Abstract: The present invention relates to a first intraocular lens (120) embodiment having a retainer plate (124) with an annular region surrounding a central opening and an optical lens (122) removably attached to the retainer plate within the central opening. Also disclosed is a second intraocular lens embodiment having a retainer plate with a porous or perforated annular region surrounding a central opening. An optical lens (122) is integral with the retainer plate (124) within the central opening. Methods of implanting these intraocular lens (120) embodiments into a patient's eye are disclosed. Also described here are methods of replacing the first intraocular lens embodiment after it has been implanted in a patient's eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an accommodating intraocular lens, which is suitable for replacement of the natural crystalline lens of the eye within the capsular bag. The intraocular lens can include a retainer plate with an annular region surrounding a central opening, and an optical lens. The retainer plate acts as a foundation for the optical lens, as the retainer plate can be positioned near or at the posterior portion of the lens capsule. The optical lens can sit on the retainer plate, but is otherwise not attached to the retainer plate. The optical lens can overlap or fit within the central opening of the retainer plate. The retainer plate can include a lip portion integrally disposed on a region of the retainer plate, wherein the lip provides a surface for holding at least a portion of an intraocular lens.

Abstract: Images that map statistics of ultrasound backscatter obtained from wavelet decomposition of ultrasound parameter images are used to highlight spatial variation in scattering related to changes in the choroid's vascular conformation. Wavelet analysis ultrasound parameter images are used to identify changes in the scattering structure. The technique can also be applied to other vascular beds and other tissue, as well as non-biological material that can be interrogated with high frequency ultrasound.

Abstract: A method for assessing blood flow in a tissue involving directing a beam through the tissue along overlapping lines of sight and then generating the blood flow data from where the ultrasonic beams overlap to evaluate blood flow in the tissue. More specifically, spatially overlapping beams are generated at a fixed temporal intervals. Spatial overlap allows the spatial distance between overlapping lines-of-sight to be ignored, while moving reflectors within any overlapping line-of-sight will cause detectable changes in range of the moving reflector from one line-of-sight to the next. The rate of motion is determined from the measured change in range and the known time interval between vectors. Processing of data includes alignment of data between lines-of-sight to suppress artifactual motion and a wall filter for isolation of flow-data from stationary structures. An apparatus for assessing blood flow includes a transmission system and a storage system.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for conducting biometric high frequency ultrasound scanning of the human eye permits the subject to assume a seated position and to place the eye to be scanned in contact with the fluid medium contained in an eye cup. In a prefered embodiment, the eye cup is disposable after each use.

Abstract: A system is described for obtaining in real-time cross-sectional and 3-dimensional images of a body under study using ultrasonic energy. A piezoelectric transducer is positioned to emit ultrasonic energy and receive echo pulses. The transducer is electronically swept or physically rotated to produce a series of sectored scan planes which are separated by a known angular distance. The echo pulses are processed to produce an ultrasonic image in pseudo 3-dimensional display. By using data from one scan plane, processed as a B-scan image, cross-sectional data can be obtained. Such is combined in a display with an overlay to visually portray the object and positioning information or comparative data. The system is combined with a computer for data analysis and a therapeutic transducer for treatment.

Abstract: Methods for enhancement of data obtained from scanning objects such as body tissue with ultrasonic wideband pulses to detect characteristics of the tissue and to identify the tissue. The methods include performing spectral analysis on selected time portions of signals obtained from ultrasonic scanning to derive spectral data which is representative of the received signal characteristics for spatial samples of a particular region of interest in the body. The characteristic values are selected to correlate with significant characteristics of the material. A display of the selected body region is generated, with the display characteristic for each of the spatial samples being selected in accordance with the derived spectral characteristic values. Examples of the spectral characteristic values include spectral amplitude, spectral slope, and spectral amplitude uncertainty.

Abstract: A technique and system for facilitiating intraocular and other microsurgery comprising a lighter-irrigator tube which utilizes a central light guide to conduct light into the area of the surgery along the fluid infusion pathway. An auxiliary to the lighter-irrigator comprises a fiber optic work cord or light pipe characterized by light transmission and light dispersion along its path between a light source and the lighter-irrigator, and which may be utilized alone, or with other similar auxiliary cords, to provide low level lighting to the work areas, so that adequate work light is provided for the surgical assistants and aneasthesiologists, while maintaining maximum visualization for the surgeon.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer assembly is provided with transducers for both therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasonic radiation. A moveable seal permits adjustment and alignment of the two transducer units in a fluid medium. In addition, there is provided a light beam directed along the axis of the ultrasonic radiation. The transducer assembly is particularly useful for ophthalmic therapy.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering a fine mist of an ophthalmic solution to the eyeball of a human. The apparatus is a spray applicator which features the provision of a baffle in the lower portion of an eyecup. The baffle is spaced from the inner surface of the eyecup, with the lateral ends or the entire lower periphery of the baffle being attached to the inner surface of the eyecup. A container such as an aerosol can or plastic squeeze bottle holding the ophthalmic solution is provided, together with ancillary elements to transmit the solution, so that the ophthalmic solution can be projected at will, i.e. when the eyecup is emplaced over an eyeball, into the lower portion of the eyecup opposite the baffle, so that the solution impinges on the baffle rather than directly impinging on the eyeball, the solution thus being effectively dispersed into a mist of small droplets within the eyecup, which mist thus uniformly and gently coats the outer surface of the eyeball.