Abstract: A surgical appliance for slicing a sliver from the cornea comprises:a base comprising an annular suction chamber shaped to be pressed against the sclera of an eye;a cornea-shaping element situated above the base and having a surface turned to face it; anda cutting blade movable in a plane that is situated between the surface of the shaping element, and the base.According to the invention, the appliance has a general support to which the base is coupled by means enabling its position relative to the support to be adjusted along the axis of symmetry of the annular chamber, and to which the cutting blade is coupled by means enabling its position relative to the general support to be adjusted along a direction parallel to the axis of symmetry of the annular chamber and enabling it to be displaced perpendicularly to said axis.

Abstract: An astigmatism reducing device includes an alignment tool having a bore, extending through said alignment tool, for enabling centering of said alignment tool by observation of a cornea limbus. A handle is provided for enabling placement of said alignment tool onto a cornea and sclera of an eye and a bottom curvature on the alignment tool engages and conforms to the cornea. A lid retractor including a channel adjacent said bottom curvature is provided for separating eyelids from said cornea and sclera and enabling a portion of the bottom curvature to be disposed thereunder. Tubular cornea cutter, having an outside diameter sized for insertion into the alignment tool bore means is provided for supporting at least one cutting blade for rotation within the alignment tool bore, the cutting blade being disposed with a longitudinal axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular cornea cutter.

Abstract: A method for reducing irregular astigmatism and debris during lamellar surgery of the eye is practiced by preoperatively marking the corneal surface with a pattern or radial and pararadial lines. After making the incision, the incised corneal cap or flap is removed, followed by reshaping of the corneal stroma, irrigating the corneal bed to wash residual debris, and aspirating fluid from the eye. The corneal cap or flap is then repositioned on the cornea by realignment of the pattern of radial and pararadial lines.

Abstract: This invention is for a surgical method for modifying the curvature of the cornea. The method involves making a semicircular lamellar cut on the cornea to form a superficial layer which remains connected to the cornea in a superior zone so as to form a flap. The superficial is raised to expose the underlying surfaces which are subjected to the desired ablation. The superficial layer is then replaced over the underlying surface so as to adhere. By forming a flap with the connecting hinge region in a superior zone, the flap which is raised during the operation and then replaced will be smoothed over the remaining part of the cornea under the effects of the blinking movement of the eyelid and by gravity. This encourages the distension and centering of the superficial layer and enhances the effects of the ablative treatment. The method of the invention also provides greater ease and convenience to the surgeon performing the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical technique and instrument kit that allows for subtle modification of the corneal curvature by interlamellar injection of a synthetic gel at the corneal periphery while sparing the optical zone. The gel viscosity, volume and disposition within the surgical annular track as well as the diameter of the track, width, depth, and location are all parameters in the refractive change obtained. Following ultrasonic pachymetry performed centrally and at a selected wound entrance located about 2.5 to 3.5 mm from the apex, a one millimeter or so wide, about 75-85% corneal thickness depth radial incision is performed with a micrometric diamond knife adjusted to about 86% corneal thickness. Inserted through the partial-depth incision, a corkscrew-like dissector or helicoidal spatula forms a 360.degree. annular track centered about the apex. A transparent gel is manually injected through the incision, filling the annular channel.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a capsulotomy employ a handpiece including a cutting assembly that fits into the anterior chamber of the eye, and cuts an opening in the capsule of the eye with mechanical oscillation. The cutting assembly includes a rigid sleeve enclosing an oscillating shaft. The sleeve and oscillating shaft are configured to induce a laminar flow of fluid in the interior of the sleeve during operation of the system. The cutting member oscillates in a direction transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the handpiece.

