Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for treating a targeted area of ocular tissue in a tissue-sparing manner comprising use of two or more therapeutic modalities, including thermal radiation source (such as an CW infrared fiber laser), operative in a wavelength range that has a high absorption in water, and photochemical collagen cross-linking (CXL), together with one or more specific system improvements, such as peri-operative feedback measurements for tailoring of the therapeutic modalities, an ocular tissue surface thermal control/cooling mechanism and a source of deuterated water/riboflavin solution in a delivery system targeting ocular tissue in the presence of the ultraviolet radiation. Additional methods of rapid cross-linking (RXL), are provided that further enables cross-linking (CXL) therapy to be combined with thermal therapy.

Abstract: A system for adaptive laser scanning correction includes a laser scanner coupled to a controller. The controller develops control signals for the laser scanner for a directed scan pattern that is modified to compensate for a characteristic scan-pattern distortion introduced by the laser scanner. The laser scanner responds to the control signals to provide an actual scan pattern approaching a target scan-pattern shape. The system may be useful for ophthalmologic laser surgery and other applications requiring precise control over scan pattern shape and a high scanning speed.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining an actual value of at least one system parameter or a deviation from a set value of at least one parameter of a system for the treatment of an eye using a treatment laser beam emitted by said system. According to the invention, the surface of a calibrating body is ablated with at least a partial beam of the treatment laser beam with a predetermined ablation program. The surface ablated by the treatment laser beam is examined by means of aberrometry and/or profilometry. The actual value of the system parameter or the deviation from the set value of the system parameter is determined on the basis of the examination data detected during the examination.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, an algorithm and a method for providing a laser shot file for use in a laser. The laser may be an excimer laser. The shot file may be applied for performing a refractive laser treatment of an eye or for producing a customized contact lens or an intraocular lens. According to the invention information with respect to a desired ablation profile is provided and a first series of laser shot positions is calculated based on the desired ablation profile. A simulated ablation profile is generated using said first series of laser shot positions and using information about pulse characteristics of a single laser shot. The simulated ablation profile is compared with the desired ablation profile and residual structures are determined.

Abstract: A laser system for treating an eye having a cornea, the laser system including a laser beam source capable of generating a laser beam, an eye position detector which includes at least a corneal tracker, the corneal tracker being responsive to movement of an anterior portion of the cornea, the corneal tracker constructed to detect movement of the cornea based on a set of spaced apart optical manifestations from the outer surface of the anterior portion of the cornea, and a beam controller, the beam controller being responsive to the eye position detector to direct the laser beam with controlled energy from the laser beam source to a desired location on the eye.

Abstract: The present invention employs image intensification for medical procedures within the human body. Methods and systems of the invention utilize infrared radiation (e.g. greater than about 750 nm) illumination and visualization of a surgical treatment area. Preferred methods and systems of the invention incorporate use of an infrared radiation visualization system which may be known as “night vision” systems.

Abstract: The invention refers to A system (10) for registering and tracking the position of a person's eye, in particular for refractive ophthalmic surgery. According to the invention, the system is designed such that eye images containing at least the iris and the pupil of the eye are made at a first wavelength of light and that eye images containing scleral blood vessels are made at a different second wavelength of light. The invention furthermore refers to a corresponding method for registering and tracking the position of a person's eye.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an alteration of biomechanical properties of ocular tissue, into which a photosensitiser (14) has been introduced, contains means (18, 20) for radiating into the tissue electromagnetic radiation (12?) which reacts with the photosensitiser 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: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmological laser system and operating method wherein laser-supported operative interventions can be achieved with higher accuracy. The cornea is irradiated with an ophthalmological laser and a detection light confocally recorded, the cornea being scanned in three-dimensions by irradiation with an illuminating laser power using a scanner unit along several directions at several points. Using the simultaneously recorded detection light the position and/or shape of a posterior boundary surface of the cornea is determined. A lamella parallel to the posterior boundary surface can then be cut.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating a control program for ophthalmologic LASIK surgery, with which a pulsed laser system (12, 14, 16) can be controlled for the photodisruptive cutting of a flap, having the following steps: obtaining empirical data, which relate to the effect in particular of flap shapes and ablation profiles on postoperative refractive results, obtaining measurement data relating to the eye to be treated, calculating an optimal cutting shape for the photodisruptive cutting of the flap by taking into account the said empirical data and the said measurement data, and generating the control program on the basis of the calculated cutting shape.

