This thesis develops a system for laser eye surgery that is a significant improvement over existing technology. The new system uses image matching and MEMS micromirrors to introduce feedback control, automation and record keeping to the laser surgery process, eliminating the unwanted effects of eye movement during surgery and introducing a wide range of other benefits. It is expected that this improvement can be implemented as an addition to existing systems as well as a foundation for new tools, perhaps even remote, internet enabled ones.

The basic components of the new system are described and demonstrated, including image matching between reference and real-time images through well-known algorithms, application of matching information to generate control voltages to lock positioning and firing LASER onto selected locations on the eye using electrostatically controlled micromirrors, and characterization of the micromirrors for this application. This thesis focuses particularly on the development of a prototype graphical user interface that integrates image capture, image matching, mirror control, and user interaction into a single unit.