Abstract: A fractional treatment system can be configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue increases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1390-1425 nm). Desirably, the laser wavelength is primarily absorbed within a treated region of skin by water and has a thermally adjusted absorption coefficient within the range of about 8 cm?1 to about 30 cm?1. An adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. The system may be designed to be switchable between a treatment mode that is semi-ablative and a treatment mode that is not semi-ablative. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a fiber optic end having a non-cylindrical shape and further including a reflector surrounding a portion of the fiber optic end. The reflector is shaped to direct laser energy emitted from the fiber optic end in a direction away from the laser handpiece and toward a treatment site.

Abstract: A dermatologic hair-regrowth-inhibiting apparatus is disclosed which is cordless and sufficiently compact as to be hand-held. A self-contained housing is configured for gripping by a person's hand for cordless manipulation in a hair-regrowth-inhibiting procedure. A light source and electrical circuit are contained within the housing. The circuit includes one or more batteries for energizing the light source to produce output light pulses. A light path within the housing includes an aperture through which eye-safe light pulses are propagated out of the housing having properties sufficient for at least temporary hair-regrowth inhibition. A diffuser is disposed along the light path to reduce the integrated radiance to an eye-safe level.

Abstract: A hair treatment device includes a generator of electromagnetic radiation and optical guide components operatively connected to the generator so as to direct electromagnetic radiation from the generator away from entering a skin surface and in a direction substantially parallel to the skin surface, to impinge on hair fibers protruding from the skin surface. A control unit is connected to the generator for controlling the generator to produce the electromagnetic radiation in bursts of light pulses each having a predetermined number of pulses of light for treating the hair fibers protruding from the skin surface.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus comprises: an optical guiding body which guides a treatment laser beam omitted from a laser source; an irradiation optical system for irradiating the treatment beam guided by the optical guiding body; a first beam splitter placed in the irradiation optical system to split the treatment beam guided thereto; a photo-detector which detects output of one of the split treatment beams; and a depolarizer placed in an optical path between the optical guiding body and the first beam splitter to spatially disturb a polarization state of the guided treatment beam.

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 for figuring objects by means of material erosion of the surface thereof, comprising a pulsed laser beam and a deflection device through which the laser beam is directed at the object surface and via which the object surface is guided. The invention is suitable for figuring natural optical lenses made from a biological substance or artificial optical lenses. The inventive device is provided with an optical device to modify the distribution of the radiation intensity inside the laser beam cross section. The radiation intensity, once the laser beam has passed through the optical device, has a bell-shaped or Gaussian-like distribution in at least one cross sectional direction through the laser beam.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which comprises a suction conduit and an energy-transmitting conduit wherein at least some of the transmitted energy is directed to the distal region of the suction conduit. The device may include an optical apparatus for directing the energy. The device has applications in lithotripsy and tissue-removal in a patient.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of Barrett's Esophagus of a patient having endothelial esophageal complications. The treatment comprises connecting a wavelength specific light source to an elongated light guide having a distal end, the light guide arranged within a lumen of a steerable endoscope, guiding the endoscope into the esophagus of the patient, energyzing the light source, and manipulating the distal end of the light source onto a target on the endothelial complications inside of the patient's esophagus for the selective thermolysis of the target in the esophagus, thereby reverting the red secretory esophageal lining to a normal lining.

Abstract: A heating device and method are provided that control a temperature in a selected area of a body part to obtain a temperature effect within the selected area for therapeutic or medical purposes. It includes temperature generating means to generate a temperature in the selected area. It also includes temperature detecting means to detect the generated temperature from the selected area. It further includes temperature controlling means to control the temperature generating means to maintain the generated temperature within a range of a desired temperature. The device and method prevent irreversibly damaging or overheating the selected area or the tissue surrounding the selected area. It is advantageous to applications where there is a need to accurately control the temperature in a selected area in a biological body, for instance, to activate or evaporate a temperature sensitive agent in the selected area.

