Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for measuring and mapping the anterior surface topography of a cornea to determine corneal aberrations and an optimal ablation pattern for refractive and therapeutic surgery of the cornea. The invention stimulates a prospective ablation process with real-time visual feedback accurately portraying results of topographic surface alteration that would occur during an actual ablation procedure, thereby achieving minimal corneal aberrations and optimal image quality.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for measuring and mapping the anterior surface topography of a cornea to determine corneal aberrations and an optimal ablation pattern for refractive and therapeutic surgery of the cornea The invention stimulates a prospective ablation process with real-time visual feedback accurately portraying results of topographic surface alter-ation that would occur during an actual ablation procedure, thereby achieving minimal conreal aberrations and optimal image quality.

Abstract: A method and system for non-contact laser photoablation to be utilized during vision corrective surgery. Multiple pulses of electromagnetic energy are impinged onto target tissue to ablate and generate an acoustic pressure wave while concurrently processing signals produced by the acoustic pressure wave. A representative pattern can be provided to guide the surgeon through distinct tissue layers encountered in cornea resculpting surgery. Cluster analysis may be utilized to process the acoustic wave signals to generate the representative pattern. Specifically, the representative cluster pattern provides the surgeon with a tool to discern, with increased precision, the tissue layer being ablated and reduces the likelihood of invading a deeper layer of tissue that should not be removed.

Abstract: A process is described for changing the curvature of the cornea in which the light of a light source is focused in the cornea with a wavelength of approximately 1.5 .mu.m to 6 .mu.m so that the collagenic tissue shrinks selectively. The invention is characterized in that the light is applied continuously at such a power that, although a temperature is reached which leads to irreversible coagulations of the collagenic tissue, the temperature within the coagulated region rises to values at which there is not yet a relaxation of the tissue.

Abstract: By localizing a location D on an optical axis, a virtual image is determined and compared with a measured virtual image. Using an iterative method, a location D can be shifted until the calculated and measured virtual images coincide and these data can then be used to determine an absolute spatial co-ordinate for a point on the surface. This method can be used, for example, in charting the surface of the cornea of an eye which has a reflecting film of tears.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for determining the topography of a reflecting sure. A projection pattern is projected onto the surface and a thus formed mirror reflection pattern is detected and evaluated. In order to improve the correspondence of the structures of the reflection patterns with those of the projection patters, the projection pattern contains recognition marks which individualize the continuous black/white or light/dark areas. A color mark or hatching is particularly advantageous. In order to apply the projection pattern on the cornea of the eye (3), a projection body (17), for example a hollow cone, is used, with transparent rings (19) arranged in this side wall (18) and surrounded by a ring-shaped light source (20). A color video camera (26) is used as detector.