Abstract: A device for removing gas and debris from the stroma of an eye during ophthalmic laser surgery includes a contact lens that is formed with a recessed chamber. The device also includes a suction pump that is connected in fluid communication with the recessed chamber. In operation, the stroma is stabilized in the recessed chamber of the contact lens and an opening into the stroma is created. This opening is created either by the laser beam, or by a probe that is mounted on the contact lens to penetrate the stroma while the stroma is stabilized in the recessed chamber of the contact lens. Then, simultaneously or subsequently, as a laser beam is directed through the contact lens to photodisrupt tissue in the stroma the suction pump is activated to aspirate the resultant gas and debris through the opening and out of the stroma.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus provided with a light delivery optical system for delivering a laser beam for treatment from a laser source to a treatment area of a patient's eye to irradiate the treatment area is disclosed. The light delivery optical system includes a homogenizer optical system which substantially uniformizes an energy distribution of the laser beam; a relay optical system having lenses for relaying an image of an exit end face of the homogenizer optical system onto the treatment area; and a distortion generating optical system which is disposed between the homogenizer optical system and the relay optical system and generates a negative distortion in the exit end face image to be formed on the treatment area.

Abstract: A medical instrument for phacoemulsification with which the biological tissue of a lens of the eye is comminuted by the introduction of energy, the comminuted product is sucked out through an incision in the cornea, while intraocular pressure is maintained by supplying an irrigating liquid. In an instrument of the type mentioned above, two cannulas are provided for sucking out the ablated lens material and for supplying the irrigating liquid and are connected, via feed lines, with the suction device and with the supply device. A switchable directional valve is provided in the feed lines between the cannulas and the suction device and supply device, by means of which, in a first valve position, a first cannula is connected with the suction device and the second cannula is connected with the supply device and, in a second valve position, the second cannula is connected with the suction device and the first cannula is connected with the supply device.

Abstract: An electro-optical system is provided for use with a target site and configured with pre-programmable energy output functions for customized TPT protocols. One or more laser sources are provided producing an output beam. A control device is coupled to the laser source. The control device includes a memory that stores at least one laser source energy output function. The laser source energy output function is used to create an intra-operatively invisible therapeutic treatment with enhanced thermotolerance which minimize iatrogenic damage to surrounding structures.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for removing the lens of the eye in which pulsed ultrasound and laser energy are transmitted by means of an optical fiber delivery system to the lens of the eye for therapeutic purposes. The parameters of laser radiation are chosen to optimize the processes of photo-phacoablation and photo-phacodisruption. The vibrational frequencies of ultrasound are selected to optimize sono-fragmentation sono-cavitation. Both laser radiation and ultrasound energy are delivered in effective combinations to maximize the precise removal of cataractous lens material.

Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of lens tissue includes a first handpiece having a laser emitting probe sized for insertion into a lens capsule and radiating a lens therein. The laser emitting probe includes a lumen for introducing irrigation fluid into the lens capsule. A second handpiece includes a vibrated needle for insertion into the lens capsule and emulsifying laser eradiated lens tissue. The vibrated needle includes a lumen therethrough for aspiration of emulsified lens tissue and irrigation fluid.

Abstract: A method for treating abnormal blood vessel growth and proliferation is disclosed. Members of the hypocrellin class of compounds such as hypocrellin A, hypocrellin B, and/or amino-substituted derivatives of hypocrellin B are administered and photoactivated with photodynamic therapy. The method may be used, for example, to treat ocular blood vessel proliferation as occurs with macular degeneration.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing cataractous lens tissue (22) in a human or animal eye and substitution of the lens with replacement material (48) utilizing an apparatus in the form of a surgical instrument (42). The process contains the steps of injecting a therapeutic photosensitive agent (20) into the lens tissue, allowing a predetermined amount of time to elapse, exposing the photosensitive substance to a source of light energy at a predetermined period of time and wavelength causing the lens to microfracture and liquefy. Following this procedure the liquefied lens tissue is evacuated with the surgical instrument, and a lens replacement material is injected into the lens capsule (28) through the surgical instrument to reconstitute the intralenticular space and serve as a refracting medium. The dual cannula surgical instrument consists of a hollow cylindrical body (52) with a parallel shank (58) and a tapered section (60) on one end.

Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus and method for treating open angle glaucoma in a human eye comprises thermally ablating a targeted region of the trabecular meshwork of a human eye by irradiating the region with a beam of pulsed laser radiation. The beam of pulsed radiation has a wavelength between 350 and 1300 nanometers, energy of 10 to 500 millijoules per pulse, and pulse duration of 0.1 to 50 microseconds. The beam is non-invasively delivered gonioscopically through the cornea onto a targeted region of the trabecular meshwork. The targeted region of the trabecular meshwork is illuminated at a spot size of between 50 and 300 microns in diameter.

Abstract: A patient monitoring device includes a microprocessor controller having a clock circuit and memory coupled to one or more sensors physically carried by a medical appliance such that as the medical appliance is properly fitted to and worn by the patient, the sensors provide an electrical signal confirming that which may be then timed to provide data which confirms a patient's compliance with a recommended protocol. By combining and correlating the sensor data with the clock or timer provided as part of the controller, a time chart of data may be created indicating when and for how long the patient actually wears the device. Additionally, other sensors may be used to collect data relating to various operational parameters of the device including the amount of negative pressure presented under a vacuum dome or other parameters related to the operation of the medical appliance itself, as desired.

Abstract: A system and method is provided to accurately treat sites on an eye's retina employing computer based image generation, processing and central control means in conjunction with diode laser sources and optical fibers. The system and method accurately determine geometry of a treatment zone of a specific eye's fundus and adjust a treatment beam to irradiate the treatment zone with minimal coverage of adjacent well tissue. The treatment zone or zone is accurately determined with digital processing of angiographic data and slit lamp image data. This information is integrated with information on the treatment beam characteristics to better match treatment beam coverage with minimal overlap with healthy areas of the fundus. Additionally preferred embodiments also have the ability to automatically track eye movement and switch the beam source depending on eye movement, adjusting the beam spot area in real time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presbyopia correction are disclosed. The disclosed preferred embodiments of the system consists of a beam spot controller, a beam delivery device, a slit lamp, a visible aiming beam and a selected solid state laser having a wavelength of (0.9-1.4) microns. Presbyopia is treated by the thermal contraction of the human zonnulas with a temperature increase of about (15-50) degree-C generated by the selected lasers. The near infrared laser is focused and delivered by a gonio lens to the target zonnulas area and viewed by a surgeon using a slip lamp. The selected laser having an optimal absorption characteristics is tightly focused such that only the target zonnulas is heated, while the cornea, the lens body and the adjacent areas are not damaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand piece which is used to manually direct a laser beam onto biological tissue for the purpose of cosmetic or medical treatment A start/stop signal transmitter (11) for a laser beam source (7) integrated into the inventive hand piece and at least one control device (12) for preselecting and/or changing the physical parameters of the laser beam (3) is also integrated therein. The inventive device allows an operator to activate and regulate the laser independently of a foot pedal device. When the parameters have to be adjusted during treatment, the operator no longer needs to avert his or her gaze from the treatment site and look at a control module placed at a distance from the treatment site.

Abstract: A system for non-invasive treatment of a patient's trabecular meshwork to treat primary open-angle glaucoma, exfoliation glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma wherein the meshwork can be clogged with cellular debris and other accumulations. The system and technique applies energy directly to media within clogged spaces in a patient's trabecular meshwork to increase aqueous outflow facility by (i) localization of microimplantable bodies carrying a selected exogenous chromophore in deeper regions of the trabecular meshwork and (ii) irradiation of the microimplantables with a selected coherent wavelength having a power level and pulse duration that is strongly absorbed by the exogenous chromophore. The chromophores are preferably carried in uniform nanocystalline particles having an average diameter ranging from about 0.5 nm to 20 nm.

