Ophthalmic Patents (Class 606/4)
  • Patent number: 9913678
    Abstract: Embodiments include methods, apparatuses, and systems for reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in a patient to either prevent or treat open-angle glaucoma. Heat is applied to the trabecular meshwork in the patient's eye without damaging proteins in the trabecular meshwork. The application of heat to the trabecular meshwork has the effect of relaxing or loosening protein clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork, which are either reducing or obstructing of the outflow of aqueous humor, thereby increasing the patient's IOP and causing ocular hypertension (OHT). By loosening or relaxing clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork, the outflow path for aqueous humor is increased or restored, which can lower IOP and either prevent or treat glaucoma. Force may also be applied to the patient's eye to apply pressure to the trabecular meshwork to further assist in the loosening or relaxing of clogs or other inhibitors in the trabecular meshwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Beth Friedland, Donald R. Korb, Steve Grenon, John Jans, Keith Gausmann, Timothy R. Willis
  • Patent number: 9910338
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system may include a housing, one or more lenses, and a scanning system. The housing has an interior region. A lens is disposed within the interior region and transmits a light beam. The scanning system is disposed within the interior region and comprises a number of scanning cells, where each scanning cell comprises an electro-optical (EO) material. The scanning system performs the following for a number of iterations to yield a spot pattern: receive one or more voltages and electrically steer the light beam with the EO material from a current direction to a next direction in response to the voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald T. Smith
  • Patent number: 9883971
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a laser device for eye surgery used by ophthalmologists in the treatment with capsulotomy and iriditomy, and a device for selective laser trabeculoplasty. The essence of the ophthalmic laser combined device of the invention lies in that it has one single laser with one optical axis for both wavelengths; the basic wavelength of 1064 nm and the frequency doubled wavelength of 532 nm. Switching between both wavelengths is carried out by a polarization orientation switch. Frequency doubling is inactive at the wavelength of 1064 nm and it is active for the wavelength of 532 nm. At the wavelength of 532 nm additional optical elements for attenuating and collimating the laser pulse are switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: OPTOTEK D.O.O.
    Inventors: Ales Dolzan, Klemen Kunstelj, Boris Vedlin, Andrej Vrecko, Matjaz Zalar
  • Patent number: 9877870
    Abstract: A device and a method for controlling a laser system for the treatment of the eye lens by means of laser-induced disruptions. The laser system includes a femtosecond laser and a deflection unit for directing the laser beam and a detection device for detecting a value characteristic of the occurrence of disruptions being provided. The detection device is connected to the control device and the control device is adapted to determine a pulse energy for the laser system from the characteristic value and to actuate the laser accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Manfred Dick, Dieter Grebner, Matthias Reich
  • Patent number: 9877868
    Abstract: An apparatus for dissecting an eye for the introduction of a photosensitizer into tissue of an eye, a cannula device for introducing the photosensitizer, a system comprising the apparatus and the cannula device, and a method for dissecting an eye for the introduction of a photosensitizer are provided. The apparatus comprises a source for laser radiation, a system for guiding and focusing the laser radiation with respect to the tissue of an eye, and a computer for controlling said system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Theo Seiler, Katrin Skerl, Yao Zhang
  • Patent number: 9861526
    Abstract: The present application relates generally to a method for vision correction using corneal collagen crosslinking (“CCXL”), in which the physician is able to precisely control the pattern of ultraviolet (“UV”) energy delivered to the cornea, by means of a programmable masking array placed between the UV source and the cornea. A CCXL LCD masked is used to create various patterns of “on” and “off” pixels. The physician is able to control the degree of polarization of the LCD pixels, thereby allowing the physician to create various patterns of UV irradiation and thus, varying levels of CCXL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: TECLens, LLC
    Inventors: Frank George Cooper, Patrick David Lopath
  • Patent number: 9855169
    Abstract: A method for marking coagulation sites on a retina by application of a light source including projecting a serial spot sequence from a sequential, one-dimensional series of spots on the retina, wherein the individual spots indicate the coagulation sites; waiting for confirmation of the sequence of individual spots; after confirming, recalculating an automated sequence of steps having a further serial spot sequence and projecting them on the retina according to the first step; and subsequent repeating of the second and third steps. Also, a system for coagulating the retina, having an imaging diagnostic unit, a therapy beam for coagulating coagulation sites, a pilot beam for marking the coagulation sites by a spot sequence, a beam deflecting unit for generating the spot sequence and for positioning the therapy beam, an electronic control unit for controlling the above devices, a software interface, and an interactive interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Gerald Kunath-Fandrei, Jenny Dünger, Rico Fuchs, Manfred Dick
  • Patent number: 9849035
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle, a housing sleeve, a first portion of the housing sleeve having a first stiffness, a second portion of the housing sleeve having a second stiffness, an actuation control of the handle, an optic fiber disposed in an inner bore of the handle and the housing sleeve, and a shape memory wire having a pre-formed curve. An actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the housing sleeve and the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the housing sleeve and the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 9849036
    Abstract: An imaging-based laser system can include a laser-beam system, configured to generate and scan a beam of laser pulses with an adjustable laser-power parameter to points of a scan-pattern in an eye, and an imaging-based laser-controller, configured to image a layer in the eye, to control the scanning of the beam of laser pulses to the points of the scan-pattern, and to control a laser-power parameter of the laser pulses according to the distance of the points of the scan-pattern from the imaged layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: ALCON LENSX, INC.
