Abstract: An ophthalmic delivery device includes a body defining a fluid reservoir and a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir. The delivery device also includes a nozzle that includes a dosage chamber for holding a dosage of fluid, a valve seat, and a valve cover. The valve cover extends about the valve seat and forms an interface therebetween and the valve seat includes an outlet aperture. The interface is in fluid communication with the outlet aperture and the dosage chamber, and at least part of the valve cover is movable between (i) a closed position with the valve cover engaging the valve seat to close the interface and form a fluid-tight seal therebetween, and (ii) an open position with at least part of the valve cover spaced away from the valve seat in response to fluid flowing through the outlet aperture at a pressure greater than a valve opening pressure to allow the passage of pressurized fluid therebetween.

Abstract: Precision lid retracting eyedropper device with a hollow, rigid housing having an upper aperture that allows a push button topped piston to enter the housing where the piston can impinge on a resilient tubular member that is part of a pump assembly. The housing also includes a solution storing chamber that feeds solution to the pump assembly. A solution exit tube attached to the outgoing portion of the pump assembly emanates from the bottom part of the housing and can be directed towards the user's eye. Integral downwardly facing resilient legs are placed just above and below the user's orbital ridge so that when the legs are squeezed and released, the user's eye lids are forced open allowing the user to dispense a precise amount of solution into his or her eye.

Abstract: An eye dropper with spring loaded soft tipped arms that hold open the eyelid to facilitate applying fluid eye medication drops to the eye. Eye dropper has attachment device for a bottle of liquid with a means of controllably dropping liquids into the open eye. Adjustable protrusions set maximum opening of eye and concurrently squeeze the bottle to controllably extract the eye drops.

Abstract: A device for dispensing ophthalmic solutions to a user's eyes comprising a container for holding ophthalmic solutions, transfer tubing attached to the container for dispensing and applying said solution and a clip attached to the container for attaching said applicator to eyeglasses. The transfer tubing is the clip by being formed into the shape of a clip for attaching said eye solution applicator to eyeglasses.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser closure includes a tube having a distal end. The tube has a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion. The hydrophobic portion has an exit orifice at the distal end.

Abstract: A system for delivering a drop of liquid to an eye of a subject, wherein the instrument has a receiver to receive a liquid to be delivered to the eye of the subject, a transfer portion to receive the liquid from the receiver to advance a drop of the liquid by gravity and capillary action through a capillary tube to a lower discharge outlet whereat the drop of liquid breaks away and drops from the capillary tube, and a lid retractor supported adjacent to the discharge outlet of the capillary tube, for being pressed against the lower lid of the subject to form a cul-de-sac at the lower lid. The lower discharge outlet of the capillary tube is positioned adjacent to and above the lid retractor in a position to deposit the drop of liquid into the cul-de-sac.

Abstract: An ocular positioning device threadably attached to a standard soft sided squeeze bottle of ophthalmic fluid. The device consists of two parts, an attaching mechanism and a sealing mechanism, connected by a hinge with motion limited to ninety degrees of arc. The sealing mechanism is fitted with a nose bridge saddle designed to rest on the bridge of the users nose and to align the discharge nozzle with the central portion of the ocular opening of either of the users eyes when the attaching hinge is in the fully open position. The sealing mechanism is also fitted with a manually operated latch to maintain the sealing mechanism in the closed and sealed condition to prevent leakage when not in use.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching to a squeeze bottle or other dispenser for delivering drops to an eye comprises an axial member and a laterally extending leg. The axial member is attached to the bottle and receives drops or liquid therefrom. The leg is rested against the patient's nose bridge so that it directs fluid to a trough and releases drops into the eye after a predetermined threshold volume is exceeded.

