Abstract: Improved methods, apparatus and systems for monitoring laser beam position enhance the safety and efficacy of laser eye surgery systems. The present invention will advantageously be used in laser eye surgery where accurate control of the laser beam is crucial for patient safety and successful vision correction. In one embodiment, a first beam of laser energy is directed through a scanning mechanism toward an eye to ablate the eye, and a second beam of laser energy is directed through the scanning mechanism toward a sensor. When the scanning mechanism is moved by a laser eye surgery system to move the first beam across the eye, the scanning mechanism also moves the second beam across the sensor. Movement of the beam across the sensor can be used to monitor movement of the first beam across the eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for imaging, diagnosing and treating an eye of a patient. In one embodiment, a system (100) includes an image source arranged to direct an image posteriorly through the eye optical tissues and onto the retina, and a wavefront sensor (140). The wavefront sensor, comprising a lenslet array (170) and a CMOS imaging device, is oriented to sense the image transmitted anteriorly by the optical tissue. A processor may be coupled to the wavefront sensor for processing the image. In some embodiments, the CMOS imaging device comprises a CMOS camera having a dynamic range that is at least about 100 db, to provide the ability to image high contrasting images, such as a series of bright lights on a dark background as may be produced when imaging the eye.

Abstract: Improved methods, apparatus and systems for monitoring laser beam position enhance the safety and efficacy of laser eye surgery systems. The present invention will advantageously be used in laser eye surgery where accurate control of the laser beam is crucial for patient safety and successful vision correction. In one embodiment, a first beam of laser energy is directed through a scanning mechanism toward an eye to ablate the eye, and a second beam of laser energy is directed through the scanning mechanism toward a sensor. When the scanning mechanism is moved by a laser eye surgery system to move the first beam across the eye, the scanning mechanism also moves the second beam across the sensor. Movement of the beam across the sensor can be used to monitor movement of the first beam across the eye.