Abstract: Apparatus for operating eye drop dispenser is provided which includes a four bar link system in order to enable cocking firing and resetting of an actuator for dispensing eye drops upon a single button depression by a patient.

Abstract: A device for surgery of the cornea comprising:

Abstract: An ophthalmic injector for the insertion of segments of material into the eye comprises a barrel (11), a plunger (24) displaceable within the barrel, a nose (14) and a nose tip (16). A rotatable carousel-type holder (22) for the segments is mounted in the nose for stepwise indexing movement. The segments are pushed in turn from the holder by a centre rod (30) connected to the plunger, through the nose and along a guide channel in the nose tip. The nose (14) and the nose tip (16) are pivotable through 90° relative to the barrel. Alternatively, the segment holder can be a linearly movable holder, indexable transversely across and through the barrel. The holder can carry nine segments. The injector can be used for the insertion of segments used in the treatment of hyperopia.

Abstract: This is a handheld eye flushing apparatus that comprises an eyecup that holds eyewash liquid in it for eye flushing. The rim of the eyecup is contoured to the eye orbit and rests on the eye orbital area. Attached to the inside of the eyecup is a stirring mechanism that stirs the eyewash liquid during usage. The force and the duration of the stirring is predetermined to prevent eye damage. This apparatus accommodates the free movement of the eyelids and the eyeball inside of the eyecup during utilization. The rim of this eyecup may have a liner to further increase comfort and liquid sealing around the eye. An magnetic strip may be placed near the bottom part of the rim to catch ferrous metal particles in industrial environment usage. An grid may be added between the rim and the agitator to keep the user away from the agitator.

Abstract: Apparatus for multi-dose delivery of preservative-free pharmaceuticals includes a film laminate flexible container for holding and maintaining a sterile drug formulation. A nozzle disposed within the container and in fluid communication therewith provides for dropwise dispensing of the formulation from the flexible container. The nozzle includes an interface established by inner and outer portions of the nozzle which is normally sealed. The nozzle out of portion is sufficiently flexible to enable expansion thereof and passage of the dry formulation therethrough by a piston which withdraws selected volumes of the formulation from the container.

Abstract: With a method of treating eye diseases of animals according to the present invention, a drug solution is injected to the end of an artificial lacrimal duct placed beneath the skin of the head and the neck from the eyelid toward the rear part of the neck, so that the drug solution can be released from the tip of the artificial lacrimal duct opened in the conjunctiva on the backside of the eyelid, in order that the eyelid of animals that behave violently so as to avoid application of eye drops or eyewashing does not have to be opened forcibly. Moreover, the artificial lacrimal duct used in the method of the present invention is provided with a tip fixation means such as a ring or a hook at the tip portion thereof, thereby enabling reliable fixation of the tip of the artificial lacrimal duct on the backside of the conjunctiva.

Abstract: A device for removing air and all airborne contaminants from a laser surgery site, such as an eye surface undergoing laser surgery. Laser surgery creates a plume of smoke, vapor and other contaminants that are adverse to the health of the surgeon and other operating room staff. The device includes a tubular chamber having an upstanding wall which is sized to fit over and around tissue at the surgery site. A first annular channel in the wall is exposed along a lower end of the chamber and is connected to a first tube for extracting air. This will hold the chamber in place by the vacuum between tissue and channel. A second annular channel in the wall is connected to a second tube for extracting air to a full vacuum from the second channel. Small holes or slits communicate between the chamber interior and the second channel so that air is pulled from the chamber through the holes and out the second tube. A raised edge is provided along part of the chamber upper edge.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device (10) for administration of charged drugs to the eye comprising an applicator with a receiving portion for holding a hydrogel carrier loaded with the drug. The device also comprises an electric current generating element (15, 13, 14) for generating currents not exceeding 1000 &mgr;Amp coupled to a timing element (11) which ensures that currents do not last more than 120 secs.

