Abstract: An aspiration tip having a relatively rigid cannula attached to a hub and an open end opposite the hub. The open end is sealed with a cap made from a soft, flexible material, such as rubber or soft plastic. The soft material reduces the likelihood that the posterior capsule will tear during cortical clean-up and capsule polishing.

Abstract: A single piece soft foldable IOL having open loop haptics of specific thickness and geometry. The unique geometry provides an IOL with improved fixation and centration.

Abstract: A single piece intraocular lens folder that has a generally planar, open frame in the shape of a rounded "A" with a rimmed, open head at the top of the "A". The base of the "A" forms a pairs of opposing legs or handles that join to form a hinge at the intersection where the handles attach to the head. The hinge allows the handle to be squeezed together and spring apart when released. Squeezing the handles together causes the sides of the head to spread apart, thereby stretching the top edge of the head rim and pulling the top edge downward toward the hinge. The open head contains a pair of support jaws and a pair of serpentine folding jaws. The location of the serpentine jaws is such that when the top edge of the head rim moves toward the hinge, the serpentine jaws are squeezed together, causing the IOL to be folded in half. The serpentine shape of the folding jaws allow the haptics to pivot downward, thereby permitting the IOL to be folded along a plurality of axes.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece holder for use in protecting a surgical handpiece during storage or autoclaving, and providing a template for the storage of excess handpiece wire is disclosed.

Abstract: A diffractive, multifocal ophthalmic lens including an apodization zone with echelettes having a smoothly reduced step height to shift the energy balance from the near image to the distant image and thus reduce the glare perceived when viewing a discrete, distant light source.

Abstract: A cassette latching mechanism generally including an articulating clamp mounted on the end of a pneumatic cylinder. The clamp interacts with a slot, tab or tang on the cassette housing to hold the cassette firmly within a surgical console.

Abstract: A cutting tip having an asymmetric, hydrodynamic channel that tightens the cutting tip during operation.

Abstract: A process control system according to the present invention uses analog control circuitry in which a differential amplifier stage is incorporated into the feedback path rather that the feedforward path to enable the control of highly non-linear processes that may also exhibit high levels of hysteresis. Such processes often have superior performance characteristics that conventional control circuitry cannot exploit. The present invention additionally incorporates an automatic control circuit which varies the gain of various stages the control circuitry when the output of the process is within a predetermined range. An embodiment of the present invention is used to control a nonlinear proportional valve with severe hysteresis. The valve regulates the pressure within pressure-driven ophthalmic surgical instruments, which must be controlled extremely precisely to enable successful eye surgery.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating corneal haze resulting from exposure of the eye to laser irradiation are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of wound healing modulators to the eye. Compositions for use in preventing and treating the corneal haze are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fiberoptic illumination system having an attenuator with a "multiple wedge" aperture that more uniformly attenuates the light beam striking the fiberoptic without changing the color temperature of the light beam or affecting the exit divergence angle of the light beam. The system includes an optical housing design having orthogonal lights paths that allows two fiberoptics to be illuminated from the same bulb, two bulbs located in primary and back-up positions, respectively, mounted on a rotating carousel and a retinal protection filter that filters out wavelengths of light harmful to the retina.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification sleeve having a centering ring isolated within an outer shell. A bellows-like sleeve between the handpiece and the outer shell provides a fluid path for the irrigating fluid.

Abstract: A lens storage container having an interior coated with an enzymatic cleaning composition useful for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: An infusion sleeve having a two-piece body. The first piece is conical in shape and is attached to the handpiece by conventional methods. The distal end of the first piece contains a series of annular grooves. The second piece is tubular in shape and contains an annular rim or lip on the proximal end that interlocks within the annular grooves on the first piece.

Abstract: Methods for treating the cornea following laser irradiation are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of wound healing modulators and pain mediators to the eye. Compositions for use in treating the cornea are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating corneal haze resulting from exposure of the eye to laser irradiation are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of wound healing modulators to the eye. Compositions for use in preventing and treating the corneal haze are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical cassette unloading and unloading system having a peristaltic pump roller head with a flared and beveled notch and a plunger or probe that engages the cassette peristaltic pump tube.

Abstract: Methods for treating the cornea following UV laser irradiation and resulting photoablation of corneal tissue are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of a non-steroidal antiinflammatory to the eye. Compositions for use in treating the cornea are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating corneal haze resulting from exposure of the eye to laser irradiation are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of wound healing modulators to the eye. Compositions for use in preventing and treating the corneal haze are also disclosed.