Abstract: A microsurgical system, and a foot controller for the improved operation of a microsurgical system, are disclosed. A surgeon may use the foot controller to simultaneously control multiple surgical parameters based upon movement of a foot pedal of the foot controller in a single plane of motion.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument for refractive opthalmological treatments includes an instrument base body unit (12) to be placed on the eye and that can be fixed relative to the latter, wherein guide holding means (30, 44) are associated with the instrument base body unit, the said means being intended and designed for the movably guided holding, relative to the instrument base body unit, of at least two cutting units (14) of different cutting geometries.

Abstract: These methods, devices, and structures are useful in the field of ophthalmology; the devices and methods relate variously to separating or lifting corneal epithelium from the eye preferably in a substantially continuous layer, placing a lens or other suitable ocular or medical device beneath the epithelial membrane, and to the resulting structures formed by those procedures. The de-epilthelialization devices generally utilize a non-cutting separator or dissector that is configured to separate the epithelium at a naturally occurring cleavage surface in the eye between the epithelium and the corneal stroma (Bowman's membrane), specifically separating in the region of the lamina lucida. The separator or dissector may have a structure that rolls or vibrates (or both) at that cleavage surface or interface during the dissection step. The separated epithelium may be lifted or peeled from the surface of the eye to form an epithelial flap or a pocket.

Abstract: A device for performing a capsulorhexis incision inserted via a small wound cut in the corneal or sclera tissue. The device includes a motorized cutting element and a handle The motorized cutting element has mechanical means to create a cut in the anterior capsule tissue along a planned capsulorhexis line, said mechanical means tear small fragments of the anterior capsule in a fashion that may be similar to either a saw, a rotating chipping bit, a continuous hole puncher or a combination of those mechanical means thereby, creating a relatively smooth cut without the risk of undesired capsular tear.

Abstract: The invention relates to ophthalmology surgical procedures, and specifically to vitreous retinal surgical procedures for marking positions for incision/injection sites on the scleral surface of the eye. The types of ophthalmic vitreous surgical procedures for which are applicable include but not limited to, vitrectomies performed in hospital operating rooms and vitreous injections are routinely performed in doctor's offices for a variety of procedures to treat abnormal eye conditions. The invention discloses a range of scleral limbal marker for adult human patients, pediatric patients, and domestic and other animals. The invention discloses markers in materials capable of sterilization and for markers in materials suitable for disposal and packaged in vacuum sealed packages.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a tissue tract (8, 11A, 17A) from within a first passageway of an eye (11, 17) connecting to a second passageway in the eye (12, 16) comprising an elongated tool with a proximal end and distal end. The tool has an outer diameter in the range of about 50 to about 1000 microns.

Abstract: A microsurgical system, and a foot controller for the improved operation of a microsurgical system, are disclosed. A surgeon may use the foot controller to simultaneously control multiple surgical parameters based upon movement of a foot pedal of the foot controller in a single plane of motion.

Abstract: A planning device generating control data for a treatment apparatus for refraction-correcting ophthalmic surgery is provided, said apparatus using a laser device to separate a corneal volume, which is to be removed for correction, from the surrounding cornea by at least one cut surface in the cornea of an eye, said planning device comprising an interface for receiving corneal data including information on pre-operative cuts which were generated in a previous ophthalmic operation, and computing means for defining a corneal cut surface which confines the corneal volume to be removed, said computing means defining the corneal cut surface on the basis of the corneal data and generating a control dataset for the corneal cut surface for control of the laser device.

Abstract: A keratome for performing corneal resectioning that creates a corneal flap having a temporal hinge in which a blade is initially positioned nasally and is drawn across the cornea to create the flap with a temporal hinge.

Abstract: A method and system for calculating ocular incision positions to address astigmatism in an eye. The present design includes providing biometric information, determining an incision location:and angle based on the biometric information and a nomogram such as a Donnenfeld nomogram, relating astigmatism conditions and incision conditions, and presenting the incision location and angle to a user, such as via a graphical user interface. The design is intended to be employed on a general purpose computer and the utility employed, an LRI (Limbal Relaxation Incision) calculator utility may be executed to compute the desired results based on a set of eye measurement inputs.

