Abstract: The actuator (see FIG. 2) comprises a barrel 16 and a plunger 22 received within the barrel. A clutch mechanism 54 is operable between the plunger and the barrel. In the engaged condition of the clutch, the plunger is advanced by rotation relative to the barrel. An axial load on the plunger disengages the clutch mechanism, allowing the plunger to be advanced axially while rotating the driven member 60. Two-handed or one-handed operation is therefore possible. A freely rotatable collar 27 on the plunger allows the plunger to be returned to its retracted position with a linear rearward movement while allowing rotation of the plunger. A resilient ring 35 mounted in a cross-passage 32 in a bush 28 at the forward end of the plunger provides a measured degree of frictional resistance to the plunger returning under its own weight to the retracted position. The ring may be replaced by a C-shaped resilient element (see FIG. 13). The actuator can be used in combination with a lens delivery device (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

Abstract: The actuator comprises a barrel and a plunger received within the barrel. A clutch mechanism is operable between the plunger and the barrel. The clutch mechanism includes a driven member and a fixed member having respective castellations. The driven member carries pins which engage a three-start thread on the plunger. The castellations are urged into engagement by three annular springs. In the engaged condition of the clutch, the plunger is advanced by rotation relative to the barrel. An axial load on the plunger disengages the clutch mechanism, allowing the plunger to be advanced axially while rotating the driven member. Two-handed or one-handed operation according to a user's choice is therefore possible. The actuator can be used in combination with a lens delivery device.

Abstract: The actuator (see FIG. 2) comprises a barrel 16 and a plunger 22 received within the barrel. A clutch mechanism 54 is operable between the plunger and the barrel. In the engaged condition of the clutch, the plunger is advanced by rotation relative to the barrel. An axial load on the plunger disengages the clutch mechanism, allowing the plunger to be advanced axially while rotating the driven member 60. Two-handed or one-handed operation is therefore possible. A freely rotatable collar 27 on the plunger allows the plunger to be returned to its retracted position with a linear rearward movement while allowing rotation of the plunger. A resilient ring 35 mounted in a cross-passage 32 in a bush 28 at the forward end of the plunger provides a measured degree of frictional resistance to the plunger returning under its own weight to the retracted position. The ring may be replaced by a C-shaped resilient element (see FIG. 13). The actuator can be used in combination with a lens delivery device (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

Abstract: An instrument (110) for rolling a thin ophthalmic lens and inserting the rolled lens into the eye comprises a body (112) in which a plunger (124) is slidable. A thin lens (156) is placed on a lens roller (130) which is slidable transversely of the instrument. The lens is rolled during the sliding movement into a tubular configuration. The rolled lens is then positioned in the instrument in a cylindrical cavity and ready for contact by a push-rod of the plunger (124) so that it is delivered from the instrument through a box in a tip portion (114) of the instrument.

Abstract: The actuator comprises a barrel and a plunger received within the barrel. A clutch mechanism is operable between the plunger and the barrel. The clutch mechanism includes a driven member and a fixed member having respective castellations. The driven member carries pins which engage a three-start thread on the plunger. The castellations are urged into engagement by three annular springs. In the engaged condition of the clutch, the plunger is advanced by rotation relative to the barrel. An axial load on the plunger disengages the clutch mechanism, allowing the plunger to be advanced axially whilst rotating the driven member. Two-handed or one-handed operation according to a user's choice is therefore possible. The actuator can be used in combination with a lens delivery device.

Abstract: A tissue barrier (410), for example of titanium alloy, for insertion into an incision in the sclera of the eye for the treatment of conditions such as presbyopia, comprises an elongate insert which is provided with a longitudinally extending flange (414, 416) at each end to prevent the barrier from being ejected from the incision. Each flange (414, 416) is preferably about half the height of the central portion (412) of the insert. Preferably, the flanges are of unequal length. The flanges may be circular or rectangular in cross-section. The central portion (412) may be thicker than the flanges transversely to the longitudinal axis of the insert. The outer ends of the flanges may be chamfered (418).

Abstract: An instrument for the insertion of an intraocular lens into an eye comprises a body portion, a nose portion through which runs a passage for the lens to pass to a dispensing tip, and a plunger. The nose portion is pivotally connected to the body portion so that the barrel can be broken open for the placement of the lens into the nose portion. The lens is preferably placed on two spaced parallel nose pins to facilitate its folding. A cross pin preferably straddles the nose pins and under which the lens is arranged to pass, to prevent lifting and tilting of the lens.

Abstract: A caliper for ophthalmic surgery comprises a pair of arms which are relatively pivotable, with each arm terminating at one end in a tip, and with the tips being movable between closed and open positions upon pivotal movement of the arms. The amount of pivoting movement is controlled by an adjuster and a scale is provided to give an indication of the amount of tip separation. The tips of the arms are adapted to be insertable into an incision in eye tissue and to open the incision to a predetermined dimension to permit the insertion of an ocular lens. The tips may open the incision just by a stretching of the eye tissue, for subsequent insertion of the lens, or alternatively the tips may be provided with one or two diamond blades which open the incision by a cutting of the eye tissue.