Abstract: The invention provides a controller unit for controlling the emission of at least on photon emitted source, the controller unit includes a central processing unit pre-programmed with selectable pre-programmed photonic emission protocols. The photonic emission protocols include parameters for regulating photonic emission from photon emitting sources, with the protocols having a pulsed emission mode for about 30% of the duration of each protocol, and a continuous emission mode for about 70% of the duration of each protocol, with a pulse rate selected from a range of frequencies of between 120 Hz and 20,000 Hz when in the pulsed emission mode.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography system includes a catheter in which is arranged a plurality of light conducting fibers. It further includes a plurality of optical units. Light from the proximal end to the distal end and signals from the distal end to the proximal end can be transmitted simultaneously in different fibers. Time is saved through the simultaneous signal processing of signals from different fibers. That is advantageous particularly in the imaging, by means of coherence tomography, of blood vessels that have to be occluded for said imaging.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for programmable selective ablating or cutting of a targeted area of a material with a laser, producing a succession of pulses of the generated radiation with an energy level, pulse duration, and repetition rate specified to ablate or cut the material without causing harmful side effects; and concentrating the radiation pulses on the targeted material to a spot sufficiently small to cause ablating or cutting of the material; and means to direct the said spot to cover the programmed selected targeted area of a material.

Abstract: A system for applying therapy to an eye includes an energy source and a conducting element operably connected to the energy source and configured to direct energy from the energy source to an application end of the conducting element. The application end includes an eye contact portion configured to apply the energy to an eye feature and provides a reshaping mold to reshape the eye feature as the eye feature responds to the application of the energy. The eye contact portion may have a concave curvature and may be positioned in direct contact with the eye feature. In addition, the eye feature may be the cornea of the eye. In a particular embodiment, the energy source is an electrical energy source, the conducting element comprises an outer electrode and an inner electrode separated by a gap, and the eye contact portion is positioned on the inner electrode.

Abstract: System and method of photoaltering a region of a material using a pulsed laser beam. The method includes scanning the pulsed laser beam in a first portion of the region with a first pattern, scanning the pulsed laser beam in a second portion of the region with a second pattern, and separating a flap of the material at the region. The system includes a laser, a controller selecting at least first and second patterns, and a scanner operable in response to the controller. The first pattern has a first maximum acceleration associated with the second portion, and the second pattern has a second maximum acceleration associated with the second portion. The second maximum acceleration is less than the first maximum acceleration. The scanner scans the pulsed laser beam from the laser in the first portion with the first pattern and in the second portion with the second pattern.

Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and laser surgical systems are provided for laser surgery applications, including implementations that reduce the laser-induced bubbles in the optical path of the surgical laser beam.

Abstract: A device that assists in the wound healing process that takes into account the different skin types that are laser-treated in order to optimise the effectiveness of the wound-healing processes and to avoid any burning. The device comprises a laser source suitable for emitting a beam whose wavelength is between approximately 800 nanometres and approximately 820 nanometres and includes a control module suitable for controlling the laser source according to data regarding the skin type of the patient to be treated.

Abstract: An interventional system integrates a laser optical cooling unit into a medical catheter device for treating coronary artery disease (CAD) to safely steer and control cardiac tissue temperature and thermal patterns to prevent cardiac disease, tissue damage and myocardial ischemia or infarction, for example. An interventional system provides tissue ablation and cooling using a catheterization device. The catheterization device for internal anatomical insertion includes, a laser light emitting node for optical cooling of anatomical tissue, an ablation node for use in surgical removal of anatomical tissue and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor senses temperature of anatomical tissue for use in regulating heating and cooling of tissue resulting from use of the ablation node and the laser light emitting node.

Abstract: A method for measuring at least one of an energy and a position of a pulsed laser beam, notably in an ophthalmologic excimer laser. The pulsed laser beam is intermittently directed at a sensor, which measures its energy and/or position. In addition, a device for measuring at least one of an energy and a position of a pulsed laser beam. The device includes a sensor configured to measure at least one of the energy and the position of the pulsed laser beam, and a beam deflection device, which is configured to guide the pulsed laser beam and to intermittently direct the pulsed laser beam at the sensor.

Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and systems for laser surgery including imaging-guided surgery techniques, apparatus and systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and devices that utilize photolyzable nitric oxide donors.