Abstract: An eyewash system is disclosed. The eyewash system includes a mounting apparatus and a container coupled to the mounting apparatus and having a removable portion. Movement of the container relative to the mounting apparatus separates the removable portion from the container to provide an opening in the container. The removable portion may be provided on a cap coupled to the container. The container may be coupled to the mounting apparatus by a retaining device (such as a pin) inserted through one or more members extending from the base and through a tab extending from the removable portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder for an eyedropper comprising a base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces wherein the base has at least one interface for receiving the eyedropper. There is also a support coupled to the base and extending from the bottom surface of this base. Extending out from this support is a first leg and a second leg. These legs branch apart to form a slot or support groove therebetween. There is also a track formed on the bottom surface of the base wherein the support is adjustably coupled to the track so that the support can slide along the track. At least one band can be coupled to the base. The band is allows an eyedropper to attach to the holder.

Abstract: An eye wash station for administering an eye wash fluid to an eye which has been exposed to a noxious gas, or solid or liquid which can irritate or injure said eye. In a first aspect of the invention, a flexible bag, filled with an eye wash fluid is suspended from a hook or a stand. The flexible bag is operatively connected with a flexible tube to an applicator which is fed by gravity from the bag. The applicator includes a retractor for opening and holding open the eyelids of the eye which is being treated and a valve for controlling the amount of eye wash fluid which is applied to the eye. In second and third aspects of the invention, the applicator is connected with a pressurized water supply. One benefit if the invention is that it is disposable. Another benefit of the first and second aspects is that they are portable.

Abstract: Hand-held dispensing devices for dispensing and applying a substance to the skin of a host are described. The devices include a hollow body, a capsule mounted within the hollow body for containing the substance, a nozzle mounted within the hollow body communicating with the substance in the capsule, an actuator to cause metered quantities of the substance to be dispensed from the capsule through the nozzle, a shroud defining an exit space for receiving the substance emerging from the nozzle, and a cap detachably mounted on the shroud to selectively open and close the nozzle and thereby control escape of the substance from the capsule.

Abstract: A device (10) for non-gravity presentation of a droplet (16) of a liquid (12). The device includes an applicator (20) for forming the droplet and a squeeze-type bottle (18) that contains the liquid used to form the droplet. The applicator includes an upwardly-facing presentation surface (36) upon which the droplet is formed. One or more capillary tubes (38) communicate liquid from inside the bottle to the presentation surface via an uptake tube (40) when a user squeezes the bottle. Each capillary tube has a diameter of no greater than about 0.0787 inch (2 mm). Once the droplet has been formed, the user may tilt the device up to a critical tilt angle ?critical, above which the droplet will fall from the presentation surface. When the device is tilted to a tilt angle ? less than or equal to the critical tilt angle, capillary attraction between the droplet and the capillary tube(s) retains the droplet on the presentation surface.

Abstract: An eye drop container transport apparatus that is capable of retaining an eye drop container in a relatively upright manner and assisting users with accurately applying eye drops as well as reducing the incidence of spilled, leaked, or otherwise wasted solution. The eye drop container anchoring apparatus includes a clip portion so that it can be removably secured to an eye drop container and an elongate support arm that extends from the clip portion and helps secure the eye drop container transport apparatus in place. A first and second sight is provided to enable users to increase their proficiency in instilling eyedrops to the eyes while minimizing spillage and wasted solution.

Abstract: An eye drop dispensing device includes a trough member with a space to receive a cartridge housing enclosing a collapsible bag containing an ophthalmic liquid and comprising a spring finger applying pressure to the bag. The bag includes a wall pierced by a needle coupling the liquid to pump means through a one-way valve. The pump means includes a plunger biased to a resting position establishing a dosage chamber. Actuator means moves the plunger to enlarge the dosage chamber, causing a drop in pressure which draws a predetermined quantity of the liquid through the one-way valve into the dosage chamber. The actuator means then releases the plunger so that it moves to compress the dosage chamber to pump the liquid in the dosage chamber through a second one-way valve to spray the liquid through pinholes formed in a nozzle angled to direct the liquid as eye drops to the user's eye.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device for dispensing of an eyedrop from a resilient eyedrop dispenser. The ophthalmic device has an upper body portion having a front portion, first and second lever arm members rigidly connected to the front portion and extending in a longitudinal direction therefrom with distal ends of the arm members being spaced apart. An opening in the upper body portion for receiving the eyedrop container with outlet pointing down. Squeezing the arm members together reduces the opening thereby dispensing an eyedrop. An alignment projection is attached to the upper body portion and has a lower distal end for resting on an user facial area, thereby facilitating maintaining the outlet of the eyedropper container in alignment with a recipient eye. Sighting apertures are also provide to further insure proper alignment over the eye. The ophthalmic device has a shape effective for producing by injection molding.