    Inventors: Gautam Chaudhary, Peter Goldstein, Imre Hegedus, Carlos German Suarez, David Calligori, Michael Karavitis
  • Patent number: 9814386
    Abstract: An ocular alignment system for aligning a subject's eye with an optical axis of an ocular imaging device comprising one or more guide light and one or more baffle configured to mask the one or more guide light from view of the subject such that the one or more guide light is only visible to the subject when the eye of the subject is aligned with the optical axis of an ocular imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: IDx, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Abramoff, Eric Talmage, Ben Clark, Edward DeHoog, Timothy Chung
  • Patent number: 9795510
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a housing tube having a housing tube distal end and a housing tube proximal end, a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness, a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the housing tube, and a cable disposed within the housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the housing tube and the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid, Justin M Raney
  • Patent number: 9789003
    Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of an eye comprises a source of pulsed laser radiation, and a control device for controlling a focus of the laser radiation to generate an incision figure. The incision figure defines a corneal flap, a first auxiliary channel and a second auxiliary channel. The corneal flap is connected to adjoining corneal tissue in a hinge region, and has a flap underside parted-off from adjoining corneal tissue by a bed incision. The first auxiliary channel extends from the hinge region to an outer surface of the eye and is adapted to remove gases that develop during the generation of the bed incision. The second auxiliary channel extends along an edge of the bed incision, is connected to the first auxiliary channel, and extends beyond the hinge region. The control device is configured to generate the second auxiliary channel prior to the bed incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Wavelight GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Martin
  • Patent number: 9784966
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a deformable mirror, specifically a gimbaled deformable mirror for use with wavefront sensors, which mirror separates the tilt correction from the higher order modes (e.g. defocus, spherical, astigmatism, and coma at higher order aberrations, up to the limits of a particular mirror design) in order to use all of the available mirror deformation stroke for correcting the higher order modes. The separation is done by placing the deformable mirror in a gimbaled structure, so that the deformable mirror can be tilted in two independent, orthogonal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Kestrel Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Harrison, Boyd V. Hunter, William P. Walters
  • Patent number: 9770363
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an auto-fixing actuation control, a housing tube having a housing tube distal end and a housing tube proximal end, a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness, a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the housing tube. An actuation of the auto-fixing actuation control may gradually curve the housing tube. A gradual curving of the housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 9763831
    Abstract: Systems and methods related to corneal ablation for treatment of one or more high-order optical aberrations are provided. A method includes providing a defect-correcting prescription, determining an ablation profile to impose the prescription on the cornea, and determining a sequence of laser-energy ablations to impose the ablation profile on the cornea. The prescription may include a high-order optical correction. The ablation profile includes a first-segment profile and a second-segment profile. The second-segment profile corresponds to at least one high-order optical correction. The ablation sequence includes applying ablations corresponding to the first-segment profile prior to applying ablations corresponding to the second-segment profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventor: Julian D. Stevens
  • Patent number: 9757278
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the flexible housing tube, and a cable disposed within the flexible housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid, Justin M Raney
  • Patent number: 9737438
    Abstract: An ophthalmological device (1) for treating eye tissue by means of pulsed laser beams (L) comprises a laser system (12) which is designed, in a first mode of operation, to generate pulsed laser beams (L) with a wavelength in the NIR infrared range and, in a second mode of operation, to generate pulsed laser beams (L) with a wavelength in the UVA ultraviolet range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ZIEMER OPHTHALMIC SYSTEMS AG
    Inventor: Christian Rathjen
  • Patent number: 9724240
    Abstract: This apparatus treats the lens capsule so as to increase accommodation of the eye. The treatment of the lens capsule may comprise treating a portion of the lens capsule so as to stiffen the treated portion and improve accommodation of the eye. The intermediate portion of the lens capsule may be located between an optically used central portion of the lens capsule and a peripheral portion of the lens capsule connected to zonules of the eye. The stiffened intermediate portion of the lens capsule can improve coupling of the peripheral portion of the lens capsule to the central portion of the lens capsule, such that an amount of accommodation of the optically used central portion of the lens is increased. As the force of the lens capsule to a lens disposed within the lens capsule is increased, the lens may comprise the natural lens of the eye or an artificial lens such as an accommodative IOL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Zsolt Bor, Daniel G. Brady, Edward P. Geraghty, Carina R. Reisin, Douglas S. Cali
  • Patent number: 9717629
    Abstract: An apparatus for ophthalmic procedures contains a source of aiming and treatment laser beams, folded mirrors and lens arrays to cause the formation of a static pupil on a delivery mirror for observation and treatment by an operator of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: LUMENIS LTD
