Abstract: A single optic accommodative lens. The lens includes a non-circular ring with radial dimensions that are different in at least two meridians. The radial dimension of vertical meridian of the lens approximates the natural diameter of the capsular bag. The optic of the lens is connected to the ring at the vertical meridian by a pair of haptics.

Abstract: A two part lens system. The first part is a ring-like supporting component that is implanted in the capsular bag following cataract surgery. The first component is a non-optical component and contains a pair of haptics for fixating the first component within the capsular bag. The second component is an optical component that contains all of the corrective optical power of the lens system. The second component has a pair of tabs for locking the second component within the first component.

Abstract: A two-optic accommodative lens system. The first lens has a negative power and is located posteriorly against the posterior capsule. The periphery of the first optic contains a pair of clasps. The second optic is located anteriorly to the first optic and is of a positive power. The peripheral edge of the second optic contains a pair of locking arms that fit into the clasps contained on the periphery of the first optic to lock the second optic onto the first optic, but allow for rotation of the arms within the clasps. Hinge structures on the locking arms allow the second optic to move relative to the first optic along the optical axis of the lens system in reaction to movement of the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in ophthalmic surgery in which a container for fluid is connected to a line through which fluid flows to a surgical handpiece for the irrigation of a patient's eye are provided. A sensor emits a magnetic field and a detector causes another magnetic field to be generated. The interaction of the two magnetic fields causes a pulse to be generated. Based on the timing of the generated pulse, the apparatus or method determines the absolute position of the support coupled to the container and adjusts the height of the support. Circuitry is also provided to prevent changes in height of the support by preventing supply of drive currents and by applying a hold current or by generating an electro motive force.

Abstract: A cassette having a molded flow channel contained on an elastomeric sheet that is bonded or mechanically attached to a rigid substrate. The flow channel projects outwardly from the exterior of the cassette so that a peristaltic pump having pump head rollers mounted radially from the axis of rotation of the pump motor compress the elastomeric flow channels against the rigid substrate during operation.

Abstract: A two part lens system. The first part is a ring-like supporting component that is implanted in the capular bag following cataract surgery. The first component is a non-optical component and contains a pair of haptics for fixating the first component within the capular bag. The second component is an optical component that contains all of the corrective optical power of the lens system. The second component has a pair of tabs for locking the second component within the first component.

Abstract: A two-optic accommodative lens system. The first lens has a negative power and is located posteriorly against the posterior capsule. The periphery of the first optic contains a pair of clasps. The second optic is located anteriorly to the first optic and is of a positive power. The peripheral edge of the second optic contains a pair of locking arms that fit into the clasps contained on the periphery of the first optic to lock the second optic onto the first optic, but allow for rotation of the arms within the clasps. Hinge structures on the locking arms allow the second optic to move relative to the first optic along the optical axis of the lens system in reaction to movement of the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: The present invention provides monofocal ophthalmic lenses that exhibit extended depth of field while providing sufficient contrast for resolution of an image over a selected range of defocus distances. In some embodiments, a lens of the invention can include a refractive surface having controlled surface modulations relative to a base profile. The surface modulations are designed to extend a depth of field of the lens such that a single image can be resolved, albeit with somewhat less contrast, over a range of distances greater than the focal region of a conventional lens. The ophthalmic lenses of the invention can be employed in various vision correction applications, including, but not limited to, intraocular lenses, contact lenses, instrastromal implants and other refractive devices.

Abstract: A surgical system having a cassette with an aspirant collection chamber and an aspiration exhaust line that drains into the aspirant collection chamber. A fluid line containing a valve allowing fluid from the irrigation fluid container to be vented into the aspirant collection chamber. A source of pressurized air is connected to the irrigation fluid container and is used to pressurize the fluid container. When the pressure within the fluid container needs to be increased, pressurized air from the pressurized air source is allowed to enter the fluid container. When the pressure within the fluid container needs to be decreased, irrigation fluid is allowed to be bled out of the fluid container and inter the collection chamber. In this manner, a direct fluidic connection with the gas contained within the fluid container does not need to be maintained.

