Patent ID: 6451006
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A method for separating lamellae in the stroma of an eye which comprises the steps of:focusing a laser beam to a focal point in the stroma to photoablate stromal tissue and create a photoablative response thereto, said photoablative response being indicative of a diameter of a gas bubble created in the stroma during photoablation of the stromal tissue; comparing said photoablative response to a reference value; moving said laser beam to another focal point to perform said focusing step and to thereafter perform said comparing step; alternating energy in said laser beam from a first energy level to a second energy level when said photoablative response is less than said reference value and from said second energy level to said first energy level when said photoablative response is greater than said reference value; and detecting a birefringent reference in the stroma when said first energy level is used, said birefringent reference being indicative of an interface between layers of lamellae.