SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE FOCAL POINT LOCATIONS OF A LASER BEAM

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A device for establishing precise locations for a focal point of a laser beam within a predetermined scanning range which comprises:
a laser unit for generating the laser beam; a lens for focusing the laser beam to the focal point; an arrestor selectively mounted on the laser unit for interacting with the lens to establish a calibration reference point for the focal point scanning range; a computer using an algorithm for defining a path for movement of the focal point in an x-y-z space within the predetermined scanning range; and an actuator for moving the lens from a start point in response to instructions from the computer, and to move the focal point of the laser beam in a z-direction along the defined path in the scanning range.