Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a plug for occluding the lacrimal drainage system. The plug can have a body portion having a first end and a second end, a tapered portion extending away from the second end of the body portion, the tapered portion having a conical shape, and a rounded distal tip. The body portion can have a continuous cylindrical shape between the first end and the second end thereof, and can be shaped such that the first end is planar and is orthogonal to a plug's longitudinal axis. Additionally, in some embodiments, the plug can be configured to occlude a vertical canaliculi of the lacrimal drainage system. For example and without limitation, some embodiments of the plug can be configured to be inserted completely within the vertical canaliculi of the lacrimal drainage system so that no portion extends outside of punctal opening.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a plug for occluding the lacrimal drainage system. The plug can have a body portion having a first end and a second end, a tapered portion extending away from the second end of the body portion, the tapered portion having a conical shape, and a rounded distal tip. The body portion can have a continuous cylindrical shape between the first end and the second end thereof, and can be shaped such that the first end is planar and is orthogonal to a plug's longitudinal axis. Additionally, in some embodiments, the plug can be configured to occlude a vertical canaliculi of the lacrimal drainage system. For example and without limitation, some embodiments of the plug can be configured to be inserted completely within the vertical canaliculi of the lacrimal drainage system so that no portion extends outside of punctal opening.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for closing the eyelids of persons suffering from nocturnal lagophthalmos (the inability to close the eyelids when sleeping), so as to keep their eyes moist and to protect their eyes from contacting the bedding while they sleep. The method is to apply gentle pressure on the inner ends of the eyelids with soft fingerlike protrusions affixed to a support that spans the nose and is held in place by adjustable, elastic headbands. This pressure pulls the eyelids towards the nose, which forces the eyelids to close and stay closed, thereby preventing loss of tear fluids by evaporation. In one embodiment, pressure can also be applied to the nasolacrinal drainage system to prevent tear fluids from draining out of the eye into the nasal cavity.

Abstract: A method for selecting an intraocular lens for an aphakic eye that has previously been subjected to refractive surgery by calculating the required power of an IOL to provide the desired refraction using a known formula, and then applying an adjustment based upon the spherical equivalence of the eye prior to refractive surgery.