Abstract: The invention discloses a medical instrument, comprising: a handle, a blade portion having a sharpened edge for cutting a lens capsule of an eye at the periphery of a portion of said capsule to be removed during surgery, said blade portion being extendible and retractable from the handle tip portion thereby permitting insertion of said blade portion through a small incision in the eye when the blade is retracted and thereafter to correspond to a peripheral extent to said portion of the capsule to be removed during surgery, a mechanism for extending and retracting said blade portion, said mechanism located in said handle portion, and a foot pedal-controlled motor coupled to said handle for effecting cutting of capsule by sad blade portion. The invention additionally relates to a method for utilizing a medical instrument in performing cataract surgery.

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 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.

Abstract: An intraocular surgical apparatus including an introduction tube for introducing perfusate into a closed intraocular affected part, a discharge tube for discharging the affected part and the perfusate, a perfusate feed passage connected to the introduction tube and incorporating a perfusate reservoir for feeding the perfusate with a predetermined rest liquid head pressure, a valve for controlling the amount of perfusate fed from the reservoir to the introduction tube, and a discharge passage connected to the discharge tube and incorporating a suction pump. The perfusate feed passage further incorporates, at a passage portion thereof from the control valve to an outlet opening of the introduction tube, a pressure-reduction compensating means for feeding supplementary perfusate into the closed intraocular affected part through a supplementing passage having a smaller passage resistance than the perfusate feed passage in the event of and in association with abnormal pressure reduction inside the affected part.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an intrastromal corneal insert designed to be meridionally situated in an interlamellar pocket or channel made within the cornea of a mammalian eye. The insert has a shape which, when inserted into the cornea, has a significant meridional dimension and may be used to adjust corneal curvature and thereby correct or improve vision abnormalities such as hyperopia. The inserts may also have a circumferential component to their configuration to allow concurrent correction of other vision abnormalities. The radial insert may be made of a physiologically compatible material, e.g., one or more synthetic or natural, soft, firm, or gelatinous polymers. In addition, the insert or segment may be used to deliver therapeutic or diagnostic agents to the corneal interior or to the interior of the eye.

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 microkeratome cutter head comprising a body and a cutter blade slidably mounted in a housing passing through the body in a direction substantially parallel to the cutting edge of the blade, wherein the blade possesses a slot parallel to its cutting edge and opening out into one of the side edges of the blade, while the housing possesses a partition received in the slot of the blade as it is inserted into the body, and co-operating with the edges of the slot to guide the blade in its motion parallel to its cutting edge.

Abstract: A cutter head for a microkeratome, the head including a guide housing for an alternating cutter blade having a cutting edge, a rear edge, and two side edges, the housing having two parallel pairs of faces that are spaced apart by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the blade and that are situated respectively in the vicinity of the cutting edge and the vicinity of the rear edge of the blade, wherein each of the pairs of parallel faces is of a length measured parallel to the cutting edge that is shorter than the distance between the lateral edges of the blades in register therewith, minus the peak-to-peak amplitude of the reciprocating oscillation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for corneal surgery, apt to increase the accuracy of the surgical interventions, comprising a chassis, apt to be placed onto the eyeball for the centration with respect to the eyeball of the apparatus itself; at least one surgical device, apt to operate onto the corneal tissue, insertable in the apparatus; a cylindrical dowel for positioning the surgical device, movable with respect to the chassis, apt to be handled by a user for bringing the surgical device in an operative position; and a shaped body for moving the surgical device, also movable with respect to the chassis, apt to be handled by a user to actuate the surgical device, in the operative position, according to a pre-set actuating path (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention relates to an operation system for supporting microsurgery operations, e.g., operations through which the natural crystalline lens is replaced by an artificial intraocular lens. The operation system comprises several surgical instruments (5) which are inserted into a receptacle (5), where they are connected to a connection tube (21), e.g., lines for liquids (22, 23) and/or electrical lines (24). The receptacle (4) for a surgical instrument can be docked on a supply unit (2) on which several connections for the supply of the corresponding surgical instruments are provided at various connection points. A control unit (41) recognizes by means of a decoding connection (17) which surgical instrument (5) is connected in its receptacle to the supply unit.

Abstract: A keratome for performing corneal resectioning that creates a corneal flap having a temporal hinge in which a blade is initially

Abstract: The present invention relates a method of performing a penetrating keratoplasty in living eye in which a full-thickness corneal graft obtained from a corneal donor is positioned in a full-thickness open bed in the recipient's cornea, the graft is held with suture to prevent sliding out of position, and the suture is finally removed, said corneal graft being circular, having step-like edge-to-edge lateral profile with the diameter of the posterior surface being larger than the diameter of the anterior surface, said full-thickness open recipient bed being prepared to be essentially complementary to the donor corneal graft and said suture being so lax to induce a post-operation astigmatism not higher than 4 dioptres (D). The suture is normally removed not later than three months from surgery.