Abstract: A device for controlling a laser therapy of the eye, including an evaluation unit that determines an intensity of a transient temperature effect by analysis of interferometric signals obtained from the eye and a control unit that controls the laser therapy, which is based on said transient temperature effect, the control unit being connected with said evaluation unit. A method for controlling a laser therapy of the eye, includes determination of the intensity of a transient temperature effect that is utilized for the control of the laser therapy, based on the effect, by analysis of interferometric signals.

Abstract: A method for controlling a device for the treatment or refractive correction of the human eye using an electronic data processing system provides a simple overview of the influence of all of the parameters. To this end, once the operating parameters have been determined, a graphical simulation of the operating procedure is carried out in the form of a graphical visualization.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laser device for machining material, comprising a laser beam source which supplies pulsed laser radiation, and a variable deflection unit that introduces said laser radiation into the material at different, selectable points so as to create optical breakthroughs. The inventive laser device further comprises a pulse-selecting apparatus which modifies selected laser pulses of the pulsed laser radiation regarding at least one optical parameter in such a way that no more optical breakthroughs can be created using the modified laser pulses.

Abstract: A system and method for influencing the asphericity of the cornea of an eye requires creating a cut inside the stroma by Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB). Specifically, this cut is made over a substantially hyperbolic surface that is substantially centered on the visual axis of the eye, with its curvature opposite the curvature of the cornea. The cut can be made separately, or in conjunction with other LIOB cuts that are introduced to correct specific vision defects.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic laser system and an operating method. The laser system includes a laser, a scanner unit, a focusing lens and a beam splitter that directs radiation that reaches the beam splitter from the direction of the area of examination through a confocal aperture orifice onto a detector. The invention also includes a control unit with which a cornea arranged in the examination area can be irradiated by the laser at illumination laser power and detection light can be registered by the detector. The cornea is scanned in three dimensions, in that the cornea is irradiated at multiple points and detection light is registered from there. Based on the detection light, a laser cut in the cornea is identified and the form and/or position of the laser cut calculated. The invention further relates to refractive laser surgery.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for registering a corneal flap for laser surgery on an eye. The method includes generating a first image of the eye during a diagnostic procedure, determining a corneal flap geometry referenced to the first image, generating a second image of the eye during to a treatment procedure, comparing the first image with the second image, and registering the corneal flap geometry of the first image to the second image.

Abstract: A refractive surgical system, comprising a refractive treatment apparatus adapted to alter multiple localized regions of a cornea and an ophthalmic measurement device adapted to measure a corneal shape parameter at at least two locations on the cornea. A corneal modeling apparatus and method to calculate anticipated corneal shape parameters at two or more locations based on parameters of a refractive treatment, and compare shape parameters measured at two or more locations on the cornea corresponding to the two or more locations of the anticipated corneal shape parameters.