Abstract: A system and method for removing cataract cells inside of an eye having a heated inflatable brushing device adapted to pass through an incision in the lens capsule, the brush being inflated with a heated fluid after passing through the incision in the lens capsule. The brushing device has an abrasive surface and is coupled to a tube that is adapted to pass through the incision in the eye and kill and dislodge cells therefrom. The tube has a first passageway and a first orifice for infusing a fluid inside of the eye and dislodging cells therein and a second passageway and second orifice for aspirating the fluid and cells out of the eye. The brush device also can be coupled to a motor, which rotates or oscillates the brush device to further dislodge the cells from the incision of the eye, such as from the lens capsule. In another embodiment, the tube can be a closed system having an aperture in the periphery, the aperture extending from the surface of the tube to the first passageway.

Abstract: A lacrimal cannula, which is used for the removal of plugs or obstructions from mammalian lacrimal canaliculi having a punctum, includes a body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, an external annulus disposed proximate the distal portion, and a hollow bore for fluid delivery from the distal portion. The external annulus has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the distal portion. The distal portion is inserted into the mammalian punctum without dilating the punctum and the external annulus has a generally spherical geometry which forms a seal with the external surface of the punctum without dilating the punctum and without the necessity of forcefully pressing the cannula against the punctal tissue to create a seal. The distal portion also has a relatively short length so that the distal portion is easily inserted into the canaliculus without contacting the plug or obstruction and thus interfering with the formation of the punctal seal.

Abstract: A unit container for a treatment fluid comprises a sealed enclosure of which one wall section thereof is formed with at least one opening. The enclosure is pressuriseable to discharge its contents through the opening or openings, which is or are of sufficient diameter to enable the generation of a jet and/or discrete droplets of treatment fluid discharged therefrom. The one wall section is typically a flat section of the enclosure wall, and the enclosure is typically a blister pack, with the wall section at a planar base of the blister. However, the one wall section may be dome-shaped and formed with at least one opening in the top region of the dome. Containers of the invention may be provided in packages, for example in strip form or in planar arrays. Dispensing devices are described for discharging their contents in treatment.

Abstract: An eye fluid applicator. A hand grip part has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end and the proximal end define an axis therebetween, a distal direction, and a proximal direction along the axis. A container includes a bottle part and a delivery orifice for delivery of a stream or drops. The orifice defines a fluid delivery axis and a fluid delivery direction from the bottle through the orifice along the fluid delivery axis. The container orifice is arranged closer to the proximal end of the container than the distal end. An eye cup part has a rim and a cavity. The rim defines a contact plane, a contact axis normal to the contact plane, and a contact direction along the contact axis from the cavity toward the rim. The eye cup is arranged at the orifice. The proximal direction of the hand grip and the contact direction of the eye cup form an acute angle therebetween.

Abstract: An intraocular surgical apparatus is disclosed. The appartus includes an introduction tube for introducing perfusate into a closed intraocular affected part, a discharge tube for discharging the affected part together with the perfusate, a perfusate feed passage connected to the introduction tube, the perfusate feed passage incorporating a perfusate reservoir capable of feeding the perfusate with a predetermined rest liquid head pressure and a control valve for controlling the amount of perfusate to be fed from the perfusate reservoir to the introduction tube, and a. discharge passage connected to the discharge tube, the discharge passage incorporating a suction pump.

