Abstract: A laser eye surgery system focuses light along a beam path to a focal point having a location within a lens of the eye. The refractive index of the lens is determined in response to the location. The lens comprises a surface adjacent a second material having a second refractive index. The beam path extends a distance from the surface to the focal point. The index is determined in response to the distances from the surface to the targeted focal point and from the surface to the actual focal point, which corresponds to a location of a peak intensity of an optical interference signal of the focused light within the lens. The determined refractive index is mapped to a region in the lens, and may be used to generate a gradient index profile of the lens to more accurately place laser beam pulses for incisions.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus including an observation system configured for displaying a moving image of a patient's eye, an optical system for directing an illumination beam into the patient's eye and for directing an observation beam from the patient's eye into the observation system, a control system configured for controlling the optical system, and a control stick for inputting control signals into the control system including an auxiliary control element being provided on the control stick for inputting auxiliary control signals into the control system, wherein the control system is configured for controlling a display mode of displaying the moving image of the observation system according to the auxiliary control signals. The invention further relates to a method of operating said ophthalmic apparatus.

Abstract: An ophthalmic docking system is presented that can reduce a condensation of a patient interface of a surgical laser system. The ophthalmic docking system includes a patient interface that has a proximal portion configured to be attached to an ophthalmic system, a distal portion configured to be attached to an eye that includes a contact lens and an interface attachment system; and a decondenser, coupled to the patient interface and configured to reduce a vapor condensation on the contact lens.

Abstract: A process for configuring a laser device comprising: selecting a pulse length within a range from 1 ps to 1 ns; selecting a wavelength for the laser radiation within a range from 300 nm to 400 nm or within a range from 800 nm to 1100 nm; ascertaining a set of parameter values of the laser device that when the laser device is operated with these parameter values a two-dimensionally extensive separation of tissue of human corneal or lenticular tissue is achieved by stringing together local sites of damage, the set of parameter values including the selected pulse length, the selected wavelength, and values for at least one of the following parameters: a pulse energy, a pulse repetition rate, a fluence per radiation pulse, a number of pulses per site of damage, a scanning speed of a scanning apparatus of the laser device, and a focus diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary illumination device for enhancing the brightness of wavelength converting element. The illumination device includes a wavelength converting element operable for receiving light from a light source at a first wavelength range and converting the light to a second wavelength range. The wavelength converting element includes a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and a side edge extending between the first and second faces. A reflective optical element is arranged adjacent the side edge of the wave converting element. The reflective optical element is configured to reflect light in at least the first wavelength range toward the wavelength converting element.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an alteration of biomechanical properties of ocular tissue, into which a photosensitizer (14) has been introduced, contains means (18, 20) for radiating into the tissue electromagnetic radiation (12?) which reacts with the photosensitizer for the purpose of generating a cross-linking. The setting means permit an inhomogeneous distribution of the irradiance in the tissue and a setting of the depth of action (16?).

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a system for translocating a multilayer patch. The system includes a support structure having a contact surface for bonding to the patch. The support structure has a shape configured to support the patch following separation of the patch from a surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A method and a system for detecting a movement of a surface on an irradiated sample involves a light source for irradiating the surface with a coherent light beam, a detector for detecting variations caused by the movement in a speckle pattern produced by reflections of the light beam at the surface, selecting a single speckle from the speckle pattern, and detecting the variations at the selected speckle.

Abstract: A laser system for ophthalmic surgery includes a laser source to produce a surgical pulsed laser beam, an XY scanner to scan the surgical pulsed laser beam in XY transverse directions, a Z scanner, to scan the XY scanned laser beam along a Z axis, an objective, to focus the XYZ scanned beam into a focal spot in a target region, and a computational controller, to use a computational process to control at least one of the Z scanner and the XY scanner, to control an optical distortion of the focused scanned beam.

Abstract: An ophthalmological apparatus includes a handle for manually holding and applying the ophthalmological apparatus, fastening has abilities for fixing the ophthalmological apparatus at an eye, a light source, and a light projector for the focused projection of light pulses for punctiform tissue breakdown at a focal point in the interior of the eye tissue. The ophthalmological apparatus also includes a movement driver for moving the light projector. The movement of the light projector and therefore that of the focal point with the assistance of the movement driver permits a dimensioning of the optical projection system of the light projector which is substantially smaller than in the case of an ophthalmological apparatus where the focal point is moved exclusively by an optical projection system.