Abstract: A securing apparatus for selectively securing an ablating element of an ablation instrument proximate to a targeted region of a biological tissue. The securing apparatus includes a support base affixed to the ablation instrument relative the ablating element, and having a support face adapted to seat against the biological tissue proximate to the ablation element. The support base further defines a passage having one end communicably coupled to a vacuum source and an opposite end terminating at an orifice at the support face. The support face together with the biological tissue forms a hermetic seal thereagainst during operation of the vacuum source to secure the ablation instrument thereagainst. Essentially, the hermetic seal and the vacuum source cooperate to form a vacuum force sufficient to retain the ablation device against the biological tissue.

Abstract: A biological optical measuring instrument comprising a measuring probe (101) for collecting light from a plurality of portions of a subject (214) transmitted through the subject (214) by means of an optical fiber (108) by guiding light emitted from a light source (102) by an optical fiber (107), and irradiating the light to the subject (214) so as to create a living body transmitted light intensity image of the subject (214) from the transmitted and collected light. The measuring probe (101) further comprises optical fiber fixing members (201, 210, 211) for fixing the optical fibers (107, 108) at a predetermined interval and support members (202, 204, 205) for rockably supporting the optical fiber fixing members. Thus, it is possible to provide a technique of performing living body optical measurement while the living body lies in lateral decubitus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser microdissection device comprised of a microscope table (1), which supports a specimen (3) to be dissected, of an incident lighting device (7), a laser light source (5) and of an objective (10) for focussing the laser beam (18) of the laser light source (5) onto the specimen (3). According to the invention, the microscope table (1) is not moved during the dissecting process. A laser scanning device (9) is arranged in the incident lighting device (7), is comprised of two thick glass wedge plates (11a, 11b), which are tilted toward the optical axis (8) and can be rotated independently of one another around said optical axis (8). In addition to the beam deviation caused by the wedge angle of the wedge plates (11a, 11b), a beam offset of the laser beam (18) is produced by the thickness and the tilt of the wedge plates (11a, 11b).

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser system (1) for performing procedures such as Retinal Photocoagulation and Laser Trabeculoplasty comprises a delivery module (2) and a console module (3). The console module includes a treatment laser and optical elements for directing output from the treatment laser to an optical fiber (16), which is substantially enclosed within the delivery module. The delivery module includes a slit lamp tower (6), viewing microscope (4) and alignment optics for directing and focusing output from the optical fiber to a patient treatment zone.

Abstract: To provide a medical energy irradiation apparatus which permits easy and accurate establishment of a site of tissues of a living body targeted for irradiation with energy, when doctors use the medical energy irradiation apparatus to perform a cure for a prostatic hyperplasia or the like. The doctors insert an applicator 110 of the medical energy irradiation apparatus to an urinary bladder 161 and fix an endoscope 135 near to an entrance of an urethra. In this arrangement, when observing with the endoscope (135), a seminal colliculas 144 observed through a side-observation window 130 is observed toward a lower part of an observed image (schematic diagram) displayed on a display unit, and a positioning marker 140 in an interior of the applicator is observed toward an upper part of an observed image.

Abstract: A waveguide and radiation delivery system is disclosed to be used in topical applications of photodynamic therapy. One preferred embodiment consists of a rectangular waveguide that delivers electromagnetic radiation to a flexible conducting sheet that can be molded to the contours of the treatment sight. The sheet is surrounded by a reflective material or foil, except for the portion of the sheet in contact with the treatment area. That portion is covered with a semi-reflective sheet that is at least translucent with respect to the wavelength used in the treatment. This invention increases the speed and efficiency of the procedure by reducing energy loss due to reflection from the skin surface. It also increases safety by protecting sensitive areas of the body, and is particularly useful for head and neck procedures. Other embodiments include the use of a bladder-type applicator or a rectangular applicator designed to keep the optical fiber a specified distance from the treatment site.

Abstract: To provide a medical energy irradiation apparatus which, having a simple and inexpensively manufacturable structure, enables a doctor using it in the heat curing of prostatic hypertrophy or the like to accurately and stably irradiate a prescribed site deep in a living body with a laser beam and, even if its observation window is smeared, to observe tissues of a living body. An inserting portion of the medical energy irradiation apparatus to be inserted into a living body according to the invention has an emitting portion for emitting a laser beam toward tissues of the living body; an observation window, provided near the tip of the inserting portion in its inserting direction, for observing the tissues of the living body; and a hollow pipe for supporting a supporting member, which supports the emitting portion, shiftably in the lengthwise directions of the inserting portion and feeding detergent to the observation window.