Abstract: An ocular inspection and treatment apparatus includes an adjustable outer housing including a peripheral edge for contacting the bony orbit surrounding the eye and an inner housing including a peripheral edge, the inner housing being concentrically disposed within the outer housing, for contacting and retracting the eyelids to expose the eye for inspection and treatment. One end of the inner housing is adapted to receive a dispenser for administering a metered spray of medicine or a lavage to the eye as it is held open by the ocular treatment apparatus. A method of using the ocular apparatus for inspecting the eye or administering the medicine or lavage to the eye include adjusting the inner and outer housings, positioning the apparatus on the eye to have the inner housing contact the eyelids peri-ocularly to retract the eyelids and to have the outer housing contact the bony orbit peri-orbitally.

Abstract: Delivery device 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes body portion 12 for retaining an agent to be applied to a patient's eye. Body portion 12 includes structure forming a concave surface 14, so that when the delivery device 10 is placed on the eye, the device 10 closely fits to a corneal curvature of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device to aid in the placement of eye drops from an ophthalmic medication containing bottle. The device of the present invention is designed to be attached to the bottle at all times, including while in use. Furthermore, the present invention is specifically designed to aid in the easy removal and replacement of ophthalmic solution containing bottle caps. The present invention, in its most basic form, comprises an eye ring, a bottle attaching portion and a flexible extension connecting the eye ring to the bottle attaching portion, wherein the eye ring and flexible extension may be moved off of the bottle axis to permit easy removal and replacement of the bottle cap.

Abstract: An eye drop dispensing device includes a trough member with a space to receive a cartridge housing enclosing a collapsible bag containing an ophthalmic liquid and comprising a spring finger applying pressure to the bag. The bag includes a wall pierced by a needle coupling the liquid to pump means through a one-way valve. The pump means includes a plunger biased to a resting position establishing a dosage chamber. Actuator means moves the plunger to enlarge the dosage chamber, causing a drop in pressure which draws a predetermined quantity of the liquid through the one-way valve into the dosage chamber. The actuator means then releases the plunger so that it moves to compress the dosage chamber to pump the liquid in the dosage chamber through a second one-way valve to spray the liquid through pinholes formed in a nozzle angled to direct the liquid as eye drops to the user's eye.

Abstract: The present invention is an invertible eye drop dispenser device, alone, and in conjunction with an eye drop dispenser container having a threaded neck. The device includes a hollow, circular base portion with a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end has a first set of internal threads and the top end has a second set of internal threads, both being of the same thread gauge, to thread onto a neck of an eye drop dispenser container. The first set of internal threads and the second set of internal threads are inverted relative to one another, so that the device may be threaded with the bottom end threaded to a container or, so that, upon inversion, the device may be threaded with the top end threaded to a container. There is also an eye cup portion attached to the bottom end of the base portion.

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 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 irrigator (20) useful for surgical and medical procedures. The irrigator includes a handpiece (22) to which a tip assembly (30) is attached. The tip assembly includes a discharge tube (32) through which irrigating fluid is discharged. A spray head (422) with spaced-apart shoulders (422) is moveably attached to the front of the discharge tube. When the spray head is in a first position, the shoulders do not interfere with the discharge of irrigation fluid. When the spray head is in a second position, the shoulders are in registration over the discharge openings; the discharged irrigation fluid is dispersed by the shoulders. A spray shield (181) is disposed over the discharge tube. The irrigation fluid defused by the spray head shoulders strikes the spray shield which further diffuses this discharge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device that aids in the placement of eye drops from an ophthalmic medication containing bottle. The device of the present invention is designed to be attached to the bottle at all times, including while in use. Furthermore, the present invention is specifically designed to aid in the easy removal and replacement of ophthalmic solution containing bottle caps. The present invention, in its most basic form, comprises an eye ring, a bottle attaching portion, wherein the eye ring and flexible extension may be moved off of the bottle axis to permit easy removal and replacement of the bottle cap.