Abstract: An eye contact device and assembly for stabilizing a human eye at a selected position in an external coordinate system is disclosed. The device includes an eye-contact member having an inner contact surface for contacting a front surface of an eye, and a vacuum port formed within the eye-contact member by which a negative pressure can be applied between the eye and the contact surface, to stabilize the position of the eye with respect to the device. The device, which is adapted to be biased against the patient's eye, to secure the device to the eye, may be pivotally coupled to a positioning arm, and may carry one or more beam-directing elements by which the position of the device in an external coordinate system can be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for ophthalmic laser surgery comprises a source (28) for a pulsed femtosecond laser beam, a telescope (32) expanding the laser beam, a scanner (36) downstream of the telescope, for deflecting the laser beam in a plane perpendicular to the beam path, and also an f-theta objective (44) downstream of the scanner, for focusing the laser beam. In accordance with the invention, an entrance lens (52) of the telescope (32) takes the form of a controllable lens of variable refractive power. The entrance lens (52) is preferentially constituted by an electrically controllable liquid lens or liquid-crystal lens.

Abstract: An electronic SLO/OCT ophthalmoscope is equipped with a femtosecond (fs) laser for intra- or preretinal therapeutic use in the posterior segment of the eye. In one application the retina photoreceptor mosaic or Bruch's membrane is disrupted in such pattern that minimizes loss of visual functioning but reduces metabolic load of the outer retina. Using a beam splitter, one embodiment combines the SLO/OCT scanning beams with the therapeutic fs beam and an aiming beam. The therapeutic channel uses an independent x/y positioner and micro-deflector. Because the duty cycle is appropriate, a second embodiment can use the SLO/OCT scanners to also simultaneously scan a modulated therapeutic laser beam. A biometric OCT probe can be integrated in both configurations for focusing purpose. A method is disclosed to represent focus relevant tilting of the retina in the posterior pole.

Abstract: A polarization beam splitter selectively decouples detection light onto a detector such that it has a polarization direction that differs from the emitted illumination light. This enables the detection of the light scattered back in the eye lens at a high level of accuracy, since stray light from reflections at optical components of the light path is suppressed. In the generating of photo disruptions or other incisions, the ray exposure of the retina may be reduced in that the incisions being furthest away from the laser are induced first such that laminar gas inclusions with an existence duration time of at least 5 seconds result. In this manner the laser radiation propagated in the direction of the retina in further incisions are scattered and partially reflected such that the influence impinging upon the retina is reduced.

Abstract: A laser apparatus is controlled by a control program that operates to use laser radiation to generate an incision figure in the cornea of an eye, the incision figure including a an incision that bounds a corneal tissue volume. The control program operates to move the radiation focus in a radiation propogation direction successively in a plurality of superposed planes such that the radiation focus is moved without motion control in the propogation direction. The control program provides, for each plane, for a meandering scan path of the radiation focus that extends outside the tissue volume. The control program operates to allow through to the eye, in each plane, at least such radiation pulses that generate the first incision and to blank, in at least a fraction of the planes, at least a fraction of radiation pulses assigned to regions of the path that are at a distance from the incision.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cutting or ablating corneal tissue of an eye provide for detection of electromagnetic radiation exiting the eye. A detector is provided and coupled to a computer controlling the cutting or ablating laser radiation so that a two- or three-dimensional image of radiation exiting the eye can be generated.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle proximal end and a handle distal end, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing sleeve, a shape memory sleeve at least partially disposed within the housing sleeve, and an optic fiber disposed within the shape memory sleeve and within an inner bore of the handle. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: Image processing for computer-aided eye-surgery includes acquiring a reference image of the eye and enriching said reference image by inserting additional context information which are helpful for a surgeon when performing the eye surgery. The reference image is registered with a real time image of the eye. The context information is overlayed over the real time image of the eye based on a tracking of the eye movement such that the context information is displayed at the same position despite a movement of the eye.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an eye with laser radiation exhibits the following: a laser radiation source (12) for generating laser radiation (14), means (20, 24, 40, 42, 44) for directing the laser radiation (14) onto the eye (10) for the purpose of an ophthalmological intervention on or in the eye, a controller (50) for controlling the laser radiation (14) in space and time in relation to the eye (10) in accordance with a treatment program (52) which is oriented towards a center (Z) of the eye, a camera (46) which records a feature of the eye (10), and an image-processing unit (50a) which derives information about the center (Z) of the eye (10) from the recording of the camera and enters this information into the controller (50), as a result of which the controller (50) controls the laser radiation (14, 14?) in accordance with the treatment program and in a manner depending on the center of the eye derived in step e).

