Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the thickness of arterial walls is disclosed. Ablation of the exterior layer of the arterial walls is performed using mechanical or laser ablation techniques. Surveying is preferably carried out during the procedure to ensure optimal ablation. The ablation reduces the effective thickness of the arterial walls and increases flexibility so that the walls distend under normal blood pressure, thereby improving blood flow. Advantageously, the procedure is carried out without invasion of the blood vessel lumen and without damage to the inner layer of the artery wall.

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: Apparatus and method to generate a stream of pulses having a pulse repetition rate of at least about 50000 pulses per second and a per-pulse length of less than one picosecond, and to scan and focus the stream to an output light pattern suitable to sculpt tissue for a surgical procedure (e.g., ophthalmologic) using at least a high number of pulses to complete the operation in a matter of a few second, e.g., 100000 pulses in less than ten seconds. A laser having a optical fiber gain medium generates a stream of femtosecond pulses. Some embodiments create a preconditioning negative dispersion that compensates for positive dispersion in the scanning system. In some embodiments, a lenticule is cut using the laser and scanning system and is mechanically removed through a side slit formed through the cornea surface.

Abstract: A device and a method for the photolithographic exposure of biological substances is described, which comprises at least one light source, a bundle of optical fibers and a control unit, whereby each of the optical fibers can be controlled by light independently from one another and/or light can be coupled to each fiber independently. The device is particularly suitable for the exposure of DNA, PNA or peptide chips.

Abstract: A method and system for laser surgery produces controlled laser pulses and simultaneously verifies that a correct sequence of pulses are being delivered to the patient. A photo detector receives a predetermined portion of the energy of the treatment pulses as they exit the system. A separate monitoring computer compares an output signal from the photo detector with reference information for the treatment sequence. The system is exemplified in an implementation in an ophthalmic laser surgery system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable laser treatment device, comprising case (10), semiconductor laser diode (11) which is installed inside the said case (10) and irradiates laser, condensing lens (12) which is installed in front of the said semiconductor laser diode (11), power supply, power switch (30) which is installed outside the said 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 the said switches, wherein distance detecting sensor (40) is installed on the said case (10) to measure the distance between the 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: A system and method for controllably releasing laser radiation in percutaneous laser treatment is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an optical fiber is inserted below the skin or into a vascular lumen to a predetermined point. The fiber is connected to a source of electromagnetic radiation such as a laser. Radiation is then delivered to the treatment site while the fiber is simultaneously drawn out to the entry point. The fiber is manually withdrawn at a predetermined rate and radiation is administered in a constant power or energy level. To maintain a constant proper energy density, the speed of withdrawal is measured and sent to a controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism modifies the power emitted, pulse length or pulse rate to ensure that the vein or tissue receives a consistent dose of energy. In one preferred embodiment, an imaging device provides the controlling device with speed information based on fiber surface textural properties or based on a series of bar code like markings.

Abstract: A laser-based method and apparatus for corneal surgery. The present invention is intended to be applied primarily to ablate organic materials, and human cornea in particular. The invention uses a laser source which has the characteristics of providing a shallow ablation depth (0.2 microns or less per laser pulse), and a low ablation energy density threshold (less than or equal to about 10 mJ/cm2), to achieve optically smooth ablated corneal surfaces. The preferred laser includes a laser emitting approximately 100-50,000 laser pulses per second, with a wavelength of about 198-300 nm and a pulse duration of about 1-5,000 picoseconds. Each laser pulse is directed by a highly controllable laser scanning system. Described is a method of distributing laser pulses and the energy deposited on a target surface such that surface roughness is controlled within a specific range.

Abstract: A medical laser therapy device, particularly for use in ophthalmology and surgery, comprises a controllable pump module with a coupling element for a waveguide, a beam control device in the form of a waveguide for supplying the pumping radiation delivered by the pump module to the applicator which is provided with a coupling element for the waveguide for introducing a target beam and/or treatment beam into the eye to be treated.