Abstract: A surgical laser probe and system combines a laser diode array remotely connected to a hand-held surgical probe by a fiber bundle. The surgical probe includes a laser head which produces a laser beam for surgical tissue ablation that is delivered through a disposable intraocular probe tip. The probe tip is made of a short section of optical fiber. Preferably, the laser head is an Er:YAG rod pumped by energy from the laser diode array to operate at a wavelength of 2.94 microns. Auxiliary water and thermal electric cooling integral to the hand piece cools the laser head.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing cataractous lens tissue (22) in a human or animal eye and substitution of the lens with replacement material (48) utilizing an apparatus in the form of a surgical instrument (42). The process contains the steps of injecting a therapeutic photosensitive agent (20) into the lens tissue, allowing a predetermined amount of time to elapse, exposing the photosensitive substance to a source of light energy at a predetermined period of time and wavelength causing the lens to microfracture and liquefy. Following this procedure the liquefied lens tissue is evacuated with the surgical instrument, and a lens replacement material is injected into the lens capsule (28) through the surgical instrument to reconstitute the intralenticular space and serve as a refracting medium. The dual cannula surgical instrument consists of a hollow cylindrical body (52) with a parallel shank (58) and a tapered section (60) on one end.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: The invention provides laser eye surgery devices, systems, and methods which measure the refractive error in the eye before, during, and/or after vision correction surgery. The invention allows adjustments during the vision correction operation, and allows qualitative and/or quantitative measurements of the progress of photorefractive treatments by projecting and imaging reference images though the cornea and other components of the ocular optical system. A slope of an image quality value such as an Optical Transfer Function may be monitored during the procedure to help determine when to terminate treatment.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of glaucoma with a laser catheter and a light-conducting fiber arrangement, into the proximal end of which light can be coupled and at the distal end of which a light-emerging surface is provided which, during the treatment, is opposite to a bent stent, which is disposed in Schlemm's canal, the stent having an essentially triangular cross section in such a manner, that the light-emerging surface is essentially congruent with the opposite side surface of the stent in Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery system and method for treating presbyopia by performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface. The offset image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed to ablate an optical zone sized to match the patient pupil with a peripheral transition zone outside the pupil. The shape of the ablated optical zone is different from the shape of the final optical correction on the anterior surface of the cornea. The optical zone corrects for near-vision centrally and far-vision peripherally. A movable image displacement mechanism enables radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture.

Abstract: A device for treating bodily substances, in particular for intraocular cataract surgery, said device comprising a laser beam source, for example, an erbium YAG laser, which produces pulsed laser radiation at wavelengths in the infrared range. A control device comprises a first arrangement (38, 48) by means of which an acceptable range for the pulse energy and/or pulse length and/or pulse frequency can be predetermined before an operation, and a second arrangement (34, 36, 40, 42) by means of which the pulse energy and/or pulse length and/or pulse frequency can be adjusted to a given value or values within the predetermined range during the operation.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for treating an affected part to irradiate it with a laser beam. The apparatus includes a laser source which emits a treatment laser beam, a light delivery optical system for delivering the laser beam from the laser source to the affected part, an adjustment device for shifting a focal position of the laser beam to be applied to the affected part in an optical axis direction with respect to a focal position of an aiming light, an input device for inputting a signal for commanding the adjustment device to adjust the focal position of the laser beam or a signal for confirmation of a condition of the focal position which has been adjusted by the adjustment device, an instruction device for inputting an instruction signal to apply the laser beam to the affected part, and a warning device for providing warning to an operator in response to the instruction signal input with the instruction device, when neither the adjustment command signal nor the confirmation signal has been input.