Abstract: A microsurgical injection instrument particularly useful by a physician for injecting a liquid substance or a suspension into a blood vessel in the retina of a subject's eye, includes a handpiece carrying a hollow needle at its distal end, for penetrating the blood vessel. The longitudinal axis of the distal end of the handpiece and of the needle is at an angle of from 120° to 80°, preferably about 145°, to the longitudinal axis of the proximal end of the handpiece to facilitate orienting the needle substantially tangentially to the plane of the subject's retina for penetrating the blood vessel. The instrument may also be used to treat an occluded blood vessel by moving a flexible tube through the hollow needle, after the needle has penetrated the blood vessel, to enter and catheterize the blood vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel apparatus for the treatment of ocular disease, particularly glaucoma. The apparatus consists of a locating device to locate Schlemm's Canal within the anterior portion of the eye and a surgical tool to access the canal for treatment. The apparatus allows for guided, minimally invasive surgical access to Schlemm's Canal to enable surgical procedures to be performed on the canal and trabecular meshwork to reduce intraocular pressure. The apparatus may also deliver devices or substances to Schlemm's Canal in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: An eye wash system including a first base member slidable on a second base member from a retracted storage position to an extended operative position. One base member has an eye piece on its front end. The other base member pivotally supports a coupling assembly on which a flexible squeeze bottle is attached. A fluid line from the coupling assembly leads to a spray nozzle mounted on the front end of the other base member. A seal structure on the back side of the eye piece is moved rectilinearly into engagement with the spray nozzle to seal it when the one base member is in its retracted storage position. The bottom wall of the other base member has a resilient tongue with a detent ridge at its free end. Detent grooves on the coupling assembly cooperate with the detent ridge to latch it in the vertical or horizontal positions of the coupling assembly. Modifications of the spray nozzle include means for metering the liquid to be sprayed.

Abstract: An instrument for subretinal implantation comprising an elongate tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the tube having a lumen passing from the proximal end to the distal end, the distal end having a distal tip, wherein the lumen forms an opening in the tip, the instrument further comprising a plunger, the plunger being capable of sliding motion within and with respect to the tube, wherein the outer diameter of the distal end of the elongate tube is sufficiently small to be inserted through the pars plana area of an eye and the length of the distal end of the elongate tube is sufficient long to permit the opening in said tip to thereafter be inserted beneath the retina through an opening therein, wherein the plunger can express material within the lumen therefrom through the opening in the tip into the subretinal space of an eye into which the tip is inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus for intubation of the lacrimal duct comprising a thinner tube (or rod), a thicker tube(s) extending from one end or both ends of a thinner tube (or rod) and a probe which is inserted through a small cut applied to the thicker tube(s) wherein for the tube to be pushed into the lacrimal duct using a probe, the inner surface of the thicker tube(s) has a step(s), protuberance(s), groove(s) and septum (septa), and the shape of the inner space of the thicker tube is the frustum of a circular cone, and for the probe to be removed easily, lubricants such as olive oil, lipiodol ultrafluid, ointment and so on are applied to the surface of the probe and/or inner part of the thicker tube, and also the thinner tube (or rod) is longer than the canalicular length for the boundary portion(s) between the thinner tube (or rod) and thicker tube(s) to be positioned in the lacrimal sac—nasolacrimal duct to get better stability in the lacrimal duct.

Abstract: A method for improving a drainage of aqueous humor in an eye of a living being and a device for maintaining the drainage of aqueous humor are described, wherein a first incision is made in a lamellar section of the sclera to form a first scleral flap which is then folded upwards in the direction of the cornea, thereby creating a recess in the sclera. A second scleral flap is formed by incising a second lamellar section in the area of the recess and lifted upwardly in the direction of the first sclera flap, thereby creating a second recess and exposing a portion of the Schlemm's canal for permitting injection of a highly viscous medium. At least one support element is implanted in the lumen of the Schlemm's canal on each of both sides of the second recess and, optionally, in the exposed portion of the Schlemm's canal, whereby each of the support elements is made of a material that is decomposable by the tissue of the Schlemm's canal and/or aqueous humor.

Abstract: A sleeve apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having an ultrasonic drive assembly attached to a hollow needle includes a compressible sleeve for establishing an annual passage around the needle and enabling the irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through a cornea/sclera wound while cooling the needle. The compressible sleeve includes a wall configuration for controlling compression of the sleeve in order to cause the compressible sleeve to shape and conform to the corneal/sclera wound and limit fluid egress from the wound. A hub is provided for attaching the compressible sleeve to the handpiece and enabling the needle to be angularly displaced within the compressible sleeve means during phacoemulsification.

Abstract: A system for safely irrigating nasal and sinus cavities using a portable and reusable device which can be conveniently coupled to a fluid container, wherein the system includes an adapter end for coupling to the fluid container, an insertion end which directs fluid from the fluid container into the nasal and sinus cavities while preventing damage thereto by preventing insertion of the insertion end into the nasal cavities beyond a predetermined length, and a curved section of tubing which is coupled to the adapter end and the insertion end, wherein the curved section of tubing makes the user hold the fluid container in a correct position for directing solution from the fluid container into the nasal and sinus cavities.