Abstract: An eye drop applicator which has an adjustable guide arm. The guide arm defines a semi-rigid member attached to an eye drop container. The guide arm serves as a point of tactile reference to the user who seeks to dispense liquid eye medicament. It further serves as a retractor of the lower eyelid, thereby allowing the user to place eye drops accurately and efficiently into the conjunctiva. The eye drop applicator can be manipulated with one hand, and avoids the necessity of the user placing his or her fingers near the eye socket, thereby maximizing the sterility and effectiveness of the medicament. Moreover, its configuration can be adjusted so as to conform to the shape of the user's face. The eye drop applicator also presents an improved closure system. A cap is placed over the nozzle of an eye drop container to seal the contents. Access to the eye drops is obtained by opening a cover at the end of the cap. Removing the cover exposes an opening in the cap through which eye drops are dispensed.

Abstract: A membrane shield for application over the eye of a wearer to retain moisture. The moisture shield includes a window that can be made of a transparent plastic. A collar is connected to the perimeter of the window such that the collar extends outwardly from the window. An adhesive layer, such as an adhesive gel, is applied to the collar to permit the moisture shield to be adhered to the wearer's face about the eye. A vapor distribution element is attached to the membrane shield to expose the eye to a desired substance or substances, such as water or medication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling kit for obtaining, in a rapid and gentle manner, a defined volume of lacrimal fluid for the purpose of reproducibly determining components of the lacrimal fluid.

Abstract: An eye drop dispensing device (10), designed to replace the cap (18) of an eye drop squeeze bottle (12), includes a positioning member (38). The positioning member is brought to bear against a boundary (54) of a patient's (14) lower eyelid (36), and the assembly (52) rotated about the member to bring a nozzle tip (24) of the device in facing relation with the eye (32). Besides providing stability to the assembly, the member assists in the eversion of the lower eyelid to form a well-like configuration (61) to receive drops (28). Thus, the patient may maintain a primary gaze position (17), facilitating the eye drop dispensing procedure.

Abstract: A slide for an eye drop dispenser. The slide, which may be secured to a container, is formed with a longitudinally extending channel and a distal end configured to rest against the lower eyelid of an individual during administration of a drop to the eye. The dispensed drop rolls along the channel and into the eye.

Abstract: A vision directed eye wash system includes an eye support for positioning an eye member to be flushed. A reservoir contains a supply of fluid. A tube is coupled at one end to the reservoir and the other end thereof is positioned adjacent the eye support for dispensing fluid from the reservoir into the eye. A mirror is positioned adjacent the reservoir for enabling the user to view the eye member between flushes. The tube may be positioned in a trough interconnecting the reservoir and eye support. The trough is generally of U-shaped cross-sectional configuration and the axis of the trough and the axis of the reservoir are generally perpendicular to each other when the eye member is viewed in the mirror and parallel to each other when the system is closed for storage.

Abstract: A frame assembly for accurate placement of eyedrops. The assembly includes opaque eye plates located to be in front of the wearers eyes. Each eye plate defines a liquid aperture and an optical aperture above the liquid aperture. The assembly also includes two funnels, each having an aperture aligned with one of the liquid apertures.

Abstract: A slide for an eye drop dispenser. The slide, which may be secured to a container, is formed with a longitudinally extending channel and a distal end configured to rest against the lower eyelid of an individual during administration of a drop to the eye. The dispensed drop rolls along the channel and into the eye.

