Method Of Patterned Plasma-Mediated Laser Trephination Of The Lens Capsule And Three Dimensional Phaco-Segmentation

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.

Description

[0001]This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11 / 328,970, filed on Jan. 9, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 643,056, filed Jan. 10, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to ophthalmic surgical procedures and systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Cataract extraction is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the world with estimates of 2.5 million cases being performed annually in the United States and 9.1 million cases worldwide. This is expected to increase to approximately 13.3 million cases by 2006 globally. This market is composed of various segments including intraocular lenses for implantation, viscoelastic polymers to facilitate surgical maneuvers, disposable instrumentation including ultrasonic phacoemulsification tips, tubing, and various knives and forceps. Modern cataract surgery is typically performed using a technique termed phacoemulsification in which an ultrasonic tip ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The techniques described in this patent text provide many advantages over conventional methods of eye surgery. They enable precise and rapid openings in the lens capsule and fragmentation of the lens nucleus and cortex, reducing the duration and risk of the procedure. The removal of a lens and debris from the eye can also be performed using these techniques. They provide greater precision and control during surgery, minimizing impact on surrounding tissue. The techniques may be used during cataract surgery and in situations where the posterior capsule needs to be removed. They may also lead to new meaning in minimally invasive ophthalmic surgery and lens incisions that are self-healing.

Problems solved by technology

There are surgical approaches that enable the formation of very small and geometrically precise opening(s) in precise locations on the lens capsule, where the openings in the lens capsule would be very difficult if not impossible to form using conventional, purely manual techniques.

These conventional techniques are confined to the central lens portion or to areas accessible using mechanical cutting instruments and to varying limited degrees utilize precise anatomical measurements during the formation of the tears.

Images