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: The present invention provides methods, systems and software for generating a wavefront elevation map using Fourier transformation algorithms. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reconstructing optical tissues of an eye. The method comprises transmitting an image through the optical tissues of the eye. The surface gradients from the transmitted image are measured across the optical tissues of the eye. A Fourier transform algorithm is applied to the surface gradients to reconstruct a surface that corresponds to the optical tissues of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible scanning beam imaging system. In specific embodiments, the scanning beam imaging system comprises a mask, and an objective lens having an objective lens focal point disposed between the mask and the objective lens. A field lens device is disposed before the mask to direct a light beam through the mask and focus the light beam at a field lens focal point. The field lens focal point is located between the field lens and the objective lens. One or more scanning mirrors are disposed at or near the objective lens focal point. As a result, the beam will be directed to different locations across the objective lens by the scanning mirror(s), and will travel from the objective lens substantially collimated and parallel toward a surface illuminated by the beam. This substantially collimated and parallel beam provides a large depth of field of the ablation pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.

Abstract: Scanning spot locations are generated for ablating tissue using a scanning laser beam over a treatment region by taking a target function representing a desired lens profile of ablation with a basis function representing a treatment profile produced by overlapping scanning spots in a particular treatment pattern. In some embodiments, the basis function is a two-dimensional function representing a two-dimensional section of a three-dimensional treatment profile, which has symmetry with respect to the two-dimensional section extending along the treatment pattern. For example, the treatment pattern is generally straight for myopic and hyperopic cylinders, and is generally circular for myopia and hyperopia. The fit produces ablation depths for discrete scanning spots, which are used to calculate the number of pulses at each reference position along the two-dimensional section. The pulses are distributed along the treatment pattern to produce the desired overlapping effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and systems for laser beam positioning, shape profile, size profile, drift, and/or deflection calibration using an image capture device, such as a microscope camera, for enhanced calibration accuracy and precision. The methods and systems are particularly suited for iris calibration and hysteresis measurement of a variable diameter aperture. One method for calibrating laser pulses from a laser eye surgery system using an image capture device comprises imaging a known object with an image capture device. A pulsed laser beam is directed onto a calibration surface so as to leave a mark on the calibration surface. The mark on the calibration surface is then imaged with the image capture device. The laser eye surgery system is calibrated by comparing the image of the mark on the calibration surface to the image of the known object.

Abstract: A method and system is described that greatly improves the safety and efficacy of ophthalmic laser surgery. The method and system are applicable to precise operations on a target subject to movement during the procedure. The system may comprise the following elements: (1) a user interface, (2) an imaging system, which may include a surgical microscope, (3) an automated tracking system that can follow the movements of an eye, (4) a laser, (5) a diagnostic system, and (6) a fast reliable safety means, for automatically interrupting the laser firing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and test devices for aligning a diagnostic device with a laser refractive system. In one embodiment, the device comprises a body comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion defines a radiused corneal surface and an iris, and the distal portion defines a retinal surface. The test devices of the present invention typically have visual and optical characteristics that are similar to a human eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for filtering particles and assisting gas flow management within laser systems. In one embodiment, a laser apparatus (100) includes an elongate laser chamber defining a chamber cavity (130) and an electrode structure (140) disposed therein. The electrode structure includes an anode (148) spaced apart from a cathode (146). The laser includes an elongate baffle (174) disposed in the laser chamber. The baffle is adapted to arrest a plurality of particles generated within the chamber. In this manner, the baffle operates as a passive filtration system to help filter particles generated within the chamber during laser operation, and may further provide gas flow management capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and software for registering a first dataset of an object with a second dataset of an object. In one embodiment, the present invention measures refractive errors of an optical system. The method comprises obtaining a first and second optical measurement of the optical system. The first and second optical measurements are registered with each other and may improve the diagnosis and/or treatment of the refractive errors of the optical system. In one embodiment the first optical measurement is a topographical map and the second optical measurement is a wavefront measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for imaging, diagnosing and treating an eye of a patient. In one embodiment, a system (100) includes an image source arranged to direct an image posteriorly through the eye optical tissues and onto the retina, and a wavefront sensor (140). The wavefront sensor, comprising a lenslet array (170) and a CMOS imaging device, is oriented to sense the image transmitted anteriorly by the optical tissue. A processor may be coupled to the wavefront sensor for processing the image. In some embodiments, the CMOS imaging device comprises a CMOS camera having a dynamic range that is at least about 100 db, to provide the ability to image high contrasting images, such as a series of bright lights on a dark background as may be produced when imaging the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and software for generating a wavefront elevation map using Fourier transformation algorithms. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reconstructing optical tissues of an eye. The method comprises transmitting an image through the optical tissues of the eye. The surface gradients from the transmitted image are measured across the optical tissues of the eye. A Fourier transform algorithm is applied to the surface gradients to reconstruct a surface that corresponds to the optical tissues of the eye.

