Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
In a method for protecting delicate human eye structures during ophthalmological surgical procedures by introducing into the anterior segment thereof a given volume of highly viscous physiologically buffered solution containing a sufficient concentration of sodium hyaluronate to protect delicate eye tissue, cells and structures, the improvement comprising diluting said volume in site thereby reducing the concentration thereof prior to closure such that abnormally high post-operative intra-ocular pressure within the human eye is avoided.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
In a method for protecting delicate human eye structures during ophthalmological surgical procedures by introducing into the anterior segment thereof a given volume of highly viscous physiologically buffered solution containing a sufficient concentration of sodium hyaluronate to protect delicate eye tissue, cells and structures, the improvement comprising diluting said volume in site thereby reducing the concentration thereof prior to closure such that abnormally high post-operative intra-ocular pressure within the human eye is avoided.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein the gross concentration of said highly viscous sodium hyaluronate solution within the anterior segment at closure ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.3 wt. %.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein the concentration of said highly viscous sodium hyaluronate solution as introduced into said anterior segment ranges from about 0.5 to about 1.0 wt. % and higher.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein said dilution is effected endogenously.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein said dilution is effected exogenously.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as in claim 5 wherein said exogenous dilution is conducted by directing a physiologically buffered aqueous saline solution in the region of said previously introduced highly viscous sodium hyaluronate solution.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said dilution is by a factor of at least 2:1.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein said dilution is by a factor ranging from about 3:1 to 10:1.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein said surgical procedure is performed within the anterior chamber of the eye.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein said surgical procedure involves an intra-ocular implant of a lens within the eye.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 10 wherein said implantation is effected by iris fixation.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 10 wherein said lens implantation is conducted by anterior chamber angle fixation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 10 wherein said lens implantation is conducted by posterior chamber fixation.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein said surgical procedure involves a corneal transplant within the eye.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 1 wherein said surgical procedure involves a cataract extraction from the eye.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 15 wherein said cataract extraction involves an intra-capsular extraction.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein cataract extraction is obtained by extra-capsular extraction.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said cataract extraction is effected by phacoemulsification.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said cataract is removed by intra-capsular cataract extraction.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said cataract is removed by extra-capsular cataract extraction.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said cataract is removed by phacoemulsification.