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 adjustable intrastromal device adapted for implantation in the cornea and formed of a flexible hollow shell composed of a material such as a silicone or urethane polymer, with a chamber that may be filled with a biocompatible material such as saline or gel. Preferably, the device has more than one compartment, each of which is water-tight and distinct from the other compartments. Each compartment contains a predetermined amount of the biocompatible fluid described, and the device is implanted in the cornea in surrounding relation to the optical zone of the cornea. Increased volume displaced by the ring results in greater flattening of the central anterior corneal curvature thus correcting myopia. Preferably, the myopia is slightly overcorrected resulting in more flattening of the cornea than necessary for optimal vision.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus and method for incising an aperture in the anterior capsule of the human eye are disclosed. The apparatus or capsulorhexitome, comprises a hollow shaft, a concentric cutting member with a annular channel and orifice, and means for injecting a substantially incompressible fluid through the apparatus to incise a smooth, continuous, curvilinear aperture in the anterior capsule of the eye.

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, said 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: Apparatus for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) into eyes comprises a tube, a rod having a distal end portion, and a tip carried by the distal end portion. The tip is softer than the distal end portion of the rod. Methods for inserting an IOL into an eye using such apparatus are within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: A remotely operable intraocular surgical instrument specially adapted to perform anterior capsulectomy/capsulorhexis for extracapsular cataract extractions and emulsifications is disclosed. The intraocular instrument has a main body portion including at least two internally defined passageways and a rounded internal chamber including a rotatable wheel or a gear. An arm of variable length including a knife is associated with the rotatable wheel or gear such that movement of the wheel/gear rotates the knife through 360 degrees. In one embodiment, the wheel is driven through the use of a fluid forced through the internal passageways and around the wheel. In another embodiment a shaft having specialized teeth communicates pressure applied to a handle to the gear, thus turning the associated knife. Both embodiments include a releasable stop to prevent the knife from rotating and cutting past 360 degrees.

Abstract: A method and device for highly accurate corneal topographical mapping and a device for effecting the mapping for use in effecting vision correction by removal of corneal tissue. The method and device involve use of a modified optical interferometer with directing of a coherent light beam, such as from a laser, to the anterior surface of a cornea; splitting the beam so that half the beam is directed to a reference object having a predetermined shape; capturing the reflected light from the cornea and the reference object so as to form an interference pattern; and using the interference pattern to determine deviations or displacements of the corneal surface from the known reference shape. The deviations are then utilized in corneal tissue removing procedures, such as RK, PRK and RLK, by determination of the extent and position of tissue removal.

Abstract: A cutting device for the cutting and reduction of matter from a surgical site having a cutting head having an entry tip and three or more cutting blades positioned on opposed leading edges of a window formed through the interior of the cutting head. The window includes angled walls extending from each cutting blade along the circumference of the window. The cutting head is attached to a shaft for mounting the cutting device to a rotary surgical drill. The cutting head can also have a blade on the outer perimeter of the head. The matter is removed and further reduced as the cutting head is rotated at the surgical site. The geometry of the cutting head and entry tip can be varied for particular surgical procedures. The cutting device can also include a cannula or drill guard.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting corneal curvature of the eye comprising an adjustable split device formed of a flexible hollow shell which is implantable into the cornea in encircling relation to the central optic zone of the cornea. The implant is filled by a predetermined amount with a select quantity of solid biocompatible material in various forms such as rings or strands and composed of flexible polymeric materials of various shape and length. The biocompatible filler material is strategically located within the flexible shell to alter its dimensions in thickness or diameter and thereby adjust the corneal curvature to correct for refractive error. Further adjustment of the implant may be made post-operatively after implantation by select removal of the biocompatible filler material, shifting of the material, or addition of new material to the device.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method and kit for producing a desired channel or pathway in the interlamellar space in the corneal stroma for inserting a biocompatible material. The biocompatible polymer may be an intrastromal corneal ring (ICR). The method involves the use of clockwise and counter-clockwise dissectors, and optionally channel connectors and finish channel connectors. The kit contains clockwise and counter-clockwise dissectors and optionally channel connectors, finish channel connectors and probes.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method and kit for producing a desired channel or pathway in the interlamellar space in the corneal stroma for inserting a bio-compatible material. The method involves the use of clockwise and counter-clockwise dissectors and optionally channel connectors and finish channel connector.