Abstract: An eye drop dispensing device for use with a pliable ophthalmic solution container retaining an optic solution therein including a dispensing nozzle to dispense eye drops from the pliable opthalmic solution container comprising a pliable housing having an eyelid engaging rim formed on one end thereof and including a channel formed therethrough to receive and house the dispensing nozzle and a major portion of the pliable ophthalmic solution container therein such that the eyelid engaging rim is placed on the face and eyelid of a person with the dispensing nozzle adjacent the person's eye to permit depression of the pliable housing and pliable ophthalmic solution container to dispense solution directly into the user's eye while holding the eyelid open.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel apparatus which assists in administering eye medication to a patient. More particularly, this invention pertains to an apparatus which attaches to a vial containing eye medication, and detaches to assist in administering the eye medication to a patient, and accounts for a number of administrations in a day. The apparatus includes (a) a hollow truncated conical transparent shell; (b) a transparent circular plate attached to the truncated end of the conical shell wherein the plate has a circular opening in the central area of the plate; and (c) a hollow truncated conical transparent shell fitted over a portion of the exterior of the transparent shell (a).

Abstract: An eye drop dispensing device (10), designed to replace the cap (18) of an eye drop squeeze bottle (12) includes a positioning member (38). The positioning member is brought to bear against a boundary (54) of a patient's (14) lower eyelid (36), and the assembly (52) rotated about the member to bring a nozzle tip (24) of the device in facing relation with the eye (32). Besides providing stability to the assembly, the member assists in the eversion of the lower eyelid to form a well-like configuration (61) to receive drops (28). Thus, the patient may maintain a primary gaze position (17), facilitating the eye drop dispensing procedure.

Abstract: A dropper nozzle is combined with a shield member to form a dropper tip which prevents inadvertent contact of the nozzle during manufacture and use, thereby preventing damage to, or contamination of the nozzle and the contents of the dropper bottle to which the nozzle is attached. The shield is small and is intended to protect the nozzle from coming in contact with the eye, or any part of the face, and not particularly to aid in positioning or directing the drop.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device (10, 30, 50, 81) in the form of a cup (11, 31, 51) having a periphery (12, 32, 52, 85) substantially scaphoid in plan for contacting a facial region in the vicinity of an eye. The interior of the cup is accessible from its exterior by way of at least a first port (14, 34, 58, 86) and a second port (15, 35, 60, 87). The first port (14, 34, 58, 86) provides an inlet for a dispensing unit (17, 38, 63) for material to be supplied to the eye. The second port (15, 35, 60, 87) provides a target for viewing by an eye about which the periphery (12, 32, 52, 85) is disposed. The device (10, 30, 50, 81) is preferably fabricated from a material which is substantially opaque or imperfectly transparent and the second port (15, 35, 60, 87) is an aperture which provides a viewing target for an eye with which the device is being used. Alternatively the device can be in the form of a transparent shell with a distinctive target supported on the shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying medicament to an eye has an inner casing and an outer casing coupled to the inner casing and moveable relative thereto. An eyecup is supported on one end of the inner casing. The eyecup defines a surface shaped to conformably engage the facial tissue surrounding an eye. An ocular vial supported with the inner casing. The ocular vial holds medicament for release into an eye. An eyelid displacing member is coupled to the outer casing and slideably mounted through the inner casing. The eyelid displacing member includes a depresser tab adapted to engage the facial tissue below an eye. The depresser tab engages the facial tissue upon moving the outer casing toward the inner casing, thus displacing the lower eyelid to expose the ocular cul-de-sac. A dispensing member is supported by the outer casing. The dispensing member is adapted to actuate the ocular vial upon moving the outer casing toward the inner casing, to release medicament onto the exposed ocular cul-de-sac of the eye.

