Multipurpose diode laser system for ophthalmic laser treatments

Abstract

A laser device and method for treating ophthalmic diseases is enclosed. The device comprises a system for irradiating the eye with electromagnetic irradiation with a wavelength in the range of 654-681 nm. The system preferably comprises a laser source and ancillary equipment to direct and regulate the radiation. The use of this wavelength range makes the device effective for a wide variety of ophthalmic indications. It is capable of providing photocoagulation treatments for diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. The system is also useful for photodynamic therapy. Also disclosed are laser diodes with high beam quality and slit lamp adaptors to further enhance the versatility of the system.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An ophthalmic laser treatment device comprising: 
 a radiation source emitting radiation having a wavelength of 668 nm+/−20%;    means to direct said radiation to a treatment area in an eye; and    means to couple said radiation to said directing means.    
     
     
         2 . The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to  claim 1 , wherein said radiation source is a high power diode laser.  
     
     
         3 . The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to  claim 2 , wherein said diode laser contains a light diverging gain region selected from a group consisting of a trapezoidal shaped region and a “bow-tie” shaped region.  
     
     
         4 . The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to  claim 1 , wherein said coupling means is an optical fiber.  
     
     
         5 . The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to  claim 4 , wherein said optical fiber is an oligimode fiber.  
     
     
         6 . The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to  claim 4 , wherein a core of said optical fiber has a diameter not greater than 50 microns.  
     
     
         7 . The ophthalmic laser treatment device according to  claim 1 , wherein said directing means is selected from a group consisting of a focusing lens system, a handpiece, and a slit lamp adaptor.  
     
     
         8 . A method for ophthalmic laser treatment comprising the steps of 
 determining treatment parameters;    directing radiation having a wavelength of 668 nm+/−20% to a treatment area of an eye using said determined treatment parameters; and    irradiating said treatment area of an eye with said radiation.    
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein said step of directing said radiation is accomplished by providing entry of said radiation to said treatment area transsclerally or transpupillarily.