Abstract: Retinal edema, in particular cystoid macular edema, is prevented or treated by administering to the patient afflicted with retinal edema or in danger of experiencing retinal edema an amount of a dopaminergic antagonist effective to reduce the edema. A preferred dopaminergic antagonist is haloperidol. The activity of the dopaminergic antagonist may be potentiated by concurrent administration of ascorbic acid.

Abstract: An auricular instrument (10) for the therapy of otitis media has a Q-switched laser (26) whose "giant pulse" output is especially suitable for forming a clean, round hole in a patient's tympanic membrane for draining the afflicted middle ear. The Q-switched laser (26) uses a neodymium YAG (yttrium-aluminum-garnet) lasing medium and its output is non-visible to the human eye. A gas laser (32) using a helium-neon lasing medium provides a low power, continuous beam of visible light upon which the output of the Q-switched laser (26) is made to ride by suitable optics. Both radiations emerge from the ear probe of a conically-tapering ear probe/cylindrical eyepiece (12) combination similar to that comonly found in otoscopes.

Abstract: An ophthalmic irrigation solution for intraocular surgery incorporates, in addition to conventional ions used in such solutions, from about 5.0 to about 30.0 millimoles per liter of ascorbic acid or a physiologically acceptable non-toxic salt thereof. These solutions more nearly approximate the natural composition of the aqueous humor of the eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the intraoperative and immediate postoperative effects of radial keratotomy are provided. Essentially, the method includes the steps of measuring the preoperative corneal thickness and radial distance along multiple meridians, plotting the preoperative internal radius of curvature of the cornea, measuring the intraoperative or immediate postoperative radial distances along multiple meridians, plotting the intraoperative or immediate postoperative internal radius of curvature and predicting the resulting anterior radius of curvature of the cornea.

Abstract: The relatively flattened shape of a cornea following radial keratotomy is maintained by administering to the eye a chemical compound which effectively increases intraocular pressure therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to correcting vision defects and more particularly to changing the curvature of the human cornea by the formation of incisions on the surface of the cornea.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser surgery system includes a slit lamp (14) with an illuminator (16) and a biomicroscope (26). The high power laser (34) delivers a laser beam (36) which is mixed with the output from a lower power laser (38) with a dichroic mirror (54). The output of the dichroic mirror (54) is input to the harmonic generator (60) to generate harmonics thereof. The output of the harmonic generator (60) is optically directed to move along the rotational axis through rotational supports (22) and (30). The laser beam is then directed by mirrors (72) and (80) to a focusing lens (90) and a filter (92) to a dielectric mirror (94). The dielectric mirror (94) mixes the illumination from the slit lamp (14) with the laser beam for delivery to the eye (12). A micromanipulator (102) adjusts the position of the dielectric mirror (94). A control circuit (104) controls the operation of the laser (34).

Abstract: A cornea endotheliam protection device (10) and method for maintaining the curvature of a cornea, for protecting the corneal endothelium and for maintaining anterior chamber pressure is provided. Cornea endothelial protection device (10) includes a plurality of cannulated needles (12) which are fixedly arrayed with respect to one another so that each of cannulated needle members (12) may be inserted through nonoptical portions of the cornea. A manifold (18) is connected to second ends (16) of cannulated needle members (12). A fluid source connected to manifold (18) allows the injection of fluid through cannulated needle members (12) and into the anterior chamber of an eye when cornea endothelial protection device (10) is inserted in position in a human eye.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring the optical power of the cornea is provided. The device comprises a light source to illuminate the cornea, apparatus for forming a profile image of the cornea, apparatus for measuring the actual image distance from the anterior corneal surface, processing apparatus for calculating the radius of curvature and dioptric power of the cornea and display apparatus for displaying the calculated data. The method of the present invention comprises illuminating the cornea with a light source, forming a profile image of the cornea, measuring the actual image distance from the anterior corneal surface and calculating the anterior radius of curvature and dioptric power of the cornea.

Abstract: Method for controlling the contraction of ophthalmic wounds or incisions by administering through an ophthalmalogically acceptable composition including a smooth muscle relaxant such as papavarine. The method also encompasses the administration to such wounds or incisions of a smooth muscle stimulant such as Seratonin.

Abstract: A posterior chamber intraocular lens (34) is provided that can be utilized in a human eye. The posterior chamber intraocular lens (34) includes a fluid-expandable sac (40) for containing a fluid (42). The fluid expandable sac (40) includes a lens portion (36) and a valve portion (38) that extends through the sclera (16) of an eye (10) when the posterior chamber intraocular lens (34) is inserted into the eye (10). In an alternate embodiment, the fluid (42) is a liquid crystal material (52) that is used in combination with an electrode (54) and a microprocessor (56) for changing the index of refraction of the posterior chamber intraocular lens (48) and responds to the desired accommodation.

Abstract: The specification discloses an office construction (10) for doctors, opthalmologists, dentists and the like wherein medical equipment (38) is supported on a cart (34) mounted for linear movement along a path behind multiple patient examining rooms (24) to increase equipment utilization. Each examining room (24) includes doors (30) which open when the cart (34) is positioned adjacent thereto. A conveyor system (70) and drop boxes (90) are preferably included to deliver patient charts to the examining rooms (24).

Abstract: The specification discloses a multifocal ophthalmic lens to provide a variable focusing power lens for near and farsighted corrected vision. The lens includes a first and second lens element. First and second electrodes are disposed between the lens elements, and a film of liquid crystal is disposed between the electrodes. A voltage supply source is provided for applying a voltage to the electrodes to vary the index presented by the liquid crystal film to thereby provide a variation in the index of refraction and focal length of the lens elements. Circuitry is provided for varying the voltage applied to the electrodes to determine the focusing power of the lens.

Abstract: A method for altering the radius of curvature of the cornea together with an apparatus for use therein is provided. Apparatus (10) includes a circular ring (12) which can be placed over the eye for concentrically surrounding the cornea. Blade (14) which forms a part of apparatus (10) is mounted for retractable movement to and away from the cornea. Blade (14) is also able to rotate through a limited arc so that a sector-shaped incision (46) can be made in the cornea. Collagen or any other suitable material (50) is injected into sector-shaped incision (46) to alter the radius of curvature of the cornea.

Abstract: An intraocular lens which may be mounted to the iris of a human eye. Two open-ended loops are attached to opposite peripheral regions of the lens and extend radially outwardly therefrom. Two pins are attached at one end to the optic lens and extend at least to the end of one of the loops. Utilizing the loops and pins, the lens may be implanted in a human eye with the pins disposed generally horizontally and through apertures in the mid region of the iris to provide significant medical advantages.