Abstract: A laser beam projector equipped with a CCD camera for taking a picture of a spot for treatment, thus permitting observation of the spot by sight. The laser beam projector has an annular projection formed around a circular hole made on the front of its casing, and a trapezoid heat sink is fitted in the circular hole with its base caught by the circumference of the annular projection. The annular projection has threads formed on its outer circumference. A tapered cap has a laser beam throwing aperture made on its top end. The tapered cap is screwed and fixed to the annular projection, and the tapered head is applied to the spot with the laser beam aperture closed with the skin. The heat sink has a through hole made at its center, and a magnifying lens is placed deep in the through hole, and is directed to the laser beam throwing aperture. The CCD camera is placed behind the magnifying lens with its focal plan aligned with the lens.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the presence of skin is disclosed, one configuration of which uses multiple light emitting diodes, each of a unique wavelength band, and a broad-band photodetector to measure the remission of light at multiple wavelengths from a material being analyzed. Characteristics of the spectral remission of the material are used to discriminate human skin from materials that are not human skin. Further, an aesthetic medical device utilizing such a sensor in which the device is inhibited from operation if skin has not been detected. The incorporation of a skin sensor improves the safety of devices that emit radiation that otherwise would pose a hazard if not directed onto skin.

Abstract: An apparatus that efficiently and accurately directs or splits a non-polarized light beam input from a fiber optic into one, two, four or eight output beams wherein the light beam input is passed through a collimator, the apparatus uses non-polarizing beam splitters and the output beams are coupled to fiber optics using a lens matched to divergence of the beam to direct the beam into the fiber optic and uses an iris diaphragm attenuator to adjust the energy of the output beam prior to its entry into the fiber optic.

Abstract: An optical bench for processing laser light in a laser system, including an optical bench housing, a beam dump mounted to the optical bench housing so as to be in optical communication therewith, steering optics mounted within the optical bench housing for directing the laser light in a path from a laser light input to an output, and a mechanism for causing the laser light to deviate from the path and be directed into the beam dump upon recognition of a specified condition in the laser system, wherein the laser light is thermally isolated from the steering optics. The mechanism can either cause at least one optically reflective element to be inserted into the path, cause at least one optical element of the steering optics to have a change in position with respect to the path, and/or causes at least one optical element of the steering optics to be removed from the path.

Abstract: The thermal treatment apparatus is equipped with a laser generator for supplying laser beams, a laser irradiation unit for applying the supplied laser beams to tissues, and a control unit for totally controlling various parts of the system. The laser irradiation unit is equipped with a movable laser emission part for emitting laser beams to tissues, a motor for reciprocating a laser emission part, and a guide lumen for supporting an endoscope in such a way as to enable it to move in the direction of the laser emission part. The control unit controls the motor that drives the laser emission part to make reciprocation motion in such a way that the laser emission part stops at a position where it does not interfere with the moving passage of the endoscope.

Abstract: The medical laser unit (1) includes at least one laser body (3) being made of laser material (4). A first type of a pump light source (11) is designed and arranged to continuously excite the laser material (4) and to generate continuous laser radiation (7). A second type of a pump light source (16) is designed and arranged to excite the laser material (4) by pulses and to generate pulsed laser radiation (7). A transmitting unit is designed and arranged to transmit the continuous laser radiation (7) and the pulsed laser radiation (7) to a surgical application site. More particularly, the medical laser unit (1) has two modes of operation, a first mode for cutting with continuous laser radiation (7) and a second mode for fragmenting with pulsed laser radiation (7) of short time and high power laser pulses.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of developing laser therapies to eradicate or ablate one or more pathogens in periodontal tissues are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an adjustable laser source, that is preferably a Nd:YAG laser, for directing pulsed laser light to an area of a target comprising the one or more pathogens, such as phorphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and prevotella intermedia (Pi) and/or a pigment fungi. The apparatus preferably comprises means for measuring the laser power provided to the target from the adjustable laser source and means for determining if exposed pathogens within the target have been eradicated or ablated. By identifying damage thresholds of laser doses, therapeutic protocols for treating periodontal tissues infected with the one or more pathogens are developed.

Abstract: An ophthalmological surgery system and method for performing ablative photodecomposition of the corneal surface by offset image scanning. The image of a variable aperture, such as a variable width slit and variable diameter iris diaphragm, is scanned in a preselected pattern to perform ablative sculpting of predetermined portions of a corneal surface. The scanning is performed with a movable image offset displacement mechanism capable of effecting radial displacement and angular rotation of the profiled beam exiting from the variable aperture. The profiled beam is rotated by rotating the aperture in conjunction with the offset displacement mechanism. The invention enables wide area treatment with a laser having a narrower beam, and can be used in the treatment of many different conditions, such as hyperopia, hyperopic astigmatism, irregular refractive aberrations, post ablation smoothing and phototherapeutic keratectomy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating lesions and tattoos sites. The method includes the steps of irradiating said lesion by a first single pulse Q-Switched laser beam directed onto the site; and again irradiating the lesion by a second single pulse Q-Switched laser beam directed onto the same lesion site within a time interval of less than about 100 &mgr;s.