Abstract: A method for the laser photoablation of ocular lens tissue comprises the steps of determining a volume of the lens tissue to be photoablated and directing a pulsed, infrared laser beam at the volume with an amount of energy effective for photoablating the determined region without causing substantial damage to surrounding tissue regions. The laser beam is initially directed at a focal point below an anterior surface of the ocular lens and such focal point is moved towards the ocular lens anterior surface in order to ablate the determined volume. The laser is preferably an Nd:YLF laser operating at a frequency of about 1053 nanometers and a pulse repetition rate of about 1000 Hertz with a pulse width of about 60 picoseconds. Each pulse has an energy of about 30 microjoules. The laser operates with a focused beam diameter of about 20 microns and operates with a “zone of effect” of no greater than about 50 microns.

Abstract: A device for removing cataracts comprises a source of pulse laser radiation, including a laser tip, and means for irrigation-aspiration provided with a tip. The tips serve for insertion into an eye cavity through first and second cuts and have a working part serving for placement in the anterior section of the eye when a cataract-changed lens is being removed. The laser tip is placed at an angle which is within the range of from 1 to 180 degrees relative to the tip of the means for irrigation-aspiration. Means for concentrating an acoustic wave is made in the form of at least one hollow body, the walls of which are made of a material, the light absorption factor of which at the wavelength of laser radiation is within the range of from 0.001 cm−1 to 10 000 cm−1, and the ratio of the length of which to the internal diameter is within the range of from 1 to 100.

Abstract: A method for treating presbyopia by performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface. The offset image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed to ablate an optical zone sized to match the patient pupil with a peripheral transition zone outside the pupil. The shape of the ablated optical zone is different from the shape of the final optical correction on the anterior surface of the cornea. The optical zone corrects for near-vision centrally and far-vision peripherally. A movable image displacement mechanism enables radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture.

Abstract: A method and surgical technique for corneal reshaping and for presbyopia correction are provided. The preferred embodiments of the system consists of a scanner, a beam spot controller and coupling fibers and the basic laser having a wavelength of (190-310) nm, (0.5-3.2) microns and (5.6-6.2) microns and a pulse duration of about (10-150) nanoseconds, (10-500) microseconds and true continuous wave. New mid-infrared gas lasers are provided for the corneal reshaping procedures. Presbyopia is treated by a method which uses ablative laser to ablate the sclera tissue and increase the accommodation of the ciliary body. The tissue bleeding is prevented by a dual-beam system having ablative and coagulation lasers. The preferred embodiments include short pulse ablative lasers (pulse duration less than 200 microseconds) with wavelength range of (0.15-3.2) microns and the long pulse (longer than 200 microseconds) coagulative lasers at (0.5-10.6) microns.

Abstract: A laser and a laser probe are used in conjunction with a suture to remove a blockage in Schlemm's canal. The suture is advanced into Schlemm's canal until the suture comes into contact with tissue blocking the canal. The laser probe follows the path of suture until the laser probe is proximal to tissue blocking the canal. The laser is activated to apply pulsed laser energy to the tissue blocking the canal, thereby ablating the occluding tissue to reopen Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for performing treatments on a patient's eye by irradiating a laser beam is provided with an observation optical system including eyepieces through which a patient's eye is observed, wherein the brightness of a display part for displaying setting information such as laser irradiation conditions and others is controlled based on the light reception quantity detected by a light quantity detecting device.

Abstract: A method of performing trabeculodissection to treat glaucoma uses a galvanometric scanning laser delivery system. A scleral flap is cut to expose the treatment area of the trabecular meshwork. The arc of the treatment area is made as wide as the trabecular meshwork limited by the circumference of the limbal area around the patient's eye. A laser, preferably of the excimer type, is used to treat small test areas in successive discrete zones along the arc of the treatment area in the bed of the scleral flap to determine the precise depth of ablation required over the entirety of each zone to promote filtration without penetration of the treatment zone. The laser then treats discrete zones over the length of the arc to remove in scan layers so as to process discrete ablated zones of minimal residual thickness. The treatment of successive zones allows ablation along the length of the treatment arc without interference from actively draining aqueous.

