Abstract: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for intraocular brachytherapy are disclosed in which a cannula is introduced into the eye for delivery of radiation to a target tissue. Techniques for properly locating the cannula with respect to the target tissue, for protecting non-target tissue, for regulating heat generated by x-ray emitters, and for combining therapies are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and associated method for advantageously treating bodily tissue containing collagen, such as ophthalmic tissue. The treatment includes providing a pattern of heating to which the tissue is to be exposed and the exposure of that tissue to shrink collagen therein. In ophthalmic applications, the pattern includes at least one region that corresponds to an ocular region of from about 4 mm to about 20 mm radially from the optical axis. The shrinkage of collagen within this ocular region improves accommodation for near vision. The present invention thus provides an effective treatment for the ocular condition of presbyopia.

Abstract: An automated method is described for advantageously preparing and treating an eye of the patient. The method further provides a vision-corrective procedure, such as photothermal keratoplasty. The automated method is useful to dry the cornea to reduce or eliminate a tear film on the corneal surface that might otherwise interfere with or reduce the efficacy of a vision-corrective procedure and thereafter to treat the cornea according to a vision-corrective procedure. The automated method is user-friendly, allowing the treatment provider to develop or to select an appropriate pre-treatment and treatment plan and to activate sane using a familiar "Windows" environment. The method has particular application in the area of automated corneal preparation and treatment, it may be used in the automated preparation and treatment of other tissues or substrates.

Abstract: An instrument primarily adapted for use in photothermal keratoplasty procedures to shrink collagen tissue within a cornea of an eye being treated by controlled heating of the tissue with infra-red radiation. In a specific implementation example, a moveable multi-faceted prism is a primary optical element that forms a desired treatment infra-red radiation pattern from a single beam source. Multiple exposures to variations of the radiation pattern are provided. Parameters of two or more exposures to spot radiation patterns are stored in a memory of the instrument, and automatically configure the instrument to deliver the two or more exposures in sequence. Automatic calibration of the radiation intensity is also provided. A guide positions the head of the patient with respect to the instrument, and sensors monitoring movement of both the head and eye provide signals used to by the instrument to control radiation delivery.