Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods for evaluating vision through an intraocular lens. An image passes through a cornea, an intraocular lens, and a fovea window that are in a collinear array. In addition, the apparatus can include a human eye model, a fovea projector, and readable targets. The apparatus can be used to evaluate the vision of a subject through an intraocular lens such as a monofocal or bifocal intraocular lens. The ability of the subject to focus on one or more images at the fovea window provides information for evaluation of the subject's ability to see through an intraocular lens. Through movement of the fovea window or the intraocular lens dimensions or geometric constants of the subject's eye can be determined. The apparatus can also be used to evaluate vision through a bifocal cornea.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods for evaluating vision through an intraocular lens. An image passes through a cornea, an intraocular lens, and a fovea window that are in a collinear array. In addition, the apparatus can include a human eye model, a fovea projector, and readable targets. The apparatus can be used to evaluate the vision of a subject through an intraocular lens such as a monofocal or bifocal intraocular lens. The ability of the subject to focus on one or more images at the fovea window provides information for evaluation of the subject's ability to see through an intraocular lens. Through movement of the fovea window or the intraocular lens dimensions or geometric constants of the subject's eye can be determined.

Abstract: A rigid bifocal intraocular lens (60) for use as an artificial lens implant is disclosed. In one embodiment, the intraocular lens has a rigid lens body (61) having a chord (61a) and first and second lens portions (62) and (63). The first lens portion (61) has a focal length and the second lens portion (63) has a focal length different from the focal length of the first lens portion (62). The first lens portion (62) is positioned on one side of the chord (61a) and the second lens portion (63) is positioned on the other side of the chord (61a). The first and second lens portions (62 and 63) form an integral, one-piece optical lens body (61) with the first and second lens portions being non-movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment the rigid lens body has a first central circular lens portion and a second outer annular lens portion. In a preferred form of this embodiment the inner, circular lens has a diameter of a between about 1.8 millimeters and about 2.

Abstract: A snap-together arrangement for a multi-focal lens is provided for use as an artificial lens implant in an eye from which the cataractous natural lens has been removed. The lens includes concentric lens portions secured together by an engagement arrangement to engage adjacent lens portions. Haptic members are provided to secure the lens in the eye.

Abstract: A rigid bifocal intraocular lens (60) for use as an artificial lens implant is disclosed. In one embodiment, the intraocular lens has a rigid lens body (61) having a chord (61a) and first and second lens portions (62) and (63). The first lens portion (61) has a focal length and the second lens portion (63) has a focal length different from the focal length of the first lens portion (62). The first lens portion (62) is positioned on one side of the chord (61a) and the second lens portion (63) is positioned on the other side of the chord (61a). The first and second lens portions (62 and 63) form an integral, one-piece optical lens body (61) with the first and second lens portions being non-movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment the rigid lens body has a first central circular lens portion and a second outer annular lens portion. In a preferred form of this embodiment the inner, circular lens has a diameter of a between about 1.8 millimeters and about 2.

Abstract: A foldable IOL system includes a foldable bi- or multifocal IOL and lens insertion instrument capable of unfolding the IOL by externally applied forces. The foldable IOL includes an oval lens body equipped with haptic structures for fixing the lens body within one of the chambers of the human eye. The lens body is foldable along two slits placed in the lens body parallel to and on either side of the oval lens body's long axis. The lens body is divided by the two separations into three parts: A central part and two side parts. The central part may be divided into two or more areas endowed with different optical powers. The lens body may be surrounded by an elastic ring that will keep the unfolded IOL in its unfolded position. The lens body may also have locking pins inside the slits that will keep the IOL in its unfolded position. The lens insertion instrument includes shielding to protect the folded IOL from loose tissue particles during the insertion process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conducting laser emulsification surgery are disclosed. Laser energy is generated within the hand held member (10) and is transmitted to the probe cylinder (15) at the distal end of the device (2). The apparatus is a hand held device which contains a laser light source and flashlamp (12) for generating and emitting the laser radiation. Preferably, an Erbium YAG laser is utilized. A light horn arrangement (18) or mirror arrangement (51) transmits the light energy from the source (12) to the proximal end of a probe extension member (15). The distal tip (31) of the probe extension member (15) is directed to the cataract or other target to be emulsified.

Abstract: A perimeter having an image projection system which projects an undistorted line target across the full range of a patient's field of vision is disclosed. The image projection system includes a projector, a bundle of optical fiber elements, and lenses associated with the optical fiber elements adapted to focus the target onto the observation hemisphere of the perimeter. The perimeter may also be provided with a fixation monitor system which monitors the patient's gaze and which will interrupt projection of the target when fixation is lost. The fixation monitor includes at least one sensor for detecting the intensity of infrared light reflected off the patient's eye, and a comparator adapted to compare the output signals from each sensor during the examination with base signals obtained at fixation. Any signal variation will indicate that fixation has been lost and projection of the target will be interrupted. Projection will resume once fixation has been reestablished.

Abstract: An auxiliary spotting optical system for binoculars and telescopes includes an auxiliary objective lens proximate the principal objective lens, a principal magnification system field of view indicator and an image transfer arrangement between the field of view indicator and the ocular lens of the binocular to bridge the optical gap created between the image plane of the auxiliary objective lens and the focal plane of the ocular lens to create an optical system delivering a 1.times. magnification to an observer with normal eyesight. A movable mirror in the optical path of the principal magnification system and the spotting system determines which optical system is active. In its first position the mirror directs light passing through the auxiliary objective lens, the field of view indicator, the image transfer arrangement to the ocular lens, and blocks the principal magnification optical path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mapping the cornea is described. The apparatus comprises a probe having a multiplicity of parallel pins bundled together which are reciprocally movable with respect to one another. The pins are maintained in parallel and slidable relationship with one another and, after the leading end of the pins is urged against the surface of the cornea so that the ends thereof form a surface mirroring the contour of the cornea, the pins may be locked together in fixed relationship. A detector is used to sense the relative position of the pins, the sensed positions are stored, and the stored values used to depict the contour of the cornea on a two-dimensional surface such as a display terminal or as hard copy on paper. A computer is used to obtain the data from the detecting means, to store the data, and, by means of an appropriate algorithm, to graphically generate the two-dimensional image.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgery system (10) for performing corneal keratotomies and resectomies utilizes a light source (12) which generates a pulsed beam in the ultraviolet/vacuum ultraviolet region. The beam is received by a sealed base unit (16) and attached rotatable subunit (18) which shape, focus, and project the beam onto a protective mask (20) mounted directly on the eye (22) of a patient. The mask (20) includes a normally closed shutter (148) which opens responsive to a counter (32) positioned along the beam path and sensors (156) positioned on opposite sides of a control slit (154) to apply a predetermined number of pulses while the mask is aligned to effect precise cutting of the cornea to the desired depth.

Abstract: Flexible holders are disclosed which allow one or more synthetic lenses to be securely positioned within the intraocular chambers of the eye, and which can be inserted into the eye through corneal incisions of minimal size.