Abstract: A method and system of acquisition and processing of data representing oxygen saturation (OS) value of a tissue of a visual system of a subject, such as the optic nerve head and overlying artery and vein. The data is acquired at pre-determined discrete spectral points, including at least two isosbestic points, as a discrete reflectance spectrum, with the use of a multi-spectral optical imaging system that simultaneously produces a plurality of two-dimensional spectrally-discrete images by segmenting an incoming light front with secondary objectives. The OS value is assessed based on determination of areas bound by an acquired discrete reflectance spectrum and an isosbestic line.

Abstract: A new method was discovered to analyze continuous spectral curves to determine relative hemoglobin oxygen saturation, using spectral curves collected from a continuous range of wavelengths from about 530 nm to about 584 nm, including spectra from transmitted or reflected light. Using isosbestic points and curve areas, a relative saturation index was calculated. With this method, noninvasive, in vivo measurement of relative oxygen saturation was made using light reflected from blood vessels in the eye and to map and measure relative changes in hemoglobin oxygen saturation in primate retinal vessels and optic nerve head in response to controlled changes in inspired oxygen and intraocular pressure (IOP). This method could also measure oxygen saturation from other blood vessels that reflect light sufficient to give a clear spectra from the blood hemoglobin. Changes in blood oxygen saturation can be monitored with this method for early detection of disease.

Abstract: A new method was discovered to analyze continuous spectral curves to determine relative hemoglobin oxygen saturation, using spectral curves collected from a continuous range of wavelengths from about 530 nm to about 584 nm, including spectra from transmitted or reflected light. Using isosbestic points and curve areas, a relative saturation index was calculated. With this method, noninvasive, in vivo measurement of relative oxygen saturation was made using light reflected from blood vessels in the eye and to map and measure relative changes in hemoglobin oxygen saturation in primate retinal vessels and optic nerve head in response to controlled changes in inspired oxygen and intraocular pressure (IOP). This method could also measure oxygen saturation from other blood vessels that reflect light sufficient to give a clear spectra from the blood hemoglobin. Changes in blood oxygen saturation can be monitored with this method for early detection of disease.

Abstract: Absolute volumetric blood flow of the ocular fundus is quantified using video frames of fluorescent particles circulating in the retina and choroid. An optical apparatus is used to identify movements of particles in a passage of interest, and methods are provided for associating the individual particle movements with a blood flow rates so that absolute flow rates can be quantified.

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 method for detecting blood flow in the retina and choroid uses a scanning laser ophthalmoscope and a lipophilic fluorescent dye contained in carrier. The fluorescent dye in one embodiment is able to fluoresce in the visible and near infrared spectral range. The carrier can alternatively contain dye that fluoresces in the visible range and a dye that fluoresces in the infrared spectral range. The fluorescent dye enables the carrier to be visualized in the retina and the choroid.

Abstract: An apparatus for profiling a cornea of an eye is disclosed which comprises a topography instrument for determining the curvature of the cornea, a computer system for receiving information from the topography instrument for determining whether any areas of the cornea need to be ablated to correct for any abnormalities of the cornea, a diffractive optical element which is constructed based upon the determination of which areas of the cornea need to be ablated, and a beam of radiation being projected at the diffractive optical element for the diffractive optical element to modulate the beam of radiation and direct the modulated beam of radiation at the cornea for ablating the cornea to correct for any abnormalities of the cornea.

Abstract: A biodegradable porous drug delivery device for controllably releasing a pharmacological agent is disclosed which comprises a hollow tube closed at both ends having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the tube formed of a mixture of polycaprolactone and a pore-creating agent, the tube further comprising channels formed between the interior surface and the exterior surface and a pharmacological agent filled into the hollow tube for controllable release through the channels of the tube. Methods of manufacturing the biodegradable porous drug delivery device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for detecting blood flow in blood vessels uses a scanning laser fundus camera and a fluorescent dye-containing carrier such as microcapsules or vesicles. The vesicles may be liposomes or blood cells. The fluorescent dye is contained within the carrier at a concentration to fluoresce when subjected to the laser beam. The carrier may be submicron in size and preferably about 0.02 to 2.0 microns. The fluorescent dye enables the carrier to be visualized by the fundus camera. The fundus camera records the image of the fluorescing carrier in the blood vessel and converts the image to a video signal for viewing or storage.

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: A method of performing angiography of the occular fundus of an eye of a patient includes the steps of injecting intravenously calcein into the patient in an effective amount immediately prior to angiography and performing angiography on the patient. The invention further discloses a method of performing photocoagulation therapy and/or photodynamic therapy and angiography of the ocular fundus of an eye of a patient which includes the steps of performing photocoagulation therapy, injecting intravenously calcein into the patient in an effective amount immediately prior to angiography, and performing angiography on the patient.

Abstract: A method of performing angiography of the occular fundus of an eye of a patient includes the steps of injecting intravenously calcein into the patient in an effective amount immediately prior to angiography and performing angiography on the patient. The invention further discloses a method of performing photocoagulation therapy and/or photodynamic therapy and angiography of the ocular fundus of an eye of a patient which includes the steps of performing photocoagulation therapy, injecting intravenously calcein into the patient in an effective amount immediately prior to angiography, and performing angiography on the patient.

Abstract: A system for selectively releasing materials, such as drugs or dyes, at a specific site in the body of an animal. The system uses laser radiation to rupture laser light-absorbing and heat-sensitive lipid vesicles containing the drugs or dyes, thereby releasing these materials at the specific site irradiated by the laser. By using this system, the location and concentration of the materials are controlled as well as the duration of the materials' release and the release can be triggered repetitively. The laser beam used is visible or its location can be made visible to the naked eye so that the location and size of the beam's contact with the irradiated tissue can be observed and adjusted.