Abstract: A method for insertion of an intraocular lens into the eye of a patient, the method including removably attaching loop extensions to loops of an intraocular lens prior to insertion of the intraocular lens into the eye of a patient, initially inserting into the eye of the patient the loop extensions, pulling on the loop extensions through sclerectomies formed in the sclera of the eye of the patient, inserting the intraocular lens into the eye of the patient, positioning the intraocular lens in a desired position in the eye of the patient by pulling on the loop extensions through the sclerectomies, and fixing the loops to the sclera of the eye of the patient at the sclerectomies and detaching the loop extensions from the loops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering energy during a surgical procedure such as phacoemulsification is provided. The method and apparatus include applying energy during at least one pulsed energy on period, typically sufficient or intended to rapidly induce and beneficially employ transient cavitation. Applying energy during the pulsed energy on period comprises applying energy during a first high energy period, and applying energy during a second nonzero lower energy period.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle comprises a hollow shaft with an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a distal end terminating in a distal edge. The shaft has a central bore extending there through. The central bore is defined by the interior surface of the hollow shaft. A first over mold is located on the exterior surface and distal edge of the hollow shaft. The first over mold covers at least a portion of a periphery of the exterior surface of the hollow shaft, the distal edge, and terminates at the central bore.

Abstract: A suction gripper for transferring ophthalmic lenses from a storage cup into a centering cup has a suction head with several suction openings and several suction cups, wherein the suction cups are positioned on a convexly rounded surface. At least some of the suction openings are arranged in the suction cups and at least one suction opening is arranged remote from the suction cups on the suction head. The suction gripper is used in a manipulation system for ophthalmic lenses that encompasses ophthalmic lenses, a storage cup, a centering cup and the suction gripper.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely retaining an eye implant lens for transport and access for inspection and use in which a holding apparatus has a chamber for holding a lens. In one embodiment the chamber has a pin on which a lens can be placed and a ramp leading to the pin so that a gripping member can slide up the ramp into proper placement to grip the lens and remove it. The gripper can be configured so that after removing the lens from the holding apparatus, it can be used to implant the lens. Also, a system including the apparatus and a bottle assembly that will hold the apparatus in the bottle. A method for holding an eye implant lens in which a lens is placed in the apparatus which can then be placed in a bottle assembly.

Abstract: An intraocular lens inserter can include an energy storage portion, an actuator portion, and a lens support portion. The energy storage portion can include a compressible energy storage device, such as a compressible fluid, springs, and other devices. The inserter can include an actuator portion operating with a substantially incompressible fluid, such as liquids or other noncompressible fluids. The actuator can be configured to provide an operator with control over the release of energy from the energy storage portion so as to move a plunger for the discharge of a lens from an intraocular lens cartridge.

Abstract: An intraocular lens inserter can include an energy storage portion, an actuator portion, and a lens support portion. The energy storage portion can include a compressible energy storage device, such as a compressible fluid, springs, and other devices. The inserter can include an actuator portion operating with a substantially incompressible fluid, such as liquids or other noncompressible fluids. The actuator can be configured to provide an operator with control over the release of energy from the energy storage portion so as to move a plunger for the discharge of a lens from an intraocular lens cartridge.

Abstract: A vitrectomy or needle made of a hard resistance metal glass alloy. The wall of the outer tubing or the entire needle can be illuminated when connected to a light source. The instrument, when inserted inside the tissue or the eye, provides illumination, thereby illuminating the surrounding tissue structure and eliminating the need for additional internal or external illumination.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for treating closed angle glaucoma. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve inserting into an eye a deployment device configured to hold an intraocular shunt, using the device to re-open an at least partially closed anterior chamber angle of an eye, and deploying the shunt from the device.

Abstract: An injector for intraocular lenses has a housing and a plunger movable within said housing. An elastomeric sleeve is sized and shaped to fit around a portion of the plunger, providing damping friction opposing the movement of the plunger. The sleeve is sterile and disposable, allowing a new sleeve to be used for each procedure.

