Abstract: The microkeratome comprises a holder (1) with a suction ring (11) for attachment to the sclera of a patient's eye and having means (23) for connection to a suction source. A slide (2) is displaceably mounted on the holder (1) in a linear guide thereof. The slide (2) has a plane contact surface for contacting the cornea of the patient's eye and slideable over the cornea in a direction parallel to the contact surface. The slide contains a cutting blade with a cutting edge which is parallel to the contact surface. A first motor moves the slide on the holder. The blade is mounted in the slide for oscillating movement in a direction parallel to the cutting edge. A second motor oscillates the blade. The two motors are mounted on a common motor unit which is detachably mounted to the slide. The holder has a grip portion surrounding the motor unit on two lateral sides and a rear side.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for ophthalmic surgery, allowing the user to form a uniform circular incision of the anterior lens capsule of an eyeball, as part of an anterior capsulotomy. The capsulectomy device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has first and second ends, with a rotor emanating from one end, the rotor having a cutting blade or bin situated at the distal end of the rotor, the rotor rotating in pivotal fashion up to 360 degrees, while simultaneously reciprocating the cutting blade at a consistent stroke so as to provide optimal incision edge and depth of the anterior lens capsule of the eyeball. The device is hand held and relatively compact, having provided therein a motor and gear reduction/transmission system for driving the rotor and providing the reciprocating action to the cutting blade or pin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for causing the optical center of the eye to align "HIGH point" of the anterior surface of the cornea. In accordance with one aspect of the invention relating to corneal ablation procedures, the HIGH point of the eye is used as the pole of a spherical surface which is fitted approximately to a portion of the anterior surface of the cornea within a "bounded region." For corneal ablation procedures, the "bounded region" comprises a generally inverted-cup shaped region of the anterior surface of the eye bounded at its periphery by a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a local z-axis. During the operation local high points which project above the spherical surface are ablated. According to another aspect of the invention relating to radial keratotomy procedures, a pair of incisions in the plane of a "great circle" are formed in the cornea to weaken and flatten it.

Abstract: A step knife for use in eye surgery has a blade which extends a predetermined length beyond a footplate. The blade has a sharpened lower edge and each of the sides have a sharpened portion near the lower edge and an unsharpened portion near the footplate.

Abstract: This invention is a vacuum centering device which may be used in conjunction with other surgical instruments in opthomological surgery. The device provides an improved interface with the eye by way of features that reduce interference with a patient's eyelids interocular pressure and/or the propensity to rotate. These features may include a flared outer wall portion which may either be curved or straight for a section, providing a low profile vacuum chamber, and/or the use of a non-circular outer sealing region potentially producing a saddle-shaped outer periphery providing for potentially increased vacuum exposure to the eye and a contour resistant to rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a high speed liquid jet used in forming ophthalmic incisions includes an instrument body having an elongated rectangular portion and a tapered end portion. A cylindrical housing is secured to the tapered end, and is provided with a stepped opening extending axially therethrough. A jet carrier includes a longitudinally extending body, and a pair of high precision crossed roller slides join the carrier and body to permit lateral translation of the jet carrier. A micro-motor assembly secured within the rectangular body portion is joined to a pinion gear which engages a rack gear joined to the jet carrier to drive the jet carrier in lateral translation. The jet carrier includes a proximal connector for a high pressure fluid hose, and a jet nozzle assembly extending from the distal end. A plurality of guide members are provided, all having common structural features adapted to engage the stepped opening of the distal end of the instrument body.

Abstract: A surgical cutting device for making incisions in tissue has a holder with a distal end, an applanation plate extending from said distal end for contacting and altering the contour of tissue to be incised, and a cutting blade reciprocally movable with respect to the holder and extending from said distal end in proximity to the applanation plate. The blade is guided by the holder and linearly advanceable into the tissue to effect an incision. After the incision is made, the blade is retractable from the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical blade for use in ophthalmic surgery has distal cutting edges formed by a pair of anterior-to-posterior bevels which meet at an angle greater than 90.degree. and preferably 140.degree., resulting in a blade with a surface area greater than that of similarly dimensioned prior art blades. An anterior shoulder is positioned intermediate the distal and proximal ends of the blade to direct the blade to dimple down when the blade has been inserted into the cornea a sufficient distance to bring the shoulder into contact with the corneal tissue, allowing the surgeon to make a reproducible, leak-free incision by using a straight-in hand motion. The distal cutting surface is rounded at its lateral edges to avoid snagging the incision when the blade is passed through the cornea.