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: Methods and systems for measuring optical aberrations of an eye are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides transmitting light from the eye along an optical path to an aberration sensor. An adaptive optic is disposed along the optical path between a target optical system and the aberration sensor. Aberrations of the adaptive optic can be adjusted in response to a signal generated by the aberration sensor so as to provide a desired sensed aberration. The shape of the adjusted adaptive optic can be determined with the aberration sensor by transmitting an adaptive optic configuration measurement beam along the optical path.

Abstract: Improved systems, devices, and methods are provided for verifying the scanning motion or adjustment of a laser beam. The system can advantageously be used in laser eye surgery where accurate control of the laser beam is crucial for patient safety and successful vision correction. In one embodiment, a laser system is provided for sculpting a portion of the eye. The system includes a laser for generating a laser beam suitable for ablation of a portion of the eye. A laser beam adjustment mechanism is optically coupled to the laser beam from the laser. The adjustment mechanism scans or adjusts the laser beam in accordance with a predetermined ablation pattern of the laser beam on the eye. An energy motion sensor optically coupled to the laser beam downstream from the adjustment mechanism is provided to verify adjustment of the laser beam in accordance with the ablation pattern. Typically, the energy motion sensor has a mask arranged to block varying portions of the laser beam in response to laser beam adjustment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for a transverse tracker is described that can greatly improve the accuracy, speed, range, reliability, versatility, safety, and efficacy of interventions such as laser microsurgery, particularly ophthalmic surgery, and industrial micromachining. The instrument and system disclosed are applicable to those situations wherein the positioning accuracy of laser lesions is critical, and/or whenever precise operations on a target or series of targets subject to random movement during a procedure are to be effected. The present invention provides means for stabilizing the motion of targets in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, thus allowing an imaging system, diagnostics illumination, and/or laser beam to maintain a lock on the target area, regardless of its movement.

Abstract: Improved systems, devices, and methods are provided for verifying the scanning motion or adjustment of a laser beam. The system can advantageously be used in laser eye surgery where accurate control of the laser beam is crucial for patient safety and successful vision correction. In one embodiment, a laser system is provided for sculpting a portion of the eye. The system includes a laser for generating a laser beam suitable for ablation of a portion of the eye. A laser beam adjustment mechanism is optically coupled to the laser beam from the laser. The adjustment mechanism scans or adjusts the laser beam in accordance with a predetermined ablation pattern of the laser beam on the eye. An energy motion sensor optically coupled to the laser beam downstream from the adjustment mechanism is provided to verify adjustment of the laser beam in accordance with the ablation pattern. Typically, the energy motion sensor has a mask arranged to block varying portions of the laser beam in response to laser beam adjustment.

Abstract: Scanning spot locations are generated for ablating tissue using a scanning laser beam over a treatment region by fitting a target function representing a desired lens profile of ablation with a basis function representing a treatment profile produced by overlapping scanning spots in a particular treatment pattern. Symmetry effects are utilized to simply the process for determining the scanning spot locations. In some embodiments, the basis function is a two-dimensional function representing a two-dimensional section of a tree-dimensional treatment profile which has symmetry with respect to the two-dimensional section extending along the treatment pattern. The target function and the basis function are fitted to produce ablation depths for discrete scanning spots which are used to calculate the number of pulses at each reference position along the two-dimensional section.