Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluidic intraocular lens inserted into a capsular bag of an eye to replace a crystalline lens. The fluidic intraocular lens may be shaped by elastic membranes bonded to a support ring. The space inside the device may be filled with optically transparent fluid or gel having an index of refraction greater than the index of vitreous humor. The device may be such designed so that the focusing power of the lens can be changed by the deformation of the capsular bag, which may be subsequently controlled by a ciliary muscle.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser system is disclosed for removing cataractous tissue from the lens capsule of an eye by phacofragmentation of the lens tissue for subsequent aspiration of the treated tissue. More specifically, a cutting laser is provided which creates a plurality of computer controlled and directed incisions in various strata through the lens tissue. Within each stratum, each incision is computer controlled and is made in the direction from a posterior to an anterior position. The strata are stacked on each other in the posterior-anterior direction, and each includes a plurality of minute incisions. The most posterior stratum of incisions is created first by referencing the cutting laser back into the lens tissue from the posterior capsule. Subsequent, more anterior strata, are created by referencing the cutting layer from the tissue treated by the previous stratum of incisions.

Abstract: A method for using an ophthalmic laser system to remove cataractous tissue from the lens capsule of an eye requires phacofragmentation of the lens tissue and subsequent aspiration of the treated tissue. More specifically, a cutting laser is used to create various strata of incisions through the lens tissue. Within each stratum, each incision is made in the direction from a posterior to an anterior position. The strata are stacked on each other in the posterior-anterior direction, and each includes a plurality of minute incisions. The most posterior stratum of incisions is created first by referencing the cutting laser back into the lens tissue from the posterior capsule. Subsequent, more anterior strata, are created by referencing the cutting layer from the tissue treated by the previous stratum of incisions. In each stratum, the vapors which result from the incisions are allowed to infiltrate between the layers of the lens tissue to fragment and liquify the tissue.