Abstract: An apparatus for operation on a cornea by ablating with a laser beam for correcting ametropia; the apparatus comprising an input device utilized for inputting each data necessary for correction, a first correcting device for irradiating a laser beam for correcting myopic astigmatism, a second correcting device for irradiating a laser beam for correcting hyperopic astigmatism, a calculating device for calculating each correction-data based on the each inputted data in case of combining the first and second correcting means, and a control device for ablating the cornea by controlling the first and second correcting means based on results calculated by the calculating device.

Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.

Abstract: A microkeratome is provided for use in lamellar surgery on the cornea of the eye. The microkeratome includes a base carrying a camshaft for rotation by a cable connected to the shaft. The base also supports a moving blade assembly slidably mounted on an applanator assembly, with the blade being thin and under tension. The moving blade assembly moves above and sidewardly relative to a suction ring. The moving blade assembly is sized to oscillate side-to-side approximately 1 mm. The moving blade assembly is driven by a connecting cable, wherein longitudinal movement of the cable produces responsive longitudinal movement of the frame and blade to cut a flap or disc of a desired configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing and removing and ophthalmic lens of a mammalian eye. The system includes a rotary lens-reducing probe device of either straight or curved configuration, the probe device comprising a tubular outer sheath through which a rotatable drive shaft extends. A rotating lens-reducing head member is positioned on the distal end of the drive shaft. The head member is configured and constructed to draw a flow of fluid and lens matter into contact therewith, thereby facilitating complete reduction of the entire lens without requiring significant axial (i.e., longitudinal) movement of the probe within the lens capsule. The distal portion of the tubular sheath is preferably configured to shield a portion of the lens-reducing head, during operation, to avoid inadvertent damage to lens capsule. Also, the distal portion of the sheath may be aimed or positioned to direct the flow of fluid and lens matter created by the rotating head in a preferred flow path within the lens capsule.

Abstract: An incision guide for ocular surgery is provided. The guide includes a housing, a slidable inner sleeve disposed within the housing, and a housing stabilizer pivotally mounted on the housing. In one embodiment, the slidable sleeve is a hollow tube within which may be disposed a keratome carrying a blade, whereby the inner sleeve engages the keratome to make an incision. In another embodiment, the inner sleeve is a solid rod and a blade is attached to the sleeve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for removal of biological tissue slices or layers, preferably in the form of lamellar sections of predetermined shape and thickness employing a reference member that engages a target tissue site and cooperates with a cutter in order to remove the tissue segment or lamella. The cutter can include a flexible cutting element such as a wire or band element that is brought into physical contact with a guiding edge integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, the reference member. Alternatively, the cutter can include a stiff rigid blade element that is maintained in contact with the guiding edge. The cutter is drawn along a path defined by the guide edge through the tissue to sever, at least partially, a tissue section. In one particularly useful aspect of the invention, devices for keratectomy are disclosed employing an ocular reference member that engages the upper central region of the cornea and cooperates with a cutter to remove a lamellar segment from the cornea.

Abstract: A corneal incision device includes a surgical blade and a frame having an inner surface with a configuration that is generally in the shape of a ring-like segment of a hollow sphere. The frame has an aperture therein to allow the surgical blade to be inserted through the frame beyond the inner surface. The aperture is sized and shaped to allow movement of the surgical blade in one axis. The device may have a protuberance affixed to the inner surface of the frame adjacent to the aperture disposed to distort a surface of a patient's eye when the device is selectively positioned on the eye by a practitioner. The device has provisions for holding, advancing and withdrawing the surgical blade through the aperture, disposed on the frame. The device is releasably retained on the patient's eye by fixation elements disposed on the inner surface of the frame. There is a handle affixed to the frame to facilitate the practitioner's manipulation of device.

