Ophthalmic Surgical Device and a Method of Performing Ophthalmic Surgery
The invention relates to an ophthalmic surgical device for the treatment of glaucoma. The device comprises a fiber connector and a fiber. The fiber is provided with a proximal end connected to the fiber connector. Further, the fiber is provided, near its distal end, with a notch. Preferably, the distal end of the fiber forms a rounded tip.
1 . An ophthalmic surgical device for the treatment of glaucoma, comprising a fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the fiber is provided, near its proximal end, with a light source.
2 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the fiber forms a rounded tip.
3 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to claim 1 , wherein the fiber has a substantially constant diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the rounded tip.
4 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to claim 1 , wherein the fiber is provided, near its distal end, with a notch.
5 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source is integrated with the fiber's distal end.
6 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source is a disposable unit.
7 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a LED.
8 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to claim 1 , wherein the device is received in a sterile package.
9 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to claim 2 , wherein the fiber is provided with a notch located close to the rounded tip.
10 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to claim 3 , wherein the substantially constant diameter of the fiber is smaller than about 0.2 mm.
11 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to claim 1 , wherein a distal end section of the fiber is free of a coating layer.
12 . The ophthalmic surgical device according to claim 1 , further comprising a fiber connector being connected to the fiber's proximal end.
13 . A method of performing ophthalmic surgery, comprising the steps of:
forming an incision in the eye's Schlemm's canal;
inserting a fiber's distal end through the incision into the Schlemm's canal;
advancing the fiber's distal end around in the Schlemm's canal;
attaching a suture to the fiber's distal end;
retracting the fiber backwardly through the Schlemm's canal; and
connecting the suture ends.
14 . The method according to claim 13 , further including the step of illuminating the fiber while advancing the fiber's distal end in the Schlemm's canal.
15 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the suture ends are connected under tension.