Composite ophthalmic microcannula

A composite microcannula for access and advancement into a tissue space of the eye comprising:

• a flexible, tubular communicating element configured to fit within the tissue space, the communicating element having a proximal end and a distal end;
• a proximal connector attached to said proximal end, said proximal connector configured for introduction of materials, energy or tools;
• a second communicating element comprising an optical fiber;
• and a rounded distal tip forming the distal end of the microcannula,
• wherein the microcannula is configured such that light is delivered through the optical fiber proximal to the rounded distal tip such that the rounded distal tip disperses the light to improve off-axis visualization and identification of the tip location within a tissue space of the eye.

A composite microcannula for access and advancement into a tissue space of the eye comprising:

• at least one flexible, tubular communicating element having a proximal end, a distal end, and a fluid communicating lumen,
• a proximal connector configured for delivery of fluid,
• a signal beacon,
• and a second communicating element configured to deliver the signal beacon, the signal beacon being capable of emitting light sideways from a distal point on the tubular communicating element for identifying the microcannula distal tip,
• wherein an outer diameter of said composite microcannula is no more than 350 microns, and wherein the composite microcannula additionally comprises a rounded distal tip.