    Inventor: Jesse Peter Anderegg
  • Patent number: 9714864
    Abstract: A handheld LIBS spectrometer includes an optics stage movably mounted to a housing and including a laser focusing lens and a detection lens. One or more motors advance and retract the optics stage, move the optics stage left and right, and/or move the optics stage up and down. A laser source in the housing is oriented to direct a laser beam to the laser focusing lens. A spectrometer subsystem in the housing is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the detection lens and to provide an output. A controller subsystem is responsive to the output of the spectrometer subsystem and is configured to control the laser source and motors. In this way, auto-calibration, auto-clean, and auto-focus, and/or moving spot functionality is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: SciAps, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Day, Konstantin Derman, John Francis Egan, Paul Edward Soucy
  • Patent number: 9700460
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of ophthalmology and relates to methods of performing a generally round posterior capsulotomy, preferably in a continuous manner, without disturbing an intraocular lens, and without inducing any pressure changes inside the eye. The posterior capsulotomy comprises performing a generally round circular posterior capsulotomy using a suitable ophthalmic laser device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Gustavo Tamayo
  • Patent number: 9687143
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ophthalmic photography device for capturing an eye including: a first photography optical system that captures a first image of the eye by capturing the eye by performing a first type of photography; a second photography optical system that captures a second image of the eye by capturing the eye by performing a second type of photography; a third photography optical system that captures a front image of the eye by capturing the eye using a third type of photography; and a controller for acquiring a first front image when the first image is acquired, and acquiring a second front image different from the first front image when the second image is acquired; and for detecting the amount of positional deviation between the first and second front images, and correlating the first image to the second image based on the amount of positional deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: NIDEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norimasa Satake, Tetsuya Kanou
  • Patent number: 9681986
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an auto-fixing actuation control, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, a first flexible housing tube portion having a first stiffness, and an optic fiber disposed within an inner bore of the handle and the flexible housing tube. An actuation of the auto-fixing actuation control may gradually curve the flexible housing tube. A gradual curving of the flexible housing tube may gradually curve the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 9636257
    Abstract: A patient interface assembly for interfacing an ophthalmic intervention system with an eye of a patient includes a housing, an optical lens coupled to the housing, an eye engagement assembly coupled to the housing, the eye engagement assembly including an inner seal and an outer seal, and a tissue migration bolster structure positioned between the inner seal and outer seal and configured to apply a resisting load against portions of the eye in a vacuum zone which are capable of distending upon application of the vacuum load. The eye engagement assembly is adapted to be placed into contact with the eye of the patient by sealably engaging the eye with the inner and outer seals, thereby defining the vacuum zone as being between the inner and outer seals when placed into contact with the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Optimedica Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip Gooding, Christine Beltran, Jonathan Talamo
  • Patent number: 9627853
    Abstract: An external resonator type light emitting system includes a light source oscillating a semiconductor laser light and a grating device providing an external resonator with the light source. The light source includes an active layer oscillating the semiconductor laser light. The grating device includes an optical waveguide having an incident face to which the semiconductor laser is incident and an emitting face of emitting an emitting light of a desired wavelength, a Bragg grating formed in the optical waveguide, and a propagating portion provided between the incident face and the Bragg grating. Formulas (1) to (4) are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Jungo Kondo, Shoichiro Yamaguchi, Takashi Yoshino, Yukihisa Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9597009
    Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical tool has a marker positioned at a distal portion of the ophthalmic surgical tool. The distal portion of the ophthalmic surgical tool is inserted into an eye along with the marker to perform surgeries in the eye. An imaging device captures images of the fundus of the eye including the distal portion of the ophthalmic surgical tool. An image processor processes the captured images to identify and extract the marker from the captured images. The marker has a high-contrast feature in a visible light or infrared light range or other spectral ranges. Thus, the image processor may identify and extract the marker from the captured images. Indicators may be generated based on the marker and be overlaid with the captured or processed images of the fundus and displayed to a user to indicate surgical information to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Hugang Ren, Lingfeng Yu
  • Patent number: 9579235
    Abstract: A laser-assisted method for fully or partially separating tissue such as collagen containing tissue is provided. In one embodiment, the method pertains to a capsulorhexis whereby the laser-assisted method is applied to the lens capsule. A light-absorbing agent is added into or onto the tissue. A light beam with a wavelength capable of being absorbed by the light absorbing agent is then directed at the tissue to cause a thermal effect at the tissue following a predetermined closed curve with the goal to avoid irregularity or potential tears in the resulting rim of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: EXCEL-LENS, INC.