Abstract: Astigmatically-neutral wound closure is achieved by creation of a precisely-sized keratotomy anterior to a wound. Through the posterior wall of the keratotomy is passed a radial suture element. Increased tension in the suture element causes posterior gaping of the keratotomy, reducing unwanted distortion of the cornea anterior to the keratotomy.

Abstract: A keratome for performing corneal resectioning. The keratome has a positioning ring to position an eyeball with the cornea protruding through the ring to be restrained by an applanation shoe surface, which may be pivoted away. A blade is suspended from its ends by a blade support which is driven by a drive mechanism, so that the blade describes a forward path between the positioning ring and the applanation shoe at a controlled distance from the applanation shoe reference surface while also oscillating laterally, and preferably without the blade or the blade support touching either the positioning ring or the applanation shoe. A guide may be disposed parallel to the blade edge to control resectioning thickness. Drive control and vacuum for the positioning ring are provided under user command by a control unit having user inputs.

Abstract: A corneum layer stabbing device of the present invention frees a patient or subject from physical and psychological pains and realizes rapid curing. After a casing has been positioned on a skin, an electromagnet is energized to move a needle or needles mounted on a shaft until they stab the skin and penetrate a corneum layer. When the electromagnet is deenergized, the shaft returns to its original position due to the action of a spring, moving the needles away from the skin. As a result, holes are formed in the corneum layer of the skin.

Abstract: A handpiece having two sets of piezoelectric elements. One set of elements is polarized to produce longitudinal motion. The other set of elements is polarized to produce torsional motion. An appropriate ultrasound driver drives each set of elements at their respective resonant frequencies to produce longitudinal vibration and torsional oscillation.

Abstract: An apparatus for transverse planar cutting of cornea to expose a corneal surface to allow correction of myopia, apparatus including a corneal suction ring including a cornea engaging surface on side thereof and microkeratome guide surfaces on an opposite site, the guide surfaces being spaced apart, parallel and extend along opposite site of an aperture arranged for exposing a portion of a cornea, a shift member releasably mounted to an outer wall of the suction ring, a microkeratome including a cutting blade driven by a motor to execute a transverse planar cutting of cornea surface exposed by the cornea suction ring, the microkeratome cutting head having guide surfaces, engaging the corresponding guide surfaces on the cornea suction ring, and an actuator connecting the shift member and the microkeratome for controlling relative movement between the corneal suction ring and the cutting head of the microkeratome.

Abstract: A method and device for the clean, non-traumatic removal of a diseased or otherwise eroded, cut, damaged, or dystrophied epithelium layer from the cornea of an eye, for the enhanced regeneration thereof or as the first step in a PRK procedure. The device includes a source for high speed, water-jet with sufficient speed and pressure to cleanly remove the epithelium layer from the Bowman's layer but at a speed which does not affect the harder, underlying Bowman's layer. The device further includes a preferably flat, impinging surface adapted to be directly placed on the epithelium with a laterally extending portion. The flat surface lightly applanates the cornea. The waterjet is adapted to impinge on the flat surface whereby the surface causes the waterjet to laterally radiate and continuously "brush" off the epithelium until the Bowman's layer is reached. Continued waterjet impingement, for a limited period thereafter, does not affect the Bowman's layer and merely harmlessly irrigates the eye.

Abstract: In a corneal surgical apparatus for incising a cornea of a patient's eye in a layered form, a suction ring is fixedly provided on a main body. The suction ring has an opening from which the cornea of the patient's eye is projected. An applanating portion is provided, which has a flat side abutting against the cornea of the patient eye projected from the opening of the suction ring. A blade is supported movably along said suction ring in a space defined between the suction ring and the flat side of the applanating portion. A projection is associated with the blade to increase the space as the blade incises the cornea.