Abstract: The actuator (see FIG. 2) comprises a barrel 16 and a plunger 22 received within the barrel. A clutch mechanism 54 is operable between the plunger and the barrel. In the engaged condition of the clutch, the plunger is advanced by rotation relative to the barrel. An axial load on the plunger disengages the clutch mechanism, allowing the plunger to be advanced axially whilst rotating the driven member 60. Two-handed or one-handed operation is therefore possible. A freely rotatable collar 27 on the plunger allows the plunger to be returned to its retracted position with a linear rearward movement whilst allowing rotation of the plunger. A resilient ring 35 mounted in a cross-passage 32 in a bush 28 at the forward end of the plunger provides a measured degree of frictional resistance to the plunger returning under its own weight to the retracted position. The ring may be replaced by a C-shaped resilient element (see FIG. 13). The actuator can be used in combination with a lens delivery device (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for intraocular lens surgery. In particular implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include an intraocular lens insertion cartridge and an intraocular lens interface adapted to engage intraocular lens for advancement through the intraocular lens insertion cartridge. The system may also include a bracket that is detachably attached to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge and that facilitates securing the intraocular lens interface relative to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge.

Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion instrument capable of smoothly pushing out a preset lens is provided. An intraocular lens insertion instrument (1) comprises: a main body (3) including a lens setting section (8) on which a lens (2) is set, a transition section (22) that deforms the lens (2), and a nozzle piece (21) that releases the lens (2); and a lens push-out mechanism (4) that pushes out the lens (2) set on the lens setting section (8). The instrument (1) further includes a releasing means (11) for releasing the lens (2) pushed by the lens push-out mechanism (4) from the lens setting section (8). The releasing means (11) has a posture holding mount (12) that holds the lens (2) with a forward tilt relative to an axial line (A) of lens movement. The posture holding mount (12) has a passage (15) through which the lens push-out mechanism (4) passes.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) transfer case for transferring an IOL to an injection cartridge includes a lens holder for holding the IOL. The lens holder includes a bore. Folding members within the lens holder are configured to fold the IOL into a partially folded position when the IOL is slid through the bore across the folding members. The IOL transfer case also includes an interface configured to removably connect to an injection cartridge. The interface is positioned to deliver the IOL in the partially folded position within the injection cartridge when the interface is connected to the injection cartridge. The IOL transfer case also includes a plunger connected to the lens holder and configured to push the IOL in the partially folded position through the bore to deliver the IOL into the injection cartridge.

Abstract: An injector for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye, comprising: a first side wall and a second side wall which are movable relative to one another, each side wall including a void, the voids positioned opposite one another in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the injector. The injector may be in a combination with the IOL, the IOL disposed on a portion of the injector. The IOL may be in an unstressed state. A first portion of a haptic of the IOL may extend into the void in the first side wall.

Abstract: A foot pedal with a treadle that pivots up and down to vary its pitch, and/or side to side to vary its yaw. The pivot range of motion is divided into a plurality of zones, each zone configured to correspond to a respective virtual switch. When the treadle is pivoted into one of the zones, the corresponding virtual switch is activated. The virtual switch controls an operatively coupled device such as a handpiece used in a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Apparatus, and methods of making and using apparatus, for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) are disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an interior wall defining a hollow space through which an intraocular lens may be passed from the open space into an eye. A lubricity enhancing component is covalently bonded to the hollow tube at the interior wall in an amount effective to facilitate the passage of the intraocular lens through the hollow space. The lubricity enhancing component includes a substituent component effective to reduce hydrolysis of said lubricity enhancing component relative to an identical lubricity enhancing component without the substituent component.

Abstract: Delivery devices for delivering an ophthalmic device into an eye. In some embodiments the delivery devices are adapted to deliver an intraocular lens into an eye.

Abstract: An injection assembly for a flexible intraocular lens, includes an injector body (1) accommodating a sliding push member (2), and a compaction and ejection chamber (3) rigidly connected to the injector body. The injection assembly includes a cartridge (6) receiving an intraocular lens (7) in a non-stressed state, the cartridge (6) being stored separately in a sterile container (32), and the compaction and injection chamber (3) is pivotably connected to the distal end of the injector body so as to be capable of occupying two positions, namely: a cartridge-loading position, in which the chamber is folded along the injector body, and an injection position, in which the chamber is aligned with the injector body. A tab (4) makes it possible to release the push member (2) when the tab is placed in a position for locking the compaction and injection chamber in a closed position on the injector body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method, for example to accomplish phacoemulsification, are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a handpiece that includes a piezoelectric transducer. A hollow titanium needle having a substantially cylindrical portion and a free distal tip is attached to the handpiece by way of a threaded supported end structure. The piezoelectric transducer is driven by a circuit to periodically expand and contract at a high-ultrasound frequency that rings the hollow titanium needle with a high-ultrasonic frequency standing wave having a node of minimum amplitude residing in the substantially cylindrical portion between the supported end structure and the free distal tip, and to periodically expand and contract at an ultrasound frequency that rings the hollow titanium needle with an ultrasonic frequency standing wave, the circuit adapted to between the high-ultrasonic frequency and the ultrasonic frequency.