Abstract: An integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus, and associated systems and methods that allow an ophthalmologist to perform laser retinal surgical procedures with an integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus disposed at a first (i.e. local) location from a control system disposed at a second (i.e. remote) location, e.g., a physician's office. In some embodiments, communication between the integral laser imaging and coagulation apparatus and control system is achieved via the Internet®.

Abstract: A method of photodisruptive laser surgery includes selecting a target region of a tissue for fragmentation, directing a beam of laser pulses to the selected target region of the tissue, and forming cells in the target region of the tissue by directing the laser beam to generate cell boundaries. The cells can be arranged in regular or irregular arrays. The cells can be generated in parallel or successively, with cell sizes and laser parameters which reduce the time of ophthalmic surgery considerably.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, a flexible tube, an optic fiber, and a wire having a pre-formed curve. The flexible tube may be disposed within the housing tube wherein a distal end of the flexible tube projects out from a distal end of the housing tube. The optic fiber may be disposed within an inner bore of the handle, the housing tube, and the flexible tube. The wire may be disposed within the housing tube.

Abstract: A fiducial is generated on an internal anatomical structure of the eye of a patient with a surgical laser. A tonic artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is positioned so that a marker of the tonic IOL is in a predetermined positional relationship relative to the fiducial. This positioning aligns the tonic IOL with the astigmatic or other axis of the eye. The toric IOL is then implanted in the eye of the patient with high accuracy.

Abstract: An infrared binocular indirect ophthalmoscope (iBIO) is provided to the simultaneous examination and treatment of the human eye. The iBIO operates in infrared light, at long wavelengths to penetrate the eye and image the retina. The iBIO can further include a treatment beam to activate an appropriate agent that has been injected in the human eye, for performing a treatment on the eye. The photosensitizing agent can include any photosensitive material that is activated at a predetermined wavelength. Can be useful in photodynamic therapy and other types of treatment for simultaneous examination and treatment of the human eye.

Abstract: A patient interface for an ophthalmic system can include an attachment module, attachable to the ophthalmic system, and a contact module, configured to accommodate a viscoelastic substance between the patient interface and a procedure eye. The viscoelastic substance can include a fluid, a liquid, a gel, a cream, an artificial tear, a film, an elastic material, or a viscous material. The refractive index of the viscoelastic substance can be within a range of approximately 1.24-1.52 at an operating wavelength of the ophthalmic system. The patient interface can further include input ports, output ports, and a suction system. It can be an integrated design or a multi-piece patient interface. The viscoelastic substance can be provided by injection, on the cornea, at the contact module, or in a space bounded by soft elastic films or membranes, such as in a bag.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser system generating a first beam at a wavelength suitable for performing selective laser trabeculoplasty and selectively generating a second beam at a wavelength suitable for performing secondary cataract surgery procedures. The laser system is able to select between directing the first beam or the second beam to the eye of a patient. The first beam is suitably generated at 1064 nm from a Nd:YAG laser and the second beam is frequency doubled to 532 nm in a KTP doubling crystal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simulation and planning system for intraoperative radiation therapy and to a method allowing said system to be used for treatment studies, simulation, planning, training and recording, which system generally comprises a central processing unit or computer (1) for management and control and software-based communication with the rest of the devices and the user; one or several monitors or screens (2) for displaying images and peripherals responsible for gathering data relating to the actions performed by said user, a deformation simulation module for the virtual simulation of the deformation produced in the organs and tissues during the process; algorithms for instantly calculating the radiation dose applied during the radiation therapy treatment simulation and means for recording all the activities carried out and generating a full dosimetry report.