Abstract: An iontophoretic apparatus for ocular iontophoresis comprising a housing element formed to cooperate with the eye. In cooperation with the housing element is a flexible current distribution element that is capable of transmitting electrical current. Coupled to the current distribution element is a conformable medicament containment element that is filled with a medicament which is released under the influence of an electrical current, while a barrier element is provided that is configured to reduce current flow outside of the barrier and aid in the preferential delivery of medicament.

Abstract: An iontophoretic apparatus comprising a housing member, a current distribution member, a medicament containment member and at least one of a lateral and medial straddling member. The straddling member are configured to correspond to the surrounding soft tissue.

Abstract: An intraocular irrigation/aspiration device (10) including a hollow shaft (12) with a distal tip portion (20) and a proximal portion (24). The shaft (12) includes a lumen (18) extending through the shaft (12) wherein the lumen (18) is of reduced cross-sectional area in the proximal portion (24) so as to regulate aspiration of fluid and reduce post occlusion surge phenomena. Preferably, the device (10) includes an outer sleeve (26) which is flexible so as to enable a small incision in the eye to engage closely with the shaft (12).

Abstract: An ocular iontophoretic apparatus comprising a reservoir which includes a outer rim. The outer rim includes a barrier. The barrier is positionable upon the surface of the eye and serves to provide a seal between the reservoir and the surface of the eye. In turn. the passage of fluid across the barrier into and out of the reservoir is substantially precluded.

Abstract: An instrument sheath that can be inserted into an incision formed in tissue. The sheath may protect the tissue from mechanical, thermal and other forms of trauma. The application also includes a blade guide that can be used to form an incision.

Abstract: A manually operated dispensing device for delivering ophthalmic solution to the surface of an eye in a desired spray pattern with an impact pressure on the eye that is comfortably tolerated by an individual. The device comprises a pressure container having a closed bottom and an open top defining a neck, for accommodating a pressurized gas and a pouch; a sealed pouch, for said ophthalmic solution, made of a barrier material and exhibiting a valve which is integrated with a mounting cup adapted to fit the neck of the container; and an actuator adapted to fit the mounting cup of the sealed pouch, comprising a nozzle member including a cylindrical tube member, adapted to interact with the valve, and an actuator button for activating the interaction between the nozzle member and the valve, in order to accomplish said desired spray pattern.

Abstract: An ocular inspection and treatment eye mist apparatus having an outer housing that contacts the bony orbit surrounding the eye. An inner housing, concentrically disposed within the outer housing contacts the eyelid, pushing the eyelid back, exposing the eye. The outer housing is adjustable longitudinally over the inner housing to accommodate different users. The position of the outer housing prevents the inner housing from protruding too far into the eye by acting as a stop against the bony orbit. One end of the inner housing is adapted to receive a dispenser for administering a metered spray of medicine, powdered or liquid, or lavage to the eye as it is held open by the ocular treatment apparatus. The dispenser nozzle is equipped with a contrasting mark which provides a target for the eye to focus on ensuring the eye is optimally positioned to receive the metered spray.

Abstract: A microcatheter system that allows for vascular infusion into retinal veins for extended periods of time. The microcatheter system includes a flexible cannula that is inserted into the retinal vein lumen and that remains stably within the retinal vein lumen without being held by a robot, micromanipulator or similar holding devices. The microcatheter system is particularly suitable for the treatment of retinal venous occlusive disease.

Abstract: The mirrored eye drop target is used in connection with an eye drop container. The drop or dropper target includes an elongated planar substrate having a mirrored or reflective first end segment and an adhering second end segment. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive on the second end segment is initially covered by a removable substrate or cover. After removal of the substrate (which exposes the adhesive), the planar substrate is attached to the body of the eye drop container. The mirrored or reflective first end segment is substantially vertically aligned with the eye drop spout end such that when the composite structure (the planar substrate and eye drop container) is substantially horizontally disposed, eye drops ejected from the spout end substantially fall in a single vertical line established by the visual target or on the mirrored or reflective surface, the spout end and the user's eye.

