Abstract: A contact lens with a conductive outer shell (one electrode of a two-electrode electrophoresis device) and a preferably soft, preferably disposable contact lens for contacting a patient's eye, assists in delivering dilation drops or other medicaments to a patient's eye. Advantageously, the lens is used with a relatively small hand-held power source. Electrophoresis can be used to help deliver dilation drops more rapidly, regardless of the delivery apparatus used for the electrophoresis.

Abstract: An ophthalmoscopy lens system includes a contact lens and an image forming lens. The contact lens and the image forming lens are in a spaced-apart arrangement such that an open air space exists between the contact lens and the image forming lens and the inner surfaces are exposed.

Abstract: The invention provides a hypoallergenic disposable cover for the probe tip of a contact tonometer comprising a thin film having an ultimate elongation in the range of 500 to 1000%, a tensile strength in the range of 1000 to 5500 psi and a modulus of elasticity at 100% strain in the range of 50 to 2000 psi, whereby when installed onto the probe tip, the cover creates a barrier against microorganisms from the eye of a patient to said probe tip during a tonometric examination while allowing measurement of intraocular pressure through the disposable tip cover.

Abstract: An improved diagnostic ophthalmic lens using extra-low dispersion material, defined by having an Abbe Number, Vd>80, is provided. Such a single element diagnostic ophthalmic lens may be used for examination of the eye in conjunction with either an Indirect Ophthalmoscope or a Slit Lamp Biomicroscope.

Abstract: An autoclavable and sterilent-resistant ophthalmoscopy lens system having a plastic contact lens, and at least one image forming lens element. An ophthalmoscopy lens system having a contact lens element, an image forming lens and a retaining ring is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: A gonioscopic lens system which provides a real image of the anterior chamber angle of a patient's eye. The lens system includes a first lens group having a concave posterior surface configured to be placed on a patient's eye, a second lens group optically aligned with the first lens group; and a stop positioned between the first and second lens groups. An achromatic gonioscopic lens system which provides a real image of the anterior chamber angle of a patient's eye is also provided, as well as an ophthalmoscopy lens system for viewing both the anterior chamber angle and the retina of a patient's eye.

Abstract: The invention provides a universal gonioscope-contact lens system suitable for diagnostics and intraocular laser surgery. The device consists of a hollow gonioscope body with a plurality of mirrors on the inner walls of the body and a contact lens. The front part of the lens is intended for contact with the eye cornea, while the rear part of the lens has a tapered shape with flat portions arranged perpendicular to the beams reflected from the gonioscope mirrors. The tapered portion of the lens can be conveniently used for manipulating the lens and for arranging optical lens components such as a concave lens and convex lens.

Abstract: Utilization of a contact device placed on the eye in order to detect physical and chemical parameters of the body as well as the non-invasive delivery of compounds according to these physical and chemical parameters, with signals being transmitted continuously as electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared and the like. One of the parameters to be detected includes non-invasive blood analysis utilizing chemical changes and chemical products that are found in the conjunctiva and in the tear film. A transensor mounted in the contact device laying on the cornea or the surface of the eye is capable of evaluating and measuring physical and chemical parameters in the eye including non-invasive blood analysis. The system utilizes eye lid motion and/or closure of the eye lid to activate a microminiature radio frequency sensitive transensor mounted in the contact device. The signal can be communicated by wires or radio telemetered to an externally placed receiver.

Abstract: A gonioscopy lens employs a plurality of mirror sets so that substantially the entire periphery of the anterior chamber of an eye can be viewed without rotating or moving the contact lens. Each mirror set comprises a first mirror position anterior to the eye on one side of the optical axis and a second mirror positioned posterior to the first mirror on the opposite side of the optical axis. Each set is oriented relative to each other so that the second mirror receives light rays from the peripheral portion of the anterior chamber, reflects those rays to the second mirror to the first mirror, and then reflects the light rays in a generally anterior direction so that they can be used by an ophthalmologist employing the lens. The image viewed by the ophthalmologist is upright and located over its actual position.