Abstract: A laser treatment apparatus configured to emit laser light onto a tissue of a patient's eye, the laser treatment apparatus includes: a laser scanner configured to scan laser light emitted from a laser light source and switch a position of the tissue onto which laser light is emitted; a processor; and memory storing computer readable instructions, which are executed by the processor, causing the laser treatment apparatus to: (a) emit the laser light onto a first spot; (b) stop emitting the laser light onto the first spot for a stop time; (c) emit the laser light onto at least one second spot other than the first spot during the stop time; (d) emit the laser light onto the first spot again after the stop time elapses; and repeat (b), (c) and (d) several times to execute intermittent irradiation treatment onto a plurality of spots multiple times.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device (1) for treating eye tissue (6) using laser pulses comprises a projection optical unit (12) for focussed projection of the laser pulses and a scanning device (2), with a movable mirror (20), arranged downstream from the projection optical unit (12), for deflecting the laser pulses projected by the projection optical unit (12) in at least one deflection direction. The ophthalmic device (1) moreover comprises a drive system (200) configured to displace the mirror (20) in parallel. The parallel displacement of the mirror (20) renders it possible to displace the focus of deflected laser pulses in the projection direction and therefore correct image field curvatures caused by the scanning device (2) arranged downstream from the projection optical unit (12) and, for example, image the deflected laser pulses in focus onto a plane.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device (1) for treating eye tissue (6) using laser pulses comprises a projection optical unit (12) for focussed projection of the laser pulses and a scanning device (2), with a movable mirror (20), arranged downstream from the projection optical unit (12), for deflecting the laser pulses projected by the projection optical unit (12) in at least one deflection direction. The ophthalmic device (1) moreover comprises an optical correction element (4) arranged downstream of the scanning device (2), which correction element is configured to image, in a focussed manner, the laser pulses deflected by the scanning device (2) on an intended treatment area (s) in the eye tissue (6). The optical correction element (4) renders it possible to therefore correct image field curvatures caused by the scanning device (2) arranged downstream from the projection optical unit (12) and, for example, image the deflected laser pulses in focus onto a plane.

Abstract: A device for delivering ablative medical treatments to improve biomechanics comprising a laser for generating a beam of laser radiation used in ablative medical treatments to improve biomechanics, a housing, a controller within the housing, in communication with the laser and operable to control dosimetry of the beam of laser radiation in application to a target material, a lens operable to focus the beam of laser radiation onto a target material, and a power source operable to provide power to the laser and controller.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a method for interfacing an ophthalmic intervention system with an eye of a patient, comprising: placing a patient interface assembly comprising a housing, an optical lens coupled to the housing, and an eye engagement assembly coupled to the housing, the eye engagement assembly comprising an inner seal and an outer seal, into contact with the eye of the patient by sealably engaging the eye with the inner and outer seals in a vacuum zone defined between the inner and outer seals; applying a vacuum load between the inner and outer seals to engage the eye using the vacuum load; and physically limiting an amount of distension of the eye in the vacuum zone.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for controlling from a first location a laser at a second location are disclosed. Laser orientation data is determined at a first location. The laser orientation data is communicated to the second location. Video data is received from the second location that includes imagery of a laser beam emitted by a laser, and the imagery is presented on a display at the first location.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the depth of focus of an eye of a patient. A visual axis of the eye is aligned with an instrument axis of an ophthalmic instrument. The ophthalmic instrument has an aperture through which the patient may look along the instrument axis. A first reference target is imaged on the instrument axis at a first distance with respect to the eye. A second reference target is imaged on the instrument axis with the ophthalmic instrument at a second distance with respect to the eye. The second distance is greater than the first distance. Movement is provided such that the patient's eye is in a position where the images of the first and second reference targets appear to the patient's eye to be aligned. A mask comprising a pin-hole aperture having a mask axis is aligned with the instrument axis such that the mask axis and the instrument axis are substantially collinear.