Abstract: Introduced is a device that may be used to treat the effects of macular degeneration and other eye disorders by increasing the optical effect of the retinal surface of the eye. This may be accomplished using a device whose body has a shape prescribed to increase the depth of the fovea and, in the process, make the sides of the clivus more convex, thereby utilizing the varying optical properties of the retinal area. A suitable association of this device with the eye will cause an image beam traveling from the lens through the vitreous humor to magnify and impinge an image perception area encompassing the macula. According to one advantageous embodiment, the device includes a body adapted for association with the eye to manipulate the retina of the eye to effectively augment the photoreceptor cells proximate the macula of the eye.

Abstract: A disposable eye patch includes a first sheet member, a second sheet member smaller than the first sheet member, and an adhesive layer applied to one side of the first sheet member. One portion of the adhesive layer bonds the first and second sheet members together, and another portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the tissue surrounding an eye when the eye patch is applied to a patient. A release layer may be provided to cover the exposed portion of the adhesive layer, and may be peeled off prior to the use of the eye patch. The release layer and a plurality of eye patches may be provided in the form of a dispenser roll assembly. In a method of manufacturing the disposable eye patch, the first and second sheet members may both be formed from a sheet material having an adhesive layer, and then the first and second sheet members may be adhered together with the adhesive layer on one of the sheet members contacting the adhesive layer on the other one of the sheet members.

Abstract: An iontophoretic apparatus for ocular iontophoresis comprising a housing element formed to cooperate with the eye. In cooperation with the housing element is a flexible current distribution element that is capable of transmitting electrical current. Coupled to the current distribution element is a conformable medicament containment element that is filled with a medicament which is released under the influence of an electrical current, while a barrier element is provided that is configured to reduce current flow outside of the barrier and aid in the preferential delivery of medicament.

Abstract: An eye dryer device has a main body that includes a chamber which receives gas from an external source through an inlet port formed in the main body. The main body includes a lower shell section that has a plurality of exit ports such as 25 to 125 exit ports of relatively small size such as 0.5 mm to 2 mm which are arranged above the eye for providing a gentle, highly dispersed plurality of gas streams well suited for quickly drying a flap or cap of an eye following repositioning in a laser surgery (LASIK) procedure. The main body features an outer cover section which is joined such as by way of an adhesive with the lower or inner shell section about their common periphery or integrally joined such as by way of a common hardened melt region or an initial monolithic formation. The chamber is positioned between the inner shell section and outer cover section with each preferably having a convex-shape with a generally oval-shaped periphery for sealing position over an eye.

Abstract: A device and method of presenting an accurately controlled small volume of a Mitomycin solution to human eye tissues lining a conjunctival space created during surgery performed to correct glaucoma, using an absorbent pad mounted on one end of an elongated holder enabling insertion into the space. The pad is capable of retaining the Mitomycin solution after first being saturated with the Mitomycin solution prior to insertion and only very slowly releasing a consistently predictable small volume of solution directly onto the surrounding eye tissues. The holder has a portion to which the absorbent pad is attached, which is curved into conformity with the eyeball curvature to achieve better tissue contact. A handle allows insertion and removal from the space.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus for measuring dryness of a cornea of an eye to be examined, the apparatus comprising a projecting optical system including a light source for projecting measurement light onto the cornea, a detecting optical system including a photodetector for detecting reflected light from a tear film by projecting the measurement light, an arithmetic device for measuring time-varying changes in the dryness of a predetermined measurement region based on a result detected by the photodetector, and an output device for outputting a measurement result obtained by the arithmetic device.