Abstract: Provisions must be made in surgery microscopes for eye surgeries through the selective adding of optics so that a non-reversed and erect-standing image can be produced including that of the fundus of the eye. A device for the image reversion is fastened on the microscope so that it can be moved into the beam path and is then provided between the lens and the eye so that the overall height of the microscope is not influenced. This inventive arrangement can be utilized very universally on very differently designed microscopes and can be operated with prism systems of varying designs.

Abstract: The gonioscope of the invention comprises a hollow tapered body with mirror surfaces formed on the inner side of the gonioscope or on the inserts placed into the recesses on the inner surface of the gonioscope. Several reflecting surfaces arranged at the same or different angles can be used. The device can be made disposable and molded with reflecting surface coatings applied onto the inner flats. According to one of the embodiments, the gonioscope can be used in combination with a meniscus lens that can applied onto the eye cornea and used as a support for sliding the front end of the gonioscope over the lens surface for orientation thereof at different angles to the optical axis of the eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens with high definition, wide field of view and high magnification has, in one embodiment, a contact lens, an intermediate field lens and an image lens wherein a real image is formed inside the field lens. At least two of the lenses contribute to the magnification and three surfaces of the ophthalmic lens are aspheric to provide a better defined image. The ophthalmic lens is made disposable with high quality plastic lenses and a plastic holder. A portion of the holder changes appearance in response to change in environment to indicate that the disposable lens has been used.

Abstract: The invention is a hand-held eye viewing device adapted to be readily positioned in an operative radial displacement, angular orientation and axial standoff position relative to an eye. The eye viewing device includes an eye cup extending from a patient end of the device having a patient end adapted to be received at a patient's eye orbit. By allowing the eye viewing device to be stabilized against an eye orbit the eye cup eases the task of maintaining an operative position once an operative position has been achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to the determination of higher-order aberrations of an optical element over an optical zone that is larger than the typically limited measured zone over which the aberrations are measured. This is accomplished by apparatus, systems, and methods in which, preferably, the Zernike data from an aberration measurement is fit to a conic function. The conic function smoothly and continuously increases or decreases between the measured zone and the optical zone allowing the extrapolated data to accurately determine the aberrations over the optical zone. According to the invention, a plurality of independent conic plus piston sections that vary azimuthally can very accurately describe a wavefront aberration composed of defocus, astigmatism, spherical aberration, secondary astigmatism, and tetrafoil. The description of primary coma and trefoil will not be as good because they vary with the 3rd order of the radial component. However, the description error is relatively small.

Abstract: A method of designing a contact lens or other correction for providing presbyopia correction to patient relies on wavefront aberration measurement data for providing a best form correction. Preferably the correction is in the form of a multifocal translating style alternating vision contact lens or a simultaneous vision style correcting lens. A method for designing a correction for improving a person's vision is directed to correcting higher order aberrations in such a manner that a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally symmetric aberration is greater than a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally asymmetric aberration after the correction. A design method according to the invention is directed to correcting asymmetric higher order aberrations induced by decentering of a multifocal contact lens that has residual spherical aberration which provides increased depth of field.

Abstract: A gonioscopy lens employs a plurality of mirror sets so that substantially the entire periphery of the anterior chamber of an eye can be viewed without rotating or moving the contact lens. Each mirror set comprises a first mirror position anterior to the eye on one side of the optical axis and a second mirror positioned posterior to the first mirror on the opposite side of the optical axis. Each set is oriented relative to each other so that the second mirror receives light rays from the peripheral portion of the anterior chamber, reflects those rays to the second mirror to the first mirror, and then reflects the light rays in a generally anterior direction so that they can be used by an ophthalmologist employing the lens. The image viewed by the ophthalmologist is upright and located over its actual position.

Abstract: Provisions must be made in surgery microscopes for eye surgeries through the selective adding of optics so that a non-reversed and erect-standing image can be produced including that of the fundus of the eye. A device for the image reversion is fastened on the microscope so that it can be moved into the beam path and is then provided between the lens and the eye so that the overall height of the microscope is not influenced. This inventive arrangement can be utilized very universally on very differently designed microscopes and can be operated with prism systems of varying designs.