Abstract: An interface unit for positioning an object to be irradiated in relation to a radiation source has at least one first positioning surface for positioning the interface unit in relation to the radiation source, and a second positioning surface for bearing on the object to be irradiated. The interface unit provides a path, which passes through the second positioning surface, for the radiation from the radiation source. According to the invention, the interface unit comprises an integrally produced interface body which forms both the at least one first positioning surface and the second positioning surface. The interface body is preferably produced from a plastic material by an injection compression molding method, in order to achieve the desired high manufacturing accuracy.

Abstract: An evaluating unit which is adapted to determine a degree of an instantaneous overlap between an optical zone of the eye and the structure, or at least a part of the structure effecting refractive correction, based on a recorded image. By determining the degree of overlap between the instantaneous optical zone and the structure to be introduced, it is possible to control the superposition of the optical zone with the tissue volume which is specifically altered by means of the laser cutting and, accordingly, to enable a maximum coverage.

Abstract: An opthalmological apparatus for breakdown of eye tissue includes a base station with a light source for generating light pulses, a support arm, with an application head that can be placed onto an eye, is mounted on the base station. The light pulses are transmitted from the base station to the application head through an optical transmission system. The application head has a light projector for focused projection of the light pulses for punctiform breakdown of eye tissue. The support arm is of rigid design with horizontal orientation and has a hinge with a horizontally oriented rotation axis, the hinge is mounted in such a way that the application head can be placed onto the eye with a rotation extending about the rotation axis. The hinge permits controlled manual docking of the application head and light projector onto the eye in a vertical direction, via a rotation movement that is easy to perform and has minimal mechanical friction.

Abstract: An apparatus for ophthalmological, in particular refractive, laser surgery includes a laser-beam source (20) for emitting a focused treatment laser beam (20?) and also includes an optical-coherence interferometric measuring device (34), for example an OLCR pachymeter, for measuring the z-position of a predetermined point of an eye to be treated in the coordinate system of the laser-surgery apparatus. A computer (C) serving as evaluating and control unit has been set up to assess, on the basis of the measured z-position, whether a desired treatment point of the eye in the z-direction falls in the focal plane of the treatment laser beam or is offset in relation to said plane. Depending on whether or not the patient is correctly positioned in relation to the focal plane, the computer (C) can bring about a range of actions.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed for locating tissue layer transitions within a cornea, including focusing a laser to a laser spot with an energy below a photodisruption threshold of the cornea, varying a position of the focal spot of the laser between an anterior surface of the cornea and a posterior surface of the cornea, and determining one or more transitions of the tissue layers based on a change in harmonic light generated by the laser spot.

Abstract: A patient interface for an ophthalmic system can include an attachment module, attachable to the ophthalmic system, and a contact module, configured to accommodate a viscoelastic substance between the patient interface and a procedure eye. The viscoelastic substance can include a fluid, a liquid, a gel, a cream, an artificial tear, a film, an elastic material, or a viscous material. The refractive index of the viscoelastic substance can be within a range of approximately 1.24-1.52 at an operating wavelength of the ophthalmic system. The patient interface can further include input ports, output ports, and a suction system. It can be an integrated design or a multi-piece patient interface. The viscoelastic substance can be provided by injection, on the cornea, at the contact module, or in a space bounded by soft elastic films or membranes, such as in a bag.

Abstract: A method for adjusting sub-threshold photocoagulation of a retina includes directing a beam from a radiation source at the retina. The beam has a spatially distributed intensity profile including at least one maxima, which comprises a total of less than 20% of a cross sectional area of the beam at a plane of the retina, and an entire remaining area of the beam has an intensity that is less than 80% of the intensity of the at least one maxima. The remaining area is configured to provide sub-threshold coagulation so that visually detectable coagulation is provided only in areas of the at least one maxima.

