Abstract: A device for pinpoint application of micro-quantities of a pharmacologically suitable composition to the outer hard coat of the eye, comprises a micro-container with a fixation element. The micro-container comprises a bore whose aperture is adapted to contact the eye surface, and the fixation element is adapted for reversibly adhering to the eye surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing posterior capsular opacification. The apparatus includes a probe configured for insertion into the lens capsule of an eye undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction. The probe is further configured to deliver energy therefrom to tissues within the lens capsule in order to kill residual lens epithelial cells. The method includes the steps of inserting a probe constructed in accordance with the apparatus of present invention into the lens capsule of the eye, delivering energy to the probe such that residual lens epithelial cells within the lens capsule are killed, ceasing the delivery of energy to the probe, and removing the probe from the eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying residual lens epithelial cells. The apparatus includes a probe configured for insertion into the eye between the iris and the lens capsule. The probe is further configured to deliver energy therefrom to residual lens epithelial cells within the lens capsule in order to destroy them. The method includes the steps of inserting a probe constructed in accordance with the apparatus of present invention into the eye such that a distal end portion of the probe is disposed between the iris and the lens capsule, delivering energy to the probe such that residual lens epithelial cells within the lens capsule are destroyed, ceasing the delivery of energy to the probe, and removing the probe from the eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser system is disclosed for removing cataractous tissue from the lens capsule of an eye by phacofragmentation of the lens tissue for subsequent aspiration of the treated tissue. More specifically, a cutting laser is provided which creates a plurality of computer controlled and directed incisions in various strata through the lens tissue. Within each stratum, each incision is computer controlled and is made in the direction from a posterior to an anterior position. The strata are stacked on each other in the posterior-anterior direction, and each includes a plurality of minute incisions. The most posterior stratum of incisions is created first by referencing the cutting laser back into the lens tissue from the posterior capsule. Subsequent, more anterior strata, are created by referencing the cutting layer from the tissue treated by the previous stratum of incisions.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe and its use in performing a sclerostomy (forming a small hole in the sclera of an eye) as a treatment for glaucoma. The minimally dimensioned probe is designed to direct laser light out of its side and, as a result, allows a sclerostomy procedure to be performed with minimal trauma to the conjunctiva and other surrounding ocular tissues of the patient. A series of pulses of infrared laser radiation delivered through the side of the probe forms the hole in the sclera.

Abstract: A laser may be used to soften the cataractous tissue prior to removal with the wedge-tipped probe. The cataract softening or other laser energy used during the surgical procedure being performed may be delivered through the operating microscope. In the case of cataract softening, when the laser is so delivered, no delay is required between cataract softening and cataract removal.

Abstract: A laser (e.g., excimer laser) and masking apparatus performs controlled sculpting of eye surfaces, such as corneal surfaces. The masking system includes a single/multi-layer (e.g., metallic) coated substrate (e.g., fused silica) with multiple openings in the substrate of desired size, shape and spacing to control the power transmission of a laser used in conjunction with the mask. The power transmission is controlled through the use of diffraction and absorption. The power transmission can be attuned to a particular surface by using topographical information of the surface in question. The surgeon can observe the topographical information and then pattern the openings (size, number, shape, spacing) so that reshaping can be done with greater intensity (using larger or more openings) to remove more corneal tissue in areas that the surgeon feels need more reshaping.

Abstract: This invention contemplates the use of a surgical laser device characterized by ultra-violet or infrared radiation to achieve controlled trabeculodissection in selected regions of the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's Canal. The surgical laser is positioned over the corneoscleral bed for non-contact delivery, or, alternatively, it is inserted under a sclera flap with a contact tip and laser radiation is directed toward the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm creating an ultra-thin trabecular meshwork and Canal of Schlemm. The outflow of aqueous humor through the disected trabecular meshwork functions as a self-limiting end point to the surgery when the aqueous humor absorbs the laser energy.