Abstract: A device and method for the selective removal of corneal tissue, and change of curvature thereof, for refractive vision correction, and for removal of corneal tissue for therapeutic treatment of the cornea; by means of a deforming template in conjunction with a water jet keratome. The template is adapted to deform the cornea to provide a regular surface which can be transversely cut by the water jet, while the cornea is supported against movement. The water jet can be adjusted to cleanly separate defective epithelium tissue from the Bowman's layer. Use of the water jet keratome provides a cut corneal tissue surface of smoothness and polish, substantially equivalent to that of the original surface, thereby enhancing healing and transplantation effectiveness.

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: A method for transplanting planar implants, devices, etc., is provided. Method is particularly adapted for transplanting planar sheets of retinal cells to the subretinal region of an eye. A method of preparing the retinal cell sheet and the associated surgical instrument is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical knife has a blade portion including a sharp edge disposed in a first plane and a dull portion offset from the first plane by a selected amount substantially equal to the amount of desired lengthening. When the blade is inserted into a previously-formed incision in tissue and moved in the direction of desired lengthening, the sharp edge cuts the tissue to lengthen the incision until the dull portion abuts against a wall of the incision to prevent further travel of the blade. The dull portion thus acts as a "stop" which prevents further travel of the blade beyond a desired point, enabling controlled lengthening of the incision.

Abstract: An optical guide dispenses laser light that is incident outside a selected region during laser eye surgery. The guide is formed as a body with a passageway of selected geometrical cross-section that defines a mininmum optical opening. The body has a material which circumferentially surrounds the passageway that is effective to dispense laser light incident thereto such that the energy thereof is dissipated to a level that will not affect eye tissue. A handle may optionally be provided to facilitate manipulation of the body. The passageway is preferably frustoconical. An optical system incorporates the optical guide and includes a mount that is to be placed in contact with the eye. The optical guide is secured to the mount, such as by cooperative rails and protrusions. A method is described to perform laser eye surgery using such optical guide and directing laser light along an optical path parallel to the central axis of the passageway.

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: An ophthalmic surgical device for pulverizing the lens nucleus in the eye and for removing particles of the macerated lens nucleus from the eye of a living being, includes a housing which supports a mounting that receives at its forward end a guide tube. Set within the guide tube is a tubular probe which has one end carrying a cutting element and another end operatively connected to a motor for rotating the tubular probe together with the cutting element and/or moving the tubular probe together with the cutting element in axial direction relative to the stationary guide tube.

Abstract: A scrubber pad for a rotating epithelial removal tool is made of a single piece of substantially rigid plastic which has formed thereon a scrubbing surface equipped with a radial channel or channels to retain cell debris and lubricating fluid. An eccentrically located fluid supply conduit can provide additional fluid and can also serve with the radial channels as a visual centering indicator to the patient. The edges of the scrubbing surface can be undercut to give them a desired flexibility.

Abstract: A device that permits and facilitates implantation of an intracorneal ring for the correction of ametropias has two semicircular complementary strip-like cutting members, a support for maintaining the cutting members in fixed relationship, and a hand held operating member which is associated with the support and has a peripheral circular finger-engaging surface. In use, two small incisions are made in the cornea and a surgeon, holding the operating member, presses the cutting members against the cornea, directing the leading ends of the cutting members into the incisions. The device is rotated 180.degree. to create a 360.degree. tunnel in the cornea, and then it is reversed and removed. An intralamellar split ring is introduced into the tunnel. The ring is formed of silicon or the like; and, it has apertures to facilitate manipulation during the operation, a triangular cross section, and rounded ends.

Abstract: A device for corneal surgery includes an oscillating blade which, during a cutting process, separates a corneal lamella. The movement of the blade is stopped at a certain place so that the separated corneal lamella remains attached by a tissue hinge to the corneal tissue which has remained on the eye.