Abstract: A method for endothelial keratoplasty donor tissue transport and delivery to a recipient's eye, such as in DLEK, DSEK and DSAEK procedures, comprises the steps of: attaching endothelial keratoplasty donor tissue to a tissue holder, wherein the attachment between the tissue holder and the donor tissue is not on the endothelial layer of the endothelial keratoplasty donor tissue; placing the tissue holder and the attached donor tissue within a surrounding insertion tip; transporting the insertion tip to a position adjacent an access opening in the recipient's eye; inserting the tissue holder with the attached donor tissue through the opening and extending the tissue holder from within the insertion tip to position the donor tissue within the recipient's eye; and separating the attached donor tissue from the tissue holder with the tissue holder within the recipient's eye. An associated apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for preparing a corneal graft from a corneo-scleral button for keratoplasty, such as DLEK, DSEK, or DSAEK, are characterized by the combination of a sterile, disposable, artificial anterior chamber (102) for holding a corneo-scleral button, and a sterile, disposable keratome (104, 130) having a cutting blade (136) for cutting a corneal flap or resection from the button. The keratome (104, 130) and the artificial chamber (102) are substantially entirely plastic and disposable, and a reusable control assembly (106, 400) is connected to the keratome (104, 130) by a control cable (402) to automatically cut the button. The control cable (402) includes a shaft (406) movable within a sheath (404). The artificial chamber (102) includes a stand (112) for supporting a corneo-scleral button, and a cap (114, 302) mountable to the stand (112) to hold the button in place while it is cut.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of separating a posterior endothelial layer of a donor cornea having an epithelium, layers of stroma, a Descemet's membrane and an endothelium, after the donor cornea has been harvested from a cadaver. The method comprises the steps of mounting the donor cornea on an artificial anterior chamber provided with a datum point and means for receiving a microkeratome and using the microkeratome to separate the posterior endothelial layer of the donor cornea. The artificial anterior chamber is configured such that the datum point is located at a predetermined height relative to the endothelium when the donor cornea is mounted, and a cutting height of the microkeratome is set to a predetermined height with reference to the datum point. There is also disclosed an artificial anterior chamber and a microkeratome for use with the method.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use enable a surgeon to form a precut lamellar disk that is removed by the same through a single incision along the perimeter of the cornea. This may be done using one this one instrument. Another instrument enables the surgeon to scrap off adhering parts. One more instrument enables the surgeon to hold a folded cornea donor disk to avoid inverting the disk upon unfolding. Yet another instrument enables the surgeon to “iron out” wrinkles in the implanted donor cornea.

Abstract: A blade holder 16 includes a bottom surface 18 for attachment to a blade 30. A top surface 20 interfaces with a drive-pin 32 of a microkeratome 38. A drive slot 22 is formed in the top surface 20 for engagement with the drive-pin 32 for allowing oscillation of the blade holder 16. A plurality of steps 24 are formed in the top surface 20, and rise from the drive slot 22 toward at least one side 26 of the blade holder 16.

Abstract: In a contact glass for ophthalmic surgery, which comprises a lens body (22) incorporated into a mount (37), said mount (37) having an anterior lens surface (29) designed to be placed on the eye (2), which anterior lens surface (29) is concave according to a curved surface (K), and an annular gap (44) is formed between the lens body (22) and the mount (37), via which gap a vacuum can be applied for fixing the contact glass (12) to the eye (2), it is envisaged that the mount (37) continues the curved surface (K) in an imaginary extension of the latter or at least does not protrude with respect to said curved surface.

Abstract: A keratome includes a cutter head with a reciprocating blade and a cutting edge extending below a sole surface of the cutter head, an automated drive unit for powered translational movement of at least the cutter head thereof, and a suction ring adapted to be secured to an eye by suction and defining a cornea aperture for presenting the outer layer of the cornea of the eye for cutting. The suction ring has a shoe from which the eye ring extends defining a cutting guideway configured for receiving the cutter head in precision mating sliding engagement when the cutting edge of the blade is positioned over the cornea aperture of the eye ring, and an entrance guideway extending from and generally aligned with the cutting guideway configured for receiving the cutter head in orienting sliding engagement and positively positioning the cutter head for precision mating sliding engagement with the cutting guideway.