Abstract: A laser system (10) is disclosed comprising a laser device (1) for emitting laser radiation and an optical fibre (2) adapted to connect, in use, to the laser device (1) for delivering the laser radiation. The optical fibre contains a label (3), such as an RF identification tag, a barcode or a colour code. The laser device (1) interrogates the optical fibre (2) and receives information back from the optical fibre (2). If the usage of the optical fibre (2) has exceeded safety limits then the laser device (1) may be prevented from operating. The laser device (1) on receiving information from the optical fibre (2) may also be configured to deliver laser radiation having a specific power, pulse width, pulse interval and treatment duration.

Abstract: The medical laser user interface of the present invention generally comprises a medical laser unit and a control system. The medical laser unit includes an optical probe for delivering laser light to a patient's tissue. The control system controls operation of the medical laser unit. Specifically, the control system provides a foot pedal system that enables the user to switch between the delivery of a first wavelength of laser light and a second wavelength of laser light through depression of a foot pedal. In a first embodiment, a single foot pedal can be used to toggle the wavelengths, where as in a second embodiment two foot pedals can be use, i.e., one for the first wavelength and one for the second wavelength. The two wavelengths provided include a wavelength for vaporization of tissue and a wavelength for coagulation.

Abstract: A temperature measuring unit of a temperature sensor has electrodes disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of a temperature measuring element, thin-film substrates disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrodes, and laser beam shield plates disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the thin-film substrates. One of the electrodes is bonded to the temperature measuring element by a conductive adhesive, and the other electrode is not bonded to the temperature measuring element by a conductive adhesive. When the temperature sensor is bonded to a hollow cylinder of an insert, the temperature measuring unit is curved along the surface of the hollow cylinder, tending to develop tensile stresses in the other electrode. At this time, the other electrode is positionally displaced depending on the developed tensile stresses, allowing the temperature sensor to be adjusted in length. Consequently, the temperature sensor is prevented from being broken or damaged.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the ionization of living cells where an optical device (14) delivers an optical pulse having an optical field power which is modified locally by an optical field power modifying means (18) to effect ionization and destruction of living cells (16).

Abstract: An instrument for photodynamic therapy applies treatment light from a dye laser, white light, and ultraviolet fluorescence excitation light from an LED onto a lesion and surrounding areas in a time-multiplexed manner. The reflected white light is analyzed in a spectrometer to determine a correction for the dynamic optical spectral properties of the patient's tissue. Light emitted by fluorescence from the lesion and the surrounding areas is analyzed in another spectrometer, and the results are corrected in a computer, using the correction. An optical switch has been developed for the instrument, using a bistable solenoid and a sled.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring a thermal surgical procedure including a thermal camera for monitoring temperature at a plurality of locations within at least a portion of a surgical field undergoing thermal surgical treatment and generating a series of thermal images based on said monitoring, a processor for processing the thermal images, and a display for displaying, in real time, a series of display images indicative of temperature at the plurality of positions.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for measuring and determining positions of light energy having wavelengths of less than (as well as equal to or greater than) 200 nm, and are particularly well suited for measuring pulsed light at ultraviolet and other wavelengths using position sensing diode (PSD) technology. An integrator may sum a total charge of a signal from the PSD. Correlations between a distribution of integrated charges among electrodes of the PSD may be non-linear, and may benefit from adjustment for different overall pulse light quantities and/or spot sizes.

Abstract: A laser apparatus is provided for medical applications or procedures, which include laser surgery, photo dynamic therapy, photo bio-modulation, etc. The output wavelength of the laser matches with the absorption band of oxygen molecule to produce highly reactive singlet oxygen from air or an oxygen enriched environment. The singlet oxygen is used as a strong oxidizer to kill bacteria. The properties of the laser such as power intensity, beam divergence, spectral linewidth, etc. are optimized for effective photo treatment of biological tissue as well as for efficient singlet oxygen generation.

