Abstract: A system and method for resecting corneal tissue is disclosed. A resection pattern is selected for resecting corneal tissue. The resection pattern is incised in a cornea using a surgical laser, leaving one or more uncut gaps in the incised resection pattern. Any uncut gaps left in the resection pattern may thereafter be incised using an alternate surgical instrument.

Abstract: An implant (20) for reshaping a cornea (30) includes a peripheral supporting ring structure (22), a plurality of filaments (26), and an inlay (24). The filaments (26) span between the inlay (24) and the peripheral ring structure (22) and provide support to the inlay (24). The implant is surgically positioned with the inlay (24) generally directly over an ectatic region of the cornea (30) to provide direct re-contouring of the cornea (30). The inlay (24) can be provided with a predetermined optical curvature and/or optical prescription to further correct the patient's vision.

Abstract: A method of treating canker sores is disclosed by which a fluoroquinolone is topically applied to the ulcerous area. The fluoroquinolone is shown to be applied in solution form, and also as a paste, ointment, or gel. The fluoroquinolone is preferably applied three to eight times a day until the lesion disappears.

Abstract: A corneal press is disclosed for accurately trephining corneal tissue. The disclosed press includes a base support member, a modular cutting block, two guide posts, a collet mount, a threaded drive mechanism, and a set of modular collets. The base includes means for securely holding the cutting block in position for holding a corneal specimen to be cut about a defined axis. The guide posts are attached to the base in offset parallel alignment relative to the defined axis. The collet mount is mounted onto the guide posts and is slidable relative thereto toward and away from a corneal specimen positioned on the cutting block mounted onto the base. The threaded drive mechanically links the collet mount to the base such that the operation of the threaded drive causes the collet mount to move along said guide posts toward or away from a specimen positioned on the base.

Abstract: A technique and device for relieving intraocular pressure with a reduced risk of inflammation that may be caused by retrograde flow back into the eye. A unidirectional drainage device is implanted which allows fluid to flow away from the eye with a minimal pressure gradient (5 mm Hg. or less), and includes means to prevent retrograde flow. When implanted, the drainage passageway is initially restricted by a flow restrictor. After fibrosis has occurred to prevent excessive drainage that might cause hypotony, the flow restrictor is severed to allow the free flow of fluid away from the eye, with inflammatory debris being prevented from reentering the eye. In one embodiment, the flow restrictor includes barbs which hold it to the device after it has been severed, thereby preventing the flow restrictor from floating freely within the eye after it has been cut.

Abstract: A technique and device for relieving intraocular pressure within the eye with a reduced risk of inflammation that may be caused by the retrograde flow of fluid and inflammatory debris back into the eye after a glaucoma surgical procedure has been performed. A unidirectional drainage device is implanted to drain fluids away from the eye. The device allows fluid flow away from the eye with a minimal pressure gradient (5 mm Hg. or less), and includes means to prevent retrograde flow. At the time of implantation, the drainage passageway is initially restricted or closed by a flow restrictor at a point downstream from the minimal pressure gradient unidirectional valve. Between the unidirectional valve and flow restrictor is a drainage trap in which debris is receivable without restricting the operativeness of the unidirectional valve.

Abstract: A posterior chamber intraocular lens implant having improved fixation where there is no posterior capsule remaining to serve as a fixation platform. In addition to ciliary sulcus haptics, the lens implant has two oppositely disposed loops which serve as suture sites for the suturing of the implant directly to the iris. The loops, which are only so large so as to accommodate a 9-0 size suture thread, extend anteriorly from the optical lens to act as a cushion between the lens and the iris of the eye, and radially such that they align with the striae of the iris when the implant has been positioned within the eye, whereby inflamation of the iris is minimized.