Abstract: A laser system is provided that includes a laser unit, an incoupling means for coupling the laser radiation into a light-guide, and an outcoupling means for coupling the laser radiation out from the light-guide. A data transmitting means is coupled to the incoupling means or outcoupling means and produces optical signals which are coupled into the light-guide via the incoupling means or the outcoupling means. These optical signals are received by a data receiving means at the other end of the light-guide. The laser system can be used for realizing a data communication between the hand-piece and the stationary unit of the laser system in the case of which additional cables between the hand-piece and the laser are not necessary for transmitting data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing a therapeutic treatment on a patient's skin by concentrating applied radiation of at least one selected wavelength at a plurality of selected, three-dimensionally located, treatment portions, which treatment portions are within non-treatment portions. The ratio of treatment portions to the total volume may vary from 0.1% to 90%, but is preferably less than 50%. Various techniques, including wavelength, may be utilized to control the depth to which radiation is concentrated and suitable optical systems may be provided to concentrate applied radiation in parallel or in series for selected combinations of one or more treatment portions.

Abstract: A catheter introduction apparatus provides an optical assembly for emission of laser light energy. In one application, the catheter and the optical assembly are introduced percutaneously, and transseptally advanced to the ostium of a pulmonary vein. An anchoring balloon is expanded to position a mirror near the ostium of the pulmonary vein, such that light energy is reflected and directed circumferentially around the ostium of the pulmonary vein when a laser light source is energized. A circumferential ablation lesion is thereby produced, which effectively blocks electrical propagation between the pulmonary vein and the left atrium.

Abstract: A disposable lens for reconfiguring the cornea of an eye for ophthalmic laser surgery includes a lens which has a flat anterior surface that is formed opposite a contact surface. A skirt surrounds the contact surface and extends outwardly therefrom to define a chamber. The skirt is formed with a groove which creates a suction channel between the skirt and the contact surface in the chamber. In its operation, the lens is positioned over the cornea and a vacuum pump is selectively activated to create a partial vacuum in the suction channel. Due to this partial vacuum, the cornea is drawn into the chamber where it is urged against the contact surface of the lens. The result of this is that the cornea is flattened into a configuration where the introduction of spherical aberration and coma into a light beam passing into the cornea is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A laser hand-piece for irradiating a treatment laser beam to a part to be treated is disclosed. The laser hand-piece includes: a main body including an end portion with a bend and a grip portion to be held by an operator's hand, the end and grip portions each having an inner optical path communicating with each other for guiding the laser beam; a laser guiding pipe pivotally mounted on the end portion of the main body and provided with an inner optical path communicating with the inner optical path of the end portion to guide the laser beam, an opening, and a mirror for discharging the laser beam having been guided through the inner optical path to outside through the opening; a rotary knob rotatably attached to the grip portion; and a rotation transmitting mechanism, disposed between the rotary knob and the laser guiding pipe, for transmitting rotation of the rotary knob to the laser guiding pipe to change a laser irradiation direction.

Abstract: An improved light beam generation and focusing device (15, 50) has a light source (16, 51) constructed and arranged to emit at least one beam of light (20), and a lens assembly (17, 19, 56) constructed and arranged to focus the at least one beam of light on a surface plane. The device is constructed and arranged to sequentially direct the at least one beam of light to at least two spaced locations (21, 21?) on the surface plane. The lens assembly comprises a collimating lens (17), and a spaced focusing lens (19).

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a fiber optic end having a non-cylindrical shape and further including a reflector surrounding a portion of the fiber optic end. The reflector is shaped to direct laser energy emitted from the fiber optic end in a direction away from the laser handpiece and toward a treatment site.

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 system for treating a selected dermatologic problem and a head for use with such system are provided. The head may include an optical waveguide having a first end to which EM radiation appropriate for treating the condition is applied. The waveguide also has a skin-contacting second end opposite the first end, a temperature sensor being located within a few millimeters, and preferably within 1 to 2 millimeters, of the second end of the waveguide. A temperature sensor may be similarly located in other skin contacting portions of the head. A mechanism is preferably also provided for removing heat from the waveguide and, for preferred embodiments, the second end of the head which is in contact with the skin has a reflection aperture which is substantially as great as the radiation back-scatter aperture from the patient's skin.

