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: A flexible transmitting guide has a substantially transparent semi-solid core to which is shrink-fitted, or otherwise tightly clad, a transparent or translucent sleeve which is designed to laterally diffuse, disperse or refract a substantial component of light away from the core as it traverses the length of the guide. Thus, the clad core appears bright along its length and functions as a primary light source. In modifications of the device, the lateral dispersion of light passing along the core is enhanced by interposing cuts or discontinuities at intervals along its surface, or by providing a sleeve comprising an emulsion of light-reflecting particles. The light source may be adjacent to or separated from the core, and may comprise either a steady state, or pulsating source, ahead of which colored filters may be inserted, if desired.