Abstract: An ophthalmoscopic prism, for example a gonioscope, has an optically transparent body, the distal end carries a viewing surface preferably oriented perpendicularly to the optical axis of the body, the proximal end of the prism carries a concave surface having a curvature similar to the curvature of the cornea of a patient. The proximal end has at least one planar surface extending outwardly and distally from a location adjacent the periphery of the concave surface. The body has an index of refraction that provides total internal reflection to a viewer looking through the viewing surface even when the planar surface is at least partially wetted with a fluid.

Abstract: A colored contact lens for use as a trial lens, consisting of a circular plastic lens having a convex outer surface and comprising a clear limbal ring (1) at the outer edge of the lens, a clear pupillary part (2) in the middle of the lens and an iris ring (3) between the limbal ring and the pupillary part, the iris ring being provided with a continuous pattern formed by a coloring agent. According to the invention, the iris ring comprises a visually perceptible discontinuity area that breaks the continuous pattern.

Abstract: The invention provides a multifocal ophthalmic lens that both corrects for the wearer's refractive prescription and takes into account pupil size of a specific individual or of a population of individuals. The invention provides a lens having an optic zone having a substantially circular central zone containing over-refracted near vision power and a diameter of about 2.5 mm or less.

Abstract: A device for helping to correct imperfections of a cornea includes a molding lens. The molding lens includes an external surface having a concave shape to correspond to the desired shape of the cornea. Heating and cooling elements are located with the molding lens to control the temperature the molding lens, and thus to control the temperature of a substance located on the molding lens.

Abstract: An iridotomy and trabeculoplasty goniolaser lens has a contact lens element, a planar mirror offset from the optical axis of the contact lens element and first and second button lenses mounted on the anterior surface of the contact lens element. Magnification, curvature and location of the button lenses are chosen so as to provide the ability to simultaneously deliver laser energy to the iris of a patient's eye along a first optical path offset from the optical axis of the contact lens element and to view the trabecular meshwork around the region where the laser energy was applied. This ability eliminates the need for a plurality of contact lenses for delivering energy and viewing the eye and further eliminating the need for refocusing the microscope through which the surgeon views the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1.3) for examining and/or treating an eye (15) Said device comprises a base body (2.3) and an attachment body (3.3), which can be combined and applied to the eye, a gel-type liquid (14) being introduced between the two bodies so that the indices can be matched. To allow air or excess liquid between the two bodies to escape, the interior of the attachment body is provided with a large number of protuberances (13.1), which ensure a minimum distance is maintained between the two bodies. As only the attachment body comes into contact with the eye or the patient during examination/treatment and not the base body, only the attachment body must be manufactured so that it can be sterilised, a single sterilisation that is integrated into the production process being sufficient. The attachment body can be produced from cheap maaterials in a simple manner as a disposable item. The base body on the other hand only requires disinfection.

Abstract: Systems and methods verify and/or correct optical errors of an eye. A plan is generated for a corrective procedure of the eye from a measured optical error, and a verification lens is formed based on the measured optical error to verify the procedure plan. Alignment of an aperture (with a size selected to correspond to the size of the pupil) with the eye while measuring optical properties of the eye through the verification lens improves verification accuracy, as does mounting of the verification lens and aperture to the patient with a trial frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for designing contact lenses and lenses produced by those methods. The optical properties of the lens of the invention provide visual acuity correction for the wearer and, at the same time, compensates for print-through.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterile disposable and self adaptable diagnostic lens for the purpose of viewing the interior of a patient's eye during a diagnostic examination or during therapeutic procedures. The contact lens is made of a hollow body, having a front (toward eye) and a back (toward physician) exits, filled with transparent flexible material such as a gel. The front exit, facing the eye, is covered by a removable thin film, to keep the gel in place and to keep sterility. The back exit is sealed by a thin transparent window, through which light enters into and comes out of the lens, and can be flat, curved, prismatic or tilted with respect to the main axial axis of the lens. Attaching the front face of the lens to the patient's eye, after removing said film, causes the transparent flexible material outer surface to reshape and fit itself exactly to the patient's eye curvature, thus forming a lens whose curvature negates that of the cornea.