Abstract: A device for ophthalmologically treating the eye has a treatment laser beam (UV) for ablating parts of the cornea (12) and a fixation light beam (24). A fixation light spot in the vicinity of the fovea (30) and the fovea are imaged by means of a camera (40). This makes it possible to check whether the patient has reliably fixated the fixation light source (22). In addition, the pupil can be recorded and both recordings can be superimposed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a corneal refractive procedure providing a customized transition zone. The customized transition zone provided according to the methods and systems of the present invention exhibits continuous curvature between an ablated optical zone and a non-ablated zone to address curvature discontinuity at the edge of the optical zone, thereby minimizing the biomechanical response and its postoperative effects on vision.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating presbyopia are provided. In one embodiment, a system for photorefractive treatment of presbyopia includes a laser source configured for ablating corneal tissue and a control system in communication with the laser source and configured to control the laser source to ablate conical tissue of a patient to achieve a desired corneal shape. In some instances, the control system controls the laser source by calculating a global optimum regarding curvature and asphericity of the cornea. In some instances, control system controls the laser source by calculating a central steep island and calculating a curvature and asphericity for the rest of the cornea. In some embodiments, a laser source is controlled to ablate the cornea of the patient in accordance with a calculated shape profile to achieve a desired corneal shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to ophthalmology and is used for treating keratoconus. The inventive method comprises forming one or more radiation areas of different shape, comprising concentric circles, arcs, parallel lines, cells, grids, spirals or other geometrical figures. In the other variant, the method comprises polarizing UV radiation and adjusting the depth of the UV radiation action by directing the UV radiation polarization plane at an angle of 1-180° to the plane of light polarization by the cornea, thereby using the effect of light polarization by the cornea. The device for treating keratoconus comprises, positioned on the optical axis common with an UV radiation source optical focusing elements and a diaphragm. The diaphragm is situated on the optical axis common with the UV radiation source and is made in the form of a mask with alternating transparent and shaded elements in the form of concentric circles, arcs, parallel lines, cells, grids, spirals or other geometrical figures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing an epithelial layer disposed over a stromal layer in a cornea irradiate a region of the epithelial layer with a pulsed beam of ablative radiation. The ablative radiation is scanned to vary the location of the beam within the region in accordance with a pulse sequence. The pulse sequence is arranged to enhance optical feedback based on a tissue fluorescence of the epithelial layer. The penetration of the epithelial layer is detected in response to the optical feedback. The use of scanning with the pulse sequence arranged to enhance optical feedback allows large areas of the epithelium to be ablated such that an operator can detect penetration of the epithelial layer.

Abstract: A laser treatment system that includes means for measuring an astigmatism axis of a cornea of an eye of a patient and means for applying a laser beam to the eye.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a process for coupling a mechanical interface unit to a suction-ring unit retained on an eye by suction force includes a step of relative approximating of the interface unit to the suction-ring unit in an axial direction as far as a first, predetermined relative position of the two components, which is preferentially detected by suitable sensorics. When the first relative position is attained, the evacuation is begun of a suction chamber formed between the interface unit, the suction-ring unit and the surface of the eye, whereby the partial vacuum generated establishes in the suction chamber a contact between the surface of the eye and an applanation plate retained on the interface unit, or enlarges a region of existing contact. The aspirating of the eye onto the applanation plate prevents compression loads and shear loads on the eye such as normally cannot be avoided when impressing the plate onto the eye.

Abstract: A method of creating a capsulotomy and conditioning the crystalline lens is disclosed, wherein a laser is employed that provides improved performance by treating the capsule predominantly prior to treating the lens.

Abstract: A device for machining the human cornea with focused pulsed femtosecond laser radiation comprises scanner components for local setting of the beam focus, a control computer for controlling the scanner components, and a control program for the control computer. The control program contains instructions that upon execution by the control computer are designed to bring about the generation of an incision figure in the cornea encompassing a flap incision (38, 40). In accordance with the invention the incision figure further encompasses an auxiliary incision (50) connected with the flap incision and leading locally, preferentially directly, away from the latter as far as the surface of the cornea. The auxiliary incision is expediently generated temporally ahead of the flap incision and forms a discharge channel through which gases can escape that may arise in the course of the cutting of the flap incision.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.

Abstract: In a method for projecting at least one optical projection onto at least one projection surface a monitoring zone that contains and/or surrounds a first projection surface is scanned with the aid of a working laser beam, which is not hazardous for the human eye, by the positioning the working laser beam on various scanning positions located in the monitoring zone, and a measured signal for light from the working laser beam that is reflected from the scanning positions is acquired. The measured signal is compared with the reference signal. Depending on the result of this comparison, the optical projection is projected onto the first projection surface by means of a projection laser beam, which has a greater radiant power than the working laser beam. With the aid of the working laser beam, a second optical projection is projected onto a second projection surface that is located outside of the monitoring zone.

