Carl-zeiss-stiftung

Gerhard Mueller

Peter G Hoerenz

Klaus Weber

Walter H Lang

Eugen Weimer

Werner Schmidt

Volker Wilke

The invention contemplates dose-integrating instrumentation which relies upon continuously monitoring the illuminance level of a small sampling fraction of the total projected-light flux of the field-illuminating system of an operating microscope, the sampling being optionally within the projection system, or taken elsewhere. The sampled illuminance is in the form of an electrical signal which is continuously time-integrated to provide a continuous display of the dosage as it builds in the course of an operative procedure. Provision is made for the surgeon to preset what he chooses to be the safe upper limit of integrated exposure, beyond which he does not wish to go for fear of possible jeopardy to the retina of his patient, and the instrument continuously indicates the remaining time for him to complete his operation, should he continue at the current level of illumination. The instrument also provides a succession of different indications throughout the progress of the operation, as successive predetermined thresholds of building dosage (exposure) are reached.

Illuminance dosage device

Illuminance dosage device for an operation microscope

For determining the proper dose of therapy radiation for photocoagulation at the fundus of the eye, the fluorescent radiation excited by the therapy radiation (laser light) in the fundus of the eye is utilized. The fluorescence intensity passes through a characteristic minimum upon the termination of the coagulation process. Apparatus is disclosed for the detection by measurement of this effect. Optical beam splitters are provided to separate the fluorescent radiation from the therapy radiation. An electronically controlled shutter is provided for the passage and blocking off of the therapy radiation. The shutter is closed when the fluorescence intensity reaches a minimum after commencement of coagulation, or when the radiation reaches a predetermined amount, if this occurs before the fluorescence reaches its minimum.

Apparatus for dose measurement upon photocoagulation in the fundus of

The invention contemplates scanning-microscope display of plural observed parameters of an examined specimen, where the parameters derive from flying-spot light-exposure of the specimen, and where at least one of the observed parameters is outside the wavelength range of the flying-spot. In some illustrative embodiments, at least one of the observed parameters is sensed by a detector which uses the same scanning optics as the flying-spot, and in other embodiments other techniques of synchronization are involved. The disclosed embodiments also provide for selective arrest of scanning to enable such factors as fading fluorescence and spectrum analysis to be ascertained strictly for a surface occlusion, impurity or other anomaly of interest.

Method and apparatus for light-induced scanning-microscope display of

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Aalen, Germany

Gerhard Mueller