Abstract: A method of producing intra-ocular lenses or contact lenses including the following steps: a) mechanically forming a lens blank such that it is suitable for correcting an ametropic visual defect, b) measuring the aberration of an eye to be corrected, c) calculating an ablation profile with respect to the lens blank on the basis of the measured aberration, and d) ablating material of the lens blank in accordance with the calculated ablation profile by means of laser radiation.

Abstract: A lens system for use with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope to produce a wide field of view includes a first lens set and a second lens set. The first lens set provides an aerial image of the fundus of an eye along an aerial image plane anterior to the first lens set. A second lens focuses laser light from a scanning laser ophthalmoscope on the aerial image, which is then refocused by the first lens set on the fundus. The second lens set also receives and provides reflected light focused at the aerial image and redirects it to the entrance pupil of the ophthalmoscope in a substantially collimated form.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens with high definition, wide field of view and high magnification has, in one embodiment, a contact lens, an intermediate field lens and an image lens wherein a real image is formed inside the field lens. At least two of the lenses contribute to the magnification and three surfaces of the ophthalmic lens are aspheric to provide a better defined image. The ophthalmic lens is made disposable with high quality plastic lenses and a plastic holder. A portion of the holder changes appearance in response to change in environment to indicate that the disposable lens has been used.

Abstract: A method of designing a contact lens or other correction for providing presbyopia correction to a patient relies on wavefront aberration measurement data for providing a best form correction. Preferably the correction is in the form of a multifocal translating style alternating vision contact lens or a simultaneous vision style correcting lens. A method for designing a correction for improving a person's vision is directed to correcting higher order aberrations in such a manner that a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally symmetric aberration is greater than a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally asymmetric aberration after the correction. A design method according to the invention is directed to correcting asymmetric higher order aberrations induced by decentering of a multifocal contact lens that has residual spherical aberration which provides increased depth of field.

Abstract: A novel method for the design and construction of a spectacle lens for the correction of human vision, including the correction of high order aberrations. The lens enables the provision of super-normal vision using spectacles. Different lenses are described for use at a partial or a fuller field of view. The method applies corrective measures based on data obtained from high order wave front measurements of the subject's eye. According to one method, the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the overall eye and lens optical system is optimized. According to another method, the optimization is performed on the wavefront of the overall eye and lens optical system. Both methods use weighted functions in the optimization procedure. This method of high order aberration correction is also applicable for the design of contact lenses and intra-ocular lenses, and for the execution of refractive eye surgery.

Abstract: An iridotomy and trabeculoplasty goniolaser lens comprises a contact lens element, a planar mirror offset from the optical axis of the contact lens element and first and second button lenses mounted on the anterior surface of the contact lens element. Magnification, curvature and location of the button lenses are chosen so as to provide the ability to simultaneously deliver laser energy to the iris of a patient's eye along a first optical path offset from the optical axis of the contact lens element and to view the trabecular meshwork around the region where the laser energy was applied. This ability eliminates the need for a plurality of contact lenses for delivering energy and viewing the eye and further eliminating the need for refocusing the microscope through which the surgeon views the eye.

Abstract: The device (1) for measuring intraocular pressure, in particular a tonometer, has a base body (3) which has a contact surface (5; 17; 30) to be applied to the eye surface. The contour of the contact surface (5) is adapted with a certain tolerance to a standard surface of a standard eye with predetermined internal pressure. Arranged in the contact surface (5) there is a pressure-sensitive unit (7) whose contact surface (9; 23; 31) merges into the contour of the contact surface (5) of the base body (3).

