Patent ID: 9675335
Date: 2017-06-13
CPC Classifications: A61B

Claim:
1. An article adapted for use with a speculum or retractor in an ophthalmic procedure, wherein the speculum or retractor is made of a resilient material and is configured such that it is deployable in an operating position wherein respective first and second retaining portions of the speculum or retractor engage with and exert force against respective opposite edges of an eyelid of a patient to hold apart the opposite edges; said article being made of sterile material and comprising a sleeve portion and a drape portion, wherein the sleeve portion and the drape portion of the article are integrally formed, the drape portion comprising first means for detachably mounting the article to a speculum drape or to skin of the patient; the sleeve portion comprising an elongate, hollow member with open first and second ends through which the first or second retaining portion is insertable, and configured for enveloping at least the first retaining portion of the speculum or retractor such that, with the sleeve portion enveloping the at least first retaining portion and with the speculum or retractor in the operating position, the speculum or retractor holds the opposite edges of the eyelid apart with the sleeve portion disposed between the at least first retaining portion and the eyelid and the sleeve portion engaged with the eyelid by compressive force, wherein the sleeve portion comprises at least a first sleeve of tubular, teardrop or indented tubular or teardrop shape with first and second open ends through which the first component of the speculum or retractor is insertable, and wherein the article further comprises a second elongate hollow sleeve portion for enveloping the second component of the speculum or retractor and having first and second open ends through which the second component of the speculum or retractor is insertable.