Abstract: A suction ring apparatus for use in surgical eye operations comprising a right-angle section annular outer ring which retains an annular ring member of substantially triangular cross-section including an outer cylindrical wall surface, an annular end face surface and an eye-containing surface; the annular inner member has formed on its outer cylindrical wall surfaces and on the annular end face perpendicular thereto consecutive angularly spaced-apart discrete segments which engage an inner cylindrical wall surface and an annular inside end face surface of the outer ring and bound between the same and the inner member channels communicating with one another and with a vacuum bore associated with the outer ring which is connectable to a vacuum source; an edge of the outer ring defining a central aperture of the outer ring is dimensioned so that its diameter corresponds to the diameter of the corneal limbus and rests thereupon in operation.

Abstract: A novel method for performing intraocular surgery is described in which a radial incision is first made in the sclera of the eye, a subsurface scleral pocket lateral and anterior to the radial incision is then created, the subsurface scleral pocket extending anteriorly to the cornea of the eye, and finally a transverse incision is made from the pocket through the cornea into the anterior chamber of the eye. Through these incisions a damaged lens can be efficiently and effectively removed and replaced with a new lens. Various post-operative benefits are observed as a result of employing this procedure.

Abstract: An instrument for facilitating the accurate trephination of donor corneal tissue. The instrument can easily accommodate different sizes of trephines and provides for proper and accurate positioning of the donor tissue to ensure a proper central cut of the tissue. The instrument utilizes an integral base and stand that supports a moveable piston which drives the trephine through the tissue carried by a cutting block supported on the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical technique 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.

Abstract: A method of controlling astigmatism during eye surgery is provided which includes forming a wave-like incision prior to conducting surgery. Once the surgery has been completed, the wave-like incision may be stitched in a direction which is substantially parallel to the lengthwise direction of incision to avoid generating a force upon the cornea, which would tend to induce astigmatism. Astigmatism can be induced by stitching in a direction which tends to displace the tissue on opposite sides of the incision by a selected distance. Indicator lines may be applied with a sterile dye prior to surgery to allow the surgeon to insure that the tissue is not displaced when the incision is closed, or is displaced by a selected distance as may be determined by viewing the indicator lines. A marking tool is provided for marking both a wave-like outline which is used for making the incision and the indicator lines for determining relative tissue displacement.

Abstract: An ophthalmic device for making a circular incision in and alter the shape of the cornea of an eye has an inner body rotatably movable axially relative to an outer body to predetermine the depth of incision. A cornea stop is slidably moveable with the inner body to engage the cornea and position the device on the eye. The device is centered on the eye by means of a centering pin which is axially slidably moveable with respect to the cornea stop. A pointer located on the inner body operates in conjunction with a bezel on the outer body to provide a read-out of depth of the incision.

Abstract: Refractive error of the cornea is corrected by a scraping procedure of rotating or oscillating a sharpened knife edge blade that is tangential to and against a top of the cornea at its center axis, and micro-axially advanced until the refractive error has been corrected.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a patient's visual fixation and centration while marking the patient's cornea comprises a housing, a light source axially aligned and integral to the housing to maintain the patient's visual fixation and centration while the cornea is marked with the light source acting as a point source of light and enabling the patient to see a shadow image of the patient's pupil, and means for marking the cornea which are integral to the housing and positioned such that the light source and means for marking are axially aligned. A method for maintaining a patient's visual fixation and centration while marking the cornea employs the apparatus in such a manner that the patient looks directly at the center of the image emanating from the illuminated light source, which is a shadow image of the patient's pupil, and the means for marking are then employed to place a mark on the patient's cornea.

Abstract: Cutting apparatus for excision of a round corneal disc. The cutting apparatus includes a hollow cylindrical cutting knife known as a trepan. The cutting knife is held by an outer cylinder which has a connection plate on its end extending toward the cornea to be cut. Extending perpendicularly to the axis of the cylinder is a connection plate with a bore for the passage of the cutting knife. In the cylinder there is situated near its rear end a clip ring, within which the rear end of the cutting knife is held by a frictional fit. With the aid of a feed apparatus, the cutting knife is axially moveable with respect to the cylinder for the performance of the cutting movement. The cutting apparatus can be joined with its connection plate either by an artificial anterior chamber support or with a vacuum ring on the patient eye. In both cases, there is assured guiding of the cutting knife perpendicularly to a plane which traverses the base of the cornea.

Abstract: A gas purging, eye fixation hand piece (10) includes a vacuum ring (15) evacuated by a suction line (21) through a handle (20) via which a purging gas is delivered to an array of purging nozzles (36-38) aimed into the vacuum ring from around an inner perimeter of the vacuum ring to direct purging gas jets towards the proximal side (16) of vacuum ring (15) attached to an eye that is held steady in a reference position for laser surgery. A preferably disposable and resilieint eye-engaging ring (25) is removably mounted on the vacuum ring to engage the eye around the cornea, and a spring-biased suction release valve (24) is preferably mounted on hand piece handle (20) for finger operation by the surgeon to release hand piece (10) from the eye when surgery is completed. Mounting of gas purging nozzles (36-38) on the hand piece automatically positions them properly for keeping the cornea clear of particles formed by laser ablation of eye tissue, once hand piece (10) is properly fixed to the eye.

