Abstract: A device for maintaining the normal depth of a posterior chamber of the eye. One or more spacers are implantation in the lens capsule of a patient at a position anterior to an implanted posterior intraocular lens following removal of the natural crystalline lens. The spacer or at least one spacer has an outer diameter approximating the diameter of the lens capsule prior to removal of the crystalline lens. The one or more spacers in combination with the intraocular lens produce a depth for the lens capsule approximating the depth of the lens capsule prior to removal of said crystalline lens. The one or more spacers may be configured to prevent epithelial cell migration.

Abstract: A viscoelectric solution for use in a cataract removal and IOL insertion procedure comprises, in a single applicator, a liquid composition of a solution of a compound which has a range of molecular weights from about 500,000 to about 3,800,000 daltons. The applicator is filled with the compound arranged so that predominately lower molecular weight material is first delivered, higher molecular weight material is last delivered and there exists an increasing continuum of molecular weight material there between for delivery during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A laser and a laser probe are used in conjunction with a suture to remove a blockage in Schlemm's canal. The suture is advanced into Schlemm's canal until the suture comes into contact with tissue blocking the canal. The laser probe follows the path of suture until the laser probe is proximal to tissue blocking the canal. The laser is activated to apply pulsed laser energy to the tissue blocking the canal, thereby ablating the occluding tissue to reopen Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A laser is used to reopen the natural drainage passageways in the eye or to form new passageways to enable the drainage of the aqueous humor from the eye. In one procedure, an Er:YAG laser is used to ablate occluding tissue in Schlemm's canal. In another procedure, the Er:YAG laser is used to open occluded openings in the ciliary body. In yet another procedure, the Er:YAG laser is used to form a new passageway comprising a plurality of interconnected passageway segments from the exterior of the eye through the sclera to the anterior chamber to enable the drainage of the aqueous humor.

Abstract: An optical probe configured for insertion into the anterior chamber of an eye, adjacent to the cataractous lens of the eye, comprises an optical source, and an optical waveguide connected to deliver optical radiation from the source to the probe. The optical radiation is in the form of pulses which have a repetition rate, a wavelength and an optical energy selected to cause significant ablation-induced damage to the lens within an ablation zone, and significant acoustic-induced damage to the lens within an acoustic zone, such that the acoustic zone is significantly larger in size than the ablation zone. The acoustic zone is created by generating shock waves which radiate from the ablation zone and propagate through hard nuclear material of the cataractous lens, such that the nuclear material is microfractured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method including a capsular shield for use in cataract surgery for protection of a posterior lens capsule during removal of a capsule nucleus. The shield includes a flexible, deformable soft shield having an outer configuration of a size and shape to fit within the lens capsule at a position between the nucleus and the posterior capsule to protect the posterior capsule during removal of the capsule nucleus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved retractable walking over-boot/ski gaiter combination which is particularly useful for ski lodgewear and for downhill skiing. In one embodied form the unique combination comprises a soft detachable elastic inner sock which is secured to a flexible retractable over-boot having a gaiter top portion. The juncture between a top portion of the inner sock and over-boot is contoured to wrap tightly around a wearer's leg in the region between the ankle and knee. Preferably, the inner sock is fabricated from an elastic woven or knitted material and the over-boot is fabricated from a relatively soft, water repellent material such as polyurethane. In a distended position, the over-boot provides flexible and comfortable foot-gear for the skier for indoor and outdoor walking prior to reaching the desired terrain for skiing.