Abstract: A dental laser arrangement switchable between different modes of operation, comprising a laser device (1) operable as a laser oscillator and as a laser amplifier, comprising a laser resonator (8) which includes a pump unit (12) and an active modelocker (16) as well as an optic loss element (17′) introducing selective losses in the resonator (8), and further comprising a laser beam-out-coupling unit (21), wherein the modelocker (16) is connected to a control circuit (27) for switching between a CW-mode of operation (C) for coagulating soft tissue, in which the modelocker (16) is switched off, and two short-pulse modes of operation (A, S) in which high frequency signals of equal frequencies, but different powers (P1, P2) are applied by the control circuit (27) to the modelocker (16) so as to generate laser pulses of a pre-determined duration, one of the two short-pulse modes of operation (A) being provided for ablation of hard tooth tissue, and the other short-pulse mode of operation (S), in which the las

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for minimally invasive to non-invasive optical treatment of tissues of the eye and also for diagnosis thereof and to a device for implementing this process. The object underlying the invention is to create a process and a laser arrangement for minimally invasive to non-invasive optical treatment in the interior of the eye, particularly of cases of defective vision, by ablation of tissue, said treatment being distinguished by a hitherto unattained high precision, with possible widths of incision in the range less than 2 &mgr;m, without a significant mechanical impairment of the surrounding tissue occurring that has been generated by photodisruption. The process and the arrangement are to be inexpensive and easy to operate. In addition, at the same time the arrangement is to enable a three-dimensional imaging of the tissue.

Abstract: Laser treatment appliance having an illumination system, in particular for use in the field of medicine, has a laser light source for producing a treatment laser beam which is guided essentially freely, as well as an illuminating light source for producing a visible light for illuminating an area to be treated, and one or more first optical elements via which the treatment laser beam is passed on, with at least one of the first optical elements being in the form of an optical multifunction element, such that the visible light for illumination is also steered at least over this at least one optical multifunction element. The laser treatment appliance furthermore has an optical evaluation apparatus for diagnosis or analysis of radiation which is produced during the treatment process, and all the optical multifunction elements are designed such that they influence the treatment laser beam and the visible illuminating light essentially in an equivalent reflecting and/or transmitting manner.

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 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: The present invention provides an apparatus for applying energy to human tissue, which includes an energy generator and a usage-limited, energy delivery device, and ancillary information exchange capability therebetween for the purposes of security, reliability and operational monitoring and control. The invention also provides a usage-limited, energy delivery device for use in such an apparatus, a method for determining the suitability of the delivery device for use in such an apparatus, and a method of using the delivery device in such an apparatus. The present invention provides an efficient medical treatment system having ready data-communication capability between its permanent and non-permanent components, for the security, reliability and operational monitoring and control desired in such medical systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for radiation treatment on a patient by use fiber laser and/or a tunable laser, a tunable fiber laser being used for preferred embodiments. Wavelength may be controlled to control depth of penetration and/or radiation absorption and may be scanned to scan depth of penetration.

Abstract: An eye laser system which includes a laser and a laser delivery system for delivering a laser beam generated by the laser to the eye and an eyetracking system which monitors movement of the eye and conveys eyetracking information to the laser delivery system with the eyetracking system including a non-invasive eye tilt reference marker. The reference marker projects an energy beam that is preferably visible so as to reflect off the iris of the eye and provide microscope and surgical field illumination. The reference marker includes a plurality of points arranged concentrically about the pupil of the eye and/or a concentric ring marking device. This arrangement provides information as to eye tilt for use in, for example, video frame review during an initial reference setting or a subsequent eye tracking stage.

Abstract: A laser operating system, comprising treatment laser beam projector for projecting a treatment laser beam to an affected site to be treated, sighting laser beam projector for projecting a sighting laser beam for aligning the treatment laser beam to the affected site, and an adjuster 36 for adjusting a spot diameter of the treatment laser beam, wherein output of the sighting laser beam projector is adjusted in association with adjusting operation of the adjuster.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a volume of tumor mass destroyed. The present invention includes a temperature probe and a laser probe having a temperature sensor. The laser probe and temperature probe are inserted to measure a temperature of the tumor mass and a temperature of tissue mass surrounding the tumor mass. By determining the volume of tumor mass destroyed, a graphical representation of the volume of tumor mass destroyed is provided whereby real-time visual monitoring of the destruction of the tumor mass is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for measuring the energy and/or the position of a pulsed laser beam, notably in an ophthalmologic excimer laser. The pulsed laser beam is intermittently directed at a sensor which detects its energy and/or position.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and ablating the corneal tissue volume necessary for performing a corneal lamellar grafting operation, in a manner optimized for each patient, comprises a central processing unit, to which are operatively connected a corneal pachymeter, of an optical, ultrasonic and the like type, a pupillometer and a photoablative laser, of an excimer, status solid, phantosecond or the like type.