Abstract: A marking device is provided for marking the sclera and/or limbus of a patient's eye to standardize and define incision location and suture placement prior to cataract removal, and to aid in the intraoperative control of astigmatism. The device comprises a generally arcuate body member having opposed major surfaces with a plurality of projections extending from one of the major surfaces. The body member has an inferior arc and a superior arc with the inferior arc having a smaller radius than the superior arc. The projections are radially aligned, extending from the major surface and are adapted to be inked and to transfer ink marks to the sclera and/or limbal area of an eye. The ink marks represent the locations where incisions and sutures are to be placed.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the surgical correction of ametropia, which can occur as a function of the corneal curvature in the optical system of one or both eyes of living beings, are proposed. The apparatus includes a grinder essentially comprising a base member to be fixed to the eye and a rotary-driven grinding or polishing punch. A displacement of the focal point in the retinal plane is achieved and consequently the ratio of the optical axis to the refractive force of the eye is corrected by grinding and/or polishing the cornea surface in the optical curvature region.

Abstract: A method for locating on the cornea an optical lens having a preselected geometric shape and power wherein the optical lens is formed of a collagen-hydrogel for promoting epithelial cell growth is shown. The method comprises the steps of: removing from Bowman's membrane over the area of the pupillary zone of the eye a portion of the corneal epithelium; forming on Bowman's membrane a "V" shaped annular groove having a diameter substantially equal to the maximum geometrical dimensions of the optical lens and a preselected depth; dissecting the peripheral edge of the groove forming a wing of corneal tissue having a preselected length; placing the posterior surface of the optical lens on the anterior surface of Bowman's membrane and positioning the outer edge of the optical lens under the corneal wing, and affixing the optical lens to Bowman's membrane over the pupillary zone of the eye to maintain the same on the cornea with the corneal wing overlying the edge of the optical lens.

Abstract: A process for producing a collagen-based cross-linked biopolymer is provided in which a collagen solution free of low-molecular impurities is saturated with nitrogen protoxide, its concentration is brought to maximum 80 mass percent and the solution is exposed to an ionizing radiation in a dose of 0.5 to 15 kGy. An implant for hermetization of corneal and scleral wounds involved in eye injuries prepared from said bipolymer has the shape and size that provide for complete hermetization of said wounds. The method for its preparation comprises saturation of a collagen solution free of impurities and having a concentration of 0.2 to 1.3 mass percent, with nitrous oxide, filling of a mould with said solution and its exposure to an ionizing radiation in a dose of 0.5 to 15 kGy. The resultant blank is dried to a moisture content in its biopolymer of 30 to 50 mass percent, whereupon the blank is given the shape and size of a required implant.

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 robot for surgical operation which comprises arm structure mounted at its one end of a vertical support and extending in a predetermined direction.The robot comprises a drive mechanism mounted on the other end of the arm structure and adapted to extend substantially horizontally further in said predetermined direction. A head or trepan is mounted at the extended end of and driven by said drive mechanism. Light transmissive fiber or the like mounted on the trepan takes an image of the patient and a controller process the image through video data processing for driving the arm structure, thereby controlling the position and tilt of the trepan with respect to the patient.

Abstract: To remove a cataract, a cannula is inserted through a plurality of layers of compacted material in the lens and fluid of between 1/500 and 1/100 of a milliliter is injected to separate the layers of the lens cortex and lens nucleus. These steps are repeated until the nucleus and cortex of the lens are decompacted at increasing penetrations until a compacted portion of the nucleus is reached which resists the insertion of a needle. An elongated tool is inserted through an incision into the capsular chamber and against the lens to cut the lens in a series of paths diverging from the incision and thus to break the lens into a series of wedge-shaped sections. The tool may have an ultrasonic vibrator mounted within its center, whereby the cutting action is aided.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and application of a goniectomy instrument for the purpose of diagnostically and therapeutically removing tissue from the anterior chamber angle of the eye and for retrieving this tissue for further examination. The surgical instrument of this invention comprises in combination: a hollow, tapered shaft having a cutting edge at one end as an integral part thereof; a retractable stylet contained within the hollow interior of the tapered shaft; and an irrigation port running along the outside of the tapered shaft. This instrument is useful for excising tissue to relieve an obstruction blocking the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye as well as for providing specimens of the excised tissue for histopathological examination.

Abstract: A surgical knife, especially for use by ophthalmic surgeons for performing radial keratotomy, comprises an elongate body and a head portion which receives a diamond blade and within which the blade is displaceable forwards and backwards lengthwise of the knife along a line extending at an angle of inclination to the axis of the knife body. The angle of inclination is preferably about 20.degree.. The knife preferably incorporates a micrometer setting mechanism, adjustment of which is transmitted through the knife body to a piston located in the head portion and arranged to make contact with a knife holder for the blade. The transmission chain from micrometer to piston may include a cranked element acting on the piston.