Abstract: A field of view collimator for self-monitoring peripheral vision loss. The field of view collimator includes a hand-held housing having a viewing aperture for placement adjacent to the subject's eye. A lens projects an image to the eye. The image, in the form of a circular edge, is formed by an iris diaphragm positioned behind the lens. The angular size of the image is adjustable by opening or closing the iris diaphragm. A diffuser is positioned behind the iris diaphragm to provide an even back-illumination. Indicia markings indicate the measured field of view. The device is particularly suitable for home use by persons with glaucoma.

Abstract: Chitosan-derived biomaterials, and, more specifically, chitosan modified by the addition of a monosaccharide or oligosaccharide side chain to its free amino groups. The modified chitosan ("glycated chitosan") is preferably stabilized by reduction. In one particularly preferred embodiment, a galactose derivative of chitosan ("galacto-chitosan") is provided. The chitosan-derived biomaterials are useful in a myriad of biomedical applications, including as an immunoadjuvant in laser/sensitizer assisted immunotherapy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye are provided. The apparatus of the invention is a filtering implant comprising a cellulosic membrane adapted to extend from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap. In its most preferred embodiment, the cellulosic membrane consists essentially of a homopolymer of glucose units connected in a 1,4'-.beta. linkage. The implant is of a planar, generally rectangular shape. The method of the invention involves preparing and implanting the device within the eye such that it extends from the anterior chamber of the eye through an opening in the limbus corneae to a drainage area beneath a scleral flap.

Abstract: A method for reprofiling or otherwise smoothing and enhancing the anterior or stromal cornea by scraping. The method is useful as a primary technique for reprofiling the stromal portion of the cornea following a lamellar keratectomy or as a secondary technique for use in combination with other corneal refractive procedure to dislocate debris and smooth and enhance a worked area of the cornea.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the visual acuity and refraction of the human eye during and immediately after ocular surgery. The method includes supporting a measuring means anterior to, and in line with the visual axis of, the eye and measuring the visual acuity of the eye using patient responses to visual prompts. The apparatus includes an elongate housing having an ocular aperture. A collimating lens is positioned within the housing adjacent to the ocular aperture and a resolution target is located above the collimating lens. A light source is used to illuminate the resolution target. The distance from the collimating lens to the target is adjustable, and refractive shift is indicated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lowering the intraocular pressure of an eye is disclosed and claimed. In the method of the invention, an opening is created in the limbus corneae region of the eye. A filtering implant having a foot portion and a body portion is provided for implantation. The foot portion of the implant is placed through the limbal opening into the anterior chamber of the eye, and the body portion is buried beneath a scleral flap. The apparatus of the invention is a filtering implant comprising a cellulosic membrane adapted to extend from the anterior chamber of the eye to a drainage area. Besides its draining function, the apparatus inhibits wound healing by occupying the space of the limbal opening. In its preferred embodiment, the implant comprises a goblet-shaped glucose homopolymer membrane having foot, neck and body portions. The foot portion of the membrane is of a general rectangular shape, while the body portion is bell-shaped. The neck segment connects the foot portion to the body portion.