Abstract: A blade has a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis of elongation. The proximal end is generally rectangular cubic with a flat profile having top and bottom surfaces and short sidewalls, with each sidewall made up of two edges meeting to define an angle of approximately 100.degree. to 140.degree.. The apex of this angle is unsharpened and these sidewalls comprise guide means for guiding movements of the blade through an opening created by the cutting surfaces located on the distal end thereof. The distal end of the blade includes a cutting surface made up of a sharp pointed tip with the cutting edges proximal of the tip defining an angle of 75.degree. to 85.degree.. Two angled surfaces extend laterally and proximally to either side of the tip, each making an angle of 22.degree. to 27.degree. with the bottom surface of the blade. The tip is located between the planes defined by the top and bottom surfaces of the blade. The inventive blade is made from diamond.

Abstract: Surgical apparatus for inserting a plastic, split end, adjusting ring into the stroma of the cornea of the eye wherein the adjusting ring includes, as a part thereof, a dissecting head to part the stroma and provide a pathway for the adjusting ring as the ring is rotated. The ends of the adjusting ring are moved to change the shape of the cornea to a desired shape in accordance with the desired visual correction after which the ends of the adjusting ring are fixably joined to maintain the desired shape.

Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.

Abstract: An artificial chamber for a corneo-scleral disk for the purpose of taking a graft therefrom, the chamber comprising a stand, a cornea support carried by the stand, having a vertical axis, and possessing a head having a supporting top face into which there opens out at least one feed orifice, and a clamping ring for clamping the corneo-scleral disk on the cornea support. The clamping ring is fixed and carried by the stand, while the cornea support is mounted on the stand so as to slide along the vertical axis of the cornea support under drive from actuator means.

Abstract: A cornea surgical operation apparatus for incising a cornea of a patient's eye into a layer comprises a fixing device having an opening put into contact with the surface of the cornea and for being fixed to a peripheral part of the cornea with the opening as a center, a press device for nearly flat pressing the cornea protruded from the opening, a blade for cutting out the cornea pressed into a nearly flat shape by the press device, a movement device for moving the blade in such a way that it passes a center of the opening, and a rotation device for rotating the blade moved at least to a Bowman membrane by the movement device with the center of the opening as the center of rotation.

Abstract: An improved positioning assembly for positioning and holding a cornea of an eye during surgery includes a positioning segment, a suction force operably coupled to the positioning segment to temporarily attach it to the eye, and a suction enhancement member. The positioning segment includes a retention plate, having an aperture defined therein to receive the cornea of the eye for engagement with an interior rim disposed in surrounding relation about the aperture, and a flange member extending downwardly from the retention plate in spaced, surrounding relation to the aperture. The positioning segment further includes a vacuum port in fluid flow communication with a point radially exterior of the aperture such that a suction force applied therethrough secures the positioning segment to the eye with the cornea protruding through the aperture.

Abstract: Device for preventing cornea from collapsing including a domed frame with an irrigation duct perforated therein up to the dome of the frame, and elastic latex membrane attached to, and tightly bound at the brim of, the dome; and a chamber formed between the frame and the elastic latex membrane. The frame is incorporated in the irrigation line running from an irrigation bottle to the irrigation inlet of an ultrasound handpiece. Through the irrigation duct perforated in the frame, the chamber is linked to the irrigation line. The chamber inflates or constricts, as irrigation flows in or out, by the inflating and repulsing force of the elastic latex membrane generated by the up-to bottom irrigation. By emitting the irrigation solution into an eye through the irrigation line, the cornea is prevented from collapsing. The device with construction of an elastic latex membrane attached to the domed frame, and incorporated in the irrigation line, is especially useful for ultra-high vacuum phacoemulsification.