Abstract: A refractive power measuring method is disclosed wherein a pattern plate 8 is disposed at a certain position in a measuring optical path in a measuring optical system 1, a measuring light emitted from a measuring light source 5 is received by a photosensor 9 through the pattern plate 8, a soft contact lens TL is disposed at a certain position in the measuring optical path, and a change of a pattern light received by the photosensor 9 is obtained to determine optical characteristic values of the soft contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: A device for viewing the fundus of the eye, in particular by means of an optical system, has a handle and a lens system fastened to the handle. The lens system has thereby a first lens with a concave lens surface, which can be placed onto the corona of an eye and can be combined with further lenses. Such a device is further developed in such a manner that on the one hand the fundus of the eye can be viewed and on the other hand a quick change for viewing of the foreground of the eye is possible when the device is removed from the beam path between the eye and the optical system. The device is therefore further developed in such a manner that the handle has a mounting for a supplementary lens, which is mounted in viewing direction in front of the lens system, whereby the strength of the supplementary lens is chosen in such a manner that when viewing the fundus of the eye with the device the optical system is actually clearly focused onto the foreground of the eye.

Abstract: Methods, and apparatus are disclosed for performing corneal ablation procedures of the eye (12) in a manner which does not interfere with the natural shape of the cornea or its orientation relative to the remainder of the eye, but which changes its surface curvature appropriately to achieve the required correction of vision. Three preferred embodiments are described, which model the cornea to different degrees of accuracy. Once the model of the cornea is obtained (610, 620, 630), surface curvature is modified (650) to achieve the degree of correction in refraction that is necessary, as determined by an eye test of the patient. The modified model of the cornea is then utilized to control the removal of material from the surface of the cornea in a corneal ablation operation.

Abstract: A self-adhering contact lens made of flexible material for adhering to cornea and scleral regions of the eye includes a central lens portion optically shaped for viewing interior regions of the eye. The central lens portion has an interior concave surface with a radius of curvature R1 for contacting the cornea. An outer flange formed integrally with the central lens portion extends radially outwardly from the central lens portion. The outer flange has an interior concave surface extending from the interior concave surface of the central lens portion. The interior concave surface of the outer flange is designed to contact the sclera and has a radius of curvature R2 that is greater than the radius R1. The outer flange is shaped for deflecting relative to the central lens portion for conforming the interior concave surface of the outer flange to the sclera.

Abstract: The present provides lenses in which the one surface incorporates wavefront aberration correction as well as corneal topographic data. Additionally, the invention provides methods for manufacturing such lenses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selecting a contact lens for orthokeratology. The method comprises selecting an appropriate contact lens based on the patient's ocular information using a vision improvement program reference table and fitting the patient with the selected vision improvement lens.

Abstract: A method of rehabilitation or training of targeted portions of the brain in which hemi-lenses having semi-opaque radial segments selectively blind portions of the visual processing areas of the brain to force visual processing to a particular portion of the brain which is thereby stimulated. Such rehabilitation consists of having the patient perform visual and non-visual tasks constructed to activate processing in the targeted portion of the brain. The hemi-lenses may be employed in a series of gradually increased translucency to allow the patient's visual system to adapt in stages to the rehabilitated balance between intact visual processing and relearned visual processing.

Abstract: A process for monitoring and controlling the adjustment of treatment parameters in an ophthalmic treatment device which comprises a radiation source generating at least a treatment beam and, optionally, a target beam and an applicator which is connected with the radiation source via at least one optical element and can be attached to a slip lamp, wherein the following steps are provided: a) the irradiation parameters such as intensity, magnification of the contact lens placed on the eye, radiation dose per unit area, and spot size on the retina are adjusted by the operator at the radiation source; b) first parameters to be adjusted at the applicator are calculated on the basis of patient-related influencing variables such as contact lens magnification and the size of the spot to be realized on the retina, so that a determined spot size and intensity of the treatment beam to be applied can be realized at the treatment site on the retina; and c) parameters adjusted at the applicator are compared with the first

Abstract: A method and accompanying apparatus are provided for in vivo imaging of corneal tissue which, in general, includes a laser beam having a substantially planer configuration so as to illuminate the cross-sectional portion of a patient's eye and cause the laser beam to be scattered by molecules in the corneal tissue. The scattered laser light is detected to form a cross-sectional image of the corneal tissue. Corneal thickness and topographical data can be produced for use by ophthalmological surgeons in planning the precise curvature profile that must be photo-ablatively sculptured in the stroma tissue of a particular patient in order to achieve a desired degree of optical correction in his or her eye. Additionally disclosed is a miniaturized apparatus for use in the field which includes a housing having a laser source for illuminating the patient's eye and a camera for recording the reflected light and one of (a) a controlled moving target for the patient's eye under examination to focus upon (e.