Abstract: An instrument for use in aligning an intraocular lens (IOL) comprises a marker ring rotatably held in a yoke attached to an instrument handle. The ring has an upper surface and a lower surface, and an inner surface and an outer surface. In one version, four marking tabs are attached to the ring outer surface, with each tab spaced apart 90° from its immediate neighbors. Each marking tab has a tab extension that extends below the lower ring surface. The ring also has a pair of axis marking tabs attached to the ring inner surface, with one marking tab positioned diametrically opposite the other. Each axis marking tab has a tab extension that extends above the ring upper surface. Each of the marking tab extensions are coated with a suitable coloring agent and are brought into contact with the cornea, preferably with one marking tab positioned at the limbus, to form reference marks on the cornea.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to improved phacoemulsification procedures involving the use of processed non-visual three-dimensional data (i.e. diagnostic scan data) to provide a surgeon with additional guidance concerning the distance separating a working end of a phacoemulsification instrument and the posterior capsule of the eye during a surgical procedure involving the removal of the crystalline lens of an eye. Such information is implemented to aid the surgeon in cutting or scoring the lens to a desired depth while minimizing the risk of penetrating the posterior portion of the capsule with the working end of the instrument. Some embodiments provide for the visual and/or auditory conveyance of distance information to the surgeon. Additional embodiments can provide for overlaying visual representations of selected structure information with the images provided to the surgeon.

Abstract: An assembly for a phacoemulsification surgical system includes an aspiration system arranged to aspirate fluid from a surgical site. The aspiration system includes an aspiration path within the phacoemulsification hand piece and includes a flexible small bore aspiration tubing in fluid communication with the aspiration path. The small bore aspiration tubing has a nominal inner diameter smaller than about 0.050 inch to reduce levels of occlusion surge within the surgical system. A high-output, peristaltic pump communicates with the small bore aspiration tubing and is operable to create a flow through the small bore aspiration tubing.

Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery such as, cataract, or perform micro-surgery (remove cartilage), or any emulsification technique. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece has a connecting body with a distal end and a work tip with a hub at a proximal end. The hub is detachably connected to the connecting body by a threaded connector. The work tip has an open operating end at a distal end. This opening leads an axial channel extending through the work tip from the operating end to the hub. A radial channel extends from the axial channel in the hub to the external surface of the hub. A sleeve surrounds and is spaced from the hub. This sleeve extends to the vicinity of the operating end of the work tip, and has a first external connector in the region of the radial channel of the hub. The sleeve also has a second external connector. A seal is provided for establishing a fluid connection between the radial channel of the hub and the second external connector of the sleeve. The first external connector of the sleeve is in fluid connection with an irrigation channel between the inner surface of the sleeve and the external surface of the work tip.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to securing intraocular objects. An injectable securement device in accordance with the present disclosure comprises one or more sutures and a bolster housed inside an elongate element. A system in accordance with the present disclosure comprises an injectable securement device, one or more fastening elements, and an elongate element. A method of use is also disclosed herein. In example embodiments, injecting a suture tie/knot can be accomplished outside the eye without the need for performing the action of tying within the eye.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injector tip (7) for an ocular lens injector device (1), the injector tip having an injection duct (16) with a front (9) and a rear end (8) and being bounded by an inner wall (17), wherein at the inner wall (17) an inwardly extending step (18) is formed only along part of the entire length between the front (9) and the rear end (8) of the injection duct (16) and ends at a distance from the front end (9) of the injection duct (16). The invention also relates to an ocular lens injector device (1) with an injector tip (7).

Abstract: Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for intraocular lens surgery. In particular implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include an intraocular lens insertion cartridge and an intraocular lens interface adapted to engage an intraocular lens for advancement through the intraocular lens insertion cartridge. The system may also include a bracket that is detachably attached to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge and that facilitates securing the intraocular lens interface relative to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge.