Abstract: An ophthalmic instrument and ophthalmic method for preventing epithelium cells from being deposited at the stroma interface during LASIK. The ophthalmic instrument has a base having a flat abutment face, two mutually concentric annular blades upstanding from the abutment face, and a cross-hair for sighting the position of the annular blades. The annular blades have a height of about 50 microns with respect to the abutment face, an inner annular blade thereof is from about 9 mm. to about 9.5 mm. in diameter, and an outer annular blade thereof is about 10.5 mm. in diameter. The ophthalmic method is performed prior to LASIK. The ophthalmic instrument is aligned over the cornea via the cross-hairs and then pressed upon the eye of a LASIK patient so that the annular blades cut into the cornea until the abutment face abuts the cornea and prevents further penetration. The depth of cut of the annular blades is such as to completely cut through the epithelium.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus for calculating ophthalmic information of an eye to be operated, then determining an amount of corneal ablation for use in surgery for correcting ametropia, based on the calculated ophthalmic information, the apparatus comprising a first input device for inputting data of a pre-operative corneal shape obtained by corneal shape measurement, a second input device for inputting data of a pre-operative refractive power obtained by objective refractive power measurement, a first calculating device for calculating data of equivalent emmetropia corneal surface refractive power which is equivalent to cause the eye to be emmetropia, based on the data of the corneal shape and the data of the refractive power, a second calculating device for calculating estimation data of a post-operative corneal shape, based on the data of the equivalent emmetropia corneal surface refractive power, a third calculating device for calculating data of the amount of corneal ablation, based on the data of the pre-ope

Abstract: The device for benign, non-surgical external shaping of corneal tissue to compensate, by refractive correction, for deviations from normal focussing. The jet is directed to erode corneal tissue to provide an increase in curvature to correct for far-sightedness i.e., to refocus a perceived image from beyond retina onto the surface of the retina.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for removal of biological tissue slices or layers, preferably in the form of lamellar sections of predetermined shape and thickness employing a reference member that engages a target tissue site and cooperates with a cutter in order to remove the tissue segment or lamella. The cutter preferably includes a flexible cutting element such as a wire or band element that is brought into physical contact with a guiding edge of the reference member and then draw along a path defined by the guide edge through the tissue to sever, at least partially, a tissue section. In one particularly useful aspect of the invention, methods and apparatus for keratectomy are disclosed employing an ocular reference member that engages the upper central region of the cornea and cooperates with a cutter to remove a lamellar segment from the cornea.

Abstract: A disposable surgical safety scalpel (3) with a retractable blade that can be retracted inside a protective shell (5); return of the blade into the shell (5) is operated through an elastic return means (15), acting between a blade support (4) and said shell (5). Movement of the support (4) and thus of the blade (3) is effected by operating a pivoted button (13), facing through a window (11) of the shell (5), said pivoted button (13) being provided with an automatic lock for the blade in said retracted position in the shell (5) and a voluntary lock for the blade in the position for use.

Abstract: Microkeratome for surgery of the cornea, comprising a securing ring (1) which includes, on an upper surface, a slide (8), and a blade carriage (10) equipped in the lower part with guide means (13) for cooperating with the slide (8), the ring including a maneuvering grip, the blade carriage (10) including a front section (12) forming a plateau (16) for flattening the cornea, in which the ring (1) and the carriage (10) include abutments (17, 18) for regulating the end of slide position of the carriage (10) in relation to the ring (1).

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical instruments connected thereto. The microsurgical instruments are for use by a user such as a surgeon in performing ophthalmic surgical procedures. The system includes a data communications bus and a user interface connected to the data communications bus. The user interface provides information to the user and receives information from the user which is representative of operating parameters of the microsurgical instruments. The system also includes surgical modules connected to and controlling the microsurgical instruments as a function of at least one of the operating parameters. The surgical modules are also connected to the data communications bus. The data communications bus provides communication of data representative of the operating parameters between the user interface and the surgical modules.

Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.

Abstract: The microkeratome comprises a holder (10) with a suction ring (11) for attachment to the sclera (12) of a patient's eye (13). A suction source (20) is connected to the ring (11). A slide (30) is displaceably mounted on the holder (10) in a linear guide (22). The slide (30) has a plane frontal surface (31) including a transparent plate (32) for contacting the cornea (70) of the eye (13). The plate (32) has concentric circular marks (34) for centering on the eye (13) and for reading the diameter (D) of contact in an initial position of the slide (30). The slide (30) contains a cutting blade (51) with a cutting edge (52) that is parallel to surface (31) and oscillatable in the direction of the edge (52). Two motors (35, 57) are mounted on the slide (30) for moving the slide (30) and oscillating the blade (51).

