Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for setting up a medical laser machine configured to be used in eye surgery for making a multi-planar incision. In various embodiments, a software interface is provided to receive, from a user, one or more dimensional measurements of an eye of a patient as input, automatically calculate precise geometric and other setup parameters, based on a set of equations, of a multi-planar incision for the patient's eye, and provide the calculated parameters to the user for setting up the medical laser machine to make the incision.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting an intraocular lens in a patient's eye includes a light source for generating a light beam, a scanner for deflecting the light beam to form an enclosed treatment pattern that includes a registration feature, and a delivery system for delivering the enclosed treatment pattern to target tissue in the patient's eye to form an enclosed incision therein having the registration feature. An intraocular lens is placed within the enclosed incision, wherein the intraocular lens has a registration feature that engages with the registration feature of the enclosed incision. Alternately, the scanner can make a separate registration incision for a post that is connected to the intraocular lens via a strut member.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for fragmenting a crystalline lens inside an operational volume in the lens. A reference axis that is based on the crystalline lens is established, and various pluralities of parallel planes are defined relative to the reference axis. A pulsed laser beam is then used to cut tissue in selected planes, to thereby fragment the lens by performing Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) on the tissue. In accordance with the present invention each plurality of parallel planes is characterized by a particular inclination angle “?” relative to the reference axis, a particular azimuthal angle “?” relative to the reference axis, and an intersection angle “?” relative to each other.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a femto-fragmentation procedure on tissue in the crystalline lens of an eye requires that a laser beam be directed and focused to a focal point in the crystalline lens of the eye. The focal point is then guided, relative to an axis defined by the eye, to create a segment cluster by causing Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of tissue in the crystalline lens. The resultant segment cluster includes a plurality of contiguous, elongated segments in the crystalline lens that are individually tapered from an anterior end-area to a posterior end-area. Specifically, this is done to facilitate the removal of individual segments from the segment cluster in the crystalline lens.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for using a laser unit to treat a crystalline lens (or lens capsule) to compensate for any tilt angle “?” there may be between a lens axis and an operational axis of the laser unit (i.e. “z” axis). To begin, a contiguous sequence of procedure paths that collectively define the boundary surface of a lens volume are identified, with each procedure path inclined by the tilt angle “?”. A slice occurs in an x-y plane that is on the boundary surface of the volume of lens and includes portions of several procedure paths. The slices are projected into the x-y plane where they are sequenced for use as trace paths for the laser unit. The trace paths are used to guide a laser beam to perform LIOB along the slice for the different values of “z” to incise the boundary surface.

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: Systems and methods are described for stabilizing an eye for an ocular laser procedure while minimizing corneal distortions which can adversely affect a surgical laser beam. For the systems, a patient interface includes a contact element for stabilizing the eye and establishing a conformal interface with the anterior surface of the cornea. More specifically, devices are disclosed which overlay both a central corneal region and a peripheral corneal region. In some embodiments, a first material is used in the contact element to overlay the central corneal region and a second material is used in the contact element to overlay the peripheral corneal region. Typically, the first and second materials differ in terms of hardness and deformability. In another embodiment disclosed herein, a contact element having a viscoelastic material for stabilizing an eye for a laser procedure is described.

Abstract: One exemplary method for removing and/or inhibiting unwanted molecular structures and/or cells from or at human or animal tissue, can include the steps of a) supplying fluid medium so that the fluid medium is adjacent to or covers the molecular structures and/or cells that are to be removed and/or inhibited, b) generating pressure pulses in the fluid medium, wherein preferably each pressure pulse comprises a pressure current and/or a pressure wave and/or a shock wave and/or wherein preferably the pressure pulses have the form of a pressure jet of the fluid medium that is or can be directed onto the molecular structures and/or cells, and/or exhibit at least one preferential direction or main propagation direction, c) removing the molecular structures and/or cells from the tissue by the impacting pressure pulses and/or inhibiting molecular structures and/or cells which remain at the tissue by the impacting pressure pulses, d) wherein the pressure pulses are so formed or selected that during removing and/or inh

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for setting up a medical laser machine configured to be used in eye surgery for making a multi-planar incision. In various embodiments, a software interface is provided to receive, from a user, one or more dimensional measurements of an eye of a patient as input, automatically calculate precise geometric and other setup parameters, based on a set of equations, of a multi-planar incision for the patient's eye, and provide the calculated parameters to the user for setting up the medical laser machine to make the incision.