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses a surgical instrument system including a surgical knife for use in incising a tissue of a patient and a vacuum system coupled to the surgical knife. The surgical knife includes a blade having a cutting edge and tip associated therewith and having a width for making an incision in a tissue of a patient, and an incision depth control guard having a surface normal to the blade and at a predetermined distance above the tip of the blade. The surface of the depth control guard normal to the blade has an opening formed therein through which a vacuum is drawn to create a suction force whereby the tissue to be incised is pulled into substantial contact with the surface. The system further includes a vacuum device suitably operative to create a suction force through the opening in the surface of the incision depth control guard to thereby maintain substantial contact between the tissue to be incised and the surface of the incision depth control guard.

Abstract: A method of repairing a cornea of an eye. A donor material of living tissue in the shape of a partial sphere having an exterior Bowman's membrane of living tissue, is first die cut to define an outline configuration including a central extent and a plurality of tabs extending outwardly therefrom. The tabs are then shaved to remove substantially all of the donor material therefrom leaving substantially only the Bowman's membrane. The eye to be repaired is then punched to form a central aperture in the cornea having a size and shape essentially that of the central extent of the donor material. A plurality of pockets are incised from the central aperture into the cornea, the pockets being positioned and sized and shaped to receive the respective shaven tabs when the central extent is positioned within the central aperture.

Abstract: A corneal surface marker is used to improve centration of surgical laser instrumention and repositioning of a corneal cap or flap in corneal surgery, particularly lamellar corneal surgery. The marker has inner and outer concentric rings with marking radials extending off the rings to provide adequate reference points for marking indicia to be placed on the corneal surface. The method involves positioning a patient's head with direct light thereby fixating and centering the laser instrumentation over the visual axis of the eye, preoperatively marking the corneal surface with a plurality of radial lines spaced about the visual axis, and aligning a reticule of a surgical laser instrument over the radial lines thereby permitting anatomic centration of the instrument over the visual axis for subsequent accurate surgical reshaping of the cornea.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting corneal curvature of the eye comprising an adjustable split ring formed of an elastic hollow shell which is implantable into the cornea in encircling relation to the central optic zone of the cornea. The ring is filled by a predetermined amount with a select quantity of biocompatible material, either a fluid or strands of biocompatible suture material or polymethylmethacrylate, of predetermined size and length. The biocompatible filler material is strategically located within the elastic shell to alter its dimensions in thickness or diameter and thereby adjust the corneal curvature to correct for refractive error. Further adjustment of the ring may be made post-operatively after implantation by select removal of the biocompatible filler material.

Abstract: A capsulorrhexis instrument that is retractable within a tube and extendable into a position projecting out of the tube. The instrument comprises a flexible band having a razor sharp cutting edge which is fixed to a plunger and located within an inserter tube. While in its retracted position within the inserter tube, the flexible band assumes an elliptical or oblong shape. However, when the flexible band is in its extended position outside of the inserter tube such as inside the eye, it expands into a circular shape whose cutting edge is sufficiently sharp to cut lens capsular tissue in response to pressure being applied to the lens capsular tissue by the cutting edge. The dimension to which the flexible band expands to reach the circular shape upon becoming clear of the inserter tube is larger than a cross-section of the gap defined by the inserter tube through which the flexible band travels in its elliptical or oblong shape.

Abstract: An intracellular surgical tool for removing material from an eye of a patient. The tool is provided with a blade to allow the tool to make its own incision in the eye. The tool is provided with a cutting assembly and an aspiration apparatus to remove a portion of vitreous from the eye for inspection and testing. The tool is also fitted with a mechanism for replacing the removed vitreous with saline or similar fluid. The tool is portable having a housing and battery pack releasably coupled to one another. The cutting assembly is releasably secured to the housing. Accordingly, the housing may be removed and the cutting assembly discarded so that the housing may be sterilized before performing a vitrectomy.