Abstract: A thin tip phaco needle is provided including a body having a longitudinal bore for enabling passage of debris from a surgical site, a threaded end for engaging an ultrasonic probe handpiece, and a tip, disposed at a distal end of the body, for cutting tissue. The tip includes a beveled, or stepped, edge having a wide proximal wall and a thin, distal, cutting wall of about half a width of the wide wall. The beveled edge functions to enhance cutting efficiency of the tip and increase force pressure by the tip on tissue such as to decrease ultrasonic energy required to cause the needle to penetrate hard tissue. The needle tip may be angled so as to define a cutting plane having a wide upper arc and a thin lower arc.

Abstract: A keratome (10) and a method for using the keratome (10) for cutting a cornea of an eye (14) are provided which allow an operator to view the cutting operation as it occurs. The keratome (10) includes an annular housing (12) sized to contact the eye (14) and allow a portion (21) of the cornea to protrude therein. A motor housing (22) is mounted to the annular housing (12) for movement with respect thereto in a feed direction. A blade (36) is mounted by the motor housing (22) for movement in a cutting direction transverse to the feed direction, and a motor (26) mounted by the motor housing (22) is drivingly connected to the blade (36) to provide reciprocal movement thereof in the cutting direction. Movement of the motor housing (22) in the feed direction across the eye (14) accompanied by movement of the blade (36) in the cutting direction cuts the portion (21) of the cornea protruding into the annular housing (12), while an operator can view the cutting through the annular housing (12).

Abstract: A microkeratome and related surgical methods for performing lamellar keratotomies are provided. The microkeratome includes a guide ring assembly for placement on the eyeball, or ocular globe such that the globe's cornea protrudes therethrough. The guide ring can be temporarily fixed to the ocular globe, immobilizing the eyeball relative to the instrument. A cutting blade suitable for corneal resections is carried in a cutting head over the guide ring through a cutting path defined by the guide ring. An adjustable float head, also generally known as a plaque, is connected to the cutting head for at least partially compressing the cornea ahead of the blade, so as to set the desired thickness of the corneal resection. The cutting head and float head can be driven across the guide ring, whereby the blade cuts at least partially through the cornea to perform the lamellar keratotomy.

Abstract: A cutting instrument for severing a thin layer of corneal tissue from the surface of the eye, preferably leaving a flap. The cutting instrument includes a body portion that forces the surface of the eye against an applanating surface through a vacuum. A blade with a cutting edge not perpendicular to the direction of travel is then urged across the surface of the eye, severing a thin layer of corneal tissue. The blade can then be retracted, the instrument removed, leaving a flap of corneal tissue suitable for surgical procedures to modify corneal curvature.

Abstract: The multi-plane corneal incision form of this invention includes a frame member in the shape of a segment of a hollow sphere that fits over a patient's cornea. The inner surface of the frame member includes a protuberance that distorts the cornea when the frame member is placed against the patient's cornea. The frame member also includes an aperture adjacent to the protuberance to allow a surgical blade to pass therethrough. By carefully configuring the protuberance and aligning the aperture, a physician can insert a surgical blade into the aperture and through the distorted cornea in a planar fashion that results in a multi-plane incision in the cornea once the frame member is removed from contact with the patient's cornea.

Abstract: An ophthalmic implant for treatment of glaucoma, a delivery device for implanting such an implant, and a method of implanting such an implant. The implant includes a tube having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a tube passage therebetween, and a disk connected to the tube at the outlet end of the tube. The tube passage has a cross-sectional area sufficiently small to inhibit the flow of aqueous humor through the tube passage. The implant provides a bleb of aqueous humor under the conjunctiva so that the bleb and the elasticity of the conjunctiva assist in regulating the flow of aqueous humor through the tube as a function of the IOP. The tube at its inlet end has a beveled surface facing away from the iris and one or more circumferential holes. One or more retention projections are provided for anchoring and may be extended outwardly when the implant is implanted in the eyeball. The disk has an outer rim and one or more inner uprights.