    Inventor: David H. Mordaunt
  • Patent number: 9550069
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for irradiating extracellular macular deposits through a cornea of an eye utilizing laser pulses. In an embodiment, the method comprises generating laser pulses of between about 1 femtosecond to 1,000,000 femtoseconds in a wavelength range from about 200 nanometers to 30 micrometers; and irradiating the extracellular macular deposits with the laser pulses for a preset temporal duration, energy, wavelength, spectral distribution, energy fluence, and power density. In an embodiment, the laser source generates a laser pulse in the range of about 0.001 nJ to 100 mJ of optical energy. By focusing the laser at a depth targeting extracellular macular deposits, the irradiating laser pulse is configured to ionize, remove, deplete, denature, and destroy the extracellular macular deposits without damaging the retinal pigmented epithelium cell membrane or mascula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Abdulhakem Elezzabi
  • Patent number: 9503713
    Abstract: Stereo gaze tracking estimates a 3-D gaze point by projecting determined right and left eye gaze points on left and right stereo images. The determined right and left eye gaze points are based on one or more tracked eye gaze points, estimates for non-tracked eye gaze points based upon the tracked gaze points and image matching in the left and right stereo images, and confidence scores indicative of the reliability of the tracked gaze points and/or the image matching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenyi Zhao, Brandon D. Itkowitz, George Mylonas, Gung-Zhong Yang
  • Patent number: 9498295
    Abstract: Systems and processes for the optimization of laser treatment of an eye are disclosed. The process can include receiving a set of parameters of a laser treatment (e.g., an aerial beam size, contact lens, pulse duration, and the desired clinical grade), determining an estimated size of a lesion to be generated by the laser treatment beam, receiving a lesion pattern density (e.g., full grid, mild grid, or other), and determining a recommended pattern of laser treatment beam spots. The recommended pattern of laser treatment beam spots may include a recommended number of laser treatment spots and a spacing between the spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: TOPCON MEDICAL LASER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel V. Palanker
  • Patent number: 9488845
    Abstract: A liquid crystal lens is formed with a first electrode formed on a first substrate and two or more second electrodes formed on a second substrate in a stripe pattern. Different voltages are applied to the second electrodes. The plurality of second electrodes exist at the boundary between a first liquid crystal lens and a second liquid crystal lens, and accept the maximum voltage of the different voltages. As a result, the liquid crystal lens can be moved in accordance with the movement of the visual line, the first and second liquid crystal lenses can be separated, and also a refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal lens can be close to a quadratic curve, thereby enabling to prevent the crosstalk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Oka, Takeo Koito, Yingbao Yang
  • Patent number: 9477042
    Abstract: Techniques and systems suitable for performing low-loss fusion splicing of optical waveguide sections are provided. According to some embodiments, multiple laser beams (from one or more laser) may be utilized to uniformly heat a splice region including portions of the optical waveguide sections to be spliced, which may have different cross-sectional dimensions. According to some embodiments, the relative distance of the optical waveguide sections and/or the power of the multiple laser beams may be varied during splicing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Fernald, Trevor W. MacDougall, Martin A. Putnam, Rebecca S. Bryant, Christopher J. Wright, Michael Arcand, Christopher T. Chipman
  • Patent number: 9445945
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the flexible housing tube, and a cable disposed within the flexible housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid, Justin M Raney
  • Patent number: 9433529
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, a wire having a pre-formed curve, and an optic fiber disposed within the housing tube and an inner bore of the handle. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. A compression of the actuation structure may curve or straighten the housing tube. A decompression of the actuation structure may curve or straighten the housing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 9414963
    Abstract: An ophthalmological apparatus includes a base station having a light source generating light pulses, and an application head mountable on an eye having a light projector for focussed projection of the light pulses for punctiform breakdown of eye tissue. The application head has movement drivers moving the light projector in a feed direction and a first scanning direction. A scanner in the base station deflects the light pulses in a second scanning direction. The ophthalmological apparatus includes an optical transmission system transmitting deflected light pulses from the base station to the application head, and superimposing the light pulses deflected in the second scanning direction onto the movement of the light projector in the first scanning direction. Light sources with high light pulse rates, for example femtosecond lasers may be used, without impractical enlargement of the size of the application head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SIE AG SURGICAL INSTRUMENT ENGINEERING
