Abstract: A system for positioning the eye of a patient in alignment with a laser unit for laser surgery includes an alignment device that is mounted on the laser unit. It also includes a patient interface having a curved contact lens. Additionally, a clamp with an attached suction ring can be engaged with the interface to hold the lens against the eye of the patient. Thus, when the interface is joined with the alignment device, the lens is positioned against the eye of the patient at a predetermined distance from the laser unit for laser surgery.

Abstract: A blade holder 16 includes a bottom surface 18 for attachment to a blade 30. A top surface 20 interfaces with a drive-pin 32 of a microkeratome 38. A drive slot 22 is formed in the top surface 20 for engagement with the drive-pin 32 for allowing oscillation of the blade holder 16. A plurality of steps 24 are formed in the top surface 20, and rise from the drive slot 22 toward at least one side 26 of the blade holder 16.

Abstract: A method and device for photoablation is disclosed wherein photoablation occurs along the interface between a material having a lower energy ablation threshold and a material having a higher energy ablation threshold. The method and device utilize a laser beam having a beam energy density which is less than the higher energy ablation threshold and greater than or equal to the lower energy ablation threshold. By directing such a laser beam to the interface, the material having the lower energy threshold is photoablated while the material having the higher energy threshold is largely unaffected.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating a corneal reconfiguration in response to LIOB uses a computer-programmed, finite element model. The model has a plurality of elements; with each element pre-programmed with coefficients based on diagnostic corneal data. Collectively the coefficients replicate biomechanical properties of the cornea. In use, designated biomechanical characteristics on a plurality of selected elements (i.e. selected coefficients) are minimized to simulate LIOB in an actual cornea. A computer then measures the resultant reconfiguration of the cornea model to assess an actual cornea's response to LIOB.

Abstract: A microkeratome 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a bar-link drive 20 connected to a cutting-head 36. A fixation ring 34 attaches to a patient's eye and is coupled to the bar-link drive 20 to the drive the cutting-head 36 at least partially across the fixation ring 34.

Abstract: A method for performing intrastromal ophthalmic laser surgery requires Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of stromal tissue without compromising Bowman's capsule (membrane). In detail, the method creates cuts in the stroma along planes radiating from the visual axis of the eye. Importantly, these cuts are all distanced from the visual axis. The actual location and number of cuts in the surgery will depend on the degree of visual aberration being corrected. Further, the method may include the additional step of creating cylindrical cuts in the stroma. The radial cuts and cylindrical cuts may be intersecting or non-intersecting depending on the visual aberration being treated.

Abstract: A method for performing intrastromal ophthalmic laser surgery requires Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of stromal tissue without compromising Bowman's capsule (membrane). In detail, the method creates cuts in the stroma over all, or portions of, a plurality of concentric cylindrical surfaces (circular or oval). Importantly, these cuts are all centered on the visual axis of the patient's eye. In accordance with the present invention, cuts can be made either alone or in conjunction with the removal of predetermined volumes of stromal tissue. The actual location of cuts in the surgery will depend on whether the treatment is for presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism.

Abstract: A system and method for performing ophthalmic surgery requires splitting a laser beam into a pattern having a plurality of focal points. The pattern is then moved along a spiral path according to a predetermined, two-phase protocol. In the first phase, a radial spacing “?r” between spiral lines, and the velocity of the pattern “r?” are held constant as the radius “r” is decreased from r1 to r2. In the second phase the angular velocity “?” is held constant and the radial spacing “?r” is proportionally increased as “r” is further decreased from r2 to r3. Additional LIOB is required both inside r3, as r is reduced to zero and, then, along the periphery of the treatment area for a rim cut at r1.

Abstract: A system and method for performing laser induced optical breakdown (LIOB) in corneal tissue of an eye requires calculating a pattern of focal spots. LIOB is then induced at a first focal spot, and is continued at a plurality of interim focal spots within a time period ?. Each focal spot has a diameter “d1” and generates a temporal cavitation bubble of diameter “d2”. It then collapses within time “?” to a substantially stationary diameter “d3”, with (d1?d3?d2). Importantly, each focal spot is located more than “d2” from every other interim focal spot within the time period of “?”. At the time “?”, a second focal spot in the pattern can be generated at a distance “d3” from the first focal spot. This process is then continued with another plurality of interim focal spots being generated within another time period “?”.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing a flap created from a transparent material compensates for aberrations, particularly higher order aberrations, which are pre-existing or otherwise induced during creation of the flap. Before flap creation, the distorted wavefront of the transparent material is determined and the topology of the transparent material is defined in order to predict contributions likely to be encountered or induced by the stress distribution during creation of the flap. In view of the topology of the transparent material, a prototypic dissection path based on the distorted wavefront is refined to establish a refined dissection path. As a result, the flap is created along the refined dissection path to correct and minimize or eliminate the formation of higher order aberrations.

Abstract: A method for photodisrupting a preselected subsurface volume of corneal tissue to alter a cornea's refractive properties is disclosed. Specifically, at least one stromal volume having a substantially conical shaped surface is photodisrupted. For this purpose, a laser device having a laser source, laser scanner and one or more optical elements is typically used. In one embodiment, a plurality of stromal volumes, with each stromal volume having a substantially conical shaped surface, is sequentially photodisrupted to form a contiguous stromal cavity. In a particular implementation, each conical shaped surface defines a cone axis that is aligned to be co-linear with a reference axis that passes through the anterior surface of the eye and may be aligned orthogonally to the anterior surface of the eye.

Abstract: A system for using a pulsed laser beam to process materials includes a selector for varying the pulse repetition rate of the laser beam. Also included is a control unit for identifying an optimal pulse repetition rate that is compatible with the required pulse energy level for processing the material. Variations in the pulse repetition rate can be made during a procedure pursuant to either pre-programmed instructions, or in response to closed loop feedback controls.

Abstract: A device and method for steering a laser beam to a focal point in target tissue requires generating a laser beam. Diversions of the laser beam from a central beam path are minimized by a sequential arrangement of optical steering components. In order, the beam is first directed to the center of a z-scanning apparatus which will move the focal point in the medium in a z-direction. The beam is then passed to the center of a first galvanometric mirror which introduces focal point movements in the x-direction. A second galvanometric mirror then compensates for the x-direction movement by redirecting the beam to the center of a third galvanometric mirror where focal point movements in the y-direction are introduced.