Abstract: An intraocular lens which is compressible to fit through a small ocular incision into the eye and whose refractive power is adjustable once the inserted lens has been reformed and remedially positioned in the eye. The lens includes a deformable soft optic, a translucent collar encircling the soft optic and attached to it at fixed spaced points, and haptics attached to the collar for remedially positioning the soft optic in the eye. The collar has a separation or break to define two collar arms. When the collar is compressed the arms slide relative to one another to narrow the collar, and the compressed lens can then be inserted in the eye. Once in the eye the collar is released and the arms reformed together to form a rigid circle supporting the soft optic. The soft optic is formed by a transparent bag having a thickened perimeter and filled with a transparent fluid. When the lens is in place in the eye, a fine needle can be inserted into the eye and into the bag perimeter.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus specially adapted for use with an ultrasonic surgical tool which provides for irrigation of a surgical site and for aspirating fluid from the site comprises a source of irrigation fluid, comprises an irrigation fluid conduit or conducting the irrigation fluid to a surgical site, an aspiration fluid conduit for conducting fluid away from the surgical site, a suction pump connected to the aspiration fluid conduit for aspirating fluid from the surgical site, a pressure-sensitive control system for removing the source of suction from the aspiration conduit when a predetermined value of suction is exceeded, and a valve for controllably admitting irrigation fluid into the aspiration fluid conduit. A check valve in the irrigation conduit prevents a reverse surge when the irrigation fluid is admitted to the aspiration conduit.

Abstract: A high water content hydrogel contact lens with improved oxygen transmission combined with good movement characteristics over the cornea to prevent corneal damage and configured for low minus powers. The lens body has an ultra smooth molded or cast posterior surface with a center thickness in cross-section which is no greater than 0.08 mm and has a small edge-to-edge diameter less than 14.4 mm. With the lens in place on the eye, the eyelid engages a thickened, annular edge of the lens to provide some lens movement on the cornea of about 0.50 mm to assist in the removal of metabolic waste products from behind the lens. The thickened edge is configured to allow the eyelid to smoothly flow over the lens and to maintain good comfort to the wearer of the lens and for these purposes includes a posterior peripheral surface curve to generally conform to the curvature of the sclera of the eye.

Abstract: A decoupling sleeve for inclusion in a fluid conduit of an ultrasonically-operated instrument, such as a surgical instrument, which is irrigated by irrigating fluid at the operative site. The decoupling sleeve includes a tubular thin-walled body portion defining spaced openings, and a collar member for retaining the decoupling sleeve in a tip cap sleeve member for the instrument. The inclusion of the decoupling sleeve in the irrigating fluid conduit intermediate a portion of an ultrasonically-operated tool and the interior of the tip cap sleeve member defining the fluid conduit impedes the transmission of ultrasonic energy through the fluid medium in the conduit, thus reducing objectionable cavitation and bubble formation at the operative site.

Abstract: An improved irrigation fluid conduit for use with a coaxial surgical irrigator-aspirator for ophthalmic surgery comprises a hollow body adapted for attachment to the surgical irrigator-aspirator and a thin-walled tubular sleeve extending from the hollow body to surround the aspiration conduit of the instrument. The body and sleeve are homogeneously molded from polypropylene, which permits a rigid thin wall sleeve having a wall thickness not greater than 0.006 inches and which is transparent for increased visibility of the adjacent tissues.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a machine for aligning and attaching partly-worked lens blanks to a block so that the remainder of the blank can be machined. The machine comprises a vee-shaped holder for supporting the block with it axis vertical above a moveable table on which the lens blank is supported. The moveable table is freely moveable in any direction in a horizontal plane and the machine includes means for bringing the block and partly-worked lens into contact and achieving alignment of the axes of the block and lens blank by permitting the lens blank to move in any direction in a horizontal plane. A film of liquid adhesive is provided between the surface of the lens blank and the block which acts both as a lubricant and as a bonding agent when correct alignment has been achieved.