Abstract: A transilluminator device for locating blood vessels in the tissue. The device includes a plurality of the light emitting diodes with appropriate wavelength. The light emitting diodes emit light through the tissue being examined. This transilluminator device applies the light emitting diodes to emit light into tissue, using the difference of light absorption spectra between tissue and blood vessels to enhence color contrast for locating blood vessels in the tissue. A light intensity adjusting mechanism is intergrated into the transilluminator device to provide the optimal effect individually. The transilluminator device provides the sensors to assure that the light emitting diodes are enabled only when it is in good contact with patient's skin to prevent the physician's eyes from harsh light. The transilluminator device includes a plurality of hook on the basal surface. The hooks comprise a plurality of indentation or a plurality of flange.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tissue treatment. A handpiece contains a light source for emitting a light beam toward the tissue. A detector detects at least one tissue parameter along a path during an initial scan. This information is stored and a map of the parameter produced. A light beam controller controls a light beam parameter and controls a deflector in order to apply the light beam to the tissue in a predetermined path.

Abstract: Scanning spot locations are generated for ablating tissue using a scanning laser beam over a treatment region by fitting a target function representing a desired lens profile of ablation with a basis function representing a treatment profile produced by overlapping scanning spots in a particular treatment pattern. Symmetry effects are utilized to simply the process for determining the scanning spot locations. In some embodiments, the basis function is a two-dimensional function representing a two-dimensional section of a tree-dimensional treatment profile which has symmetry with respect to the two-dimensional section extending along the treatment pattern. The target function and the basis function are fitted to produce ablation depths for discrete scanning spots which are used to calculate the number of pulses at each reference position along the two-dimensional section.

Abstract: There is disclosed a laser treatment apparatus used for performing treatment on a treatment part of a patient's eye by irradiating the treatment part with a laser beam for treatment. This apparatus includes a treatment beam irradiation optical system for irradiating the treatment beam, the system including a mirror which reflects the treatment beam toward the treatment part; a mirror moving device for moving the mirror to change a point to be irradiated by the treatment beam; and a detector for detecting motion of the mirror.

Abstract: A corneal surgery apparatus, for ablating a cornea with a laser beam to correct a refractive error more precisely, includes an ablation amount computing device for obtaining an ablation amount of the cornea for each of plural ablation steps based on a refractive error, a determining device for determining laser irradiation control data for each of the ablation steps based on the ablation amount, a corneal shape measurement device including a projecting optical system for projecting a target on the cornea, a photographing optical system for photographing an image of corneal reflection of the target, and a shape computing device for obtaining a corneal shape by processing the photographed target image, and a correcting device for comparing a predetermined ablation amount with an actual ablation amount based on the corneal shape measured after laser irradiation and for correcting the control data for the next step based on the comparison result.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus preferably used during the photocagulation of the fundus of human eyes or animals measures density fluctuations caused by pulsed irradiation, such as a laser irradiation source, on a material. A wherein a measuring signal is acoustically or optically detected. The change of the intensity and/or of the time slope of the measuring signal resulting from the irradiation of a specific material point is detected. A linear thermo-elastic signal fraction is removed from the measuring signal.

Abstract: A hair removal device (22) includes a cooling surface (34) which is used to contact the skin (6) prior to exposure to hair tissue-damaging laser light (74) passing from a radiation source (36) through a recessed window (46). The window is laterally offset from the cooling surface and is spaced apart from the cooling surface in a direction away from the patient's skin to create a gap between the window and the skin. The window preferably includes both an inner window (46) and an outer, user-replaceable window (48). The laser-pulse duration is preferably selected according to the general diameter of the hair.

Abstract: A system and method combining wavefront analysis with narrow-beam scanning photoablation where optimal corneal topography is first calculated then followed by real-time topographic feedback controlled photoablation. Eye movement and beam position sensing to within a tolerance of 5 &mgr;m are provided by high speed digital computation in conjunction with specialized charge coupled devices. Lasers of three different wavelengths—one low-powered pulsed ultraviolet, a second continuous visible band type, and a pulsed infrared type are combined together into narrow beams whereupon a scanning mechanism generates coaxial collimated beams for the functions of ablation, beam position sensing, and fundus spot imaging. Transepithelial ablation is performed utilizing the same CCD used for wavefront analysis by switching between two dichroic mirrors. The light source for the raster videokeratography topography means is the UV laser used for ablation.