Abstract: A medical device that can be used to cut a cornea. The device may include a blade that is coupled to a head by a blade holder. The device may also have a retention spring that exerts a force on the blade and blade holder. The head and blade can be moved across a ring by a drive assembly that contains a lead screw. The ring may contain one or more openings which have a length that is greater than a width. The openings may be coupled to a vacuum source by a tube. The vacuum pressure of the tube can be displayed by a console. The console may also have switches that allow different operating parameters to be entered through a single knob.

Abstract: A method of treating hyperopia by using a minimally invasive corneal surgical procedure. A femtosecond laser is used to make a cylindrical cut into the stromal bed of the cornea between the endothelial (inner) cornea and the superficial (outer) cornea, while leaving enough deep and superficial stromal layers to maintain the integrity of the cornea. This allows relaxation forward of the corneal stroma, causing the cornea to bow and the hyperopia to be corrected.

Abstract: A surgical tip having arcuate or scalloped distal end. Such a construction allows the heated pulses of fluid produced by the liquefaction handpiece to strike the lens without being allowed to exit directly the tip.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for harvesting from the eye of a mammilian (e.g., cadaveric) donor a disc-shaped graft or lenticle consisting of corneal tissue and a quantity of scleral or pericorneal tissue wherein limbal stem cells are located. This graft or lenticle is then transplanted onto the eye of a human or veterinary patient to treat a disorder caused by the absence or deficiency of limbal stem cells in the patient's eye. The system of the present invention comprises a) an eye-contacting ring and cutter guide apparatus and b) a cutter apparatus. The eye-contacting ring and cutter guide apparatus is initially placed in contact with the donor eye such that a portion of the cornea and adjacent scleral or pericorneal tissue containing limbal stem cells protrudes upwardly through the center of the ring. The cutter is then engaged with guide member(s) formed on the ring and the cutter is advanced, severing the protruding cornea and stem-cell-containing pericorneal tissue.

Abstract: A keratome includes a cutting instrument having a cutter head with a reciprocating blade and a cutting edge extending below a sole surface of the cutter head, an automated drive unit mounting the cutting instrument for powered translational movement of at least the cutter head thereof, and a suction ring including an eye 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical instruments and methods for performing eye surgery to correct focusing deficiencies of the cornea. More particularly, the present invention relates to mechanical instruments known as microkeratomes, and related surgical methods for performing lamellar keratotomies and refractive surgery. The device is designed to create a flap of epithelium, or stroma and epithelial flap as is done now with LASIK. This will enable a new technique, ELF, or Epithelial Laser Flap, which will combine the advantages of LASIK and PRK, an older, but easier technique.

Abstract: A blade assembly that can be assembled into a microkeratome which is used to cut a cornea. The blade assembly is constructed in a manner that minimizes the tolerance of the cutting depth into the cornea. The blade assembly includes a blade holder that can be pressed onto a blade. The relative position of the blade holder can be calibrated to control the distance between a reference surface of the blade holder and the cutting edge of the blade. This distance defines the cutting depth of the blade. The blade holder is coupled to the blade with an interference fit that both secures the holder while providing for calibration of the assembly.

Abstract: An improved microkeratome includes a guide ring assembly for placement on the ocular globe and means for temporarily fixing the guide ring to the ocular globe. A cutting head contains an improved cutting blade having an arcuate cutting edge suitable for corneal resections. A vertical support assembly is connected to the guide ring and supports the cutting head for rotation about a horizontal axis such that rotation of the cutting head about the horizontal axis moves the cutting blade along an arcuate cutting path into engagement with the cornea of the ocular globe, whereby the arcuate cutting edge of the cutting blade cuts a substantially rounded corneal disk. An improved method related to the use of the arcuate cutting blade is also provided.

Abstract: The multi-function surgical instrument for facilitating corneal surgery by laser includes lower and upper rings. Lower ring includes a wall structure about a central aperture. Wall of the lower ring isolates a cornea disposed within the central aperture. Drainage system of the lower ring is used to control hydration of corneal tissue disposed in the central aperture. Platform of the lower ring isolates and prevents excessive hydration of a corneal flap reposed thereon. Upper ring includes a plurality of passages having directed ports and may be used to evacuate plume, direct beneficial fluids or gases onto tissues below.

Abstract: A medical device that can be used to cut a cornea. The device may include a blade that is coupled to a head by a blade holder. The device may also have a retention spring that exerts a force on the blade and blade holder. The head and blade can be moved across a ring by a drive assembly that contains a lead screw. The ring may contain one or more openings which have a length that is greater than a width. The openings may be coupled to a vacuum source by a tube. The vacuum pressure of the tube can be displayed by a console. The console may also have switches that allow different operating parameters to be entered through a single knob.