Abstract: Methods for modifying a live cornea to correct a patient's vision. In the case of hyperopia, at least one slit is first made in the cornea for inserting a knife, a fiber optic cable or micro-cutting tool therein to separate an internal area of the cornea into first and second opposed internal surfaces such that a substantially circular area centered about the main optical axis of the cornea remains attached between the first and second internal surfaces. The laser beam or micro-cutting tool can be directed onto one of the first and second internal surfaces, or both, if needed or desired to incrementally and sequentially remove three-dimensional portions of the cornea. If a laser beam is used, then a flexible template can be inserted between the internal surfaces of the cornea for accurately controlling the pattern to be ablated within the cornea. In the case of myopia, instead of removing intrastromal tissue, ocular material can be introduced between the internal surfaces to change the patient's vision.

Abstract: A method and device for benign, non-surgical external shaping of corneal tissue to compensate, by refractive correction, for deviations from normal focussing. Corneal tissue is externally gently removed by erosion to a maximum 30% depth, within several seconds, by an imperceptibly felt, highly controlled and limited area, isotonic water jet, exerting a total force of at most several ounces. The jet is directed to erode corneal tissue to provide an increase in curvature to correct for far-sightedness i.e., to refocus a perceived image from beyond retina onto the surface of the retina. To correct for near-sightedness and to refocus a perceived image from in front of the retina onto the surface of the retina, the jet is directed to flatten out by eroding, a central portion of corneal tissue, to decrease curvature. The jet is either applied by a nozzle or array of nozzles. The jet is applied and directed, in a computer controlled, raster or similar type movement, until the desired diopter change is effected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a circularly or substantially circularly shaped pocket between layers of a live cornea, and then, expanding the pocket to form a flap-like layer at the front of the live cornea which is pivotally attached to the remainder of the cornea by a flap connecting section. The cutting tool of the apparatus preferably has a circular or substantially circular cutting portion which is inserted into the cornea and reciprocated to form the pocket. Suction is applied to the front surface of the cornea to stabilize the cornea during the pocket forming process.

Abstract: A flexible and transparent corneal endothelium protective device includes a relatively thin protective barrier portion, and a relatively thicker form-providing rim around the barrier portion. An access opening is provided through at least one of the rim and the barrier portion. The protective device is foldable for insertion through a surgical incision, is resilient such that it springs into shape once positioned in the eye, and is sufficiently flexible such that it may easily be removed through the incision in the eye near the completion of the surgical procedure. Various shapes are provided for the device. The protective device is inserted through the small incision and maneuvered into the space between the iris and the cornea and permitted to unfold. During surgery, instruments and other devices may be passed through the surgical incision and extend through an access opening of the protective device to operate on the lens.

Abstract: A surgical aid apparatus and methods for making corneal incisions are disclosed. The apparatus includes a stabilizer pivotally mounted on a body which slidably houses a keratome.

Abstract: A method for improving integrity and accuracy of removal or hinged removal of elevated tissue layers particularly of a cornea. The area of tissue removal is isolated from remaining tissue by a shallow complete perimeter cut, substantially normal to the tissue surface. With a cornea, a perimeter in the form of a circumference is shallowly scored into the cornea tissue for a depth somewhat greater than that of the tissue to be removed (and of an appropriate diameter) by means of a surgical trephine. Corneal tissue, normally under tension tends to separate at the score site to form a groove with the circumscribed area becoming additionally slightly elevated from the adjacent corneal tissue because of release of tension across the groove site. Lateral edges of the circumscribed area are free of surface layer tissue which is harder to cut at an angle to the layer. Lateral cutting of the corneal tissue which extends above the groove is a perfect cut of a cylindrical slice with use of a cylindrical trephine.