Abstract: An eye wash station is disclosed for dispensing a fluid to a person's eyes. The eye wash station includes a tank to contain the fluid and a pedestal having a tank support portion and a generally horizontal base portion. The eye wash station has a reservoir configured to maintain a substantially constant level of the fluid within the reservoir when the tank is installed. A dispensing arm providing a flow outlet is pivotally mounted to the pedestal for movement between a stowed position where the flow outlet is above the reservoir fluid level and an operating position wherein the flow outlet is below the reservoir fluid level. A conduit, such as a length of flexible tubing or hose, couples the reservoir to the flow outlet to allow flow of the fluid from the reservoir to the flow outlet when the dispensing arm is in the operating position, and a pair of spray heads coupled to the flow outlet provide a spray of the fluid.

Abstract: A punctum plug for insertion through a punctum opening of an eye and into the canaliculus to occlude the punctum opening and canaliculus is shown. The punctum plug, or implant, comprises an elongated member having a pair of spaced ends wherein one of the pair of ends includes a distal section, preferably in the form of collapsible expanded section which terminates in a distal tip which extends in a direction substantially normal or perpendicular to the central axis. The other end of the pair of ends includes a thin retaining lip which extends in an anterior direction and which is adapted to be oriented to extend beyond the edge of the punctum opening and to engage the lip margin defining the eyelid. The elongated member, including the collapsible expanded section and distal section, are formed of a dimension to pass through a punctum opening of an eye. A method for treating external eye condition due to a deficiency of tears utilizing the punctum plug is also shown.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing surgery inside the human retina using fluidic internal limiting membrane separation (FILMS) to remove the internal limiting retinal layer from the neural retinal layer at the macula. The method comprises inserting a hollow microcannula between the retinal internal limiting membrane and the neural retinal layer at or near the macula and injecting a sterile fluid, such as sodium hyaluronate, through said microcannula and thereby raising the macular internal limiting membrane retinal layer away from the neural retina such that it can then be removed by conventional means, while simultaneously smoothing the neural retina by localized pressure tamponad. The apparatus comprises a hollow microcannula having a proximal end a distal end and a distal tip. The distal end is shaped to conform tangentially to the surface of the retina.

Abstract: There is provided use of an amino acid derivative in free acid or salt form, in which the nitrogen atoms of two or more amino acid molecules are linked by a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl group, as an anti-fungal compound.

Abstract: An eyelid speculum for separation of the eyelids with an automatic system for irrigation and aspiration. In one embodiment, the speculum is provided as a truncated cone-shaped main body with lid retractors extending out of it in the form of a ring, forming an angle appropriate to the curvature of the eye. Hollow rings are provided in the body of the cone with perforated channels for delivering irrigation fluid and for aspiration. Two syringes are provided, each connected by tubing to one of the hollow rings so as to either deliver irrigation or aspirate excess fluid. The irrigation and aspiration rates are controlled by an electronic processor which controls the rates of both activities independently. In another embodiment, the device is further provided with an illumination unit for trans-illumination via the sclera of the interior of the eyeball.

Abstract: A new eye and wound washing device for irrigating eyes and wounds with fluids such as water or saline solutions. The inventive device includes a hollow tube member with at least one elongate arm tube portion extending from the proximal end of an elongate stem tube portion. The distal end of the stem tube portion has an opening into the hollow interior of the tube member and is connectable to a fluid reservoir to permit fluid flow from the fluid reservoir through the distal end opening into the hollow interior of the tube member. A first irrigator member is in fluid communication with the first arm tube portion and includes a plurality of irrigation apertures for permitting fluid flow therethrough from the interior of the tube member. The mounting portion of a first guide member is mounted to the first arm tube portion. The first guide member also includes an arcuate finger guide portion extending from the mounting portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a meatus plug for lachrymal canal capable of being screwed, consisting of a substantially cylindrical body (1) whose side surface comprises a helical thread similar to that of a screw for placing or removing the meatus plug by screwing or unscrewing with a tool having a polygonal or cruciform blade used as a screwdriver, the plug comprising or not a through conduit for the passage of a predetermined flow of lachrymal fluid. It is designed for controlling the flow of tears running on the surface of the eye towards the nasal cavity through the lachrymal canals or ducts.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification handpiece for ophthalmic surgical procedures includes a needle having a tip and connected to a source of ultrasonic energy, for cutting and/or fragmenting eye tissue along with a conduit for introducing irrigation fluid proximate the needle tip. The handpiece also includes separate structure for introducing a viscous fluid, such as a viscoelastic material, proximate the needle tip as well as bore through the needle and handpiece for aspirating irrigation fluid, viscoelastic material end cut and/or fragmented eye tissue. An accumulator, connected to the housing is provided for containing a supply of viscous fluid. A diaphragm assembly and a manual valve are provided for delivering viscous material to the needle tip.