Abstract: A method of aligning the visual axis of a patient's eye with the optical axis of a beam of laser radiation for shaping the cornea by ablation includes the steps of optically folding the optical axis of a visible light laser into the optical axis of the ablation laser, aligning the optical axis of the ablation laser and the visible light laser to be both parallel and concentric where they impinge on the cornea of the patient's eye, adjusting the relative position between the patient's eye and the beam of visible radiation until the patient observes a characteristic flare around a spot of visible light.

Abstract: An ab interno method for transscleral photodisruption of tissue on the interior surface of the sclera includes selecting a wavelength for a laser beam. The selected wavelength may be either from a first range of wavelengths (0.4-1.4 .mu.m) which is normally strongly scattered as it is transmitted through the sclera, or from a second range of longer wavelengths (1.5-2.5 .mu.m) which is less scattered as it is transmitted through the sclera. If the first range of wavelengths is selected, a chemical agent may be applied to the sclera to make it effectively transparent, but this may not be necessary. In either case, the laser beam is focused directly through the sclera to a focal point on the interior surface of the sclera. Once focused, the laser beam is activated to photodisrupt scleral tissue at the focal point. The laser beam is then moved in a pattern and refocused at successive focal points to photodisrupt scleral tissue at each of the focal points.

Abstract: A medical apparatus especially for lowering intraocular pressure by acting on the Schlemm's canal and on the tissue of the trabecular meshwork directly in contact with the Schlemm's canal, including a probe containing a photoconductor which is curved or elastically or plastically deformable to a curved configuration and which is connected to a laser, the photoconductor having a surface coating having at least one emission window therein facing the inner curvature of the photoconductor, the emission window permitting a laser beam to issue from the photoconductor at an angle of 90.degree. to the curvature of the photoconductor.

Abstract: An aspirating handpiece for laser surgical applications, includes an elongated hollow cylindrical probe member (22). A proximal end (24) of the probe member is arranged such that aspiration means can be connected therewith, and a distal end (26) of the probe member has an aperture therein for receiving matter to be aspirated. An elongated optical fiber (50) extends along the probe member with the distal end (59) of the fiber proximate the aperture therein. The proximal end (52) of the fiber is arranged to receive laser radiation. The probe member has an inside diameter progressively increasing from the distal end thereof to the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A laser photo optic breakdown probe and handpiece system especially suited for small-incision cataract removal including an optical fiber through which a pulsed source of laser energy is delivered to a target spaced from the distal end of the fiber. The fiber is routed through a first guide tube with the target mounted at an angle on the end thereof. Holes are provided in the guide tube for the flow of infusion fluid therethrough. A second aspiration tube surrounds and provides rigidity to the guide tube, shields the distal end of the fiber and target, and serves as a channel for aspirated fluids and dislodged cataractous material. The guide tube is affixed to a transfer housing to which infusion and aspiration connections are made. The aspiration tube forms part of a handle assembly which is detachably coupled to the transfer housing.

Abstract: A device and system for creating small (e.g., less than 3 mm and preferably about 1 mm in cross dimension) openings in the anterior lens capsule of a mammalian eye to facilitate insertion of lens reduction/removal device(s) and/or cannulae for injecting flowable lens replacement materials into the lens capsule. The device generally comprises a handpiece having an electrosurgical probe extending forwardly therefrom. The electrosurgical probe incorporates an annular tip electrode which is positionable in contact with the lens capsule, to create the desired less than 3 mm opening therein. The annular electrode tip may be either monopolar or bipolar in design.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus providing a slit-lamp microscope with which an eye of a patient is observed, a box unit which is provided with an optical system to deliver a laser beam inside an observing visual field of the slit-lamp microscope, an attachable device which mounts the box unit on the slit-lamp microscope, and an optical fiber through which a laser beam for ophthalmic treatment is delivered to the box unit, wherein the box unit is provided with a dichroic mirror having characteristics of reflecting the laser beam for treatment to the patient's eye while absorbing a therapeutic surgery laser beam being incident to the dichroic mirror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing cataracts in which a flexible line preferably 1 mm or less in diameter is inserted through an incision into the anterior chamber until its end is adjacent the cataract. Coherent radiation, preferably at a frequency between 193 and 351 nm, is coupled to the cataract by an optical fiber in the line. An irrigation sleeve provided about the fiber and an aspiration sleeve extending partially around the irrigation sleeve conduct irrigating liquid to and remove ablated material from the anterior chamber and form with the optical fiber the flexible line.

