Abstract: A method for treating pigmentation abnormalities in human skin involves the use of a beam of laser radiation having an elongated cross-sectional area. The beam of pulsed laser radiation having an elongated cross-section is produced using a pulsed laser and a delivery system. An elongated area on the skin including a pigmentation abnormality is irradiated with the laser beam. The laser pulse parameters are tailored to the specific type of pigmentation abnormality (e.g., vascular lesions or tattoos) being treated. The beam may have a cross-sectional area characterized by an aspect ratio of greater than two. Also, the beam may have an elliptical cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An infrared fundus angiography camera and ICG angiography imaging procedure for improved visualization and diagnosis of vascular diseases of the eye, especially SRNV, features a narrow bandwidth non-coherent and decollimated infrared illumination source, an optical system for directing the infrared illumination onto the retina and for directing the resulting retinal image toward an image storage device, and an optical filter positioned between the retina and the image storage device for blocking the infrared illumination from entering the image storage device. An infrared laser produces infrared illumination and a opal glass, fiber array, or integrating sphere light diffuser positioned between the infrared laser and the optical system decollimates and makes the infrared illumination incoherent. The laser includes a temperature stabilized infrared laser diode having an output matched to the excitation peak of an infrared fluorescent dye, such as ICG.