A system for applying therapy to an eye includes an applicator having a conducting element configured to direct energy from an energy source to an application end of the conducting element, where the application end has at least one eye contact portion. A positioning system positions the at least one eye contact portion in stable engagement with the eye surface. The conducting element is disposed within a housing for the applicator and at least one adjustment system is employed to move the conducting element relative to the housing. The at least one adjustment system enables controlled movement of the conducting element and the at least one eye contact portion against the corneal surface. In particular embodiments, sufficient contact between the applicator and the cornea is determined by causing applanation of the cornea. In other embodiments, at least one measurement device is employed to determine when sufficient contact has been established.