Abstract: System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.

Abstract: Methods and systems for planning and forming incisions in a cornea, lens capsule, and/or crystalline lens nucleus are disclosed. A method includes measuring spatial dispositions, relative to a laser surgery system, of at least portions of the corneal anterior and posterior surfaces. A spatial disposition of an incision of the cornea is generated based at least in part on the measured corneal anterior and posterior spatial dispositions and at least one corneal incision parameter. A composite image is displayed that includes an image representative of the measured corneal anterior and posterior surfaces and an image representing the corneal incision.

Abstract: Methods and systems for planning and forming incisions in a cornea, lens capsule, and/or crystalline lens nucleus are disclosed. A method includes measuring spatial dispositions, relative to a laser surgery system, of at least portions of the corneal anterior and posterior surfaces. A spatial disposition of an incision of the cornea is generated based at least in part on the measured corneal anterior and posterior spatial dispositions and at least one corneal incision parameter. A composite image is displayed that includes an image representative of the measured corneal anterior and posterior surfaces and an image representing the corneal incision.

Abstract: Laser systems operating at two or more wavelengths.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing multiple procedures involving the eye. The apparatus includes a data collection apparatus and a data analysis module. The data collection apparatus for collecting a data set corresponding to at least a portion of an eye of a patient is configured to provide data indicative of at least two neurological disorders selected from the group consisting of glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, LDS, head trauma, diabetes, and inappropriate responses to contrast sensitivity patterns. The data analysis module interrelates the data indicative of at least two neurological disorders to provide an interpretive result.

Abstract: A method of treating glaucoma in an eye by managing fluid flow past an implanted shunt having an elastomeric plate and a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube. The plate is positioned over a sclera of the eye with an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube open to an outer face of the plate. An inflow end of the drainage tube tunnels through the sclera to the anterior chamber of the eye. The plate may have regions of greater propensity for cell adhesion alternating with regions of lesser cell adhesion. For example, regions of texturing around the plate or drainage tube may be provided to control the size of a bleb that forms over the implant. The effective surface area of the plate may be balanced against a number of fenestrations. The drainage tube has a reduced profile and may be shaped with a non-circular external cross-section to reduce its height. A scleral groove may be used to further reduce the height of the drainage tube on the sclera.

Abstract: A technique for detecting and providing alerts or indications that can be used for controlling or altering the displacement speed of an applicator coupling skin heating energy across a treated skin. A temperature sensor monitors the rate of skin temperature change and provides feedback related to altering the applicator displacement speed according to the rate of skin temperature change. Disclosed is also an applicator for implementing this method.

Abstract: There is proposed an apparatus for eye surgery, which comprises a stand (24) having a stand base (32) that is movable or realized for mounting on a wall or ceiling, and having a stand arm arrangement (34, 36) that is manually adjustable, at least partially, relative to the stand base, an operation microscope (38) being attached to the stand arm arrangement. Further, the eye-surgery apparatus comprises a laser appliance, which provides pulsed, focussed laser radiation having radiation properties suited to the application of incisions in the human eye (14). The laser appliance comprises a laser source (20) and a laser treatment head (26) that is attached to the stand arm arrangement (34, 36) and emits the laser radiation, a flexible transmission fibre (22) or a jointed beam transport arm being provided for the purpose of transporting the laser radiation to the laser treatment head.

