Patent ID: 6730074
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A system for moving the focal point of a laser beam along a predetermined path within the cornea of an eye, wherein the cornea has an anterior surface and the eye defines an optical axis, said system comprising:a contact lens formed with an anterior surface and a posterior surface with said posterior surface having a radius of curvature, R, said contact lens being engageable with the cornea to conform the anterior surface thereof with said posterior surface of said contact lens; a laser source for generating the laser beam, said laser source being oriented to direct the laser beam through said contact lens and having a means for focusing the laser beam to a focal point at a predetermined depth within the cornea; a processor for receiving input data including the geometry of said contact lens, the location of said laser source, and a mapping of the density of the cornea, said processor operating on said input data to calculate laser source movements perpendicular and parallel to said optical axis required to maintain the depth of the focal point from the anterior surface of the cornea as said focal point advances along the predetermined path; and means responsive to said processor for moving the laser source relative to said contact lens to move the focal point of the laser beam along the predetermined path.