Abstract: This invention concerns the use of stainless steel, disposable tacks to be employed in the mechanical dilation of the iris during opthalmic surgery. Intended for temporary iris fixation, the tack is provided with a hook built onto its proximal end, and with a sharp anterior blade at its distal end. The anterior blade allows easy insertion of the tack through the peripheral cornea of the eye, at the limbal area, and an applicator is provided with a forked holder to firmly grasp the hook in securely placing and removing the tack in the surgical procedure.