Abstract: An attachment for connection to a dropper bottle containing eye drops for providing accurate positioning of the dropper opening of the eye drop bottle in relation to the nasal canthus as an aid to the insertion of eye drops into the eye. The eyedropper attachment includes an oval positioning ring to space the outlet opening a precise distance from the side of the user's nose and orbital rim. The attachment prevents contact of the nozzle of the bottle with the user's eye.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying medicament to an eye has an inner casing and an outer casing coupled to the inner casing and moveable relative thereto. An eyecup is supported on one end of the inner casing. The eyecup defines a surface shaped to conformably engage the facial tissue surrounding an eye. An ocular vial is supported within the inner casing. The ocular vial holds medicament for release into an eye. An eyelid displacing member is coupled to the outer casing and slideably mounted through the inner casing. The eyelid displacing member includes a depresser tab adapted to engage the facial tissue below an eye. The depresser tab engages the facial tissue upon moving the outer casing toward the inner casing, thus displacing the lower eyelid to expose the ocular cul-de-sac. A dispensing member is supported by the outer casing. The dispensing member is adapted to actuated the ocular vial upon moving the outer casing toward the inner casing, to release medicament onto the exposed ocular cul-de-sac of the eye.

Abstract: An attachment for an eye dropper bottle that aids in keeping the person's eyelids open while the bottle is being squeezed to insert/apply eyedrops into the eye. The attachment comprises two pivotably connected arms having laterally-projecting ears adapted to have edge contact with the person's eyelids. End areas of the arms can be engaged with the side surface of the person's nose to hold the attachment in a steady position or the arms can rest on the persons temple area. The squeeze bottle is offset to one side of the eye so that the eye and nozzle area of the bottle are made visible to the other eye.

Abstract: An eye drop dispensing system for dispensing eye drops upon an eye of an eye drop user includes a single opening formed in a sloping wall surface of an eye drop bottle support, wherein the patient may insert his finger through the opening to retract his or her lower eyelid and to maintain the lower eyelid in its open position while an eye drop is being dispensed.

Abstract: A dispensing device adapted to be attached to a container having a fluid-dispensing opening through which fluid is to be controllably dispensed into an eye of a user wherein the dispensing device includes an attaching member which is adapted to be operatively coupled to the exterior of the container and positioned with the fluid-dispensing opening extending in a predetermined direction therefrom and a support member including a first end which is operatively coupled to the attaching member and a second opposed end which is located in a predetermined direction and which extends beyond the fluid-dispensing opening wherein the second opposed end terminates in a curvilinear, blade-like everting member having an outer ribbed edge which is adapted to be positioned against the outer skin below the lower eyelid and over a portion of the bone structure defining the eye socket of a user wherein the outer ribbed edge is capable of being urged against the bone structure with the skin therebetween to urge the skin in a do

Abstract: An eye drop application aid for self-application of droplets of ophthalmic solution by an individual includes a housing having a top, side walls and an open bottom, with the lower periphery of the side walls being contoured to conform to the facial area surrounding the eye socket. The housing top includes an eye drop dispenser seat with a central droplet discharge aperture therethrough for receiving and supporting the dispensing end of an eye drop dispenser. A vertical alignment indicator is mounted on the housing in view of the eye being treated to achieve vertical alignment of the eye drop dispenser end before dispensing droplets of ophthalmic solution to insure accurate application of the droplets to the eye. An eye distracting orifice in the housing top in view of the eye being treated focuses the eye's attention on the orifice instead of the dispenser end to avoid premature blinking before the droplet has contacted the eye.

Abstract: An eyedrop dispenser for dispensing droplets of liquid from a container comprises a closure cap member for liquid tight attachment to the container. At least one projection extends laterally outward from the cap member and has a laterally outward facing surface for bracing against a portion of the head of a person to locate and steady the dispenser during use.

Abstract: The invention provides an eye drop dispensing bottle, comprising, in addition to the dispensing opening, an elastic supporting finger by which the bottle may be supported, e.g. at the forehead over the eye, thus achieving an easy and accurate tilting of the dispensing opening in the direction towards the eye.

Abstract: The disclosure is of eye irrigating apparatus comprising a scissors mechanism having two blades, between which a tubular body is positioned, through which an irrigating fluid can flow into the eye from a fluid source.