Abstract: A sponge which is placed on the cornea for laser treatment to absorb unavoidable exuded fluids from the peribulber. This corneal sponge offers protectiveness, convenience and improved effectiveness of corneal laser therapy. The corneal sponge has a surgical space to expose the portion of the cornea to be treated, and is marked for accurate and easy alignment of the microscopic field. The corneal sponge contains a cool ophthalmic solution used to minimize inflammatory response which may cause postoperative complications such as corneal haze and inconsistent corneal refractions.

Abstract: A fistula is created in the sclera of a glaucoma patient by creating a passageway through the conjunctiva into the subconjunctival space of the patient. The passageway may be realized by an incision but is preferably realized as the inner lumen of a needle or sheath. One option for creating such an incision is to use an optical fiber shaped like a needle to create the incision. The passageway enables an optical fiber to pass into the subconjunctival space. Liquid is then infused into the subconjunctival space to raise the conjunctiva slightly to heighten maneuverability of the optical fiber within the subconjunctival space. The optical fiber is then positioned near a target sight on the sclera of the patient's eye. Laser radiation is transmitted down the optical fiber to create a fistula.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery probe assembly includes a handpiece having a handpiece body and a hollow tip of a size suitable for insertion into a human eye, the hollow tip extending distally from the handpiece body. A laser connector is provided for connection to a laser source. A first optical fiber terminates at its proximal end in the laser connector and terminates at the distal end in the handpiece for transmitting laser light from the laser source to an eye to be treated, the first optical fiber extending at least partially through the handpiece tip. An illumination connector is provided for connection to an illumination source. A second optical fiber terminates at its proximal end in the illumination connector and terminates at the distal end in the handpiece for transmitting illumination from the illumination source to an eye to be treated, the second optical fiber extending at least partially through the handpiece tip.

Abstract: An eye stabilizing mechanism for use with a computer controlled ophthalmic laser system includes a base on which the ophthalmic laser system is mounted. A frame is slidingly mounted on the base, and the frame is connected to the base by a linear spring. A contact lens is fixedly attached to the frame and an object lens is slidingly mounted on the frame. An object lens activating device is also fixedly attached to the frame, and this device is connected to the object lens to move the object lens in accordance with preprogrammed instructions from the computer. Thus, while contact is maintained between the surface of the eye and the contact lens, the object lens can be moved by computer control to move the focal point of the laser system through selected eye tissue. Also, any movement of the frame, due to movement of the eye, is opposed only by the substantially constant force which is established by the linear spring between the base and the frame.

Abstract: A surgical instrument in the form of, for example, a two mm needle has an open distal aspiration port for holding tissue to be fractured. An optical fiber extends along the length of the needle and has it's distal end positioned close to a metal target. Pulses of laser energy are discharged from the distal end of the optical fiber to strike the target. The target acts as a transducer converting the electromagnetic energy to shockwaves that are directed onto tissue in an operating zone adjacent to the aspiration port. The mechanical shockwaves cause the tissue to fracture and the tissue, together with the irrigating fluid is drawn out through an aspirating passageway. A flexible as the needle enhances access to various area where tissue is to be fractured.

Abstract: A laser delivery system for ophthalmic surgery and the like includes a handpiece, a laser connector, and an optical fiber for transmitting laser light from a laser source to an eye to be treated. The optical fiber extends through the handpiece tip. The tip also includes a fluid path from the distal end thereof to the interior of the handpiece body. The handpiece body has a fluid path in fluid communication with the fluid path of the tip, which fluid path extends to the exterior of the handpiece. The probe is inserted into the eye during surgery and may have multiple functions, reducing surgical complications. Fluid in the eye may flow through the tip and the handpiece body while laser light from the laser source is directed by the optical fiber into the eye. Structure is provided for refluxing material in the tip back into the eye as desired by the user. Alternatively, fluid may be delivered through the handpiece and tip to the surgical site if needed.