Abstract: System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for creating an aqueous flow pathway in the trabecular meshwork, juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal of an eye for reducing elevated intraocular pressure. Some embodiments described apparatus and methods useful in photoablation of tissues. In some embodiments, a photoablation apparatus is used to perforate a tissue, forming an aperture into a space behind the tissue. Gases formed during a photoablation process can be used to pressurize the space behind the tissue to enhance patency of the space. In some embodiments the tissue is the trabecular meshwork of the eye and a wall of Schlemm's canal, and the space behind the tissue is a portion of the lumen of Schlemm's canal. In some embodiments, the method is useful in the treatment of glaucoma by improving outflow from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal, reducing intraocular pressure.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical laser system includes a laser engine, to generate a laser beam, a first Z scanner, to receive the generated laser beam, and to scan a focal spot of the laser system over a first Z interval along an optical axis of the laser system an XY scanner, to receive the laser beam output by the first Z scanner, and to scan the focal spot of the laser system in a direction essentially transverse to the optical axis of the laser system, and a second Z scanner, to receive the scanned laser beam from the XY scanner, and to scan the focal spot of the laser system over a second Z interval along the optical axis of the laser system.

Abstract: A medical device for fragmenting objects and aspirating remaining debris enables a physician or other medical personnel quickly and easily remove objects, such as kidney stones, from a patient. The medical device can include a dual-lumen elongated member and a handle coupled to the elongated member. A first one of the lumens provides a suction passageway, and a second one of the lumens receives a laser fiber for delivering laser energy to an object, such as a kidney stone, within the patient. The handle can include a positioning mechanism to enable the physician by manual manipulation to move and hold in place the laser fiber longitudinally within the second lumen.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing a laser-assisted posterior capsulotomy and for performing laser eye surgery on an eye having a penetrated cornea are provided. A method for performing a posterior capsulotomy includes injecting fluid between the lens posterior capsule and the anterior hyaloids membrane to separate the lens posterior capsule and the anterior hyaloids membrane. With the lens posterior capsule separated from the anterior hyaloids membrane, a posterior capsulotomy is performed on the lens posterior capsule by using a laser to incise the lens posterior capsule.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus to treat a cataract where the cataractous lens is pierced and the resulting opening is mechanically maintained using a lens system device such as a pinhole device, expandable tubular leas, a stent or similar small diameter device, some of which are capable of supporting a secondary intraocular lens. The resulting passageway or lumen created in the cataractous lens allows visible light to better reach the retina, thus improving vision. This lens system device that can be placed into an in situ cataract provides for a much simpler surgical technique and reduces related pre and post operative procedures and potential complications. Intraocular lenses may also be used in concert with this invention. The apparatus and technique can be applied to humans as well as animals.

Abstract: An adaptive laser system for ophthalmic use is provided. In another aspect, a relatively inexpensive laser is employed. In another aspect of the present system, non-linear optical imaging uses multiphoton fluorescences and/or second harmonic generation, to create three-dimensional mapping of a portion of the eye in combination with automated feedback to assist with a surgical operation. In a further aspect of the present system, the patient interface uses laser induced markings or indicia to aid in focusing and/or calibration. Still another aspect employs temporal focusing of the laser beam pulse.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting an intraocular lens in a patient's eye includes a light source for generating a light beam, a scanner for deflecting the light beam to form an enclosed treatment pattern that includes a registration feature, and a delivery system for delivering the enclosed treatment pattern to target tissue in the patient's eye to form an enclosed incision therein having the registration feature. An intraocular lens is placed within the enclosed incision, wherein the intraocular lens has a registration feature that engages with the registration feature of the enclosed incision. Alternately, the scanner can make a separate registration incision for a post that is connected to the intraocular lens via a strut member.

Abstract: An instrument system for phacoemulsification includes a femto- or picosecond laser device configured to dissect a lens of a patient's eye into lens fragments, open an anterior capsule of the lens of the eye, and make an incision in the eyeball so as to provide access to the lens of the eye. The system also includes device for fragmenting and aspirating the lens fragments through the access incision. A monitoring device is provided for monitoring results achieved by the phacoemulsification. A control device is configured to control the femto- or picosecond laser device and the device for fragmenting and aspirating the lens fragments, subject to parameters of the eye to be treated or of given surgical steps.