Abstract: An intravitreal medicine delivery device and method are provided and include an implant device through which a wide variety of beneficial medicines including drugs or other pharmacological agents can be introduced into the vitreous cavity over an extended period of time with only a single initial surgery to implant the device. The device and method minimize the surgical incision needed for implantation and avoid future or repeated invasive surgery or procedures. Additional amounts of the initial medicine can readily be introduced or the medication can be varied or changed, as required. Furthermore, the device and method allow the dosage delivered to the vitreous cavity to be device is constructed so as to filter medicines delivered to the cavity and also avoids damage to or interference with other parts of the eye during implantation or during use.

Abstract: A device for intubation of a lacrimal duct is inserted into the lacrimal duct, having a smaller diameter tube or rod portion, and a larger diameter tube which is connected with one end of the smaller diameter portion, and a stopper which consists of a plug, brim, ring, etc., attached to the other end of the smaller diameter tube or rod. The tip of the larger diameter tube is a closed end.

Abstract: In general a protective sheath for an ultrasonic fragmenting device includes a handpiece to be held and manipulated by a surgeon. The handpiece has a housing, an ultrasonic motor mounted therewithin, and an ultrasonic horn connected to the ultrasonic motor. An elongate ultrasonic probe is attached to the ultrasonic horn. The elongate ultrasonic probe has an outer surface about and along its length and has one or more vibratory nodes spaced along the length of the ultrasonic probe as a function of the resonant wavelength. The ultrasonic fragmenting device includes the protective sheath with a hollow sleeve with a proximal end and a distal end and which surrounds the elongate ultrasonic probe and extends therealong. The hollow sleeve has an inner surface formed, shaped, and sized to prevent contact with the outer surface of the elongate ultrasonic probe so that there is generally a clearance between the inner surface and the outer surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing surgery inside the human retina using fluidic internal limiting membrane separation (FILMS) to remove the internal limiting retinal layer from the neural retinal layer at the macula. The method comprises inserting a hollow microcannula between the retinal internal limiting membrane and the neural retinal layer at or near the macula and injecting a sterile fluid, such as sodium hyaluronate, through said microcannula and thereby raising the macular internal limiting membrane retinal layer away from the neural retina such that it can then be removed by conventional means, while simultaneously smoothing the neural retina by localized pressure tamponad. The apparatus comprises a hollow microcannula having a proximal end a distal end and a distal tip. The distal end is shaped to conform tangentially to the surface of the retina.

Abstract: The invention is a test strip and method for delivering a controlled dose of fluid to the eye. The strip and method is useful to determine break-up-time of the tear film over the cornea. The method comprises providing a planar ophthalmic test strip having a length greater than its width and having a tip on at least one of its end. The tip adsorbs liquids, has a width that is less than the width of the remainder of the strip, and has a surface area not exceeding 30 square mm. The tip is wetted with liquid, placed in contact with the corneal surface and break-up-time is observed. The test strip is designed to deliver a limited dose of from 0.5 to 1.0 .mu.l of liquid to the surface of the cornea.

Abstract: A cartridge for actuating a piston-like or accordion-like dispenser-vial for applying medicament to an eye. The cartridge includes a housing for holding the dispenser-vial and a telescoping cylinder for compressing the dispenser-vial in the longitudinal direction to actuate the vial. The cartridge includes a locking mechanism for locking the telescoping cylinder to restrict its movement and a trigger mechanism for releasing the cylinder from the locked position so that a drop is released from the dispenser. The housing includes a finger for engaging the lower eyelid and exposing the conjunctival cul de sac.