Ophthalmological appliance

• US 4,299,227 A
• Filed: 10/19/1979
• Issued: 11/10/1981
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/1979
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Harvey A. Lincoff
• Original Assignee: Harvey A. Lincoff
• Inventors: Lincoff, Harvey A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pellegrino, Stephen C.
• Application Number:
  US06/086,348
• Time in Patent Office: 753 Days
• Field of Search: 128/349, 128/349 B, 128/325, 128/344
• US Class Current: 606/192
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/00727 Apparatus for retinal reattachment
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 29/02 Dilators made of swellable material balloon catheters for angioplasty A61M25/104

Abstract

A method of correcting retinal detachments through a small conjunctival incision wherein an expandable member is inserted into Tenon'"'"'s space, the member is expanded, to form an indentation in the eye, and left in place until the subretinal fluid has absorbed and the retina has reattached.

Claims

1. A method of correcting retinal detachments through a small conjunctival incision comprising the steps of inserting an expandable member into Tenon'"'"'s space to the depth of the break;

forming a scleral indentation in the eye by expanding said member;

leaving said member in place until subretinal fluid has absorbed and the retina has reattached; and

collapsing and removing said member.

2. In a method of correcting retinal detachments including the steps of claim 1, the additional step of leaving said member in place for at least three days after reattachment to promote better adhesion.

3. In a method of correcting retinal detachments including the steps of claim 2, the additional step of collapsing said member in stages prior to removing same.