Abstract: A system and method for performing ophthalmic laser surgery requires directing a laser beam through a stationary beam splitter to create a pattern of multi-focal spots. Also, a beam scanner is used to move this pattern along a substantially spiral path in a target area of tissue. To compensate for cyclical changes in orientation of the pattern relative to its spiral path, a computer is used to phase modulate pattern movement. Specifically, this phase modulation is expressed as: v?=v(1+F sin(n?)) where v is a variable (e.g. angular speed, line spacing, or z-spacing), v? is the phase modulated variable, F is a magnitude factor for phase modulation control, n is an integer, and ? is an angular position of the pattern during phase modulation.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus for skin treatment or other applications includes a laser diode module controller that is configured to operate one or more laser diodes that are situated to provide optical radiation to an exposure aperture. A two-dimensional position sensor is secured to the exposure aperture and provides an exposure aperture translation signal that is coupled to the laser diode module controller. Delivery of optical radiation to the exposure aperture by the laser diode module controller is based on an exposure aperture translation or velocity that is estimated based on the exposure aperture translation signal. In addition, a clock or timer is coupled to the laser diode module controller to permit selection of laser diode pulse duty cycle or to provide safe or comfortable skin treatment. The two dimensional position sensor can be based on optical sensing such as provided in an optical mouse, and can also provide proximity sensing for safe, efficient operation.

Abstract: A method for determining a peak fluence of an excimer laser includes scanning an excimer laser beam in a predetermined pattern on a film. The film can include a polymer layer atop a substrate including an upper layer having a first characteristic and a lower layer having a second characteristic detectably distinct from the first characteristic. The predetermined pattern includes a plurality of discrete points receiving incrementally greater numbers of pulses, at least one point receiving a sufficient number of pulses to penetrate through the polymer layer and the upper layer. A breakthrough point is detected at which a smallest number of pulses was sufficient to penetrate through the polymer layer and the upper layer, thereby exposing the lower layer to a detection of the second characteristic. A peak fluence of the excimer laser can then be determined from the number of pulses received at the detected breakthrough point.

Abstract: An interstitial laser therapy control system is disclosed. The control system includes a thermistor controller apparatus, a microprocessor, a storage device, at least one input device, a display, an electro-mechanical shutter switch, an electro-mechanical emergency shutoff switch, and an electro-mechanical master power switch. The microprocessor is configured to monitor temperatures detected by one or more thermistors connected to the thermistor controller. Based on the temperatures, the microprocessor determines when treatment has been successful and when application of laser energy needs to be halted. The control system also enables an operator to pause and resume treatment using the input device. The electro-mechanical shutter switch sends a signal to a laser source to close a shutter on the laser. The electro-mechanical emergency stop button causes power to be cut off to the laser source.

Abstract: A device for establishing a desired alignment between a patient's eye and a laser system to facilitate an engagement therebetween includes a light source to illuminate the eye. A moveable platform is provided to move the patient relative to the laser system. To establish alignment between the eye and the laser system, a reference marker is based on the laser system. An image of the marker, along with reflections from the illuminated eye, is then transmitted to the system controller. There, the image and reflections are processed to determine a measured alignment that is then compared to the desired alignment. An error signal that is indicative of an alignment difference is then generated and used to incrementally move the platform, or the patient, in an appropriate direction.

Abstract: One exemplary method for removing and/or inhibiting unwanted molecular structures and/or cells from or at human or animal tissue, can include the steps of a) supplying fluid medium so that the fluid medium is adjacent to or covers the molecular structures and/or cells that are to be removed and/or inhibited, b) generating pressure pulses in the fluid medium, wherein preferably each pressure pulse comprises a pressure current and/or a pressure wave and/or a shock wave and/or wherein preferably the pressure pulses have the form of a pressure jet of the fluid medium that is or can be directed onto the molecular structures and/or cells, and/or exhibit at least one preferential direction or main propagation direction, c) removing the molecular structures and/or cells from the tissue by the impacting pressure pulses and/or inhibiting molecular structures and/or cells which remain at the tissue by the impacting pressure pulses, d) wherein the pressure pulses are so formed or selected that during removing and/or inh