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 method of locating and marking the intersection of the visual axis and the corneal surface. With the method of the present invention, the patient fixates simultaneously at a fixation target and at a distant target laser beam for achieving coincidence of both. Fluorescein dye is placed on the corneal and fluoresces at the location where the beam intersects the cornea. This intersection point can be marked, for example, with a visible dye.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with methods and equipment for the treatment of the eye and more particularly with 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.

Abstract: A device for surgery of the cornea includes an annular base for fixing the apparatus to the eye of a patient. A cutter head includes a body and a blade. The cutter head is displaced along a plane trajectory, parallel to the base. A guide is provided on the base and guides the cutter head relative to the base. A first drive imparts movement to the blade in the cutter head with a reciprocating linear motion parallel to the blade's cutting edge. A second drive imparts movement to the cutter head relative to the base along the trajectory. The first and second drives include independent motor units surmounting the cutter head and having mutually parallel outlet shafts perpendicular to the plane of the trajectory of the cutter head.

Abstract: A foot controller 32 for use with ophthalmic surgical equipment 34 includes a foot controller 32 having a door 18. Door 18 covers a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in a closed position, and door 18 is a shroud for a surgical switch 24 when door 18 is in an open position. A door-position sensor 48 disables activation of the surgical switch 24, except when the door is in an open position.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical device for producing a generally circular, interlamellar pathway within the corneal stroma of the eye. The device is made up of three major components: a vacuum centering guide having an inner bore which fits at one end against the front of the eye, a barrel which fits within the inner bore of the centering guide and to which is attached the third major component, a generally circular dissecting ring. The dissecting ring is shaped in such way that when an eye surgeon twists the barrel to which the ring is attached, the ring moves through the interlamellar space in the stroma producing the desired channel or pathway. The centering guide may optionally include a ring having one or more pins which firmly engage the cornea's epiphilium. The constituent parts of the surgical device, particularly the dissecting ring, also form a part of this invention.

Abstract: A microkeratome blade for use for the removal of the epithelial layer and underlying Basement Membrane while leaving a smooth and undisturbed Bowman's Membrane in preparation for a laser refractive surgical procedure. The blade is capable of cutting through the epithelial layer and Basement Membrane, but not capable of cutting through Bowman's Membrane.

Abstract: A method for the removal of the epithelial layer and underlying Basement Membrane while leave a smooth and undisturbed Bowman's Membrane in preparation for a laser refractive surgical procedure. The method of the present invention uses a microkeratome having a blade that is capable of cutting through the epithelial layer and Basement Membrane, but not capable of cutting through Bowman's Membrane.

Abstract: A microkeratome blade for use for the removal of the epithelial layer and underlying Basement Membrane while leaving a smooth and undisturbed Bowman's Membrane in preparation for a laser refractive surgical procedure. The blade is capable of cutting through the epithelial layer and Basement Membrane, but not capable of cutting through Bowman's Membrane.

Abstract: An instrument and method are provided for incising an intraocular tissue, such as the anterior capsule of the eye, which requires only a small wound cut in the corneal or scleral tissue. The instrument includes a handle and a curvilinear head portion attached to the handle. The head portion includes spaced first and second ends which define an opening therebetween, wherein the head portion is preferably generally semicircular in form. The head portion further includes a first cutting edge which is operable to engage the intraocular tissue and penetrate at least partially through the intraocular tissue to create a first curvilinear incision therein. Creating a second curvilinear incision in the intraocular tissue adjacent the first incision results in a continuous curvilinear, preferably generally circular, tissue flap incised in the intraocular tissue.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are diclosed for removal of biological tissue slices or layers, preferably in the form of lamellar sections (4) of predetermined shape and thickness employing a reference member (12) that engages a target tissue site and cooperates with a cutter (14) 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 (8) integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, the reference member. Alternatively, the cutter can include a stiff rigid blade element (14B) 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 partialy, a tissue section.

Abstract: A keratome for performing corneal resectioning which functions without a need for a surface against which to press the subject cornea during surgery, facilitating access for the surgeon and reducing or eliminating mechanical part rubbing near the surgical site. The keratome has a positioning ring to position an eye with the cornea protruding through and restrained by the ring. A blade is preferably suspended from its ends by a blade support which is driven by a drive mechanism, and a guide is disposed substantially parallel to the blade. The blade describes a forward path above and at a controlled distance from the positioning ring while also oscillating laterally. 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: 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: The device comprises a tubular housing having an axis and comprising a suction ring on its lower end face with an annular recess communicating with a corretor for connection to a suction pump. The housing has first stop means and second stop means. A tubular insert is mounted in the housing for rotation around the axis and axially displacable. The insert has a third stop means cooperating with the first stop means for defining an extended position of the insert and a fourth stop means coacting with the second stop means for defining a retracted position of the insert. The insert further has a micrometer female thread. A tubular knife holder with a knife for cutting a circular cut into the cornea is mounted in the insert. The knife holder has a micrometer male thread threaded into the female thread and a head. A scale and a marking on the head and on the insert are provided for preselecting a depth of the cut in the extended position of the insert.