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 capsolurorhexis 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.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and processes for preventing or delaying presbyopia. More particularly, the present invention relates to processes and apparatus for ablating epithelial cells in the germinative zone or the pregerminative zone of the crystalline lens of the eye so that onset or progression of presbyopia or one or more symptoms is delayed or prevented.

Abstract: A smoke capture adapter comprising: a first adapter part having a first generally ring-shaped portion with a first cylindrical inner surface for securely engaging a laser apparatus having a beam propagation axis, the first generally ring-shaped portion being oriented such that the beam propagation axis passes through a region bound the first generally ring-shaped portion and a tubular outlet extending from said first generally ring-shaped portion for communicating with a vacuum tube; a second adapter part rotatably connected to the first adapter part and arranged to rotate generally about the beam propagation axis having a second generally ring-shaped portion adjacent the first generally ring-shaped portion, the first and second generally ring-shaped portions defining a generally toroidal cavity and an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity; the tubular outlet and inlet in fluid communication through the cavity; whereby the position of the inlet relative to the first adapter part may be adjusted by rota

Abstract: A contact glass for ophthalmic surgery, including a concave anterior lens surface for placement on the eye and a suction channel annularly surrounding the periphery of the anterior lens surface. The suction channel allows the contact glass to be fixed to the eye by means of a vacuum, it is envisaged that the suction channel comprise a multiplicity of suction orifices, which are annularly arranged with respect to the anterior lens surface and through which the vacuum acts on the eye.

Abstract: Patterned laser treatment of the retina is provided. A visible alignment pattern having at least two separated spots is projected onto the retina. By triggering a laser subsystem, doses of laser energy are automatically provided to at least two treatment locations coincident with the alignment spots. All of the doses of laser energy may be delivered in less than about 1 second, which is a typical eye fixation time. A scanner can be used to sequentially move an alignment beam from spot to spot on the retina and to move a treatment laser beam from location to location on the retina.

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: A system for treating an ocular condition of a patient includes an electrically powered ocular implant sized for placement within an eye and includes a transmitter sized to be carried on or adjacent the head of the patient for disposal adjacent the eye. The transmitter includes a transmission antenna that emits an electromagnetic flux field sufficient to energize the ocular implant and includes a flux shunt disposed within the electromagnetic flux field. The transmission antenna may be disposed between the flux shunt and the implant.

Abstract: An IOP control system for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed. The IOP control system includes a drainage tube configured to convey aqueous humor from an anterior chamber of an eye and includes a pressure-driven valve system in fluid communication with the drainage tube and configured to control flow rates of the aqueous humor. The valve system includes a plurality of pressure-driven valves arranged to operate in cooperation with each other. The IOP control system may include an electronic pump system to further regulate flow.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A system and method of performing therapy on target eye tissue. A light source produces a beam of light, and a scanning device deflects the light beam to produce an pattern of the light beam. An ophthalmic lens assembly includes a mirror for reflecting the light beam pattern onto the target eye tissue. The mirror is rotatable to angularly align the light beam pattern to the target tissue. Control electronics control the scanning device to apply the light beam pattern onto the reflective optical element at first and second angular orientations separated by a predetermined angle RA. The predetermined angle RA is set such that light beam patterns applied to the target tissue at the first and second angular orientations, which are also angularly aligned to the target tissue through rotation of the mirror, automatically are adjacently abutting to each other on the target tissue.

Abstract: An ophthalmic patient interface system includes an interface device and an ocular device. The interface device includes a frame having a first end and a second end, a lens disposed at the first end, and a skirt affixed to the first end. The second end is adapted to couple with a surgical laser system, and the skirt is adapted to seal against an anterior surface of an eye. The ocular device includes magnifying optics and is adapted to be removably seated within the second end. The magnifying optics image a region on a corneal side of the lens when the ocular device is seated within the second end.

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 capsolurorhexis 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.

Abstract: A highly controlled and precise system, device and method for tissue and cellular alteration and treatment below or at surfaces with a laser. The present invention is characterized by ultra low levels of collateral damage as defined by physiologically relevant tests that measure tissue viability. The operation of the present invention is based on spectrally confining the interaction between laser energy and a targeted tissue including an essential element for physiologically relevant tests for monitoring tissue viability.