Abstract: An apparatus for aesthetic manipulation of the skin having a large pulsator with plurality of light emitting diodes of at least two different wavelengths and a small pulsator with one light emitting diode. A frequency modulating means automatically modulates the emitting frequency of the light emitting diodes to a plurality of different frequencies. A power output modulating means modulates the power output of the light emitting diodes. A phase switching means allows selection between a plurality of operating phases, each operating phase operating the frequency modulating means and power output modulating means in a different predetermined manner. Calibration means connected in circuit with the light emitting diodes calibrates the power output of the light emitting diodes. A vibration means vibrates the large pulsator. A vibration switching means selectively activates the vibration means.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a dose of irradiating light for a therapeutic process includes identifying an internal target area of a patient affected by a pathology and irradiating an externally accessible area of the patient proximate to the internal target area with a number of photons at least having wavelengths approximately within a near-infrared (IR) band. The method also includes receiving feedback from one of a spectrophotometer and a patient physiology monitoring system and adjusting the number of photons irradiating the externally accessible area of the patient. From the feedback, a determination is made to identify the number of photons needed to irradiate the externally accessible area of the patient to cause a change in biochemical state of cytochrome oxidase in the internal target area to a desired biochemical state of cytochrome oxidase in the internal target area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handheld dermatological device for visualizing a skin treatment region prior to, during, or after therapeutic treatment with therapeutic energy. An apparatus according to the teachings of the invention can include an image capture device and a display device mounted to the apparatus and electrically coupled to the image capture device. The display device is capable of displaying images of the treatment area captured by the image capture device. The apparatus can further include a head capable of transmitting therapeutic energy to a treatment area, which can be precisely aligned by the user to a desired portion of the treatment area through the use of the display device. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include one or more illumination sources for illuminating a skin target region, and shield for shielding the image capture device from direct reflection of the illuminating radiation from a selected skin surface portion.

Abstract: A diode laser irradiation system for treating biological tissue of a subject without exposing the tissue to damaging thermal effects. The system includes a wand containing one or more diode lasers disposed for irradiating the tissue with coherent optical energy at a power output level of less than 1000 mw in aggregate at a wavelength in a range of from about 2500 nm to about 10,000 nm, and laser setting controls for operating the diode laser to achieve a rate of absorption and conversion to heat in the irradiated tissue in a range between a minimum rate sufficient to elevate the average temperature of the irradiated tissue to a level above the basal body temperature of the subject, and a maximum rate which is less than the rate at which the irradiated tissue is converted into a collagenous substance. The wand may be used manually or automatically in hands-free mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for treating tissue in a region at depth while protecting non-targeted tissue by cyclically applying cooling to the patients skin, and preferably to the region, and by applying radiation to the patient's skin above the region to selectively heat tissue during and/or after cooling is applied. At least one of cooling and radiation my be applied by successivly passing a continuous output applicator over the patient's skin. Treatment may also be enhanced by applying mechanical, acoustic or electrical stimulation to the region.

Abstract: Ultrashort laser pulses are used to induce photodisruptive breakdown in vasculature in an animal to controllably produce hemorrhage, thrombosis or breach of the blood-brain barrier in individual, specifically-targeted blood vessels. Damage is limited to the targeted vessels such that neighboring vessels exhibit no signs of vascular damage, including vessels directly above and directly below the targeted vessel. Ultrashort laser pulses of lower energy are also used to observe and quantify the baseline and altered states of blood flow. Observation and measurement may be performed by TPLSM, OCT or other known techniques, providing a real-time, in vivo model for the dynamics and effects of vascular injury.

Abstract: A system for controlling a device in ophthalmic refractive surgery includes a processor, a controller, a treatment laser, and a signal receiver. A remote device has a plurality of input elements. At least one input element when activated is configured to emit a discrete signal that is received by the signal receiver and is mapped to an action to be signaled by the controller. A software package is adapted to translate data from the signal receiver into a signal for directing at least the controller. A method for configuring a system for controlling a device in ophthalmic refractive surgery includes providing a remote device as above. A software package resident on a processor receives and translates signal data from the remote device into control data for a hardware element. The software package is also adapted to output a control signal correlated with the control data to the hardware element.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus which irradiates a laser beam to a patient's eye to be treated is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a first optical fiber which delivers a first laser beam emitted from a first laser source; a first light delivery optical system which forms an image of an emission end surface of the first optical fiber on the affected part of the eye in a predetermined first spot size being in a range of 50 ?m to 1000 ?m; a second optical fiber which delivers a second laser beam emitted from a second laser source; and a second light delivery optical system which forms an image of an emission end surface of the second optical fiber on the affected part of the eye in a predetermined second spot size in a range of 500 ?m to 7000 ?m.

Abstract: A laser depilating method for depilating treatment by irradiating a skin surface with a laser beam emitted from a semiconductor laser. A treatment region of the skin surface is treated with a semiconductor laser beam for an irradiation time of 100 msec or more per irradiation while controlling the laser beam so that the energy density when irradiating the skin surface may be in a range of 0.01–1 J/mm2. Irradiation of the skin surface with a semiconductor laser beam under such a condition provides a more secure and efficient treatment effect of laser depilation. A plurality of semiconductor laser beams are used as necessary to irradiate a wider area of skin surface at a time.