Abstract: A positioning assembly for retaining, positioning and at least partially exposing a cornea of an eye during a surgical procedure. The positioning assembly includes a positioning segment having a retention plate with an aperture to receive and expose the cornea, and a flange member disposed about the aperture and structured to engage the eye. The positioning assembly further includes a suctioning assembly having a vacuum port extending vertically from the positioning segment and angled outwardly away from a guide track integrally disposed on the retention plate to define an arcuate cutting path for a microkeratome cutting head assembly. A pivot assembly including at least a post member is further provided which operably interconnects the cutting head assembly and the post member. A cut origination control is provided at the post member to define an origination point.

Abstract: A keratome includes a cutting instrument having a cutter head with a reciprocating blade and a cutting edge extending below a sole surface of the cutter head; an automated drive unit mounting the cutting instrument for powered translational movement of at least the cutter head thereof, and a suction ring including an eye 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.

Abstract: A surgical laser system is described for customized ablation with a power stabilized, near diffraction-limited laser beam. This surgical laser beam has a pulse repetition rate of from near 500 Hz to about 1 kHz and has a relatively small spot size at both positions of the cornea and the scanner. Such a surgical laser beam enables the use of fast scanner and the implement of fast eye tracker. One embodiment of such a surgical laser source is a CW pumped solid state laser employing non-linear wavelength conversion.

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: This invention is a surgical device for producing a generally circular, interlamellar pathway within the corneal stroma of the eye. The device is made up of three major components: a vacuum centering guide having an inner bore which fits at one end against the front of the eye, a barrel which fits within the inner bore of the centering guide and to which is attached the third major component, a generally circular dissecting ring. The dissecting ring is shaped in such way that when an eye surgeon twists the barrel to which the ring is attached, the ring moves through the interlamellar space in the stroma producing the desired channel or pathway. The centering guide may optionally include a ring having one or more pins which firmly engage the cornea's epiphilium. The constituent parts of the surgical device, particularly the dissecting ring, also form a part of this invention.

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: 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 device for preventing post occlusion flow surges during eye surgery includes an enclosure defining an inlet and an outlet. The enclosure further defines a flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A restriction is positioned in the flow passage. Structure preferring a filtering function is placed upstream of the restriction for permitting fluid passage through the device. The enclosure further defines a storage area for collecting material restrained by the filter structure. In the preferred embodiment, the device is constructing from a suitable plastic or other molded material, and is intended for disposable use.

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 microkeratome for keratomileusis ophthalmic surgery having a base, a carriage mounted to the base and a cutting blade carried in the carriage. The carriage is guided for movement in an axial cutting direction and the cutting blade is movable in an oscillating motion transverse to the cutting direction. In addition, the carriage is movable in the cutting direction without imparting the oscillating motion to the cutting blade.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for lamellal cutting of the cornea, the instrument comprising: a ring-shaped base (1) shaped for being applied to and held against the eye; and a cutting tool having a cutting blade received in a support (4) co-operating with the base (1) to guide displacement of the cutting edge of the blade in a plane parallel to the ring, and including, in front of the blade, a shaping element (10) for shaping the portion of the cornea that projects into the ring; wherein the shaping element is constituted by a roller (10) coupled to the blade support about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the cutting direction.

Abstract: In a corneal surgical apparatus for incising a cornea of a patient's eye in a layered form, a blade is movably supported to a main body for lateral oscillation and rectilinear movement. Discrete motors are located within the main body for the lateral oscillation and the rectilinear movement of the blade, respectively. One of the motor is coupled to the blade through a feed screw, an attaching member threadingly engaged with the feed screw, and a hollow connecting member connected to the attaching member, whereas the other of the motor is coupled to the blade through gears, a spline shaft rotatably supported by the inside of the hollow connecting member and non-rotatably but slidably connected to one of the gears, and a converting mechanism for converting the rotation of the shaft to the lateral oscillation of the blade.

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 &mgr;m and a connecting portion with each of the upper and lower blade surfaces having a curved surface.

Abstract: A trephine can separate a cornea into at least two portions by applanating and cutting a boundary around an area of the cornea. The trephine comprises a flat ring for applanating the cornea and a blade for cutting the applanated cornea. The blade extends radially inward and is rotatable around the ring. Such a trephine can cut substantially parallel to the flattened lamella and causes lamellar separation at the cut depth. A flap of cornea may be separated from the remaining corneal tissue along the lamella by teasing the portions apart, or by injecting fluid between the lamellae. An exposed surface of the separated cornea may then be ablated with a laser and the flap reattached to the remaining corneal tissue.