Abstract: An adapter to be applied in contact with an anterior corneal surface. The adapter includes a contact glass portion having a corneal contact surface curvature that is flatter than the undeformed anterior corneal surface. When the contact glass is applied the cornea assumes a deformed state corneal curvature that is parallel to the flatter corneal contact surface curvature. A mount portion circumferentially surrounds the contact glass portion and defines a suction duct that is structured to secure the adapter to the cornea by negative pressure when the suction duct is brought into contact with a surface of the eye surrounding the contact glass portion. The suction duct is partially defined by a peripheral edge of the mount that extends outwardly away from the mount portion and toward but not intersecting or extending beyond a geometric continuation of the corneal contact surface curvature.

Abstract: Optical correction methods, devices, and systems reduce optical aberrations or inhibit refractive surgery induced aberrations. Error source control and adjustment or optimization of ablation profiles or other optical data address high order aberrations. A simulation approach identifies and characterizes system factors that can contribute to, or that can be adjusted to inhibit, optical aberrations. Modeling effects of system components facilitates adjustment of the system parameters.

Abstract: There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for developing laser systems that can create precise predetermined clear corneal incisions that are capable of reducing astigmatism. The systems, apparatus and methods further provide laser systems that can provide these incisions at or below Bowman's membrane and in conjunction a precise predetermined capsulotomy shot pattern.

Abstract: A method for measuring an optical system comprises transmitting an image with the optical system. Gradients of the optical system can be determined by separating the transmitted image with a lenslet array. An error-correcting change in the shape of the optical system can be mapped by integrating across the gradients. The change in elevation around the path is related to the accuracy of the gradient array. A system for measuring a wavefront of an eye includes an image source for projecting an image into the eye, lenslets, a detector for measuring angles of light rays of an optical surface of an eye, and a computer for mapping the errors of the eye. A tomographic wavefront map is made by deflecting the measurement path of the wavefront sensor. Aberrations are selected for treatment in response to an order of the aberration and a tissue structure corresponding to the aberration.

Abstract: A vision correction system and an operating method thereof are provided. The vision correction system includes an evaluation device and a correction device. The evaluation device scans an eyeball of a person and records a spherical curvature of a cornea of the eyeball as an evaluation data. The correction device includes an operation unit for receiving the evaluation data recorded by the evaluation device, and operating on and converting the evaluation data into a correction data. The correction device further includes a laser unit controlled by the operation unit for respectively forming a correction area and a prevention area on the cornea of the eyeball of the person according to the correction data. The prevention area is formed as multiple convex arcs outwards from the correction area of the cornea of the eyeball, and each of convex arcs has a different radius.

Abstract: A system for refractive ophthalmological surgery, in particular LASIK, has—in addition to the ablation laser and, where appropriate, further optical guidance means (18, 30)—a device (34) for optical coherence tomography as an integrated component, in order to make available results of measurement acquired with this device either for the purpose of representation on a display device and/or for the purpose of control of the ablation.

Abstract: A system and method for reshaping the cornea of an eye with a laser that also incorporates a subsequent compensation for residual vision aberrations. A diagnostic unit obtains a pre-op prescription for the eye and predicts an induced refractive shift resulting from laser treatment. Based on this data, a preview lens is selected or manufactured to evaluate the tolerance of a patient to a predicted post-op vision. Then, a laser unit is used to alter the cornea of the eye (i.e. laser treatment) to increase the depth-of-field of the eye. Subsequently, after the laser treatment has been completed, conventional vision correction is provided by spectacles, intraocular lenses or contact lenses. This conventional correction will then compensate for any remaining pre-op aberrations, as well as any residual aberrations in the patient's post-op vision that may have been induced during the laser treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the applicability of a treatment pattern for manipulation of a cornea of an eye using a laser. The concept of the present invention is based on the determination of an actual volumetric profile based on a set of input data and a theoretical volumetric profile which is created independently based on only the basic optical parameters. On the basis of a comparison of the determined volumetric profiles it is determined whether the actual volumetric profile is within predetermined tolerances.

Abstract: An excimer laser unit and a method of controlling the unit to perform cornea ablation to reduce presbyopia, wherein the excimer laser unit is controlled to form on the cornea a photoablative pattern inducing a fourth-order ocular aberration, in particular a positive spherical aberration.