Abstract: A system, method and device for marking the eye pre-operatively. Specifically, an embodiment of the invention is a corneal marking device assembly mounted onto a trial frame apparatus that can be adjusted by using the adjustment features on the trial frame apparatus. The corneal marking device assembly provides the stabilized structure through which the surgeon can observe the eye, measure characteristic features of the eye and mark the corneal surface with a corneal marking device housed in the corneal marking device assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved surgical blade and trocar system for accessing the retina and other parts of the eye while doing vitreo-retinal and cataract surgeries, including surgeries for macular degeneration. The eye surgeon uses an improved surgical blade for vitreo-retinal and cataract surgeries having a generally flat, V-shaped, W-shaped, or “extended W” shaped cross-section. Using the improved surgical blade, the surgeon creates a multi-planar, self-sealing surgical wound, first by directing the surgical blade substantially perpendicular to the eye surface, then redirecting the blade to follow the general curvature of the eye globe, and finally redirecting the blade to enter the interior of the eye. The improved surgical blade is used with an improved trocar system having two main parts-a relatively rigid, wide-mouthed outer segment and a generally thin-walled, collapsible plastic polymer or metal mesh sleeve that spans the surgical wound and substantially molds to its contour.

Abstract: A scrubbing instrument for scrubbing the human eye corneal epithelium, including a handle, having a grip portion, a scrubbing head having a curved main scrubbing surface, and a connection arrangement for enabling connection of the scrubbing head to the handle and disconnection of the scrubbing head from the handle, thus enabling the scrubbing head to serve as a sterile, disposable, single-use component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a corneal excision or scoring device. In one embodiment, the device includes a stabilizing portion having a first opening adapted to encircle an eye, such that at least a portion of the stabilizing portion engages the conjunctival formix of the eye when inserted. The device may also include a second opening adapted to receive a cutting portion having a cutter capable of cutting or scoring the eye. In another embodiment, the device includes a stabilizing portion having an interior with a stop and an exterior serrated edge formed from a plurality of teeth. The stabilizing portion becomes inserted in an eye, such that the serrated edge rests on a sclera of the eye. Next, a cutting portion becomes inserted into the stabilizing portion to cut or score the eye, and the stop limits the distance the cutting portion may be inserted. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: For use with a surgical tool for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis, a system and method is disclosed for determining a position on the sclera for locating the scleral pocket. The system and method determines an optimum location for the scleral pocket. The system and method determines a location on the sclera that represents the intersection of the lens equatorial plane with the external surface of the sclera. The front of the scleral pocket is placed at a location that is four hundred fifty microns posterior to the intersection of the lens equatorial plane with the external surface of the sclera.

Abstract: A method of preparing custom corneal tissue in response to a request for the custom corneal tissue that includes specifications specifying the size and shape of the custom corneal tissue. After the request is received, donor eye tissue is selected from a plurality of donor eye tissues. The plurality of donor eye tissues may be stored by an eye bank facility. Next, preparations are made to cut the selected donor eye tissue in accordance with the specifications included in the request. A set of parameters is determined from the specifications and used to design a cutting path. The selected donor eye tissue is cut along the cutting path to produce the custom corneal tissue. The custom corneal tissue is separated from the selected donor eye tissue, packaged, and provided to the requestor.

Abstract: An interface for coupling an eye to a surgical laser is disclosed. A lens cone includes a base ring opposite an apex ring. The base ring defines a first plane and is adapted to couple to the delivery tip of the laser such that the first plane has a predetermined position relative to the delivery tip. An applanation lens is affixed to the apex ring and has a surface disposed in a second plane such that the second plane is parallel to and has a predetermined position relative to the first plane. A gripper is engagable with the lens cone. An attachment ring is affixed to the gripper and is adapted to couple to the anterior surface of the eye. When the lens cone and gripper are engaged, the applanation lens contacts the anterior surface of the eye, placing the anterior surface in spatial registration with the delivery tip.

Abstract: A method for producing a surgical knife of a very small size for use in ophthalmic surgery under a microscopic environment having a sharp edge without causing reflection of lights. The surgical knife comprises a handle, and a blade attached to the handle. The blade has a sharp polished cutting edge, a rough machined surface provided inside of the cutting edge having a relatively rough surface area, and an inner flat area. An anti-reflection treatment is provided on an upper and lower surfaces of the blade except for the cutting edge, thereby prohibiting reflection or emission of lights from the knife.

