Abstract: This invention relates to an emulsion composition for the formation of an artificial tear film over the ocular surface of the eye capable of providing mechanical lubrication for the ocular surface while reducing evaporation of fluid therefrom. The emulsion is desirably in the form of a meta stable emulsion and is characterized by the use of a surfactant comprising a combination of a primary and secondary surfactant where the primary surfactant permits formation of the emulsion and the secondary surfactant permits autoclaving of the surfactant. The invention also includes a method for the formation of such an emulsion.

Abstract: This invention relates to an emulsion composition for the formation of an artificial tear film over the ocular surface of the eye capable of providing mechanical lubrication for the ocular surface while reducing evaporation of fluid therefrom. The emulsion is desirably in the form of a meta stable emulsion and is characterized by the use of a surfactant comprising a combination of a primary and secondary surfactant where the primary surfactant permits formation of the emulsion and the secondary surfactant permits autoclaving of the surfactant. The invention also includes a method for the formation of such an emulsion.

Abstract: The invention is a test strip and method for delivering a controlled dose of fluid to the eye. The strip and method is useful to determine break-up-time of the tear film over the cornea. The method comprises providing a planar ophthalmic test strip having a length greater than its width and having a tip on at least one of its end. The tip adsorbs liquids, has a width that is less than the width of the remainder of the strip, and has a surface area not exceeding 30 square mm. The tip is wetted with liquid, placed in contact with the corneal surface and break-up-time is observed. The test strip is designed to deliver a limited dose of from 0.5 to 1.0 .mu.l of liquid to the surface of the cornea.

Abstract: A storage solution for a hydrogel contact lens comprising a material having polar groups at one end and non-polar groups at the other end. The storage solution desirably further contains an oil. The material comprising polar and non-polar groups modifies the surface properties of the lens and facilitating the formation of a lipid layer over the lens.

Abstract: A composition and method for treatment of skin. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier containing a bilayer component having one or more polar terminus groups and one or more non-polar terminus groups separated from said polar terminus groups capable of penetrating the outer surface of the skin to form an aligned bilayer within the stratum corneum. The bilayer assists in the formation of bilayer lamellae that is believed to replicate the bilayer lamellae present in healthy skin. The composition is topically applied to the skin as often as is required.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing evaporation of an aqueous layer from the surface of the eye. The method comprises applying an admixture of a charged phospholipid and a non-polar oil over the eye, preferably in the form of a meta-stable oil in water emulsion in a dosage not exceeding 100 microliters.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing evaporation of an aqueous layer from the surface of the eye. The method comprises applying a gel of oil and wax over the eye, preferably in the form of a meta-stable oil in water emulsion in a dosage not exceeding 100 microliters. The gel is formed by gelling a hydrocarbon oil with a wax, preferably dispersed in aqueous medium at a pH of at least about 8.0.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing evaporation of an aqueous layer from the surface of the eye. The method comprises applying an admixture of a charged phospholipid and a non-polar oil over the eye, preferably in the form of a meta-stable oil in water emulsion in a dosage not exceeding 100 microliters.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing evaporation of an aqueous layer from the surface of the eye. The method comprises applying an admixture of a charged phospholipid and a non-polar oil over the eye, preferably in the form of a finely divided oil in water emulsion.