Abstract: A surgical system and cassette, the cassette having a series of identifying tabs that are variably opaque to translucent. By varying the opaqueness of the tabs, the surgical system can readily identify the type of cassette being used.

Abstract: A footswitch having an adjustable treadle and switch placements, thereby helping to make the footswitch ergonomically more correct for a variety of users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing relatively gentle pulses of heated surgical fluid against the capsular bag to assist in the removal of lens epithelial cells and cortical material adhered to the capsular bag.

Abstract: A microkeratome blade for use for the removal of the epithelial layer and underlying Basement Membrane while leaving a smooth and undisturbed Bowman's Membrane in preparation for a laser refractive surgical procedure. The blade is capable of cutting through the epithelial layer and Basement Membrane, but not capable of cutting through Bowman's Membrane.

Abstract: A microkeratome blade for use for the removal of the epithelial layer and underlying Basement Membrane while leaving a smooth and undisturbed Bowman's Membrane in preparation for a laser refractive surgical procedure. The blade is capable of cutting through the epithelial layer and Basement Membrane, but not capable of cutting through Bowman's Membrane.

Abstract: A surgical system having a cassette with an aspirant collection chamber and an aspiration vent line that draws fluid from the aspirant collection chamber. The pressure within the collection chamber is maintained near ambient so that when the aspiration vent line is open, fluid flows from the collection chamber and into the aspiration line. Such a system does not require a second source of irrigation fluid, minimizes pressure surges into the irrigation fluid line and does not affect the fluidic performance of the aspiration system. In addition, various vent pressures can be achieved by varying the vertical position of the reservoir relative to the aspiration line.

Abstract: A movable arm for a surgical tray that is connected to the surgical console, is adjustable for height and allows for full, unlimited 360° rotation of the tray. The arm mechanism includes a movable wedge plate containing a sloped or ramped depression that cooperates with one end of a motion transfer pin. Horizontal movement of the wedge plate causes vertical movement of the pin. The other end of the pin, opposite the wedge plate, actuates a release mechanism that allows the arm on which the tray is mounted to be raised and lowered via a pressurized gas cylinder. Such a construction allows the tray to be rotated a full 360° without affecting the arm release mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical tool holder mounted on a surgical tray that is connected to the surgical console. The tool holder has a pair of opposing, spring-loaded gripper arms. The gripper arms will move apart under force, but rotate to a closed position when no force is applied. In the closed position, the opposing gripper arms and a small, curved-shaped gap between the gripper arms allows the tool holder to accommodate a wide variety diameters of handpieces or tools.

Abstract: A two-optic accommodative lens system. The first lens has a negative power and is located posteriorly against the posterior capsule. The periphery of the first optic contains a pair of clasps. The second optic is located anteriorly to the first optic and is of a positive power. The peripheral edge of the second optic contains a pair of locking arms that fit into the clasps contained on the periphery of the first optic to lock the second optic onto the first optic, but allow for rotation of the arms within the clasps. Hinge structures on the locking arms allow the second optic to move relative to the first optic along the optical axis of the lens system in reaction to movement of the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a prescription for laser-ablation corneal treatment or ophthalmic implant includes the steps of receiving a measured correction prescription for a current patient having a classification element associated therewith, the prescription having been measured using wavefront determination. A database of treatment outcomes on a plurality of previously treated patients is accessed, each treated patient outcome having associated therewith at least one classification element and comprising a preoperative wavefront-determined correction prescription and a postoperative visual profile. From the treatment outcomes in the database is calculated an average difference between the preoperative prescription and the postoperative profile for at least some of the previously treated patients having a classification element in common with the current patient.

Abstract: An automated, objective method for determining the accommodative range and aberration profile of an eye using a wavefront sensor that iteratively determines the change in accommodation of the lens of an eye.