of incisions reduce or eliminate astigmatism in the eye.

Abstract: The invention involves a device and a procedure for refractive laser surgery on a target object. With the aid of a laser beam source, an fs-impulse laser beam is generated. A second laser beam source generates a UV laser beam. A shared scanner device utilises the fs-impulse laser beam and the UV laser beam for the scanning of the target object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, for selective thermal treatment of tissue, below the surface, while avoiding injury to the superficial layers of the tissue. The apparatus comprises a reflective beam conversion system for providing a pre-selected therapeutic dose of light energy of optimal spectrum and optimal pulse duration to a confined target volumes at predetermined depth under the tissue surface, while reducing the thermal exposure of the surface of the tissue, and the overlying and surrounding tissues. The method is advantageous for treating a variety of medical and dermatological conditions in a safer and more effective manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for auto-titrating a surgical laser are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises: providing an algorithm, wherein the algorithm is operable to configure the laser based on one or more user inputs; providing a first user input operable to cause the algorithm to execute and fire the laser in a defined pattern; providing a second user input, in response to an observed condition, operable to cause the laser to stop firing and to cause the algorithm to determine one or more laser parameter values and configure the laser based on the one or more laser parameter values, wherein a final laser power value when the laser stops firing is an input to the algorithm and wherein the algorithm determines the one or more laser parameters based on the final laser power value. The method can further comprise placing the laser in a “ready” (surgical) mode, either automatically by the auto-titration algorithm or via another user input.

Abstract: A method for changing a property of an eye uses a continuously multifocal profile that includes a component for increasing a focal depth. The method includes calculating the component for increasing the focal depth to be rotation-symmetrical. Alternatively, or in addition, the calculating is carried out so as to optimize an encircled energy criterion over an extended range of depth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining an actual value of at least one system parameter or a deviation from a set value of at least one parameter of a system for the treatment of an eye using a treatment laser beam emitted by said system. According to the invention, the surface of a calibrating body is ablated with at least a partial beam of the treatment laser beam with a predetermined ablation program. The surface ablated by the treatment laser beam is examined by means of aberrometry and/or profilometry. The actual value of the system parameter or the deviation from the set value of the system parameter is determined on the basis of the examination data detected during the examination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for the treatment of a patient's eye. The system comprises a laser apparatus, a scanning apparatus and an eye tracking apparatus for determining the actual position of the patient's eye and for generating alignment data of the patient's eye relative to a reference position of the patient's eye to the laser, said eye tracking apparatus being provided with a desired treatment shot file. Said scanning apparatus is connected via a first bidirectional bus to the eye tracking apparatus, said laser apparatus is connected via a second bidirectional bus to the eye tracking apparatus. The eye tracking apparatus adjusts the position data for each shot based on said alignment data of the patient's eye and provides aiming control signals representative of the target position data to the scanning apparatus for said shot via said first bidirectional bus.

Abstract: A lens for correcting human vision, for example an IOL, contact lens or corneal inlay or onlay, that carries and interior phase or layer comprising a pattern of individual transparent adaptive displacement structures. In the exemplary embodiments, the displacement structures are actuated by shape change polymer that adjusts a shape or other parameter in response to applied energy that in turn displaces a fluid media within the lens that actuates a flexible lens surface. The adaptive optic means of the invention can be used to create highly localized surface corrections in the lens to correct higher order aberrations-which types of surfaces cannot be fabricated into and IOL and then implanted. The system of displacement structures also can provide spherical corrections in the lens.

Abstract: A vision correction system and an operating method thereof are provided. The vision correction system includes an evaluation device and a correction device. The evaluation device scans an eyeball of a person and records a spherical curvature of a cornea of the eyeball as an evaluation data. The correction device includes an operation unit for receiving the evaluation data recorded by the evaluation device, and operating on and converting the evaluation data into a correction data. The correction device further includes a laser unit controlled by the operation unit for respectively forming a correction area and a prevention area on the cornea of the eyeball of the person according to the correction data. The prevention area is formed as multiple convex arcs outwards from the correction area of the cornea of the eyeball, and each of convex arcs has a different radius.

Abstract: A laser system including a laser source that generates a laser beam and an optical switch that receives the laser beam and sends the laser beam to either a fast path or a slow path, wherein the F/# of the fast path is lower than the F/# of the slow path. The laser system includes an afocal optical system in the slow path and receives the laser beam from the optical switch and an x-y scanner that receives either a laser beam from the slow path or a laser beam from the fast path. The laser system including a scan lens system that performs a z-scan for the scanning laser beam only in the case wherein the scanning laser beam is generated from the laser beam in the fast path. The laser system including an aspheric patient interface device that receives a laser beam from the scan lens system.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for reprofiling a surface of a cornea of an eye ablate a portion of the cornea to create an ablation zone with an optically correct central optical zone disposed in a central portion of the cornea, and a blend zone disposed peripherally to the central optical zone and at least partially within an optical zone of the eye. The blend zone can have an optical power that gradually diminishes with increasing radius from the central optical zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods of incising a portion of a material include creating a sub-surface separation in a region of the material, and incising a periphery of the region with a pulsed laser beam to produce an edge of the portion. The edge includes a periodically varying shape to secure the portion to the material when the portion is reintegrated. The system includes a laser producing the pulsed laser beam, a scanner operable in response to a control signal, and a controller coupled to the scanner. The controller produces the control signal. In response to the control signal, the scanner creates a sub-surface separation in the region with the pulsed laser beam and incises the periphery of the region with the pulsed laser beam to produce the edge with the periodically varying shape.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing an epithelial layer disposed over a stromal layer in a cornea irradiate a region of the epithelial layer with a pulsed beam of ablative radiation. The ablative radiation is scanned to vary the location of the beam within the region in accordance with a pulse sequence. The pulse sequence is arranged to enhance optical feedback based on a tissue fluorescence of the epithelial layer. The penetration of the epithelial layer is detected in response to the optical feedback. The use of scanning with the pulse sequence arranged to enhance optical feedback allows large areas of the epithelium to be ablated such that an operator can detect penetration of the epithelial layer.

Abstract: A laser system that includes a laser source emitting a laser beam along an axis and a keratometer. The keratometer includes a first set of individual light sources that are equally spaced from one another along a first ring and that direct a first light toward an eye and a second set of individual light sources that are equally spaced from another along a second ring and direct a second light toward the eye, wherein the first ring and said second ring are co-planar and concentric with one another about the axis. The laser system includes a telecentric lens that receives the first light and second light reflected off of the eye and a detector that receives light from the telecentric lens and forms an image. The laser system also includes a processor that receives signals from said detector representative of the image and determines an astigmatism axis of the eye based on the signals.