Abstract: A device for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye includes a tubular body member with an inner surface and a plunger with an gripping device that is receivable within the body member. The gripping device includes a locking member and is configured such that when urged longitudinally in a distal direction, the gripping device is movable in the distal direction within the body member. However, when urged longitudinally in a proximal direction, the gripping device is prevented from moving in the proximal direction by the locking member engaging with the inner surface of the body member. As such, inadvertent movement of the plunger in the proximal direction caused by pulling back on the plunger is substantially prevented. If proximal movement of the plunger is desired, then the plunger may include handle that is operatively coupled to the gripping device such rotation of the handle causes the handle to move longitudinally in the body member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cataract surgery include a tip with reciprocating door to chop, fragment or reduce size of large nuclear lens fragments and/or cortex fragments in a capsule bag to facilitate aspiration.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system and method, and a foot pedal device, system and method. The devices, systems and methods may include a console comprising a plurality of modes for at least one physically associated surgical instrument, and a foot pedal communicatively associated with said console and suitable for varying ones of the plurality of modes. The foot pedal may include a foot pedal base, and at least two electronically actuated sensors physically associated with the foot pedal base, communicatively connected to the console, and suitable for receiving physical indications of variations in ones of the plurality of modes.

Abstract: An injector (1) for folding and injecting into the eye of a patient a flexible intraocular lens, the injector comprising an assembly of an injection nozzle (202), a lens compartment that holds an unfolded flexible intraocular lens (400) and is in communication with the injection nozzle, an injector body (3) communicating with the lens compartment and a plunger (2) that is inserted in the free end of the injector body, wherein lens compartment and injector body comprise a mechanism whereby the lens is first folded by forces compressing the lens in a non-axial direction in response to an axial movement of the plunger over a first distance and is subsequently expelled from the injector through the injection nozzle in response to an axial movement of the plunger over a second distance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intraocular lens delivery system with a multi-segment plunger. More particularly, the present invention relates to an intraocular lens delivery device that includes a disposable plunger tip segment that can be attached and removed from a reusable plunger base segment.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification system and method, and a surgical foot pedal device, system and method. The present invention may include a console comprising a plurality of modes for at least one physically associated surgical instrument, and a foot pedal communicatively associated with said console and suitable for varying ones of the plurality of modes. The foot pedal may include a housing comprising the communicative association, and comprising at least one potentiometer and at least two top switches for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes, a treadle rotatably mounted within the housing and suitable for depressing the at least one potentiometer, and at least two side switches movably associated with the treadle for the varying of the ones of the plurality of modes.

Abstract: Peripheral surgical systems are used for insertion and filling of fluid-filled intraocular lenses, reaccessing and modifying fluid-filled intraocular lenses, and explantation of lenses. Although one peripheral surgical unit may perform all of these functions, in some embodiments different units perform different functions—i.e., each function may be performed by a separate unit, or the functions may be distributed over a smaller number of functional units.

Abstract: A method of delivering an intraocular lens into an eye is disclosed. The intraocular lens is heated. The intraocular lens is maintained within a desired temperature range. The intraocular lens is injected into the eye when the intraocular lens is within the desired temperature range.

Abstract: A cartridge for an IOL delivery system that has an injector tip geometry designed to reduce stresses at the incision wound edges generated during insertion of an IOL into an eye is disclosed. The injector tip geometry includes a tubular nozzle having a modified elliptical cross section. The injector tip geometry reduces stresses generated reduce the likelihood of tearing or overstretching the wound during cartridge tip insertion and residence time in the wound while the lens is being delivered into the eye.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an applicator (1) for inserting an implant, in particular a rod-like implant (2) containing an active substance, under the skin of a human or animal, comprising a housing (3), a cannula (6) extending from the housing (3), and a handle (15) for grasping and maneuvering the applicator (1) and the cannula (6) during insertion of an implant (2). In accordance with the invention, the handle (15) extends above at least part of the length of the cannula (6). Such a handle facilitates insertion of the cannula and/or accurate positioning of the implant.

Abstract: A method is provided for treatment of cataract in combination with a glaucoma procedure while maintaining the intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous to flow out of an anterior chamber of the eye through a surgically stented pathway. A trabecular stent is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that intraocular liquid flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. Depending upon the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular stent enabling post-cataract healing processes.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for ophthalmic surgery are modified to include a manually bendable portion to allow the position of the operative segment of the instrument to be adjusted during surgery without the use of adjusting tools. In one embodiment the bendable portion is formed by selectively annealing a site on the operative segment of the instrument. Commonly used instruments are then made more useful by allowing the surgeon to make adjustments during surgery to assure comfort and utility.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to treat presbyopia or pseudophakic refractive error including but not limited to astigmatism and higher order aberrations is disclosed. An intraocular lens is pierced and the resulting opening becomes a pinhole device or becomes a dual lens system device to include a primary IOL and a secondary IOL for correction of error. The lens system device is secured to the in situ intraocular lens using surgical devices and methods of the present invention. The technique does not involve removal of the intraocular lens and replacement with another intraocular lens, but rather involves the addition of a lens system device that is secured to the intraocular lens in a stable manner.