Abstract: A treatment device for the surgical correction of defective vision in an eye. The device includes a laser apparatus controlled by a controller. The controller determines a desired correction of defective vision from measurement data of the eye to produce control data for the laser, and to control the laser to emit radiation according to the control data, such that a lenticule-shaped volume is isolated in the cornea. The controller computes a lenticule-shaped intended volume, the removal of which from the cornea leads to an actual correction of defective vision in an optical zone in the eye which differs from the desired correction more at the edge of the optical zone than at the center of the optical zone. The thickness of the lenticule-shaped intended volume is less than the thickness of a lenticule-shaped comparison volume, the removal of which would bring about the desired correction of defective vision.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser device with a treatment beam path that includes a variably adjustable modulator. The ophthalmic laser device is adapted to determine for the radiation pulses to be inputted into the tissue a power density to be inputted into the relevant target volume through the treatment beam path depending on a spatial distance between two target volumes of immediately successive radiation pulses and to adjust the modulator parallel in time with the control of the deflecting unit such that the relevant pulse in the target volume has the determined power density.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, a flexible tube, an optic fiber, and a wire having a pre-formed curve. The flexible tube may be disposed within the housing tube wherein a distal end of the flexible tube projects out from a distal end of the housing tube. The optic fiber may be disposed within an inner bore of the handle, the housing tube, and the flexible tube. The wire may be disposed within the housing tube.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle having a handle proximal end and a handle distal end, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing sleeve, a shape memory sleeve at least partially disposed within the housing sleeve, and an optic fiber disposed within the shape memory sleeve and within an inner bore of the handle. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually curve the optic fiber. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually straighten the optic fiber.

Abstract: A patient interface includes an eye interface device, a scanner, a first support assembly, and a beam source. The eye interface device is configured to interface with an eye of a patient. The scanner is configured to be coupled with the eye interface device and operable to scan an electromagnetic radiation beam in at least two dimensions in an eye interfaced with the eye interface device. The scanner and the eye interface device move in conjunction with movement of the eye. The first support assembly supports the scanner so as to accommodate relative movement between the scanner and the first support assembly parallel so as to accommodate movement of the eye. The beam source generates the electromagnetic radiation beam. The electromagnetic radiation beam propagates from the beam source to the scanner along an optical path having an optical path length that varies in response to movement of the eye.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for establishing precise locations for a focal point of a laser beam within a predetermined scanning range during ophthalmic laser surgery. An important aspect of the present invention is the use of a tolerance for deviation of the laser beam's focal point from the laser beam path. The purpose of the tolerance is to ensure that the surgical procedure is effective and that collateral damage to non-targeted tissue does not occur. The present invention accounts for deviations caused by various factors during a procedure. A computer is provided to ensure that the cumulative effect of all deviations maintains the focal point within the tolerance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for interfacing an ophthalmic surgical laser with an eye using a patient interface (PI). The PI may include a closed, fluid-filled bladder having fiducials that contacts and deforms to the eye. Or, the PI may have an applanation lens with an outer ring portion and an inner concave portion for receiving the apex of the cornea. Another PI features a suction ring with a flexible skirt for contacting the sclera that is non-circular and/or non-planar. A system for injecting an index matching fluid into the area above the eye may also be incorporated. An integrated system includes a co-molded lens cone and attachment ring, with a lens window at the bottom of the lens cone which provides a sealed volume for vacuum-attaching a laser delivery system above the lens cone.

Abstract: A system and method for performing ophthalmic surgery using an ultra-short pulsed laser is provided. The system includes a laser engine configured to provide an ultra-short pulsed laser beam, optics configured to direct the laser beam to an undocked eye of a patient, an eye tracker configured to measure five degrees of freedom of movement of the undocked eye, an optical coherence tomography module configured to measure depth of the undocked eye, and a controller configured to control laser beam position on the undocked eye toward a desired laser pattern based on depth and the five degrees of freedom of movement of the undocked eye. Adaptive optics are also provided. Also disclosed are a scleral ring including fiducial markings and a compliant contact lens and fluid fillable contact lens configured to facilitate ultra-short pulsed laser surgery while reducing or eliminating eye docking requirements.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention are directed to a laser system configured to deliver a pulsed laser beam to a patient's eye. The system includes a laser engine comprising an optically-pumped laser oscillator configured with an extracavity waveplate, and an optional intracavity waveplate, that can be tilted and rotated to provide a limited range of wavelengths for laser mode excitation and to maintain stable mode-locked laser operation. In an embodiment, the present design includes an oscillator and a photosensor, such as a fast photodetector or an autocorrelator, positioned to receive a beam of laser light associated with the oscillator or laser engine, and a controller configured to receive readings from the photosensor and alter the laser gain provided within the oscillator to a level outside the bistable performance zone avoiding mode and gain competitions.