Abstract: The present utility proclaims an automatic corneal epithelium separation device characterized in the following including: a dual-motor assembly comprising two motors, with a connecting key fixed below; a separator, with an inner-round via-hole connecting up and down, a separating piece on its one side and a check arm extending out on its upper surface; a suction ring assembly comprising a suction ring, with a suction ring stud on the upper plane, on the ring face of which a flat key slot is positioned, and a connecting tube is connected with the suction ring integrally through a stop ring fixed at its one end. The present invention can separate corneal epithelium from Bowman's membrane rapidly and easily without the use of alcohol and other chemicals. It prevents the epithelium from being loosened. It separates the epithelium continuously and protects the stroma bed and the epithelial flap after separation. It is a kind of epithelial microkeratome without using alcohol, that is automatic rotating EPI-LASIK.

Abstract: A system and method for marking corneal tissue in a transplant procedure is disclosed. Sidecut incisions are made in each of the donor cornea and the recipient cornea. Crosscut incisions are made across the sidecut incision in each cornea. Corneal tissue which is at least partially bounded by the sidecut incision is resected from the recipient cornea. Part of the crosscut incision made in the recipient cornea extends beyond the resected corneal tissue. Donor tissue which is at least partially bounded by the sidecut incision is resected from the donor cornea. Part of the crosscut incision made in the donor cornea is in the resected donor tissue. The donor tissue is then grafted into the recipient cornea.

Abstract: A system (20) for ophthalmic surgery includes a control assembly (24) placed away from the patient to prevent contamination, and a sterile disposable microkeratome (22) for performing surgery on a patient's eye. The disposable microkeratome is connected to the reusable control assembly by a cable (28). The microkeratome includes a base that sits on the eye, and a carriage that supports and guides a cutting blade as it moves relative to the base. The base includes a main portion that holds the microkeratome on the eye and a handle that extends away from the main portion. The cable is connected to the microkeratome at an end of the handle spaced from the main portion to help maintain the sterility of that portion of the microkeratome.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pilot tube attachment that can be connected by coupling to a pilot tube inserted into an eye. The pilot tube attachment has a centre axis. The pilot tube attachment comprises an instrument guide and a clamp unit. The clamp unit comprises at least two catch elements which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the centre axis and which can be actuated by respectively associated pressure tabs via a transition leading into the instrument guide.

Abstract: Corneal epithelial pocket formation systems include a cutting head and a blade coupled to the cutting head. The blade is coupled to the cutting head at an orientation that is effective in maintaining a viable separated pocket defining portion of corneal epithelium of an eye of a patient during formation of a corneal epithelial pocket of the eye. The blade includes a cutting edge surface at its distal end. The cutting edge surface is effective in separating the corneal epithelium from the underlying Bowman's membrane of the eye without leaving residual corneal epithelial cells in contact with Bowman's membrane that may result in corneal epithelial cell growth between a corneal implant located in the corneal epithelial pocket and the underlying Bowman's membrane. Versions of the present systems include spring loaded blade holders, which may be removable from the cutting head. Versions also can include applanators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic surgery device comprising a handle presenting, at one of its ends, a first active part and, at the other of its ends, a second active part, characterized in that removable protection means are associated with at least one of the active parts. Therefore, the functional zones of the device thus protected do not risk being altered before use.

Abstract: A system for cutting the cornea of an eye includes a moveable member with a cutting blade at one end, a pivot element disposed thereon, a cutting guide restraint disposed thereon, a mechanism for oscillating the moveable member around the pivot element, and a cutting guide configured to engage the cutting guide restraint on the moveable member to thereby limit the degree of angular movement of the cutting blade as the moveable member oscillates about the pivot element. A pocket can be cut in the cornea by advancing and oscillating the moveable member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting vision, including a corneal-pocket keratome device to create a corneal pocket and a lens to be inserted and retained in the corneal pocket to effect correction. The corneal-pocket keratome includes a drive unit having cutting head elements which contact the subject eye during corneal pocket formation. The cutting head elements may be removeable and may be disposable. The cutting head elements include a corneal restraint device, which may be a positioning ring to position an eyeball with the cornea protruding through the ring; a keratome blade assembly with a corneal-pocket blade; and may also include an applanation shoe surface to restrain the cornea, in addition or instead of the positioning ring. The applanation shoe may be pivotable away from the surgical area. The corneal-pocket blade may include a guide which travels with the blade.