    Inventors: Christian Rathjen, Wolfgang Zesch, Karl Michael Deyerler, Holger Lubatschowski, Tammo Ripken
  • Patent number: 9408666
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation mechanism of the handle, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. A portion of the optic fiber may be fixed to an inner portion of the housing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 9408748
    Abstract: An ultrashort pulsed laser instrument is used to perform refractive surgery. The invention operates in ablative and incisional modalities. In the ablative mode, spiral ablation disks (10) consisting of individual laser pulses (40) are produced at high scanning speeds. Ablation profile (11) may be produced in cornea (22) by stacking and arranging multiple ablation disks (10) to produce a specified shape change. Placement of ablation disks (10) is assisted by an optical tracking and control system that compensates for eye motion. A preferred embodiment allows for ablative corrections to be performed on non-planar posterior surface (112) of a laser cut flap affixed to registration platen (120), thereby avoiding exposing the eye interior to high radiant power. Laser cut and contrast agent dyed fiduciary marks (30) may serve as reference features for the optical tracking system. Incisional procedures, such as corneal flaps for LASIK, may also be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Gregory John Roy Spooner
  • Patent number: 9402541
    Abstract: An optical device for corneal measuring includes a light source module, a first optical module, a second optical module including a reference mirror, a light splitter and an image analysis unit. The light of the light source module is transmitted to the first and second optical modules through the light splitter. The light is transmitted to a cornea through the light splitter and the first optical module and reflected by the cornea to form a first light, the light is transmitted to the reference mirror through the light splitter and reflected by the reference mirror to form a second light. The first and second lights are transmitted to the light splitter and the image analysis unit. The reference mirror moves along a first direction, and when the first light and the second light interfere with each other, a relative optical path length is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignees: CRYSTALVUE MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sheng-Lung Huang, William Wang, Tuan-Shu Ho, Chung-Ping Chuang, Meng-Shin Yen, Kuang-Yu Hsu, Chien-Chung Tsai, Chung-Cheng Chou
  • Patent number: 9381116
    Abstract: A process for treating an eye to stop or delay the onset or symptoms of retinal diseases includes determining that the eye has a risk for a retinal disease before detectable retinal imaging abnormalities. A laser light beam is generated that provides preventative and protective treatment of the retinal tissue of the eye. At least a portion of the retinal tissue is exposed to the laser light beam without damaging the tissue. The retina may be retreated according to a set schedule or periodically according to the determination that the retina of the patient is to be retreated by monitored visual and/or retinal function or condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ojai Retinal Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Luttrull, Benjamin W. L. Margolis, David B. Chang
  • Patent number: 9381115
    Abstract: A system and process for treating retinal diseases includes passing a laser light beam through an optical lens or mask to optically shape the light beam. The light beam is applied to at least a portion of the retina. Due to the selected parameters of the laser light beam pulse length, power and duty cycle, the laser light beam can be applied to substantially the entire retina, including the fovea, without damaging retinal or foveal tissue, while still attaining the benefits of retinal photocoagulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ojai Retinal Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Luttrull, Benjamin Margolis
  • Patent number: 9375351
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the flexible housing tube, and a cable disposed within the flexible housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid, Justin M Raney
  • Patent number: 9375350
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle distal end and a handle proximal end, an actuation control of the handle, a flexible housing tube having a flexible housing tube distal end and a flexible housing tube proximal end, an optic fiber disposed within an inner portion of the handle and the flexible housing tube, and a cable disposed within the flexible housing tube and the actuation control. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually curve the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber. A rotation of the actuation control may be configured to gradually straighten the flexible housing tube and the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid, Justin M Raney
  • Patent number: 9351876
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, an optic fiber, and an optic fiber sleeve. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater that the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within an inner bore of the handle, the optic fiber sleeve, the actuation structure, and the housing tube. The optic fiber sleeve may enclose at least a portion of the optic fiber and the optic fiber sleeve may be disposed within the actuation structure and the housing tube. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to curve the housing tube and the optic fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Katalyst Surgical, LLC
