Abstract: A pupil expansion apparatus is placed in the eye during an ophthalmic surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the pupil expansion apparatus is a square frame structure that comprises four straight beams which cross each other at their ends to form a cross beam arrangement. However, the expansion apparatus is not limited to being a square frame structure, and may have a circular, or any multi-sided frame structure. The crossed ends of the straight beams are connected by one or more curved beams, which also form iris supporting portions. The iris supporting portion is shaped in an open, curved form so as to be perpendicular to the plane formed by the frame. It receives the rim of the iris tissue when the pupil expansion apparatus is in its extended position and gently presses the iris to the periphery.