Abstract: A cutting blade assembly 20 includes a ceramic blade 22 with a forward cutting edge 24. A lower portion 28 of a blade holder 26 is formed of ceramic and is integral to ceramic blade 22. An upper blade holder portion 30 is attached to the lower blade holder portion 28, such that the upper blade holder portion 30 is structured for engagement with a microkeratome oscillation mechanism 84.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The system and method comprises a surgical tool comprising a surgical blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. When a surgeon places the surgical blade on the sclera of the eye a pressure sensor in the surgical tool determines whether there is sufficient pressure between the surgical tool and the sclera of the eye for the surgical tool to operate properly. The surgeon activates the surgical tool to cause the surgical blade to advance through the sclera to form an incision having dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. When the incision is complete the surgical blade is rotated back out of the incision. The incision has the exact dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis.

Abstract: A device and method for applying external compression to the eye of a living being to reduce bleeding when operating on the surface of the eye. The device includes a peripheral wall and a pair of spaced apart, pressure applying rings. One of the rings applies pressure to a first peripheral portion of the eye closely adjacent and surrounding the cornea, while the other ring applies pressure to a second peripheral portion of the eye remote from the cornea. The wall includes at least one window to provide access to a portion of the surface of the eye to enable a laser beam to be extended therethrough to operate on the surface of the eye between the two peripheral portions of the eye.

Abstract: A cutting blade assembly for microkeratome includes a blade (8) with a rectilinear cutting edge (9), the blade being integral with a support (10) with substantially constant profile (11) along one longitudinal dimension parallel to the cutting edge (9) and delimited by an outer surface (12) having a notch (14) substantially orthogonal to the cutting edge (9) of the blade (8), wherein the outer surface (12) has a clearance (15, 17) parallel to the cutting edge of the blade extending from one end (10a) of the support up to a specific distance of the notch (14).

Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring to be attached to an eye surrounding a 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: Blade assembly 18 for use in a microkeratome during eye surgery includes a cutting blade 20 and a blade holder 22 attached to the blade 20. Tabs 30 are attached to the blade holder 22 to assist in aligning the blade assembly 18 with a mating slot 12 in a microkeratome to minimize damage to the cutting blade 20. Tab 30 is attached to the blade holder 22, such that the tab 30 may be detached from the blade holder 22 after insertion into the microkeratome.

Abstract: An automated mechanical device separates the epithelial layer of a cornea from the cornea. The device includes a separator such as a plate, wire or dull blade. The device can preserve a separated epithelial layer as a disk without rupturing the disk and without substantial epithelial cell loss. The epithelial layer is separated from the cornea without cutting the cornea.

Abstract: A surgical method of corneal reformation reduces the risk of trauma and shortens overall recovery while yielding improved visual acuity includes making a relatively shallow incision of no more than about 85 microns deep into the corneal epithelium, separating the corneal epithelial sheet from the underlying Bowman's Membrane using an epithelial separator or a specialized cannula, and lifting the epithelial sheet away from the ablation zone so that the Bowman's Membrane and underlying stromal bed can be reformed. Multiple surgical instruments include the optional use of vibration with an epithelial separator or cannula to separate an epithelial sheet from the cornea of no more than about 85 microns thick.

Abstract: A device and surgical method for promoting suitable grafting between a healthy donor cornea button and a recipient's healthy corneal tissue. The device is a cornea transplanter comprising a cutting device, a support block having a removable base plate, and a vacuum device. The cornea transplanter is capable of retaining healthy donor corneal tissue as it is buttoned and placed onto the recipient's eye, with minimal physical manipulation of the donor corneal tissue. Once the cornea button is properly positioned, sutures may be symmetrically placed around the cornea button, using suture grooves that guide the suture needle to a particular depth and length of pass.

Abstract: A knife having a blade tip configuration that reduces incisional force by providing a more efficient distribution of tissue piercing and cutting forces over the cutting edges. The distal tip of the blade has a profile in plan view in the region of approximately 150 microns from the distal most point of the tip that may be described by the equation w=adn, where w is the distance from the blade's longitudinal axis to the blade's cutting edge, a is a constant of proportionality not greater than 0.5 and d is the distance along the blade's longitudinal axis from the extreme distal point of the blade tip. The extreme distal point of the tip has a slightly rounded, rather than pointy, profile, with a tip radius of approximately 40 microns or less.

