Abstract: A system and method are provided for removing a natural lens and inserting an Intraocular Lens (IOL) into the lens capsule of an eye. Specifically, this is accomplished by inserting the IOL through an opening on the posterior capsule that is created using a focused laser beam. The system includes a laser unit, a detector for creating images of the interior of the eye, and a computer that controls the cooperative functions of the detector and the laser unit. Based on images of the posterior capsule provided by the detector, the computer is used to control movements of the focal point through tissue of the posterior capsule to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) on posterior capsule tissue. The result is a laser capsulotomy that creates an opening through the posterior capsule allowing the natural lens to be removed and the IOL to be implanted.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for removing a natural lens and inserting an Intraocular Lens (IOL) into the lens capsule of an eye. Specifically, this is accomplished by inserting the IOL through an opening on the posterior capsule that is created using a focused laser beam. The system includes a laser unit, a detector for creating images of the interior of the eye, and a computer that controls the cooperative functions of the detector and the laser unit. Based on images of the posterior capsule provided by the detector, the computer is used to control movements of the focal point through tissue of the posterior capsule to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) on posterior capsule tissue. The result is a laser capsulotomy that creates an opening through the posterior capsule allowing the natural lens to be removed and the IOL to be implanted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for stabilizing an eye for an ocular laser procedure while minimizing corneal distortions which can adversely affect a surgical laser beam. For the systems, a patient interface includes a contact element for stabilizing the eye and establishing a conformal interface with the anterior surface of the cornea. More specifically, devices are disclosed which overlay both a central corneal region and a peripheral corneal region. In some embodiments, a first material is used in the contact element to overlay the central corneal region and a second material is used in the contact element to overlay the peripheral corneal region. Typically, the first and second materials differ in terms of hardness and deformability. In another embodiment disclosed herein, a contact element having a viscoelastic material for stabilizing an eye for a laser procedure is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for performing ocular laser surgery using a patient interface having a posterior contact surface that may include surface irregularities that were generated during manufacturing of the patient interface. A beam delivery system having a focusing lens, scanning subsystem and adaptive optic (e.g. deformable mirror) is provided for guiding the surgical laser beam through the patient interface and to a desired focal spot location. An optical detector generates image data representing the posterior patient interface surface which is then processed by a computer system to identify surface irregularities by comparing the image data to a reference surface or axis. In particular, a surface irregularity can be identified as having a z-axis component; a tilt component and a surface profile component. Each irregularity component can be compensated separately by sending an adjustment signal to one of the beam delivery system components.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for establishing precise locations for a focal point of a laser beam within a predetermined scanning range during ophthalmic laser surgery. An important aspect of the present invention is the use of a tolerance for deviation of the laser beam's focal point from the laser beam path. The purpose of the tolerance is to ensure that the surgical procedure is effective and that collateral damage to non-targeted tissue does not occur. The present invention accounts for deviations caused by various factors during a procedure. A computer is provided to ensure that the cumulative effect of all deviations maintains the focal point within the tolerance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for performing ocular laser surgery using a patient interface having a posterior contact surface that may include surface irregularities that were generated during manufacturing of the patient interface. A beam delivery system having a focusing lens, scanning subsystem and adaptive optic (e.g. deformable mirror) is provided for guiding the surgical laser beam through the patient interface and to a desired focal spot location. An optical detector generates image data representing the posterior patient interface surface which is then processed by a computer system to identify surface irregularities by comparing the image data to a reference surface or axis. In particular, a surface irregularity can be identified as having a z-axis component; a tilt component and a surface profile component. Each irregularity component can be compensated separately by sending an adjustment signal to one of the beam delivery system components.

Abstract: A methodology is provided for correcting the placement of a laser beam's focal point. Specifically, this correction is done to compensate for displacements of the focal point that may be caused when implant material (e.g. an Intraocular Lens (IOL)) is positioned on the optical path of the laser beam. The methodology of the present invention then determines a deviation of the laser beam's refracted target position (uncompensated) from its intended target position. A calculation of the deviation includes considerations of the laser beam's wavelength and refractive/diffractive characteristics introduced by the implant material. This deviation is then added to the refracted target position to make the refracted target position coincide with the intended target position of the focal point. The laser beam will then focus to its intended target position.

Abstract: A system and method for altering the shape of a lamina of transparent material (e.g. the cornea of an eye), as it is being subjected to a transverse pressure differential, requires a computer controlled laser unit. In accordance with specified input parameters, the computer directs the laser unit to perform LIOB over predetermined surfaces within the lamina. This weakens the material for a desired reshaping of the lamina in response to the pressure differential. With respect to a perpendicular axis that is defined by the lamina, surfaces parallel to the axis (e.g. cylindrical surfaces) are separated from each other by about two hundred microns. For surfaces perpendicular to the axis, the separation is about ten microns. In each instance, the cuts that result from LIOB are only about two microns thick.

Abstract: A method for ocular surgery requires use of a delivery system for generating and guiding a surgical laser beam to a focal point in a treatment area of an eye. Additionally, a contact device is employed for using the eye to establish a reference datum. Further, an optical detector is coupled to the beam path of the surgical laser to create a sequence of cross-sectional images. Each image visualizes both the reference datum and the focal point. Operationally, a computer then uses these images to position and move the focal point in the treatment area relative to the reference datum for surgery.

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

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

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

Abstract: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 system and method for ocular surgery includes a delivery system for generating and guiding a surgical laser beam to a focal point in a treatment area of an eye. Additionally, a contact device is employed for using the eye to establish a reference datum. Further, an optical detector is coupled to the beam path of the surgical laser to create a sequence of cross-sectional images. Each image visualizes both the reference datum and the focal point. Operationally, a computer then uses these images to position and move the focal point in the treatment area relative to the reference datum for surgery.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for simulating a Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) protocol to establish a surgical LIOB treatment for a patient. In the system, a library of finite element models characterizing various visual defects in corneas are programmed into a computer. Further, a library of nomograms indicating specific LIOB protocols for correcting respective visual defects are programmed into the computer. As a result, a model and a corresponding nomogram may be selected in view of a patient's diagnostic information. Further, the selected model may be individualized with the diagnostic information to more precisely characterize the patient's visual defects. Thereafter, the computer simulates the indicated LIOB protocol on the individualized model in order to achieve a desired corneal configuration. When the desired corneal configuration is achieved, the final treatment plan may be determined.