Method and apparatus improving vision and the resolution of retinal images

Abstract

A method of and apparatus for improving vision and the resolution of retinal images is described in which a point source produced on the retina of a living eye by a laser beam is reflected from the retina and received at a lenslet array of a Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor such that each of the lenslets in the lenslet array forms an aerial image of the retinal point source on a CCD camera located adjacent to the lenslet array. The output signal from the CCD camera is acquired by a computer which processes the signal and produces a correction signal which may be used to control a compensating optical or wavefront compensation device such as a deformable mirror. It may also be used to fabricate a contact lens or intraocular lens, or to guide a surgical procedure to correct the aberrations of the eye. Any of these methods could correct aberrations beyond defocus and astigmatism, allowing improved vision and improved imaging of the inside of the eye.

1 .- 9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . Apparatus for fabricating contact or intraocular lenses to correct for at least the third order wave aberrations of the living eye, comprising;
 means for generating a reflected point source image of a retina of said living eye;   means for receiving said reflected point source image and for converting said point source image to corresponding digital signals;   a digital data processor for calculating wave aberrations of the eye so as to include at least third order modes, using said digital signals; and   at least one of a contact lens and intraocular supply system connected to receive the calculated wave aberrations from said digital data processor for supplying at least one contact or intraocular lens to provide wavefront compensation for said at least third order wave aberrations of said living eye.   
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said means for generating comprises a plurality of lenslets which form a lenslet array for receiving said reflected point source image of said retina, said lenslet array being configured such that it is capable of providing resolution for at least third order aberrations. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further including a polarizing filter through which said reflected point source image of said retina passes prior to being received by said means for receiving said reflected point source. 
   
   
       13 .- 25 . (canceled)