Abstract: A method for measuring at least one of an energy and a position of a pulsed laser beam, notably in an ophthalmologic excimer laser. The pulsed laser beam is intermittently directed at a sensor, which measures its energy and/or position. In addition, a device for measuring at least one of an energy and a position of a pulsed laser beam. The device includes a sensor configured to measure at least one of the energy and the position of the pulsed laser beam, and a beam deflection device, which is configured to guide the pulsed laser beam and to intermittently direct the pulsed laser beam at the sensor.

Abstract: A coaxial illuminated laser endoscopic probe and active numerical aperture control apparatus and method of use, succinctly known as an illumination and laser source, capable of selectively providing illumination light and laser treatment light through a single optical fiber. The apparatus and method is especially useful during ophthalmic surgery. The present art is capable of providing the aforesaid through an optical fiber of such small size that heretofore said fiber was only useable for laser treatment light only. The present art also, with its unique optical system, allows for two illumination light outputs from a single illumination source. The apparatus utilizes a phototoxicity risk card to calibrate the system to prior art or safe illumination levels since the unique optical system provides illumination light of greater intensity than the prior art.

Abstract: A catheter device for treating a vascular disease is provided. The catheter device includes an energy delivery device such as an optical fiber for delivering laser energy and a catheter. The catheter lumen receives the optical fiber and a fluid such as an anesthetic agent or vasoconstricting agent. According to the invention, a plurality of exits are formed in the sidewall of the catheter. The exits are in communication with the catheter lumen and administer the fluid into the blood vessel. By administering the fluid from within the catheter lumen, the present catheter device eliminates the need to make numerous external punctures to deliver fluid injections.

Abstract: A blood vessel occlusion system and method includes a handheld probe including a power source, the probe being adapted to transmit energy from the power source through a body surface and into a target blood vessel, for example a varicose vein. Further included is a manual or automatic switch mechanism adapted to enable and disable the power source in response to a predetermined level of compression applied, by means of the probe against the target blood vessel. When the blood vessel is compressed sufficiently to collapse and substantially slow or substantially prevent a flow of blood therethrough, the power source is activated and the vessel is cauterized, leaving the blood vessel in a condition that is resistant to recanalization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable laser treatment device, comprising case (10), semiconductor laser diode (11) which is installed inside the case (10) and irradiates laser, condensing lens (12) which is installed in front of the semiconductor laser diode (11), power supply, power switch (30) which is installed outside the case (10) and controls the supply of power, irradiation switch (31) which controls the irradiation of laser and controller (32) which controls the operation of the device according to the state of to switches, wherein distance detecting sensor (40) is installed on the case (10) to measure the distance between an irradiated surface and condensing lens (12) and said controller (32) receives signal from the distance detecting sensor (40) and cuts off laser irradiation when the distance between the irradiated surface and condensing lens (12) is greater than focal distance of the condensing lens (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for aesthetic manipulation of the skin having a large pulsator with plurality of light emitting diodes of at least two different wavelengths and a small pulsator with one light emitting diode is disclosed. A frequency modulator automatically modulates the emitting frequency of the tight emitting diodes to a plurality of different frequencies. A power output modulator is provided to modulate the power output of the light emitting diodes. A phase switching subsystem allows selection between a plurality of operating phases, each operating phase operating the frequency modulator and power output modulator in a different predetermined manner. Calibration subsystem connected in circuit with the light emitting diodes calibrates the power output of the light emitting diodes. A vibrator is provided to vibrate the large pulsator. A vibration switching subsystem selectively activates the vibrator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for phototherapy are described in which laser light or other radiation is projected from within a catheter, through a balloon member, and toward the surface of tissue. The light reflected from body fluids or the tissue surface is captured by a collecting device located within the catheter, e.g., within the balloon member, and the intensity of the reflected light is ascertained. The apparatus and method provides for accurately positioning the apparatus against the tissue treatment site.

