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Eye Rust Ring Removal Tool

Injuries to the cornea from flying metal fragments are common. This is especially true in industrial environments where workers grind and weld metal for a living. Safety eye wear should always be worn in these environments. Unfortunately, even with the proper safety equipment, metal can find its way to the eyeball. When it strikes the cornea, which is a wet surface, it quickly begins to rust.

  1. Alger Brush Introduction

    • According to Indiana University, the Alger Brush is the tool that is used to remove a rust ring from the cornea. The Alger Brush is a battery operated rotary tool that is designed specifically for use in the removal of rust rings from the eyeball.

    Alger Brush Power Source

    • The entire Alger Brush is approximately 8 inches in length and 3/4 of an inch in diameter. According to AlgerCompany.com, the Alger Brush has a threaded end cap on the bottom of the instrument. This threaded end cap is attached to the battery housing, where a AA battery is located. When the Alger Brush is not in use, the end cap is turned counterclockwise to disengage the battery. When the Alger Brush is needed, the end cap is turned clockwise to engage the battery.

    Alger Brush Motor

    • AlgerCompany.com shows that the small electric motor for the Alger Brush is located just above the battery. When the motor is engaged by manual rotation of the burr, it rotates in a clockwise fashion until it is forced to stop by mechanical pressure. The motor is designed to stop when it comes into contact with Bowman's Membrane, the structure just below the top layer of the cornea. This feature prevents the instrument from scarring the cornea.

    Alger Brush Burr

    • AlgerCompany.com reports that the burr of the Alger Brush comes in diameters of 1/2 mm and 1 mm. The size required depends on the size of the rust ring. The length of the burr is 1 1/2 inches. The Alger Brush burr is the only portion of the Alger Brush that contacts the eyeball. As such, it must be sterilized before and after each use.

    Alger Brush Cap

    • A cap protects the Alger Brush burr when it is not in use. The cap is 2 1/2 inches long and only slightly larger in diameter than the battery housing. The cap is placed over the burr following sterilization of the burr when a rust ring removal procedure is completed.

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