Abstract: A system for positioning the eye of a patient in alignment with a laser unit for laser surgery includes an alignment device that is mounted on the laser unit. It also includes a patient interface having a curved contact lens. Additionally, a clamp with an attached suction ring can be engaged with the interface to hold the lens against the eye of the patient. Thus, when the interface is joined with the alignment device, the lens is positioned against the eye of the patient at a predetermined distance from the laser unit for laser surgery.

Abstract: A method and device for modifying optical system properties by means of a continuously multifocal profile, wherein said profile comprises a component for increasing the optical system focal depth and is calculated according to a fourth-order Zernike polynom. The aim of said invention is to avoid the eye base refraction and, for this purpose, said focal depth increasing component is also calculated according to the second-order Zernike polynom.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmologic laser system (1) comprising an ultra-short pulse laser (2) for outputting ultra-short laser pulses (3), focusing optics (4) for producing at least one focal point (5) on and/or in the eye lens (6) of the patient's eye (7), a deflection mechanism (9) for varying the position of the focal point (5) on and/or in the eye lens (6), and comprising a control mechanism (11) for controlling the deflection mechanism (9). The laser system (1) is characterized in that the laser pulses output by the ultra-short pulse laser (2) and the size of the focal point (5) fixed by the focusing optics (4) are configured such that a fluence can be applied below or on the disruption threshold of the material of the eye lens (6) at the focal point (5), wherein said fluence is at the same time sufficiently high to cause changes in at least one material property of the material of the eye lens (6).

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating presbyopia are provided. In accordance with an embodiment, by way of example only, a method of treating presbyopia of an eye includes ablating the stroma to form a final ablated shape in the stroma, the final ablated shape including a central zone defined by a concavity having a central zone depth and a central zone diameter, the central zone depth and the central zone diameter each selected to provide the cornea with a near-vision add power after the epithelium is regenerated over the stroma.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing an epithelial layer disposed over a stromal layer in a cornea irradiate a region of the epithelial layer with a pulsed beam of ablative radiation. The ablative radiation is scanned to vary the location of the beam within the region in accordance with a pulse sequence. The pulse sequence is arranged to enhance optical feedback based on a tissue fluorescence of the epithelial layer. The penetration of the epithelial layer is detected in response to the optical feedback. The use of scanning with the pulse sequence arranged to enhance optical feedback allows large areas of the epithelium to be ablated such that an operator can detect penetration of the epithelial layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for ophthalmic surgery, especially non-penetrating filtration surgery, comprising a laser source that ablates sclera tissue at steps of intermediate thickness. Optionally, the beam is scanned using a scanner and its results viewed using an ophthalmic microscope.

Abstract: Optical correction methods, devices, and systems reduce optical aberrations or inhibit refractive surgery induced aberrations. Error source control and adjustment or optimization of ablation profiles or other optical data address high order aberrations. A simulation approach identifies and characterizes system factors that can contribute to, or that can be adjusted to inhibit, optical aberrations. Modeling effects of system components facilitates adjustment of the system parameters.

Abstract: “Universal improvement” of vision is achieved by effectively changing the shape of the anterior refracting surface of the cornea to an ideal “turtleback” shape, on which is imposed the necessary curvature adjustment to achieve correction of distance vision. In accordance with one embodiment, the cornea is actually formed to the turtleback shape through corneal surgery, preferably laser ablation surgery. In accordance with a second embodiment, a contact lens with the desired distance corrected ideal turtleback shape on its anterior surface is positioned over the cornea.

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

Abstract: A method for providing vision correction to a patient. The method includes: (a) measuring the degree of vision correction needed by the patient and determining the location and shape of refractive structures that need to be positioned within the cornea to partially correct a patient's vision; (b) directing and focusing femtosecond laser pulses in the blue spectral region within the cornea at an intensity high enough to change the refractive index of the cornea within a focal region, but not high enough to damage the cornea or to affect cornea tissue outside of the focal region; and (c) scanning the laser pulses across a volume of the cornea or the lens to provide the focal region with refractive structures in the cornea or the lens. Again, the refractive structures are characterized by a change in refractive index, and exhibit little or no scattering loss.

Abstract: Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.