Abstract: Intraocular lens cartridge comprising a conic head portion (1) narrowing gradually after a rectangular prism part; upper channel (1.2) on the inner upper wall of the conic head portion extending until the middle portion of the inner upper wall in order for the lens to move forward properly and continue its folding, lower channel (1.3) on the inner lower wall; upper and lower inverse “L” shaped claws (1.4, 1.5) on the outer surface of the conic head portion; the “L” shaped lower claw having a longer arm; a cartridge body (2) suitable for intertwining, having a larger periphery as compared to the periphery of the head portion of the conic head portion, lock housings (2.2) on the upper and lower parts of the cartridge (bayonet connection between head portion and cartridge body); supporting protrusions (2.1) both on the upper and lower parts for supporting the fingers of the operator.

Abstract: An injector folding and injecting a flexible intraocular lens into the eye of a patient is described. The injector is configured to be loaded with the intraocular lens, and optionally, an aqueous solution, before the injector and lens are sterilized. The injector includes a lens compartment that is configured to prevent leakage of the aqueous fluid from the lens compartment caused by autoclaving/sterilization.

Abstract: An inorganic-organic hybrid coating applied to a polymer and method for forming same to provide improved hydrophilicity and lubricity to the surface of the polymer. The hydrophilic coating is on the order of one micron thick, as is formed by activating the surface of the polymer, reacting the activated surface of the polymer with a Lewis acid metallic composition, and then quenching the coating in salt solution having a pH>7.2 at a temperature above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer.

Abstract: A fluid or laser jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery or any emulsification technique.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification irrigation sleeve having a body configured to operatively connect to a phacoemulsification needle. The body has proximal and distal ends and defines a passageway for liquid. A first irrigation port is formed in the body between its proximal and distal ends. The body is slit to define a first flap configured to swing away from the first irrigation port in response to pressure of fluid flowing in the passageway to thereby reduce resistance of fluid flow through the first irrigation port. The first flap, when swung away from the first irrigation port, is oriented to direct fluid flowing through the first irrigation port in a direction from the proximal end of the body toward the distal end of the body.

Abstract: A water jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery such as, cataract, or perform micro-surgery (remove cartilage), or any emulsification technique. The water jet instrument may be manually controlled or controlled by a system with a robotic control. The water jet apparatus defines a jet cutting area that is based at least in part on a flow rate meter and a feedback loop.

Abstract: An injector (1) for folding and injecting into the eye of a patient a flexible intraocular lens, the injector comprising an assembly of an injection nozzle (202), a lens compartment that holds an unfolded flexible intraocular lens (400) and is in communication with the injection nozzle, an injector body (3) communicating with the lens compartment and a plunger (2) that is inserted in the free end of the injector body, wherein lens compartment and injector body comprise a mechanism whereby the lens is first folded by forces compressing the lens in a non-axial direction in response to an axial movement of the plunger over a first distance and is subsequently expelled from the injector through the injection nozzle in response to an axial movement of the plunger over a second distance.

Abstract: An IOL injection device comprises a tubular housing with a plunger longitudinally disposed within the tubular housing. The device is configured so that when the plunger is translated towards the front of the device, its tip engages an intraocular lens insertion cartridge mounted at or near the front end of the housing. The IOL injection device further comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to perform the steps of advancing the plunger to a critical point at which an axial compressive force on the lens suddenly increases, retracting the plunger from the critical point to a sufficient distance for material of the intraocular lens to relax, pausing to allow the material of the intraocular lens to relax, advancing the plunger to the critical point a second time, and continuing to advance the plunger beyond the critical point to implant the intraocular lens.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge, comprising a lumen wall having a distal end and a proximal end, and defining a rigid lumen portion having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the lumen wall having a first ridge segment disposed on an inner surface thereof and extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, a first wing coupled to the lumen wall at the proximal end and having a first ridge portion extending therefrom, and a second wing coupled to the lumen wall at the proximal end and having a second ridge portion extending therefrom, the first wing is coupled to the second wing by a hinge. When the first wing and the second wing are moved to a closed position to form a second lumen portion, the first ridge portion and the second ridge portion form a second ridge segment, the first ridge segment and the second ridge segment align in the direction of the longitudinal axis.