Abstract: A surgical needle with an open distal port at which tissue to be fractured is positioned contains an optical fiber for providing pulses of laser energy and a titanium target that receives these pulses. The target converts the energy in the electromagnetic pulses to shockwaves that impinge on the tissue at the port causing the tissue to fracture. The target has one or more steps such that vaporization of the target by the laser pulses leaves a surface which directly faces the port so that the continued conversion of laser energy to mechanical shockwaves will provide shockwaves that are not blocked in traveling to the port at which the tissue is located.

Abstract: A technique for automated design of a corneal surgical procedure includes topographical measurements of a patient's eye to obtain corneal surface topography. Conventional techniques are used to obtain the thickness of the cornea and the intraocular pressure. The topographical information is interpolated and extrapolated to fit the nodes of a finite element analysis model of the eye, which is then analyzed to predict the initial state of stress of the eye and obtain pre-operative curvatures of the cornea. Incision data constituting the "initial" surgical plan is incorporated into the finite element analysis model. A new analysis then is performed to simulate resulting deformations, stresses, and curvatures of the eye. They are compared to the original values thereof and to the vision objective. If necessary, the surgical plan is modified, and the resulting new incision data is entered into the model and the analysis is repeated. This procedure is repeated until the vision objectives are met.

Abstract: A laser is used to reopen the natural drainage passageways in the eye or to form new passageways to enable the drainage of the aqueous humor from the eye. In one procedure, an Er:YAG laser is used to ablate occluding tissue in Schlemm's canal. In another procedure, the Er:YAG laser is used to open occluded openings in the ciliary body. In yet another procedure, the Er:YAG laser is used to form a new passageway comprising a plurality of interconnected passageway segments from the exterior of the eye through the sclera to the anterior chamber to enable the drainage of the aqueous humor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing cataracts in which a flexible line preferably 1 mm or less in diameter is inserted through an incision into the anterior chamber until its end is adjacent the cataract. Coherent radiation, preferably at a frequency between 193 and 351 nm, is coupled to the cataract by an optical fiber in the line. An irrigation sleeve provided about the fiber and an aspiration sleeve extending partially around the irrigation sleeve conduct irrigating liquid to and remove ablated material from the anterior chamber and form with the optical fiber the flexible line.

Abstract: A method for prophylactic therapy for post-cataract extraction posterior capsular opacification of an eye having a lens posterior capsule, the method including the step of irradiating the lens capsule with laser radiation so as to destroy cells which remain in the lens capsule after extraction of the cataract, the laser radiation being substantially absorbable in water and of a level less than that required to rupture the lens capsule.

Abstract: A method of cutting and removing a wrapping from an intraocular lens implant within the eye. The method employs either a laser beam to effect the curing or an ultrasonic vibratory probe to effect the cutting. Once cut, the lens is free to unroll within the eye. The wrapping is then removed from the eye.

Abstract: A system and device for sculpturing a laser beam along a laser axis to a target upon command using a device between the laser source and the target. The device includes an adjustable iris aperture perpendicular to the axis. At least one door is aligned to limit the laser beam path. A controller adjusts the aperture and the door to sculpture the laser beam in a predetermined pattern. The controller also controls the laser to direct a laser beam on a target in the predetermined pattern which may be pulsed, the duration and intensity of the pulses being controlled by the controller. An encoders locates the iris and the door with respect to the axis for comparison of the positions with the predetermined pattern. The device is rotatable in clockwise and counterclockwise directions by at least 180 degrees.