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: A system for lighting a field for diagnosis or microsurgery, especially eye surgery. Basically, in one embodiment a ring light having a diameter sufficient to surround the objective lens of a surgical microscope is mounted on a housing adjacent to the objective lens. The ring light provides broad, shadowless illumination over the surgical site. In addition, where surgery of the cornea is to be undertaken, a ring of light is reflected from the cornea surface and can be observed through the microscope as indicative of astigmatism. In alternate embodiment, two smaller ring lights are mounted on the housing surrounding and coaxial with the microscope entrance pupils. In this case two circular rings in a figure eight configuration are projected onto the cornea. A light intensity varying mechanism controls ring light intensity. A center light is provided between the objective lenses providing a point source for uniformly illuminating the central portion of the microsurgery site.

Abstract: An effective method for welding corneal and/or scleral tissues. To join the tissues, laser light is applied using a wavelength which enables penetration of the light to a tissue depth of about 0.2-2.0 mm. The wavelength is selected from within one of the following ranges: (1) 1400-1900 nm, or (2) 2100-2400 nm. In epikeratophakia procedures, the wavelength ranges will be 1900-2100 nm or 2400-2650 nm, allowing a tissue penetration depth of about 0.05-0.2 mm. A laser power output value is selected so that the tissue temperature during welding remains at about 44.degree.-60.degree. C. This value is between about 30 mW-1.5 W. The laser light may be applied in the form of a spot-type beam, an elongate beam, or an annular beam. Application of laser light in the foregoing manner enables ocular tissues to be safely and effectively welded, and is useful in corneal transplantation.

Abstract: A hand-held phaco-extractor instrument comprises an elongate tubular irrigation/aspiration system for a distal or operating end, wherein a fiber-optic cable delivers laser-irradiation of wavelength which is so substantially coincident with the known high absorptivity in water that laser-energy penetration is essentially limited to the region of cataractous-lens tissue to be fragmented and extracted. In other words, for the aqueous environment in which the particular laser radiation is to do its fragmentation, there is no possibility of damaging radiation penetration to the retina or to other regions of the eye which are irrelevant to the involved cataract-removal surgery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing damage to an optical fiber used as part of a laser radiation delivery system are disclosed. The apparatus includes the use of a spacer positioned adjacent the tip of the fiber to minimize the impact on the fiber tip of debris and vapor generated by exposure of a tissue target to high energy radiation. The end of the apparatus is configured to vent debris and vapor from the end of the tip to reduce damage. The fiber tip may also be annealed to enhance its resistance to damage. The method includes the step of spacing the fiber tip at a predetermined distance from the tissue target during exposure of the tissue target to laser radiation, and may include venting the debris created away from the fiber end. The method may further include the step of providing an annealed fiber tip.

Abstract: An instrument for ophthalmic surgery to remove cataractous-lens tissue has an elongate stem which enables external manipulation at its proximal end and which at its distal end presents a cutter adjacent a transiently open cavity into which cut or chopped tissue can be manipulated. The instrument provides for selectively operated closure of the thus-loaded cavity, an event which must occur before laser radiation can issue within the cavity, in fragmenting or emulsifying reduction of cut or chopped tissue within the cavity. Thus, reduced, the fragmented material is extracted by an aspirating flow of liquid. This process is repeated until the capsulary bag has been cleared of cataractous material, be it nuclear or cortical.

Abstract: A method for using an ophthalmic laser system to remove cataractous tissue from the lens capsule of an eye requires phacofragmentation of the lens tissue and subsequent aspiration of the treated tissue. More specifically, a cutting laser is used to create various strata of incisions through the lens tissue. Within each stratum, each incision is made in the direction from a posterior to an anterior position. The strata are stacked on each other in the posterior-anterior direction, and each includes a plurality of minute incisions. The most posterior stratum of incisions is created first by referencing the cutting laser back into the lens tissue from the posterior capsule. Subsequent, more anterior strata, are created by referencing the cutting layer from the tissue treated by the previous stratum of incisions. In each stratum, the vapors which result from the incisions are allowed to infiltrate between the layers of the lens tissue to fragment and liquify the tissue.