Abstract: A light application unit for a combined photodynamic diagnosis and photodynamic therapy of non-malignant diseases of a parodontium and a tooth of a living being having administered a pharmaceutical preparation allowing the photodynamic diagnosis and the photodynamic therapy comprises a light source, a focusing unit for focusing light emitted by the light source, at least one element arrangeable in a light beam path of the light, and at least one wave guide for transmitting the light from the light source to a distal emitting end, the wave guide is configured rigidly in at least a distal handling end section thereof and being curved in a distal end section.

Abstract: A binocular indirect laser ophthalmoscope is provided comprising binocular eyepieces each having an optical axis defining an optical plane, the ophthalmoscope having a central viewing axis lying in the optical plane; and an optical element adapted to position a laser beam into the optical plan substantially on the viewing axis and substantially parallel to the viewing axis.

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 invention relates to a device used for the photorefractive keratectomy of the eye, especially LASIK, uses an UV laser beam for ablating parts of the cornea. A centering light beam is arranged coaxially with respect to the fixing light beam and has a wavelength different from that of the fixing light beam. The device is provided with devices for measuring and evaluating the position of the scattered light/Fresnel reflection of the centering light beam on the front face of the cornea. The point in which the centering light beam passes through the front face of the cornea is used as the center of ablation.

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 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 light-ray therapeutic apparatus having: a xenon illuminating lamp including a lamp body, a lamp holder provided in the lamp body, a xenon lamp held by the lamp holder, a reflecting mirror for reflecting light emitted from the xenon lamp, and a multilayer film coating-type spectral correction filter provided in a front portion of the lamp body; wherein, of the light from the xenon lamp, energy of ultraviolet rays having a wavelength not longer than 280 nm is cut off by the spectral correction filter, and spectral coincidence in an ultraviolet wavelength range of 280-400 nm, in a visible wavelength range of 380-780 nm, and in an infrared wavelength range of 780-2,500 nm are made 100±30% respectively, while the spectral coincidence is defined as a ratio of relative energy distribution of the light of the xenon lamp to relative energy distribution of the reference sunlight.

Abstract: A light resolution element for a light guiding apparatus is provided that is connectable in optical communication with the light guiding apparatus for guiding and re-orienting light emitted thereto from the light guiding apparatus such that light exiting the light resolution element irradiates a dental restoration piece in a manner which effects complete hardening of the piece. The light resolution element includes a prismatic body operable to guide and re-orient a light beam passed thereto from the light guiding apparatus.

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: A laser perforator for perforating skin of a patient and obtaining of blood samples consists of laser light source for producing an output laser beam, a focusing arrangement for focusing the output laser beam at a skin area selected for perforation, a guiding arrangement, a power supply unit and a retaining arrangement for retaining the skin area. The retaining arrangement is formed to intensify blood circulation in the skin area selected for perforation.

Abstract: First and second optical-redirectors mounted on a catheter couple radiation to a target along separate first and second paths. Either the first or second optical-redirectors, or both, can include a steering mechanism for selecting the first and/or second path.

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: A cutting blade for a surgical instrument comprising a body formed of diamond, a cutting edge (16), and refracting means (12) through which laser radiation entering the body of the cutting blade is refracted away from a focal point. The cutting blade also includes a reflective surface (14) having a generally parabolic shape formed within the body of the cutting blade which is positioned to reflect laser radiation entering the cutting blade through the refracting means towards the curing edge of the blade.

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: A device for removing gas and debris from the stroma of an eye during ophthalmic laser surgery includes a contact lens that is formed with a recessed chamber. The device also includes a suction pump that is connected in fluid communication with the recessed chamber. In operation, the stroma is stabilized in the recessed chamber of the contact lens and an opening into the stroma is created. This opening is created either by the laser beam, or by a probe that is mounted on the contact lens to penetrate the stroma while the stroma is stabilized in the recessed chamber of the contact lens. Then, simultaneously or subsequently, as a laser beam is directed through the contact lens to photodisrupt tissue in the stroma the suction pump is activated to aspirate the resultant gas and debris through the opening and out of the stroma.

