An example multi-fiber, multi-spot laser probe comprises a plurality of fibers extending from a proximal end of the laser probe to at least near a distal end of the laser probe, where the proximal end of the laser probe is configured to be coupled to a laser source via an adapter interface, and a cannula having a distal end and surrounding the plurality of fibers along at least a portion of the laser probe at or near the distal end of the laser probe, where a distal end of each of the plurality of fibers is angle-polished so that the distal end of each fiber is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the cannula and relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. Additional embodiments employ lensed fibers, a distal window, ball lens, lens array, or faceted wedge.

A method for a minimally invasive, cell-selective laser therapy on the eye. The method, based on a short-pulse laser system, allows for different selective types of therapy on the eye. The method is based on a frequency-doubled, continuously working solid-state laser including a pump source and a control unit. The control unit regulates the pump source such that the solid-state laser emits individual pulses with pulse lengths ranging from 50 ns to continuous, wherein pulse lengths ranging from 50 ns to 50 μs are provided for selective therapies and pulse lengths ranging from 50 μs to continuous are provided for coagulative or stimulating therapies, in particular in the range from 1 ms to 500 ms. The proposed method enables a selective treatment of melanin-containing cells in the different areas of the eye via the targeted control of the pump source.

In certain embodiments, an ophthalmic system includes an anamorphic depth gauge (ADG) device and a computer. The ADG device measures the z-location in the interior of an eye and includes a detector array arranged at an oblique angle with respect to the z-axis. The array generates a detector signal in response to detecting a light beam, which has a z-focus in the interior of the eye. A set of line focus optical elements focuses the light beam to form a line focus on the detector array, and a set of nominal focus optical elements focuses the light beam to form a nominal focus on the detector array. The computer: generates an image using the detector signal; determines the position of the nominal focus on the line focus according to the image; and determines the z-location of the z-focus from the position of the nominal focus on the line focus.

A vitrector that includes an adjustable illumination aperture is described. The vitrector may include a probe and a light sleeve assembly extending along and substantially surrounding the probe. The light sleeve assembly may include a plurality of optical fibers. At least a portion of the optical fibers are operable to provide illumination so as to define an illumination aperture about the vitrectomy probe. A portion of the optical fibers may be encapsulated. The light sleeve assembly may be adjustable along a length of the probe, providing adjustment of the illumination aperture to increase or decrease an area of illumination provided thereby.

In some examples, a laser-based ophthalmological surgical system (hereinafter “system”) includes a therapeutic radiation source configured to emit therapeutic radiation with a first wavelength. The system may also include a probe radiation source configured to emit probe radiation with a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. The system may also include one or more optical elements configured to direct the therapeutic radiation and the probe radiation into an eye of a patient and to collect reflected probe radiation from the eye of the patient. The reflected probe radiation may be indicative of an amount of therapeutic radiation exposure of the eye of the patient. The system may also include a photodetector configured to receive the reflected probe radiation from the one or more optical elements and to generate a photocurrent indicative of the amount of therapeutic radiation exposure of the eye of the patient.

A system that provides neuroprotection or neuroregeneration to biological tissue includes a pulsed energy having energy parameters including a wavelength or frequency, a duty cycle and a pulse train duration. A delivery device applies the pulsed energy to neural elements of the target tissue having a chronic progressive disease or at risk of having a chronic progressive disease. The delivery device applies the pulsed energy for a predetermined total pulse train duration such that the target tissue temperature is raised sufficiently to provide neuroprotection or neuroregeneration to the neural elements of the target tissue, while maintaining the average temperature rise of the target tissue at or below a predetermined level so as not to permanently damage the target tissue.

An ophthalmic laser system for generating a first beam at a first wavelength on a first beam path and a second beam at a second wavelength on a second beam path, and directing optics to selectively direct the first beam or the second beam to a treatment beam path. The ophthalmic laser system incorporates a reflex coaxial illuminator comprising a reflex mirror movable on an axis from a position out of the treatment beam path to a position in the treatment beam path to direct illumination into an illumination path coaxial with the treatment beam path. The reflex mirror is adapted to transmit a beam that follows the second beam path.

Surgical apparatus for performing a microsurgery including a cannula having an intraocular portion. The intraocular portion connects to an infusion tube. The intraocular portion includes fenestrations at its distal end. The intraocular portion receives fluid through the infusion tube and dispenses the fluid through the fenestrations lessening the flow at an infusion site in an eye. The surgical apparatus includes a vitreous cutter. The vitreous cutter includes a suction tube at one end and a shaft at another end. The cutting port cuts vitreous into smaller pieces or a laser that liquefies the vitreous. The shaft receives the cut vitreous pieces and the suction tube draws out the cut vitreous pieces from the eye. The surgical apparatus includes a vitreoretinal surgical tool having a vitreoretinal cutter. The vitreoretinal cutter has a scissor-like or forceps-like mechanism. The vitreoretinal cutter holds and/or cuts a membrane in the eye during the microsurgery.

A method and system perform an ophthalmic procedure on an eye having an optical path from the lens to the retina. An image of at least part of the eye is received in a data processing unit. The image includes the optical path. The data processing unit determines keep out zone(s) and identifies undesirable feature(s) based on the image. The keep out zone(s) include the retina. The data processing unit also selects one of the undesirable feature(s) for removal. At least part of the undesirable feature is outside of the keep out zone(s). Confirmation for removal of the undesirable feature is received in the data processing unit. In response to receiving the confirmation, a control unit controls a laser to perform laser removal the at least the portion of the undesirable feature without targeting any portion of the keep out zone(s).

An ophthalmic laser system for generating a first beam at a first wavelength on a first beam path and a second beam at a second wavelength on a second beam path, and directing optics to selectively direct the first beam or the second beam to a treatment beam path. The ophthalmic laser system incorporates a reflex coaxial illuminator comprising a reflex mirror movable on an axis from a position out of the treatment beam path to a position in the treatment beam path to direct illumination into an illumination path coaxial with the treatment beam path. The reflex mirror is adapted to transmit a beam that follows the second beam path.