Abstract: A method for performing endolaser microsurgery on ocular and like tissues utilizing a laser delivery system and an intraocular probe for delivering the laser energy to the tissues comprising the steps of forming an incision in the conjunctiva surrounding the sclera, introducing the probe through the incision, moving the probe anteriorly beneath the conjunctiva to a site remote from the initial incision, and ablating by laser a drainage fistula through the sclera for relieving intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for treatment of glaucoma by selective ablation of sclera of a living human eye. The method includes providing a slit lamp laser system including a source of pulsed laser light and a gonio lens adapted to withstand pulsed laser light having energy of greater than 100 mJ pulse. The method further includes focusing the laser light on the sclera, and adjusting the light to a spot diameter of between 100 and 300 microns, a pulse width of between 1 and 30 microseconds, a pulse energy of between 75 andn 250 mJ, and a cone angle of between 8 and 15 degrees. The sclera is then repeatedly illuminated with single pulses of laser light until the sclera is perforated.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe and its use in performing a sclerostomy (forming a small hole in the sclera of an eye) as a treatment of glaucoma. The minimally dimensioned probe is designed to direct laser light out of its side and, as a result, allows a sclerostomy procedure to be performed with minimal trauma to the conjunctiva and other surrounding ocular tissues of the patient. A series of pulses of infrared laser radiation delivered through the side of the probe forms the hole in the sclera.

Abstract: Surgical procedures on biological tissue are carried out with the aid of a laser with substances being applied to the tissue before or during the treatment and these substances are absorbent in the range of the wavelength of the laser beam. A surgical manipulator can be provided and equipped with suction and irrigation channels and the substances can be directed to one of these channels via a metering unit. The application of substances such as sulfisomidine or sulfacetamide increases the ablation rate and reduces the threshold of the ablation process. At the same time, sensitive structures are protected from the damaging effects of the laser radiation as well as from the stray radiation and fluorescence radiation triggered by the laser radiation during the application of microsurgery to the eye.

Abstract: An apparatus having a first generator designed to produce a first beam of coherent light, the energy of which is concentrated in a succession of impulses each capable causing a microexplosion in organic tissue at the point to be treated, a second generator designed to produce a second beam of coherent light able to penetrate the thickness of this organic tissue, an optical system designed to focus the first or the second beam on the point to be treated and a beam switch able to selectively direct the first or the second beam towards the optical system. The second beam enables ophthalmologists to perform operations that could not hiterto be performed with know apparatuses, notably operations involving the penetration of a treatment beam into the thickness of the tissues of the eye.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for extracting cataract tissue in which the cataract is first softened by focusing laser radiation thereon and subsequently a tube inserted through an incision to a position adjacent the cataract. An irrigating liquid is supplied through one portion of the tube and the liquid and cataract fragments removed via an aspiration opening adjacent the tube opening. Fragments which do not readily pass through the aspiration opening are dislodged by vibration or broken up by a paddle like member pivotally mounted adjacent the aspirating opening to engage the fragment and apply a force to break up the same. The tube has a shovel shaped tip which facilitates separation of fragments from the cataract body and facilitates location of the same adjacent the aspiration opening.

Abstract: A method for tracking an object in a sequence of images is described. Such sequence of images may, for example, be a sequence of television frames. The object in the current frame is correlated with the object in the previous frame to obtain the relative location of the object in the two frames. An optical joint transform correlator apparatus is provided to carry out the process. Such joint transform correlator apparatus forms the basis for laser eye surgical apparatus where an image of the fundus of an eyeball is stabilized and forms the basis for the correlator apparatus to track the position of the eyeball caused by involuntary movement. With knowledge of the eyeball position, a surgical laser can be precisely pointed toward a position on the retina.