Abstract: A surgical knife blade of the type primarily intended for making incisions in the eye, though suitable for incising virtually any spherical surface, is disclosed. The blade is uniquely characterized by its construction to include cutting edge bevels of different transverse dimension on the anterior surface of the blade with respect to the transverse dimension of corresponding bevels on the posterior surface of the blade, such that the blade of this invention will incise a substantially straight, perpendicular cut into the eye or other spherical surface.

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: The refractive surgery keratotomy knife has a handle with a footplate and a holding member for receiving and holding a flared surgical blade fixed to the handle and knife body. The footplate is adapted to be placed against the cornea of the eye. The blade is held by a blade support with the cutting edge of the blade extending beyond the footplate for forming an incision in the cornea of the eye by pressing the blade directly into the cornea tissue.

Abstract: A corneal surface marker is used to improve centration and repositioning of a corneal cap or flap in lamellar corneal surgery. The marker has inner and outer concentric rings with marking radial and pararadials extending off the rings to provide adequate reference points for marking indicia to be placed on the corneal surface. The method involves preoperatively marking the corneal surface with suitable indicia in a pattern of radial and pararadial lines extending over the area of the cornea through which an incision will be made to excise a cap or flap and, after the keratotomy is performed, the cap or flap is replaced by realignment of the radial and pararadial lines with the area of the cornea surrounding the incision.

Abstract: A ophthalmic hand piece having a phaco needle or YAG laser is provided with a balloon nucleofractis irrigation sleeve. The balloon nucleofractis irrigation sleeve includes an irrigation conduit, a balloon fluid conduit, a balloon, and a connector for coupling the balloon nucleofractis irrigation sleeve to the distal end of the ophthalmic hand piece. The balloon fluid conduit is coupled adjacent to the irrigation conduit and the balloon is sealed to the distal end of the balloon fluid conduit. In practice, with the balloon contracted, the phaco needle or YAG laser is first used to carve a groove in the cataract. Once a groove has been carved, the balloon is positioned into the groove and swelled. Expansion of the balloon causes the cataract to fracture into halves or quarters. Each half or quarter can similarly be carved with a groove and fractured using swelling of the balloon.

Abstract: Continuous, aspheric optical molds for reshaping the surface of the cornea having an inner concave surface matched to the topography of the cornea. The curvatures of the molds are modified from a curve matched to a patient's corneal topography to include a flattened pressure zone applying relative pressure and thereby displacing underlying corneal tissue, a steepened relief zone raised away from the surface of the cornea to receive displaced corneal tissue, and a flattened anchor zone to control and direct movement of displaced corneal tissue into the relief zones.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical device for macerating the lens nucleus in the eye and for removing particles of the macerated lens nucleus from the eye of a living being, includes a hand-held housing with a head piece attached at one axial end of the housing and supporting a guide tube. Disposed in the guide tube is a tubular probe which is operatively connected to a motor drive and projects beyond the guide tube with its tip to carry a cutting element in form of at least two rotatable wing-like blades oriented approximately transversely to the longitudinal axis of the guide tube. By means of the drive, the tubular probe is rotatable relative to the stationary guide tube about the longitudinal axis and movable at a high frequency in direction of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The intrastromal corneal ring is adjustable in thickness and has an elongated, flexible, preferably transparent or translucent body which forms a circle. The intrastromal corneal ring is of a size such that it can be inserted into a human eye and is comprised of a material which is compatible with human ocular tissue. The thickness of the ring can be adjusted so that it is not necessary to stock a plurality of different rings of different sizes to be used in connection with a method of adjusting the shape of the cornea of the eye. A plurality of different embodiments of intrastromal corneal rings are disclosed each of which are adjustable in terms of their thickness. The thickness may be adjusted prior to the insertion of the intrastromal corneal ring into the cornea and may not be further adjustable after insertion.

