Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of lens tissue includes a first instrument for inserting into a lens capsule and removing a cataract therein, the first instrument including a lumen for aspiration of cataract tissue and irrigation fluid from the lens capsule and manipulate the cataract until cataract is removed. The second instrument includes an irrigation port for introducing the irrigation fluid into the lens capsule.

Abstract: According to the invention the ophthalmic lens further comprises a refractive part comprising at least one surface, which is configured to compensate a passing wavefront at least partly for at least one type of monochromatic aberration introduced by at least one of the optical parts of the eye. Said diffractive part is capable of compensating a passing wavefront at least partly for chromatic aberration introduced by at least one of the optical parts of the eye. Furthermore said refractive and diffractive parts together contribute to a required power of the lens.

Abstract: An improved opthalmic lens is disclosed which has a plurality of alternating power zones with a continuously varying power within each zone, as well as in transition from one zone to another. In other words, a plurality of concentric zones (at least two) are provided in which the variation from far to near vision correction is continuous, i.e., from near correction focal power to far correction focal power, then back to near, and again back to far, or vice versa. This change is continuous (progressive), without any abrupt correction changes, or “edges”. Two versions of the invention are disclosed. In the first version continuous, alternating power variation is accomplished by a continuously changing curvature of the lens posterior surface, thereby altering the angle of impact of light rays on the eye.

Abstract: An intraocular lens system including one or more intraocular lenses (IOL) and a peripheral holder. The peripheral holder is configured to receive and retain the distal end of a fixation member of the IOL and provide a dynamic interface between the natural capsular bag and fixation member. The holder is preferably annular and flexible and transmits movement of the capsular bag from the surrounding ciliary muscles to the IOL. In this manner, a circumferential surface contact with the capsular bag is provided and accommodation of the IOL is improved. If two IOLs are received in the holder, a spacer may be provided to insure consistent spacing between the IOLs. Alternatively, an IOL system may include two IOLs and a spacer, without the holder. The holder desirably includes a sharp exterior corner to inhibit cell growth and posterior capsular opacification.

Abstract: An instrument for providing illumination of intraocular tissue during surgery generally includes a hand held light source which includes a light emitting diode, a power source for driving the diode and a control switch for interconnecting the diode with the power source. At least one fiber optic having a proximal end in light communication with the LED and a distal end size for insertion into an eye for illumination of intraocular tissue is provided.

Abstract: Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical system for ultrasonically vibrating said needle along with a power source for providing pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical system. Irrigation fluid is provided to the handpiece needle and aspirating fluid is removed from the handpiece needle. A determination of a voltage current phase relationship of the provided electrical power is made and in response thereto a control system varies a power level duty cycle provided to the handpiece electrical system from the power source and/or modify the aspiration flow rate. In addition, a separate input enables manual control of pulse amplitude. The control system provides a pulsed electrical power of less than 20 millisecond pulse duration.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring accommodation of a lens in an eye includes a target, a Badal lens, and a viewing aperture, where the Badal lens and the viewing aperture are positioned so that when the target moves towards or away from the lens, the apparent size of the target remains constant to a subject looking in the viewing aperture regardless of the distance the target moves. The apparatus may be provided in a compact housing and may include a mirror placed in the housing so that the viewing aperture can be placed away from the optical axis of the lens. The apparatus includes a controller to control the movement of the target. The apparatus measures the accommodation of a lens based on the distance the target moves during an examination. Methods of measuring accommodation of a lens in an eye of a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for the removal of lens tissue includes a first handpiece having a laser emitting probe sized for insertion into a lens capsule and radiating a lens therein. The laser emitting probe includes a lumen for introducing irrigation fluid into the lens capsule. A second handpiece includes a vibrated needle for insertion into the lens capsule and emulsifying laser eradiated lens tissue. The vibrated needle includes a lumen therethrough for aspiration of emulsified lens tissue and irrigation fluid.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) insertion apparatus for implanting acrylic IOLs through smaller incisions. The insertion apparatus includes an insertion cartridge that receives the IOL and cooperates with a handpiece. The cartridge includes a longitudinal lumen from a loading chamber to an open distal mouth that gradually narrows in dimension so as to fold the acrylic IOL to a dimension of less than about 2.0 mm. The cartridge is made of a polymer, such as polypropylene, that includes a lubricity enhancing component concentrated at surfaces by a blooming process. A push rod in the handpiece enters the loading chamber of the cartridge and urges the IOL therethrough. A distal tip of the push rod has an irregular shape, such as a rounded trapezoidal, and has a maximum dimension slightly less than the inner diameter of the open distal mouth of the cartridge. The distal tip of the push rod may have a relief channel on one side that accommodates a trailing haptic of the IOL.