Abstract: An optic system for viewing the inside of the eye with a lens system. The lens system has a concave lens surface configured to be placed onto the cornea of an eye. The lens system has furthermore at least one further lens arranged in viewing direction in front of the first lens. The area to be viewed is also illuminated, whereby this illumination will not result in reflexes on optical surfaces. Furthermore, such an optic system is small, lightweight and compact that it neither interferes during a pre-surgical or post-surgical diagnosis nor during surgery. The optic system has for this purpose an illuminating device, the light-exiting surface of which lies within the first lens, or terminates flush with a lens surface of the first lens.

Abstract: A gonioscopic viewing system is provided for diagnosis or laser treatment of the anterior chamber angle of a patient's eye. A first lens system includes a concave posterior lens surface with a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of an average cornea so that, when placed on a patient's eye, light rays originating at the anterior chamber angle and passing through the aqueous humor, pass through the cornea and the posterior lens surface of the first lens system and are directed by the first lens system toward an image forming system. An image forming system is optically aligned with the first lens system for capturing the light rays directed by the first lens system and focusses the light rays to form a real image of the anterior chamber angle outside of the patient's eye.

Abstract: Variable focus lens assembly, including a first lens group with positive optical power, a second lens group with positive optical power, and an adjuster structured to be capable of adjusting a separation between the first lens group and the second lens group. The variable focus lens assembly has a numerical aperture greater than about 0.65. A variable focus lens assembly includes a first lens group that is moveable on an axis, the first lens group being well-corrected and having a numerical aperture of at least about 0.20, and a second, fixed lens group sharing the axis of the first lens group. A distance between the first lens group and the second lens group may be varied over a range. The variable focus lens assembly has a spot size which is diffraction limited over the range of distance separating the first lens group and the second lens group. The variable focus lens assembly has a numerical aperture of at least about 0.65.

Abstract: A trial lens has a lens surface provided with an index. A stable position of the trial lens on a cornea of a wearer thereof is measured by the use of the index. The position of an optical center of a contact lens to be worn by the wearer can be determined based on the measurement done with the index of the trial lens in order to set the position of the optical center of the contact lens so as to fit contact lenses on individual wearers.

Abstract: A self-adhering contact lens made of flexible material for adhering to cornea and scleral regions of the eye includes a central lens portion optically shaped for viewing interior regions of the eye. The central lens portion has an interior concave surface with a radius of curvature R.sub.1 for contacting the cornea. An outer flange formed integrally with the central lens portion extends radially outwardly from the central lens portion. The outer flange has an interior concave surface extending from the interior concave surface of the central lens portion. The interior concave surface of the outer flange is designed to contact the sclera and has a radius of curvature R.sub.2 that is greater than the radius R.sub.1 of. The outer flange is shaped for deflecting relative to the central lens portion for conforming the interior concave surface of the outer flange to the sclera.

Abstract: The invention provides a sapphire surgical contact lens to view interior structures and regions of an eye as well as methods for making and using such a surgical contact lens. The surgical contact lens includes a transparent member comprising sapphire and having a first and a second surface. The first surface may be configured in a variety of ways, e.g. with a geometry that complements the curvature of a cornea, in particular the cornea's radius of curvature. More particularly the first surface is suitably configured so as to be generally concave so as to form a portion of a spherical surface. The second surface is configured with a geometry that, in cooperation with the first surface geometry, yields a given optical configuration for viewing the interior of the eye. In a preferred aspect, the transparent member is made from a single crystal of sapphire.