Abstract: A zooming mechanism for use in an eye tracking system includes a pyramidal prism that has either a plurality of reflective facets or of transmissive facets meeting at an apex. An incident light beam directed onto each facet of the prism is reflected/refracted onto a planar surface substantially normal to the optical axis, to form a plurality of light spots arrayed about an optical axis. The prism is translatable along the optical axis between axial positions for altering a spacing of the light spots without substantially changing their size. Preferably the spots are directed onto a boundary defined by two adjoining surfaces of the eye having different coefficients of reflection. Reflected energy from each of the plurality of positions is detected, and a size of a pattern formed by the light spots is adjustable without substantially changing a diameter of the individual light spots.

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 laser treatment apparatus for performing treatment by irradiating a skin of a patient with a laser beam for treatment is disclosed.

Abstract: An automated energy irradiator guidance system is disclosed which reduces the potential for human error and improves the consistency and repeatability of tissue welding techniques. The system includes a mapper, a patternizer, an energy director and can additionally include an energy regulator. An interface is included, allowing pattern creation, selection and editing by a user. The system further provides control of energy irradiator parameters for use in tissue welding.

Abstract: An apparatus for tisue treatment is provided, comprising a light source for emission of a treating light beam towards a target surface and illuminating a spot on the target surface, movable deflecting means for deflection of the treating light beam, moving means for moving the deflection means, and deflecting control means being adapted to control the moving means so that the treating light beam traverses a target surface area stepwise with steps that are greater than half the diameter of the spot. Furthermore, a controlled overlap between illuminated spots may be provided, for example by user selection. The apparatus may be provided in a hand piece. The apparatus may preferably be used for removal of hairs, but also photocoagulation of veins may be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal treatment apparatus capable of irradiating targeted lesions with energy to obtain good treatment results. The invention displays the diagnostic images 2201 of the lesion overlaid upon the laser irradiation areas a, b, c, and d and is capable of setting up the laser emission angle, output and time using the graphical user interface displayed on the touch panel.

Abstract: A method of determining the dimensions of a laser beam spot, comprising: scanning the laser beam in a path across a reference-edge having a photodetector positioned therebehind; and measuring an output signal from the photodetector during the scanning, the output signal corresponding to an area of the laser beam spot incident on the photodetector during the scanning.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a volume of tumor mass destroyed. The present invention includes a temperature probe and a laser probe having a temperature sensor. The laser probe and temperature probe are inserted to measure a temperature of the tumor mass and a temperature of tissue mass surrounding the tumor mass. By determining the volume of tumor mass destroyed, a graphical representation of the volume of tumor mass destroyed is provided whereby real-time visual monitoring of the destruction of the tumor mass is achieved.

Abstract: The above described apparatus and methods provide the possibility to reduce or even eliminate the effects of delay between image acquisition and laser ablation. Thus this will lead to less positioning errors and therefore to better ablation results in laser refractive surgery. The importance of this invention will increase with decreasing ablating beam diameter. The use of synchronization leads to shorter delay times. Hence it follows that the duration of the whole treatment decreases as well.

Abstract: An operation apparatus for ablating the cornea by laser beam and correcting ametropia of the eye comprising a diaphragm with variable aperture, which is disposed on the optical path along which the laser beam is irradiated on the cornea, a shading member for shading the aperture of the diaphragm in the meridian diameter direction of the aperture, which is capable of varying the shading area to the aperture of the diaphragm by changing the turning angle to the optical path, in which aperture diameter of the diaphragm and variation in scope of the shading area by the shading member being controlled, and a beam rotator disposed in the eye side to the diaphragm rotates the laser beam passed through the aperture of the diaphragm about the optical path, whereby the cornea is ablated thicker at the periphery than at the center so as to correct hypermetropia.

Abstract: An apparatus for tissue treatment is provided, comprising a light emitter for emission of a first light beam, director for directing the first light beam towards a target area to be treated, detector for detecting at least one tissue parameter at the target area, and first light beam controller for controlling at least one parameter without interruption of the propagating light beam. The tissue parameter may be selected from the group of texture, elasticity, size and shape. The apparatus may be used for ablating a thin epidermal layer of the derma of a patient and also marks on the tissue such as marks from chloasma, liver spots, red spots, tattoos, blood vessels just below the surface, etc. as well as warts, wounds, hair follicles, etc. may be ablated or treated.