Abstract: An improved visual acuity tester is disclosed that is adapted both to measure the visual acuity of a patient and to function as an integral optical prescription calculator. The visual acuity tester essentially includes a display monitor for displaying visual acuity targets, electronic means for generating a plurality of visual acuity targets to be displayed on the monitor, and a hand-held remote control unit provided with a display unit and a keyboard coupled to the electronic means for controlling the display on the monitor and for performing prescription calculations. The visual acuity targets are created by toggling on/off the electronic means when horizontally scanning the lead lines of screen memories of the targets. Preferably, the electronic means includes a dynamic memory having two screens of memory: an active screen and an inactive screen.

Abstract: A visual function tester with binocular vision testing capabilities is disclosed, which includes a video display monitor and optical means, such as stereo vision glasses, to control the patient's viewing of the display. The opening and closing of the apertures of the glasses is synchronized to the display of a variety of visual acuity images. Certain images are made visible to each eye but not visible to the other, and certain images are displayed such that they appear out of the plane of the images. Methods for use of the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument of the kind which is adapted to operate using bipolar energizing potential comprises a pair of adjacently disposed, elongated electrodes that receive the bipolar potential, and an electrical insulator disposed between the electrodes. The insulator terminates proximally of distal ends of the electrodes to provide a cavity across which sparking between the electrodes occurs. Thus, the instrument is useful in, e.g., arthroscopic surgery on the knee, to perform several types of procedures (such as cutting, smoothing of cartilage, and coagulation) even in the presence of an electrically conductive irrigating solution (such as saline).

Abstract: A brightness acuity tester to assess functional visual acuity in bright light conditions and to test for recovery of visual activity after photostressing the retina is disclosed. The tester essentially comprises a device closed in one direction and open in an opposite direction, an aperture provided in the device, a source of illumination mounted within the device, a plug designed removably to be positioned in the aperture to seal the same, and a power source coupled to the source of illumination via a switch. Preferably, the source of illumination is provided with anintensity control and the power source with a voltage regulator. Preferably, the device comprises a reflector having diffusely reflecting characteristics. Preferably, the power source is a battery, making the tester a hand-held one.

Abstract: An ophthalmic aspirator-irrigator system for use during cataract surgery is disclosed. The system frees both hands of the surgeon for the surgical tasks and leaves the automatic operation of the system to a single control input operated by a foot pedal. The pedal controls both the aspiration and ejection functions as well as their respective speeds. The ophthalmic aspirator-irrigator system essentially comprises a hand-held device, a control box operable by the foot pedal and a power cord connecting the device with the box. A source of fluid is connected via a tube to the device to effect the irrigation function. The control box includes a power source and a circuit coupled to the source and via the cord to the device. Preferably, the circuit includes a bridge output network controlled by a linear motion slide type potentiometer controlled by the foot pedal.

Abstract: An ophthalmic aspirator-irrigator system for use during cataract surgery is disclosed. The system frees both hands of the surgeon for the surgical tasks and leaves the automatic operation of the system to a single control input operated by a foot pedal. The pedal controls both the aspiration and ejection functions as well as their respective speeds. The opthalmic aspirator-irrigator system essentially comprises a hand-held device, a control box operable by the foot pedal and a power cord connecting the device with the box. A source of fluid is connected via a tube to the device to effect the irrigation function. The control box includes a power source and a circuit coupled to the source and via the cord to the device. Preferably, the circuit includes a bridge output network controlled by a linear motion slide type potentiometer controlled by the foot pedal.

Abstract: A disposable coagulator for the bipolar coagulation of blood vessels and/or tissue is disclosed. The disposable coagulator comprises a light-weight, electrically insulating housing, a coaxial probe defining an inner and outer electrode and having a beveled end and secured within the housing, and a pair of insulated leads coupling the probe to a source of variable rf power. The surface area of the inner electrode at the beveled end is substantially the same as the surface area of the outer electrode. Preferably, the housing is injection formed of a suitable plastic material in two parts designed to snap-fit to one another so as firmly to hold the probe within the housing, once assembled.