Abstract: A surgical laser system can include a laser engine to generate a laser beam of laser pulses; a scanning delivery system to direct the laser beam to a target region and to scan the laser beam along a scan-pattern in the target region; and a spatio-temporal modulator to perform a space- and time dependent modulation of the laser beam. The spatio-temporal modulation of the phases or amplitudes of the beam components can reduce or even eliminate uncut regions in the target region, caused by the destructive interference of the beam components brought about by a wrinkling of a portion of the target or by other beam distorting factors.

Abstract: A surgical laser system can include a laser engine to generate a laser beam of laser pulses, a scanning delivery system to direct the laser beam to a target region and to scan the laser beam along a scan-pattern in the target region, and a pupil system to modulate the laser beam. In addition, a method of adjusting a pupil of a laser beam can include: generating a laser beam of laser pulses with a laser engine, directing the laser beam to a target region with a scanning delivery system, scanning the laser beam along a scan-pattern in the target region with the scanning delivery system, and performing a modulation of the laser beam with an adjustable pupil system.

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 capsolurorhexis 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.

Abstract: A phototherapy device includes a light source; a light emanation block; and a heat exchanger for the dissipation of heat from one or more heat loads associated with the device. Heat may be transferred via the heat exchanger from the light source independently of the dissipation of heat from one or more of the other device heat loads. Substantially thermally isolated heat transfer regions may be provided, and such regions may be maintained at different operating temperatures, to control the transfer of heat in conjunction with a phototherapy method and to promote efficient and enhanced device operation and performance.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for delivering electromagnetic radiation to a limbal area of an eye that transforms one or more beams of electromagnetic radiation that are incident on a first side into one or more emitted beams of the electromagnetic radiation where the one or more beams are arrayed in a cylindrical array, an array of one or more beams each beam having a cross sectional shape of a circular arc or an array comprising a beam having an annular cross section. The invention also provides a system for delivering electromagnetic radiation to the limbal area of an eye that includes one or more devices of the invention and a source of electromagnetic radiation. The system may be used in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for providing variable scanning control in delivering a laser beam of laser pulses to a surgical target are provided. The described systems and techniques can be used for laser surgery within the anterior segment of the eye and the crystalline lens via photodisruption caused by laser pulses from a femtosecond laser.

Abstract: System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.

Abstract: A laser system for ophthalmic surgery includes a laser engine to generate a pulsed laser beam, and an XY scanner, to receive the generated pulsed laser beam, and to output a scanning laser beam, the XY scanner including an X scanner, including two X scanning minors, and a Y scanner, including two Y scanning minors. The XY scanner can modify essentially independently an angle the outputted scanning laser beam makes with an optical axis, and a position at which the outputted scanning laser beam intersects a subsequent reference plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: Embodiments apply light energy in medical treatments. To enhance or control the effect of the light energy, embodiments apply the light energy after tissue has been treated, e.g., with a photosensitizing agent. For example, embodiments may treat target tissue with riboflavin before exposure to ultraviolet light. For example, a system for cataract surgery includes a removal system configured to remove a first lens from an eye, wherein a capsular bag remains in the eye after removal of the first lens. The system includes an application system configured to treat lenticular epithelial cells in the capsular bag with the photosensitizing agent. The system includes a delivery system with a light source and an optical device. The optical device delivers light to the treated lenticular epithelial cells. Energy from the light destroys the lenticular epithelial cells in the capsular bag to reduce the growth of epithelial cells that cause posterior capsule opacification.

Abstract: A variable-applanation patient interface can include a lens support system, attachable to a distal end of an ophthalmic surgical laser system; a contact lens, supported by the lens support system and configured to make contact with an eye-surface; and an adjustable coupler, coupled to at least one of the lens support system and the contact lens, and configured to be coupled to a non-central region of the eye-surface, to accommodate the contact lens to contact a central region of the eye-surface with a central applanation, to enable a change between the central applanation and an extended applanation, and to accommodate the contact lens to contact an extended region of the eye-surface larger than the central region with the extended applanation.