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Matthew N Zeid
  • Patent number: 9351639
    Abstract: An eye imaging apparatus can include a housing, an optical imaging system in the housing, and a light source in the housing to illuminate an eye. The optical imaging system can include an optical window at a front end of the housing with a concave front surface for receiving the eye as well as an imaging lens disposed rearward the optical window. The apparatus can comprise a light conditioning element configured to receive light from the light source and direct said light to the eye. The apparatus can further include an image sensor in the housing disposed to receive an image of the eye from the optical imaging system. In various embodiments, light conditioning element includes at least one multi-segment surface. In some embodiments, the housing is provided with at least one hermitic seal, for example, with the optical window. In some embodiments, time sequential illumination is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Visunex Medical Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei Su
  • Patent number: 9345549
    Abstract: Systems and methods of improving vision using an ophthalmological laser system are provided. A predetermined pattern characterized by a plurality of positions along a plurality of spatially distributed iris tissues of an eye of a patient is obtained. A laser illumination light beam is aligned in accordance with one or more of the plurality of positions along the plurality of spatially distributed iris tissues. The laser illumination light beam is delivered in the predetermined pattern to the plurality of spatially distributed iris tissues of the patient. At least a subset of the spatially distributed iris tissues is cauterized by the delivery of the laser illumination light beam in the predetermined pattern, thereby resulting in a permanent decrease in diameter of the pupil of the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: THRUFOCUS OPTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Adam L. Hickenbotham
  • Patent number: 9278028
    Abstract: A system for cataract surgery on an eye of a patient is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: OPTIMEDICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Neil Friedman, Barry Seibel, William Culbertson, Georg Schuele, Dan Andersen
  • Patent number: 9278026
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus treat the lens capsule so as to increase accommodation of the eye. The treatment of the lens capsule may comprise treating a portion of the lens capsule so as to stiffen the treated portion and improve accommodation of the eye. The intermediate portion of the lens capsule may located between an optically used central portion of the lens capsule and a peripheral portion of the lens capsule connected to zonules of the eye. The stiffened intermediate portion of the lens capsule can improve coupling of the peripheral portion of the lens capsule to the central portion of the lens capsule, such that an amount of accommodation of the optically used central portion of the lens is increased. As the force of the lens capsule to a lens disposed within the lens capsule is increased, the lens may comprise the natural lens of the eye or an artificial lens such as an accommodative IOL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Zsolt Bor, Daniel G. Brady, Edward Geraghty, Carina R. Reisin, Douglas S. Cali
  • Patent number: 9272161
    Abstract: Radiosurgery systems are described that are configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, and in some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Oraya Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Gertner, Steven D. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9259152
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining an ametropia of an eye 3 comprises a measurement light source 15 and beam formation optics 17 and an analysis module 35 comprising a detector 39 and analysis optics 37. The analysis optics are configured to focus a parallel light beam, entering through the optical interface 27, along a predetermined line extending transverse to a direction of the analysis beam path. The detector is a spatially resolving detector, wherein an acute angle between a surface normal of the detection area and the predetermined line is less than 80°. A controller 53 is configured to obtain light intensity data detected by the detector and to determine ametropia-data representing the ametropia of the eye based on the light intensity data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignees: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG, CARL ZEISS AG
    Inventors: Markus Seesselberg, Tobias Breuninger, Marco Wilzbach
  • Patent number: 9254082
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring the elasticity of crystalline lens and an apparatus for measuring the elasticity of the crystalline lens for measuring stiffness of the crystalline lens 1, wherein the crystalline lens 1 is irradiated with pulse laser light to generate photoelastic waves from the crystalline lens 1, and the photoelastic waves from the crystalline lens 1 are measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: RIKEN
    Inventors: Satoshi Wada, Kazuo Tsubota, Atsushi Shinjo