Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for diagnosing vision and improving vision, for example by reducing or eliminating the effects of macular degeneration, in a manner which does not interfere with the natural shape of the cornea or its orientation relative to the remainder of the eye, but which changes its surface curvature appropriately to achieve the required correction of vision. The focus of sub-regions of the cornea is adjusted so that different regions focus at a controlled distance about a reference axis. This can be accomplished by shaping the cornea (e.g. through ablation) or by applying an appropriate contact lens or other optical lens.

Abstract: “Universal improvement” of vision is achieved by effectively changing the shape of the anterior refracting surface of the cornea to an ideal “turtleback” shape, on which is imposed the necessary curvature adjustment to achieve correction of distance vision. In accordance with one embodiment, the cornea is actually formed to the turtleback shape through corneal surgery, preferably laser ablation surgery. In accordance with a second embodiment, a contact lens with the desired distance corrected ideal turtleback shape on its anterior surface is positioned over the cornea.

Abstract: The carrier region extending beyond the optical portion of a contact lens overlying the cornea of an eye can be modeled in one universal shape that will fit all eyes. That shape is characterized by a curve of radius of curvature versus distance from the High point which is substantially linear with a first slope below a 10 mm diameter of the eye as projected onto a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, is substantially linear above 10 mm with a second slope which is substantially greater than the first slope, and which has an inflection point in the vicinity of approximately 10 mm. Preferably the first linear portion has a radius of curvature of approximately 7.6 mm at a diameter of about 7 mm, with a slope of about 0.13 (the first slope) and a radius of curvature of about 9 mm at a diameter of 12 mm, with a slope of about 0.45 (the second slope).

Abstract: “Universal improvement” of vision is achieved by effectively changing the shape of the anterior refracting surface of the cornea to an ideal “turtleback” shape, on which is imposed the necessary curvature adjustment to achieve correction of distance vision. In accordance with one embodiment, the cornea is actually formed to the turtleback shape through corneal surgery, preferably laser ablation surgery. In accordance with a second embodiment, a contact lens with the desired distance corrected ideal turtleback shape on its anterior surface is positioned over the cornea.

Abstract: “Universal improvement” of vision is achieved by effectively changing the shape of the anterior refracting surface of the cornea to an ideal “turtleback” shape, on which is imposed the necessary curvature adjustment to achieve correction of distance vision. In accordance with one embodiment, the cornea is actually formed to the turtleback shape through corneal surgery, preferably laser ablation surgery. In accordance with a second embodiment, a contact lens with the desired distance corrected ideal turtleback shape on its anterior surface is positioned over the cornea.

Abstract: Certain disorders of the cornea exhibit unique characteristics in a surface model of the cornea. Through various manipulations of the characteristics of the surface model of a patient's cornea, certain “markers” that are associated with disorders of the eye may be revealed.

Abstract: Certain disorders of the cornea exhibit unique characteristics in a surface model of the cornea. Through various manipulations of the characteristics of the surface model of a patient's cornea, certain “markers” that are associated with disorders of the eye may be revealed.

Abstract: Eye measurements taken on a patient being fitted for contact lens will include a refraction test and an additional measurement representing corneal depth variation on the surface of an imaginary cylinder having the same diameter as the lens. This information then used during lens manufacture to produce lens in which the perimeter is not circular and does not lie in a plane, but which drops backwards towards the eye at appropriate points to produce a saddle-shaped perimeter.

Abstract: Methods, and apparatus are disclosed for performing corneal ablation procedures of the eye (12) in a manner which does not interfere with the natural shape of the cornea or its orientation relative to the remainder of the eye, but which changes its surface curvature appropriately to achieve the required correction of vision. Three preferred embodiments are described, which model the cornea to different degrees of accuracy. Once the model of the cornea is obtained (610, 620, 630), surface curvature is modified (650) to achieve the degree of correction in refraction that is necessary, as determined by an eye test of the patient. The modified model of the cornea is then utilized to control the removal of material from the surface of the cornea in a corneal ablation operation.

Abstract: Methods, and apparatus are disclosed for performing corneal ablation procedures of the eye (12) in a manner which does not interfere with the natural shape of the cornea or its orientation relative to the remainder of the eye, but which changes its surface curvature appropriately to achieve the required correction of vision. Three preferred embodiments are described, which model the cornea to different degrees of accuracy. Once the model of the cornea is obtained (610, 620, 630), surface curvature is modified (650) to achieve the degree of correction in refraction that is necessary, as determined by an eye test of the patient. The modified model of the cornea is then utilized to control the removal of material from the surface of the cornea in a corneal ablation operation.

Abstract: Methods, and apparatus are disclosed for performing corneal ablation procedures of the eye (12) in a manner which does not interfere with the natural shape of the cornea or its orientation relative to the remainder of the eye, but which changes its surface curvature appropriately to achieve the required correction of vision. Three preferred embodiments are described, which model the cornea to different degrees of accuracy. Once the model of the cornea is obtained (610, 620, 630), surface curvature is modified (650) to achieve the degree of correction in refraction that is necessary, as determined by an eye test of the patient. The modified model of the cornea is then utilized to control the removal of material from the surface of the cornea in a corneal ablation operation.