Abstract: A system and method for treating skin. The system comprises a source of radiation for irradiating the skin and a pair of electrodes for applying a voltage to the skin. An electrical meter measures an electrical response of the skin to the applied voltage. A processor adjusts a parameter of the radiation based upon the measured response. The invention may be used to control skin temperature during thermal treatment.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting overheating in an optical device before harmful consequences, such as severe local heating, can result. In one embodiment of the invention, a blackbody emitter is disposed in close proximity to a therapeutic optical fiber to absorb therapeutic radiation at a fault and re-emit blackbody (infrared) radiation. The emitter can be coupled to the fiber but, during normal operation, lies outside the optical path between the output of the laser radiation and the site of treatment. Systems and catheters incorporating such emitters are also described for effective monitoring of the laser power transmitted along the optical fiber within the phototherapy device.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to temporarily remove hair through the absorption of light energy only by endogenous chromophores of the hair. Exogenous chromophores for light absorpotion are not applied to the skin surface at any time. A period of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove hair from the selected skin surface is determined by counting the days to hair reappearance after a test light application. Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the determined period of hair regeneration, thereby temporarily maintaining the selected skin surface free of visible hair.

Abstract: A method and system is described that greatly improves the safety and efficacy of ophthalmic laser surgery. The method and system are applicable to precise operations on a target subject to movement during the procedure. The system may comprise the following elements: (1) a user interface, (2) an imaging system, which may include a surgical microscope, (3) an automated tracking system that can follow the movements of an eye, (4) a laser, (5) a diagnostic system, and (6) a fast reliable safety means, for automatically interrupting the laser firing.

Abstract: A method for delivering electromagnetic radiation onto tissue to be treated with the radiation includes delivering the radiation onto the tissue in a treatment-spot having a polygonal shape such as a rectangle or a hexagon. The polygonal shape is selected such that a region of the tissue to be treated can be completely covered by a plurality of such shapes essentially without overlapping the shapes. The radiation to be delivered is passed through a lightguide having a cross-section of the polygonal shape. Radiation exiting the lightguide is projected onto the tissue via a plurality of optical elements to provide the treatment-spot.

Abstract: A closed-loop control system for the intrastromal photoablation of tissue includes an active mirror for individually directing the component beams of a diagnostic laser beam to a focal point on the retina of an eye. The reflected beam is analyzed to identify a distorted wavefront indicative of required corneal corrections, and an induced wavefront indicative of optical aberrations introduced by bubbles formed during tissue ablation. A comparator alters the induced wavefront with a desired wavefront to create a rectified wavefront, and a comparator compares the rectified wavefront with the distorted wavefront to create error signals. The error signals are then used to operate the active mirror and to control an ablation laser until the absence of error signals indicate the required stromal tissue has been photoablated.

Abstract: In a control program, according to which a laser-beam spot is guided, while being controlled with respect to position and time, over a cornea to be corrected photorefractively, so as to ablate a predetermined ablation profile therefrom, the effect of the angle between the laser earn and the corneal surface on the energy density of the laser-beam spot incident on the corneal surface and/or on the fraction of the laser-beam energy incident on the corneal surface which is reflected away, is taken into account when generating the control program.

Abstract: A laser slit lamp comprising a slit lamp base, a slit lamp head and a slit lamp microscope. The laser slit lamp is connected with an applicator. It comprises a device for uniting radiation from at least two radiation sources collinearly and for directing the radiation of a treatment beam or working beam onto the location to be treated in or on the eye of a patient, a device for generating a target beam or marking beam for targeting and observing the location to be treated in or on the eye, and an adjusting device in the applicator for changing the intensity and diameter of the working beam spot used for treatment. The radiation sources are laser radiation sources arranged in the slit lamp head, in the slit lamp base or in the slit lamp microscope for generating the working beam, illumination beam and/or target beam. Devices for control, regulation and monitoring are likewise arranged in the interior of the slit lamp.

Abstract: Presbyopia is treated by a method which uses ablative lasers to ablate the sclera tissue and increase the accommodation of the ciliary body. Tissue bleeding is prevented by an ablative laser having a wavelength of between 0.15 and 3.2 micron. A scanning system is proposed to perform various patterns on the sclera area of the cornea to treat presbyopia and to prevent other eye disorder such as glaucoma. Laser parameters are determined for accurate sclera expansion. REEXAMINATION RESULTS The questions raised in reexamination request no. 90/006,090, filed Aug. 22, 2001, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e), for ex parte reexaminations, or the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 316 as provided in 37 CFR 1.997(e) for inter partes reexaminations.