Abstract: A surgical device for altering the curvature of an eye includes a base which carries a transparent insert, a drive device, a knife edge coupled to the drive device and movable to a plane immediately adjacent the under surface of the transparent insert. The transparent insert includes a face having a surface portion shaped according to a predetermined correction. The base further includes a suction ring which forms a vacuum chamber with the eye. The suction ring is placed against the eye. Application of vacuum results in the cornea of the eye being urged into engagement with the shaped surface portion. Actuation of the drive device moves the knife edge whereby the cornea is cut. Only the knife edge traverses the insert.

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, said 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: A set of surgical instruments and a method for performing Keratorefractive eye surgery is disclosed. The set of surgical instruments includes two or more knife blades for making incisions of a precise depth in the cornea, and two or more footplate assemblies for holding each of the knife blades, the cutting portion of each knife blade extends from the footplate assembly by a precise fixed length corresponding to the precise depth of incision which can be made by that particular knife blade. Each footplate assembly includes a footplate which moves on the surface of the cornea to precisely control the depth of incision. Each footplate assembly also includes markers for indicating the range, fixed length and style of the knife blade, along with a handle for holding and manipulating each knife blade.

Abstract: A device is provided to plastically change the shape of the cornea by application of a vacuum. The device has elongated openings that are connected to a vacuum pump. By placing the device on the surface of the cornea and then applying a vacuum, a plastic deformation of the area of the cornea below the openings is achieved. The resulting effect is that the curvature and the refractive power of the cornea and the eye are changed. A flatter cornea reduces or corrects myopia or nearsightedness. Applications extend to correction of all refractive errors: myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of fabricating a surgical cutting tool and a tool fabricated by such method. The surgical cutting tool (20) comprises a base (21) and an upstanding cutting blade (22), fabricated by locating a mask (32) of a shape corresponding to that of the required cutting blade on the surface of a substrate (31) and etching the substrate from its exposed surface and undercutting the mask from the edges thereof to thereby for a cutting edge of an upstanding cutting blade (22) in the substrate under at least a part of the mask. The tool of the invention is particularly suitable for cutting thin membranes within the human or animal body and has specific application in extracapsular cataract extraction operations, where accurate cutting of the thin membrane of the eye's lens capsule is required.

Abstract: A corneal surgical instrument comprising a surgical knife and ultrasonic probe assembly (12) that measures the corneal thickness, monitors the positioning and perpendicularity of the knife (37) and controls the depth of the knife blade (37). The ultrasonic probe assembly (15) includes a pair of ultrasonic probes (47) disposed on opposite sides of the knife blade (37). Information on monitored parameters is displayed to the surgeon.

Abstract: The horizontal base of an L-shaped blade is inserted within an existing incision performed as part of a traditional radial keratotomy procedure to permit an intrastromal cut to be made to urge corneal collapse and provide myopia correction without incurring glare and central vision distortion for the patient. The base of the blade extends approximately 1 mm to a very sharp vertical edge from the vertical arm attached to a blade holder to permit up to an equivalent length intrastromal cut until the end of the arm reaches the end of the preexisting incision through Bowman's membrane and the epithelium. The height of the base and length of the cutting edge is approximately 450 microns to prevent cutting or perforation of either of Bowman's or Descemet's membranes.

Abstract: A surgical device for altering the curvature of an eye includes a base which carries a transparent insert, a drive device, a knife edge coupled to the drive device and movable to a plane immediately adjacent the under surface of the transparent insert. The transparent insert includes a face having a surface portion shaped according to a predetermined correction. The base further includes a suction ring which forms a vacuum chamber with the eye. The suction ring is placed against the eye. Application of vacuum results in the cornea of the eye being urged into engagement with the shaped surface portion. Actuation of the drive device moves the knife edge whereby the cornea is cut. Only the knife edge traverses the insert. In a surgical procedure, a lamellar flap is first cut to remove the epithelium, and a second prescriptive cut is made to excise a disk to provide the prescriptive correction.