Abstract: A partially hydrated lens is provided for implantation into a cornea. The partially hydrated lens has a water content less than the water content of the cornea, resulting in an osmotic pressure differential between the lens and the cornea which improves adhesion between the lens and the corneal tissue. It also causes the lens to expand and flatten when implanted, and to [naturally center itself while flattening.] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lens is maintained in its partially hydrated state by storage in a hypertonic hydration medium.

Abstract: Control apparatus for an ultrasonic phacoemulsification handpiece utilizes flow rates and temperature measurements as well as power provided to a handpiece for calculating a matrix of power level duty cycle combination that would not generate sufficient heat to create a burn in eye tissue and either prevent operation of handpiece in the matrix or alert a surgeon of such use.

Abstract: A surgical footpedal includes a treadle size for receiving a user's foot and adapted for enabling depression thereof in order to activate signals for control of associated surgical apparatus. A vibrator is disposed on the treadle for vibrating the treadle at selected treadle depressions to provide sensory warning to the user that further treadle depression will cause a given event to occur. A bracket is provided for attaching the vibrator to the treadle for causing resonant vibration of the treadle and the vibrate.

Abstract: An intraocular lens includes an optic for focusing light and a movement assembly coupled to the optic. The movement assembly is adapted to cooperate with the eye to effect accommodating movement of the optic. The movement assembly includes a plurality of movement members and a suspension structure. The movement members are coupled to a periphery of the optic. The suspension structure is coupled to the movement members and is adapted to be in contact with a peripheral region of a capsular bag of an eye. The movement members are adapted to convert radial movement of the suspension structure caused by movement of the capsular bag to axial movement of the optic. The movement members are also adapted to amplify the radial movement of the suspension structure so that the optic moves axially a greater distance than the distance moved radially by the suspension structure.

Abstract: A foldable intraocular lens for implantation in the eye includes an optic made of a highly pliable material and a pair of fixation members made of a material that is flexible, but more rigid than the optic. The fixation members are integral with a cantilevered arm that extends radially outward from the optic. Each fixation member includes a proximal end at the outer end of the cantilevered arm, a distal end, and a flex portion intermediate the proximal and distal ends. The flex portions of the two fixation member extend generally away from one other adjacent their respective proximal ends on diametrically-opposed sides of the optic.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for use in a mammalian eye includes an optic adapted to focus light toward a retina of the mammalian eye and, in cooperation with the mammalian eye, to provide accommodation, the optic being adapted to have a first configuration to provide substantially a single optical power and a second configuration to provide a plurality of different optical powers.

Abstract: Phacoemulsification apparatus includes a phacoemulsification handpiece having a needle and an electrical system for ultrasonically vibrating the needle along with a power source for providing pulsed electrical power to the handpiece electrical system. Irrigation fluid is provided to the handpiece needle and aspirating fluid is removed from the handpiece needle. A determination of a voltage current phase relationship of the provided electrical power is made and in response thereto a control system varies a power level duty cycle provided to the handpiece electrical system from the power source and/or modify the aspiration flow rate. In addition, a separate input enables manual control of pulse amplitude and the control system in response to a selected amplitude determines a duty cycle of the provided pulsed electrical power.

Abstract: An intraocular lens having an optic and a plurality of fixation members coupled to the optic. The fixation members are adapted to flex about points located closer to the outer edge of the IOL than to the optic. The fixation members may have a converging width intermediate region projecting outward from the optic and a pair of leg portions extending generally perpendicularly thereto. The leg portions include foot members and flex radially inward with respect to the intermediate region. Because the optic and intermediate regions are relatively stable, the leg portions flex inward but the optic does not vault or bow upon a compressive fit within the surrounding eye.

Abstract: Intraocular lens combinations are provided which include a first optic having a negative optical power and being adapted to be placed in a substantially fixed position in a mammalian eye. A second optic having a higher optical power than the first optic is provided. In addition, a movement assembly is provided which is coupled to the second optic and is adapted to cooperate with the eye to effect accommodating movement of the second optic in the eye. Very effective accommodation is provided with the present intraocular lens combination. The present combinations can be effectively positioned to effectively inhibit or reduce the risk of posterior capsular opacification (PCO).

Abstract: Phaco tip apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having a drive assembly including a needle having a tip for emulsifying a cataractic lens and a lumen communication with primary and a secondary aspiration ports for aspirating emulsified lens. A sleeve establishes an annular passage around the needle and enables irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through a cornea/sclera wound while cooling the needle. A bypass port, disposed in said needle and under said compressible sleeve, establishes fluid communication between the lumen and the annular passage in order to enable irrigation fluid to pass into said lumen upon clogging of the primary and secondary aspiration ports, thus providing fluid surge protection.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) for use in a mammalian eye includes an optic adapted to focus light toward a retina of the mammalian eye and, in cooperation with the mammalian eye, to provide accommodation, the optic including a first portion adapted to move in response to the action of the mammalian eye; and a second portion secured to the first portion and having a higher index of refraction than the first portion and/or being positioned generally anterior of the first portion.