Ophthalmic sulcus speculum

Abstract

Devices in accordance with certain embodiments of the present sulcus speculum are designed to be placed into the sulcus of an eye to perform one or more of the following functions: evacuation of fluid, opening of the lids, and application of drugs such as anesthetic or antibiotics. The present devices can include a sponge positioned around (a) an aspiration tube for withdrawing fluid and (b) an arm of a speculum. Other variations of the present devices include those with an aspiration tube for withdrawing fluid, the tube being positioned in a trough defined by an arm of a speculum. Alternatively, the speculum arm can define a passage for holding the aspiration tube. In that alternate embodiment, the portion of the speculum arm defining the passage has openings for passing fluid into the passage so that the aspiration tube in the passage can then remove fluid.

1 . A device for placement adjacent a sulcus during ophthalmic surgery, the device comprising: 
 (a) a speculum having an arm;    (b) an aspiration tube having at least one opening formed therein; and    (c) a porous member,    wherein the porous member receives at least a portion of the aspiration tube and at least a portion of the speculum arm.    
     
     
         2 - 27 . (canceled)