Nidek Corporation

William D Sterling

A binocular indirect ophthalmoscope having an improved delivery system for a laser treatment beam includes a laser beam generator directed horizontally across the pupillary line of one eye path of the binocular arrangement. A single beamsplitter is placed directly in the one eye path to receive the laser beam and deflect it toward the visualized target. The beamsplitter is coated to reflect 90-100% of the laser beam, so that reflectivity of and visibility through the beamsplitter is optimized. A beam trap is disposed to receive the transmitted portion of the laser beam. Separate protective filters for laser protection of each eye of the physician are optimized for protection and visible throughput without limitations imposed by a combined beamsplitter function. The position of the beamsplitter in the optical axis of one eye eliminates losses in the illumination path. Because the treatment beamsplitter and safety filter functions are separated and optimized, one eye of the physician is provided with a visual pathway that is substantially unobstructed by loss-generating optical elements, enhancing the visibility of the aiming beam.

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Fremont, CA, United States of America

William D Sterling