Abstract: An aerola/nipple surgical wound protector including a sterile pad having an upper surface, a lower non-stick surface and a centrally-located pad opening through it and engaging the upper and lower surfaces. A transparent cone-shaped nipple protector member having an outwardly-disposed flange at its base portion is secured via the flange to the upper pad surface over the pad opening. The nipple protector member has an opening in its base portion, a dome with air holes therethrough at its opposite end, and an interior configured to receive the patient's nipple up through the opening and into the protector member. Four spaced adhesive tape strips extend radially out from the pad for securing the pad and protector member over the patient's nipple.

Abstract: A radial keratotomy knife which includes an accurate linear position transducer for digitally displaying the extension of a surgical blade beyond a footplate on the knife. A system is also disclosed for zeroing the blade position relative to the footplate. The system includes a zeroing sleeve having a reflective membrane to reflect light to a detector. The knife is inserted into the sleeve so that the footplate is in contact with the membrane within the system contained within a console. When the blade is advanced to contact the reflective membrane from within the sleeve, the reflected light pattern is altered to establish accurately a zero position of the knife blade relative to the footplate. The knife is then withdrawn from the sleeve and the blade advanced by a micrometer so that the transducer produces a signal relative to the reference level indicating the extension of the blade.

Abstract: A method and channeled tool adapted for guiding an intraocular lens into position through an incision in an eye. Indicia means are provided in the tool in the form of two through-holes positioned at pre-determined distances from the distal end of the tool to determine the operable compression range of the intraocular lens haptics so that the surgeon can determine that the subject eye is of a sufficient size to receive the selected intraocular lens.

Abstract: A surgical suction cassette for use with a microsurgical apparatus having a surgical handpiece connected by tubing with a control cabinet contains a tank to receive aspirated material from the microsurgical site, fluid connections for the tubes providing suction, pressure and irrigation fluid to the handpiece, fluid connections for connecting sources of pressure, vacuum and vent within the cabinet, fluid connection for an external source of irrigation fluid, and internal tubing providing connections between the connections to the handpiece and the connections to the cabinet. Solenoid actuated occluders in the cabinet compress the tubing in the cassette to turn the various fluid streams on and off. The cassette is provided with a drain for automatically removing the contents without changing the cassette. A latch hook, centrally located between the fluid connections to the cabinet holds the cassette in the cabinet when in use.

Abstract: A cassette is structurally adapted to receive at least a portion of an irrigation manifold and an aspiration manifold, so that when the cassette is firmly secured to a cassette mechanism on an emulsifier/aspirator unit: (1) the flow to irrigation solution through the irrigation manifold is regulated; (2) the flow of aspirated fluid and tissue from the surgical site is regulated; (3) the vacuum control system (VCS) within the unit is applied to the aspiration manifold. The cassette defines, at its leading edge, an irrigation opening, an aspiration pump opening, and a vacuum control system opening. The cassette housing defines an irrigation boss having a flat leading edge surface in register with the irrigation opening, while an aspiration boss is located in register with the aspiration pump opening. A cassette mechanism is located on the emulsifier/aspirator unit and is structurally adapted to receive the cassette to complete the fluidic connection upon insertion of the cassette.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining an intraocular lens in a sterile liquid in a vial includes an elongated pair of side walls defining a lens-receiving area therebetween. A transversely-extending wall between the side walls defines a support surface for the edges of the haptic of the lens. Ribs on the interior surfaces of the side walls terminate short of the transversely-extending wall to define slots for retaining the haptic of the lens. An access opening is defined by the transversely-extending wall to permit the retained lens to be freed for removal by an instrument from without the confines of the retainer. The retainer terminates in its upper portion in a pair of protruding tabs defining slots for receiving an instrument for removing the retainer and the lens from the vial. The method of inserting and removing the lens from the retainer is also described.

Abstract: A micromanipulator for an instrument for focusing a beam of light on a target, such as a laser in an ophthalmic instrument, includes a control member coupled through a spherical bearing located at a pivot location to a coiled spring connected to a control rod for manipulating the focus of a gimballed beamsplitter in the x and y directions. The components are structured and arranged to lie on an axis in the neutral position so that the movement of the light beam, during focusing, corresponds directly to the direction of movement of the control member by an operator. The coiled spring acts as an automatic centering device to return the focused light beam to a predetermined position in the absence of manipulation.