Abstract: An improved instrument for helping to remove subretinal fluid and helping to perform fluid exchanges in vitreoretinal surgery is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle and a probe coupled to the handle. The probe includes a curved distal portion having a closed tip with a smooth surface capable of safely touching the retina.

Abstract: A blade for corneal surgery for separating a corneal epithelium in a flap shape, includes: upper and lower blade surfaces; and an edge surface connecting the upper and lower blade surfaces, the edge surface having a height of 1 to 70 ?m and a connecting portion with each of the upper and lower blade surfaces having a curved surface.

Abstract: A multi-function surgical instrument for facilitating ophthalmic surgery of the eye (3) by laser means, included are a lower ring (1) and an upper ring (2). One or two intermediate rings may also be included. The lower ring (1) includes a central aperture (11) to capture the limbus and aid in positioning of the eye (3). Protuberances on the lower surface (18) of said ring (1), application of vacuum between the lower surface (18) of the ring (1) and the eye (3), or both may be used to more firmly grip the eye (3). Ports (14) disposed on the upper surface (13) of the lower ring (1) and connected to a vacuum source may be used to control hydration of the surgical field. Attached to structures of the lower ring (1) is a sterile platform (17) for reposing temporarily removed tissues (32) during the administration of laser pulses to other tissues. The upper ring (2) is disposed above the surgical bed.

Abstract: Featured are new methods for performing intra-ocular surgery that allow surgical personnel to access the intra-ocular volume to perform a surgical procedure or technique but which does not require the use of sutures to seal the sclera and/or conjunctiva following the procedure. The methods of the present invention generally include providing an entry alignment device and inserting the entry alignment device into an eye through both the conjunctiva and sclera so as to form an entry aperture that extends between the exterior of the eye and the intra-ocular volume within the eye. The provided alignment device is configured so as to form or provide an aperture or opening in each of the conjunctiva and sclera of the eye and to maintain these apertures or openings in each of the conjunctiva and sclera aligned during the surgical procedure so these apertures or openings form the entry aperture.

Abstract: A cutting blade (56) having a cutting edge (80) defined by an intersection of a first cutting edge surface (72) and a second cutting edge surface (66) is disclosed. The angle between the first cutting edge surface (72) and the second cutting edge surface (66) defines a blade angle (?). The blade (56) may be fabricated from a wafer (130) by an anisotropic etch. An upper surface (134) of the wafer (130) is defined by a first set of 3 Miller indices, where at least one individual Miller index of this first set has an absolute value greater than 3. A top surface (60) of the blade (56) is defined by part of the upper surface (134) of the wafer (130). The anisotropic etch proceeds until reaching a particular crystallographic plane to define the first cutting edge surface (72). Having the top surface (60) of the blade (56) defined by the noted set of 3 Miller indices increases the potential that a blade angle (?) of a desired magnitude may be realized.

Abstract: A keratome includes a cutter head with a reciprocating blade and a cutting edge extending below a sole surface of the cutter head, an automated drive unit for powered translational movement of at least the cutter head thereof, and a suction ring adapted to be secured to an eye by suction and defining a cornea aperture for presenting the outer layer of the cornea of the eye for cutting. The suction ring has a shoe from which the eye ring extends defining a cutting guideway configured for receiving the cutter head in precision mating sliding engagement when the cutting edge of the blade is positioned over the cornea aperture of the eye ring, and an entrance guideway extending from and generally aligned with the cutting guideway configured for receiving the cutter head in orienting sliding engagement and positively positioning the cutter head for precision mating sliding engagement with the cutting guideway.

Abstract: Methods and equipment for the treatment of the eye and more particularly an instrument to increase eye filtration and treat glaucoma. The instrument is surgical tool operated entirely by the surgeon's hands and is composed of a hand-piece and an eye-penetrating intraocular segment each having two opponent and reciprocally operating fork-like arms and blade-sharp leaves, respectively. The eye-penetrating segment is a rigid embodiment of a size to create a limbus-pointing tunnel in the cornea, penetrate the eye of a patient through a water tight incision and, in a five step dissect and extract procedure, remove from within the eye a trabecular tissue block leaving the incision to self-seal by intraocular pressure. In the same “modus operandi”, a sample tissue can be extracted from any other hollowed or parenchimatous organ.