Fluence monitoring apparatus for pulsed-laser corneal reshaping system

摘要

Fluence monitoring apparatus is disclosed for a system for modifying curvature of the cornea of an eye by selective laser photoablation of corneal tissue by delivery of pulses of laser radiation to the cornea in an overlapping pattern. The system includes a scanner for directing the pulses to form the overlapping pattern, the movement of which is modified by an eye-tracker. A beamsplitter is located between the scanner and the cornea for directing a fraction of each of the pulses to a fixed monitor plate, which emits fluorescent light on being irradiated by each pulse-fraction. A video camera 100 images the monitor plate. Processing circuitry periodically records the image which includes images of pulse-fractions delivered during the period between recordings. These recordings are electronically integrated and processed to form a composite image representative of spatial distribution of laser fluence on the cornea.