Abstract: A laser scalpel includes a ribbon optical waveguide extending therethrough and terminating at a slender optical cutting tip. A laser beam is emitted along the height of the cutting tip for cutting tissue therealong.

Abstract: A radiation device for therapeutic use in the human body allows the application of light waves to an affected area the body. A bulb, preferably a xenon bulb, produces light which is passed through a lens module having silicon and carbon granules therein. By applying different lenses to the device, a variation in the wavelength of light and radiation applied to an area is achieved. Each lens corresponds to a Shakra energy center. The device has a pistol-like housing to allow for controlled application of the radiation.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus for irradiating a treatment part with a laser beam for treatment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a treatment light irradiation unit including a treatment light source which emits the treatment laser beam, an irradiation optical system which delivers the treatment laser beam emitted from the light source to irradiate the treatment part, and a laser emission end unit internally provided with a part of the irradiation optical system. The apparatus further includes a movement unit which moves the emission end unit with respect to the treatment part, a determination unit which determines an irradiation position of the treatment laser beam, and a control section which transmits a control signal to the movement unit based on a determination result by the determination unit and controls laser irradiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device including an optical fiber whose distal end is disposed within a hollow tube with a sharp or syringe shaped distal end, which may be inserted into tissue. The distal end of the optical fiber and the hollow tube are configured so as to emit, by refraction (total internal reflection) or reflection from a metal surface, laser energy at an angle of about 80° to about 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber and hollow tube. A first fluid channel within the distal end portion of the tube enables fluid to be infused to cool the distal end of the tube and to cool and clean the emission face of the optical fiber. A second, relatively larger diameter fluid channel in the tube enables the fluid, flowing through said first channel along with hot gasses from the vaporization of tissue, to exit the device through a second port in the tube, away from the tissue being treated.

Abstract: Light energy is utilized to shrink or tighten tissue surrounding a hollow organ, cavity, duct or naturally occurring or surgically created passage by cross-linking the collagen of the surrounding tissue and ccausing scar formation therein. The present device may be used in the esophagus in the area of the sphincter to treat GERD, in the female urethra to treat FSI or at the vesicouretal junction to treat VUR. In the present device, a plurality of plastic tubes, each containing a slidable optical fiber with a sharpened distal end, are affixed to the outer surface of a balloon, which is mounted near the distal end of a closed end catheter. The balloon catheter may be inserted into the body inside a retractable protective sheath. When the sheath is retracted, exposing the balloon, the balloon is inflated, which presses the distal ends of the plastic tubes against the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for controlling an apparatus for removing tissue from the eye performs various types of corrections using a relatively large beam, but oscillating, or dithering, that being to prevent reinforcing ridges from being formed during the tissue removal process. Further, various types of correction, such as hyperopia and astigmatism correction, are performed using a large beam that is scanned over the area to be ablated using overlapping shots. Further, the epithelium in the area to be treated is removed using an infrared fluorescent dye to dye the epithelium, and then observing the fluorescent patterns from the epithelium area to be removed. Once a certain area is no longer fluorescent after laser shots, smaller shots are then applied, selectively removing the epithelium from the remaining regions. Again, the fluorescence patterns are observed, and the process is repeated until no epithelium remains.

Abstract: A disposable lens for reconfiguring the cornea of an eye for ophthalmic laser surgery includes a lens which has a flat anterior surface that is formed opposite a contact surface. A skirt surrounds the contact surface and extends outwardly therefrom to define a chamber. The skirt is formed with a groove which creates a suction channel between the skirt and the contact surface in the chamber. In its operation, the lens is positioned over the cornea and a vacuum pump is selectively activated to create a partial vacuum in the suction channel. Due to this partial vacuum, the cornea is drawn into the chamber where it is urged against the contact surface of the lens. The result of this is that the cornea is flattened into a configuration where the introduction of spherical aberration and coma into a light beam passing into the cornea is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A laser surgical apparatus is disclosed in which laser energy can be directed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe. The probe includes a reflecting surface directing the laser energy. The reflecting surface is transparent to visible light. In a preferred embodiment, the reflecting surface is on a rod cut at an angle to form a wedge, and a collimator is used to collimate the light beam before it reaches the reflecting surface.

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.