Abstract: A disposable fiber optic sleeve for attachment at the forefront of a surgical instrument. The sleeve is an elongated tubular shape and incorporates multiple fiber optic bundles for transmission of visible light to enhance intraocular visualization. Additional bundles of optical fibers may provide for the application of laser beam and video transmission to intraocular tissue. The sleeve is constructed of inexpensive plastic materials and is designed to be disposable after a single or several uses.

Abstract: A method for performing a trabeculodissection comprising the steps of forming a scleral flap, determining the treatment arc of tissue located under the scleral flap, designating a number of discrete test areas along the treatment arc under the scleral flap, performing test ablations within the discrete test areas with a galvanometric scanning laser delivery system, determing the discrete treatment zones corresponding to the test areas, programming the galvanometric scanning laser delivery system based upon the results of the test ablations, ablating the tissue, and repairing the sclearal flap.

Abstract: Presbyopia and hyperopia are treated by a method which increases the amplitude of accommodation by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle in the presbyopic eye. The effective working distance of the ciliary muscle can be increased by expanding the sclera in the region of the ciliary body. This expansion is accomplished by suturing to the sclera a relatively rigid band having a diameter slightly greater than that of the sclera in the region of the ciliary body, by weakening the sclera overlying the ciliary body, by surgical procedures or treatment with enzymes, heat or radiation, whereby intraocular pressure expands the weakened sclera, or by surgical alloplasty. The effective working distance of the ciliary muscle can also be increased by shortening the zonules by application of heat or radiation, by repositioning one or both insertions of the ciliary muscle or by shortening the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: Presbyopia and hyperopia are treated by a method which increases the amplitude of accommodation by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle in the presbyopic eye. The effective working distance of the ciliary muscle can be increased by expanding the sclera in the region of the ciliary body. This expansion is accomplished by suturing to the sclera a relatively rigid band having a diameter slightly greater than that of the sclera in the region of the ciliary body, by weakening the sclera overlying the ciliary body, by surgical procedures or treatment with enzymes, heat or radiation, whereby intraocular pressure expands the weakened sclera, or by surgical alloplasty. The effective working distance of the ciliary muscle can also be increased by shortening the zonules by application of heat or radiation, by repositioning one or both insertions of the ciliary muscle or by shortening the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing a filtering operation for glaucoma. The apparatus is a jig comprising a base for supporting the jig on the eye. An offset aperture in the base above the cornea allows cutting of a flap in the sclera. An arm is provided for supporting an oscillating blade and fiberoptic laser assembly. The blade and laser are mounted on the arm. The arm is located in the base of the jig in a slot. To cut a flap in the sclera, the oscillating blade and laser assembly is slid along the slot in the jig, thereby creating a proper angle of dissection with the blade. After the flap is elevated, the fiberoptic laser burns a hole through the choroid layer. An egress of fluid through the hole eliminates the excess pressure in the vitreous humor.

Abstract: Presbyopia and hyperopia are treated by a method which increases the amplitude of accommodation by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle in the presbyopic eye. The effective working distance of the ciliary muscle can be increased by expanding the sclera in the region of the ciliary body. This expansion is accomplished by suturing to the sclera a relatively rigid band having a diameter slightly greater than that of the sclera in the region of the ciliary body, by weakening the sclera overlying the ciliary body, by surgical procedures or treatment with enzymes, heat or radiation, whereby intraocular pressure expands the weakened sclera, or by surgical alloplasty. The effective working distance of the ciliary muscle can also be increased by shortening the zonules by application of heat or radiation, by repositioning one or both insertions of the ciliary muscle or by shortening the ciliary muscle.