Abstract: A contact lens that reduces power distortion and lens contact with the corneal surface resulting from lens flexure. The contact lens (10) is designed to include a central optical portion, a scleral skirt (90), and a transition portion (34) therebetween, overlying the cornea, the posterior surface of which is conformed to the local geometry of the underlying portion of the cornea, including corneal tilt and distortion. In an alternative embodiment representing a less expensive lens, the transition portion is designed to conform to a statistically average cornea. The central optical portion may have a posterior surface which is customized, is toric or spherical, depending on whether a custom or inexpensive soft lens is being designed.

Abstract: A contact lens for use with an asymmetric aspherical cornea. The lens includes an anterior surface, a posterior surface and a base. The posterior and anterior surfaces each include a center optical portion and an outer peripheral corneal portion. The posterior surface is divided into a plurality of local surface segments by a plurality of radially extending boundaries that originate from a common center point on the posterior surface of the lens. Each of the local surface segments conforms to the shape of a corresponding local surface portion of the cornea that lies under the respective lens local surface segment when the lens is worn on the eye.

Abstract: A contact lens for use with an asymmetric aspherical cornea. The lens includes an anterior surface, a posterior surface and a base. The posterior and anterior surfaces each include a center optical portion and an outer peripheral corneal portion. The posterior surface is divided into a plurality of local surface segments by a plurality of radially extending boundaries that originate from a common center point on the posterior surface of the lens. Each of the local surface segments conforms to the shape of a corresponding local surface portion of the cornea that lies under the respective lens local surface segment when the lens is worn on the eye.

Abstract: An intraocular lens is disclosed which includes a central portion having a first refractive power region and a peripheral portion having a second refractive power region. The second refractive power region is substantially concentrated only in one predetermined location; or is asymmetrically disposed on the inferior nasal quadrant of the intraocular lens. In a preferred configuration, the second refractive power region has more refractive power than the first refractive power region. Preferred configurations may additionally or alternatively include a toric surface and/or a prism.

Abstract: A contact lens for use on a patient's eye with an asymmetric aspheric cornea, the lens having an anterior surface, a posterior surface and a base, the posterior surface having a peripheral portion which is asymmetric and aspherical and at least coextensive with the base of the lens. The peripheral portion asymmetrically and aspherically matching a corresponding peripheral portion of the cornea which lies under the peripheral portion of the lens when the lens is worn in the patient's eye. The contact lens is not substantially greater in diameter than said cornea. The process for manufacturing the lens uses three-dimensional topographic data (including elevation data) from a multiplicity of points on the cornea. The data is used to shape at least the peripheral portion of the posterior surface of the lens to cause it to conform to and/or match the corresponding surface of the cornea.

Abstract: A contact lens for use on a patient's eye with an asymmetric aspheric cornea, the lens having an anterior surface, a posterior surface and a base, the posterior surface having a peripheral portion which is asymmetric and aspherical and at least coextensive with the base of the lens. The peripheral portion asymmetrically and aspherically matching a corresponding peripheral portion of the cornea which lies under the peripheral portion of the lens when the lens is worn in the patient's eye. The contact lens is not substantially greater in diameter than said cornea. The process for manufacturing the lens uses three-dimensional topographic data (including elevation data) from a multiplicity of points on the cornea. The data is used to shape at least the peripheral portion of the posterior surface of the lens to cause it to conform to and/or match the corresponding surface of the cornea.

Abstract: A corneal punch for cutting a portion of corneal tissue. The corneal punch includes a support stand including a base portion having a recess formed therein. First and second pins extend upwardly from the base portion and are constructed to receive a cutting block in a single rotational orientation relative to the support stand. A piston assembly having a cutting blade mounted thereon is movably mounted on the support stand. The piston assembly is rotationally locked relative to the support stand in order to prevent rotation of the piston assembly relative to the support stand during the cutting of corneal tissue. The cutting block has at least one mark placed thereon such that the orientation of the corneal tissue relative to the corneal punch can be controlled. A method for transplanting corneal tissue is also provided.

Abstract: A cam guided corneal trephine for selectively cutting a portion of an eye is provided herein. The cam-guided corneal trephine comprises a base, a coarse adjusting ring, interchangeable annular ring, interchangeable annular cams operatively supported by the adjusting ring, the annular cams having various inner round diameters or other than round dimensions, and a roller cage assembly adapted to be disposed and rotated within the annular cam, the roller cage assembly having a blade mounting means disposed therein for providing a continuous cut of the corneal tissue corresponding to the inner shape of the selected cam upon rotation of the roller cage assembly.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device includes a base, a suction ring connected to the base to secure the device to the eye of a patient, and a support piece carrying a pair of securely ganged cutting blades having cutting edges oriented at an angle with respect to one another. The support piece can be raised and lowered with respect to the eye surface, and rotated around the base to simultaneously form two incisions along a path on the eye. The device includes a mechanism for progressively advancing the two cutting blades together in the support piece, while maintaining a constant angular cutting edge relative orientation, to a position in which the cutting points of the two cutting blades are touching, and can thus be used to form an annular wedge-like cut of eye tissue in the treatment of refractive errors. In alternative embodiments, laser or electrosurgical knives may be used instead of cutting blades.