Abstract: A system for measuring the electrical conductivity of disinfecting and rinsing solutions within a cleansing container includes a power supply for driving a pair of detectors and/or a meter, a conductivity probe for measuring the electrical conductance of the solutions, an oscillator, amplifier, and rectifier circuit, and indicators such as colored lights for indicating the type of solution within the container. The entire measuring system may be miniaturized and provided within the lid of the container. The system is particularly adapted to ensure that the correct steps are taken during the disinfection of contact lenses.

Abstract: A decoupling sleeve for inclusion in a fluid conduit of an ultrasonically-operated instrument, such as a surgical instrument, which is irrigated by irrigating fluid at the operative site. The decoupling sleeve includes a tubular thin-walled body portion defining spaced openings, and a collar member for retaining the decoupling sleeve in a tip cap sleeve member for the instrument. The inclusion of the decoupling sleeve in the irrigating fluid conduit intermediate a portion of an ultrasonically-operated tool and the interior of the tip cap sleeve member defining the fluid conduit impedes the transmission of ultrasonic energy through the fluid medium in the conduit, thus reducing objectionable cavitation and bubble formation at the operative site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for aligning and attaching partly-worked lens blanks to a block so that the remainder of the blank can be machined. The machine comprises a vee-shaped holder for supporting the block with it axis vertical above a moveable table on which the lens blank is supported. The moveable table is freely moveable in any direction in a horizontal plane and the machine includes means for bringing the block and partly-worked lens into contact and achieving alignment of the axes of the block and lens blank by permitting the lens blank to move in any direction in a horizontal plane. A film of liquid adhesive is provided between the surface of the lens blank and the block which acts both as a lubricant and as a bonding agent when correct alignment has been achieved.

Abstract: An intraocular surgical instrument includes an elongated inner tube that is axially movably connected at a first end to a handpiece, and comprises a cutting edge at a distal end. An elongated outer tube is disposed coaxially with the inner tube, is connected at a first end to the handpiece, and includes a cutting edge at a distal end. A first clearance is provided between the inner tube and the outer tube at a first rearward region and a second region adjacent to the cutting edges, such that the cutting edges are maintained in a cutting relationship. A second clearance, larger than the first clearance, is provided at a third region disposed between the first and second regions.

Abstract: A device for controlling the dispensing of pigments suspended in solution for reciprocating needles that penetrate the skin. For use in an apparatus of the type which includes a tip assembly, including a needle secured to a reciprocating driven by a motor, an adapter member is disclosed having a generally axially aligned chamber, a portion of which is manually secured to the tip assembly. The adapter member also defines an inclined chamber for receiving a pigment-containing reservoir member with a transfer tube. A weighted wire has a portion located within the transfer tube. The wire includes a second portion which resides within the reservoir member so that when the reservoir member with its pigment solution and wire is inserted into the adapter member, reciprocation of the tip assembly causes the wire to agitate the pigment suspension while controlling flow of the pigment-containing solution to the lower portion of the axially aligned chamber in the adapter member, and hence to the needle.

Abstract: A variable spot size illuminator for projecting a variable size spot of light into an illumination plane comprises a source of light, fiberoptic image transmission means having an entrance surface and an exit surface, means for projecting a cone of said light onto said entrance surface, objective lens means for focusing light emerging from said exit surface into said illumination plane, and means for varying the distance between said entrance surface and the vertex of said cone of light. The variable spot size illuminator is useful for projecting a spot of variable size with constant beam convergence in a laser photocoagulator.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a cylindrical body having front and rear plugs in opposite ends thereof with a piston disposed in a centrally disposed chamber in the body, and a probe having an elongate tubular outer member with a proximal end received in an axial bore in the front plug and a closed distal end with a port therein and an elongate tubular inner member slidably disposed in the outer member with a distal end movable across the port to provide a cutting action and a portion fixed in an axial bore in the piston such that the probe inner member is moved with the piston, the rear plug having an axial bore therethrough aligned with the probe inner member to permit evacuation of cut material through the surgical cutting instrument and a second bore therethrough for supplying pressure to the chamber to move the piston against a spring bias.