Abstract: An applicator for applying fluid medicaments to a corneal surface of a patient, after surgery, includes a circular, ring-shaped member. The ring member creates an aperture which extends between parallel planes, with a wall surrounding the aperture as well as upper and lower openings into the aperture. The wall around the aperture is tapered, and there is a hole that extends through the wall. A hollow shaft is connected in fluid communication with the hole in the wall through which a fluid can be injected into the aperture. A bubble of the fluid can then be cradled in the aperture by the wall, and held therein by surface tension across the lower opening of the aperture. An application of the fluid bubble onto the patient's eye requires only contact between the fluid bubble and the eye, with no need for contact between the applicator and the eye.

Abstract: An applicator for applying fluid medicaments to a corneal surface of a patient, after surgery, includes a circular, ring-shaped member. The ring member creates an aperture which extends between parallel planes, with a wall surrounding the aperture as well as upper and lower openings into the aperture. The wall around the aperture is tapered, and there is a hole that extends through the wall. A hollow shaft is connected in fluid communication with the hole in the wall through which a fluid can be injected into the aperture. A bubble of the fluid can then be cradled in the aperture by the wall, and held therein by surface tension across the lower opening of the aperture. An application of the fluid bubble onto the patient's eye requires only contact between the fluid bubble and the eye, with no need for contact between the applicator and the eye.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are provided for removing the corneal epithelium from a patient's eye while monitoring the autofluorescent response that results during laser photoablation of the epithelial tissue. Structurally, the system includes a computer-controlled laser generating unit. Also, connected to the computer are a sensor for receiving the autofluorescent response, and an imaging unit for monitoring changes in the topography during a procedure. By monitoring both the autofluorescent response and changes in epithelial topography, the computer controls the laser unit. When there is no longer an autofluorescent response, the procedure has been completed and the system is shut down.

Abstract: An applicator for applying fluid medicaments to a corneal surface of a patient, after surgery, includes a circular, ring-shaped member. The ring member creates an aperture which extends between parallel planes, with a wall surrounding the aperture as well as upper and lower openings into the aperture. The wall around the aperture is tapered, and there is a hole that extends through the wall. A hollow shaft is connected in fluid communication with the hole in the wall through which a fluid can be injected into the aperture. A bubble of the fluid can then be cradled in the aperture by the wall, and held therein by surface tension across the lower opening of the aperture. An application of the fluid bubble onto the patient's eye requires only contact between the fluid bubble and the eye, with no need for contact between the applicator and the eye.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for treating VitreoRetinal-Interface Syndromes (VRS) by using a femtosecond laser system to relieve vitreoretinal adhesions in an eye. Operationally, fibers in the vitreous body are severed by the laser system to create Posterior Vitreous Detachments (PVD) that relieve the adhesions. In a first embodiment for the present invention, tissue material on selected planes within the vitreous body is photoaltered to sever the fibers. Sequentially, or alternatively, to the first embodiment, in another embodiment, fibers at or near the vitreoretinal interface of the eye are photoaltered for this same purpose.

Abstract: A post-operative procedure is disclosed for inducing a Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD) after a VitreoRetinal-Interface Syndrome (VRS) treatment. In the post-op procedure, vitreoretinal interface tissue is imaged to determine the extent of PVD that was established by the VRS treatment and Residual Areas of Adhesion (RAA) are identified on the vitreoretinal interface. Once the RAAs are identified, the next step is to allow gas micro-bubbles on the vitreoretinal interface which were generated during the VRS treatment to move, coalesce, and/or loosen tissue at the vitreoretinal interface, and thereby facilitate completion of a PVD. During the bubble coalescing period, ultrasound energy can be applied to bubble/tissue boundaries to accelerate bubble coalescence and/or increase the rate that RAA tissue is loosened at the vitreoretinal interface. After bubble coalescence, tissue at the RAA can be photoaltered using a focused femtosecond laser beam to induce a suitable PVD.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are provided for using a computer-controlled, laser system to perform a partial vitrectomy of the vitreous humor in an eye. Operationally, an optical channel is first defined through the vitreous humor. Vitreous and suspended deposits (floaters) in the optical channel are then ablated and in some cases removed (e.g. aspirated) from the optical channel. In some instances, a clear liquid can be introduced into the optical channel to replace the ablated matter, and to thereby establish unhindered transparency in the optical channel.