Abstract: A method for modifying the refractive index of an optical, polymeric material. The method comprises irradiating select regions of the optical, polymeric material with a focused, visible or near-IR laser having a pulse energy from 0.05 nJ to 1000 nJ. The irradiation results in the formation of refractive optical structures, characterized by a change in refractive index, exhibit little or no scattering loss, and exhibit no significant differences in the Raman spectrum with respect to the non-irradiated optical, polymeric material. The method can be used to modify the refractive index of an intraocular lens following the surgical implantation of the intraocular lens in a human eye.

Abstract: A method for modifying the refractive index of an optical, hydrogel polymeric material. The method comprises irradiating predetermined regions of an optical, polymeric material with a laser to form refractive structures. To facilitate the formation of the refractive structures the optical, hydrogel polymeric material comprises a photosensitizer. The presence of the photosensitizer permits one to set a scan rate to a value that is at least fifty times greater than a scan rate without the photosensitizer in the material, yet provides similar refractive structures in terms of the observed change in refractive index. Alternatively, the photosensitizer in the polymeric material permits one to set an average laser power to a value that is at least two times less than an average laser power without the photosensitizer in the material, yet provide similar refractive structures.

Abstract: A method for modifying the refractive index of an optical, polymeric material. The method comprises irradiating select regions of the optical, polymeric material with a focused, visible or near-IR laser having a pulse energy from 0.05 nJ to 1000 nJ. The irradiation results in the formation of refractive optical structures, characterized by a change in refractive index, exhibit little or no scattering loss, and exhibit no significant differences in the Raman spectrum with respect to the non-irradiated optical, polymeric material. The method can be used to modify the refractive index of an intraocular lens following the surgical implantation of the intraocular lens in a human eye.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a silicone oil or fluid using neat supercritical carbon dioxide or a supercritical carbon dioxide mixture extraction to produce vitreoretinal silicone tamponades. The subject process is an economical, highly effective, reproducible, contaminant-free method by which unreacted relatively low molecular weight cyclic siloxanes and oligomers are removed from relatively high molecular weight silicone oil or fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic solution for soft contact lenses for controlled release of polyethers into an eye's tear film. Polyether components of the subject solution are released from the soft contact lens material matrix over long time periods to produce longer lasting wetting performance, improved lubricity, improved end-of-the-day comfort and reduced feeling of dryness from wearing contact lenses. The present invention also includes the use of cationic polyelectrolytes for controlling the swelling of hydrogel contact lenses typically caused by the absorption of high concentrations of polyethers.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions have photochromic and blue-light filtering ability and are useful in the manufacture of ophthalmic medical devices. The polymeric compositions comprise a photochromic material incorporated into polymeric host materials and are activatable by blue light having a first wavelength range to become photochromic, and are thereby capable of absorbing blue light in a second wavelength range. Methods of making the compositions comprise incorporating a photochromic material into a polymeric host material.

Abstract: A composition of a long-acting enzyme comprises the enzyme in a formulation comprising a buffer and an additive selected from the group consisting of tranexamic acid, ?-aminocaproic acid, and analogs of L-lysine other than tranexamic acid and ?-aminocaproic acid, combinations thereof, and mixtures thereof. The composition can further comprise another additive selected from the group consisting of L-lysine, L-arginine, L-ornithine (or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts; e.g., L-ornithine hydrochloride), ?-aminobutyric acid, 5-aminovaleric acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, glycylglycine, triglycine, N-?-acetyl-L-arginine, betaine, sarcosine, gelatin, HSA, streptokinase, tPA, uPA, non-ionic surfactants, glycerin, D-sorbitol, combinations thereof, and mixtures thereof. A method for prolonging the activity of an autodegradable enzyme comprises storing the enzyme after manufacture at a low pH, and reconstituting the acidified enzyme before use with a solution containing at least one of such additives.

Abstract: A method for prolonging the activity of an autodegradable enzyme comprises storing the enzyme after manufacture at a pH less than about 5, and reconstituting the acidified enzyme substantially immediately before use with a buffer having a pH in the range from about 6.5 to about 11, wherein the pH remains within 1 pH unit upon adding said the enzyme into the buffer. The method is useful to provide enzyme for wide use, which otherwise would lose activity upon long storage. In one embodiment the method is applicable to provide enzyme for inducing controlled posterior vitreous detachment.

Abstract: This invention relates to the effect of Loteprednol etabonate on vascular dysfunction in the back of the eye. More specifically, this invention relates to methods of modifying a pathogenic angiogenesis in the back of an eye of a patient, the method comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a pathogenic angiogenesis modifying amount of Loteprednol etabonate. Moreover, this invention relates to methods of modifying pathologic vascular permeability manifested as retinal edema. The method compromises administering to a patient an amount of LE sufficient to reduce retinal edema.

Abstract: A demonstration kit and method for marketing lens care solution. The kit contains two demonstrations. One demonstration is directed to lubricity and the other demonstration is directed to protein stabilization. The protein assay uses a solution of urea.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition for treating dry eye comprising, in one embodiment, alginate and a polyol. Such compositions have been found to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye and remain in the eye for a long period of time.

Abstract: A radiation-absorbing polymeric material comprises units of a polymerizable UV-absorbing compound and a monomer, and is capable of absorbing UV radiation, and at least about 50 percent of light having wavelengths in the range from about 400 nm to about 425 nm. The radiation-absorbing polymeric material can further comprise units of a crosslinking agent. Ophthalmic devices, such as contact lenses, corneal rings, corneal inlays, keratoprostheses, and intraocular lenses, are made from such polymeric material.

Abstract: Compositions for inhibiting attachment of microorganisms to the surface of biomaterials include a polyether, such as a poloxamer. The compositions are especially useful for treating contact lenses to prevent bacterial attachment to the lens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic solution for soft contact lenses for controlled release of polyethers into an eye's tear film. Polyether components of the subject solution are released from the soft contact lens material matrix over long time periods to produce longer lasting wetting performance, improved lubricity, improved end-of-the-day comfort and reduced feeling of dryness from wearing contact lenses. The present invention also includes the use of cationic polyelectrolytes for controlling the swelling of hydrogel contact lenses typically caused by the absorption of high concentrations of polyethers.

Abstract: The present invention includes a pharmaceutical delivery system comprising a fused pyrrolocarbazole and a biodegradable polymer matrix configured to be inserted into the eye of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic solution for soft contact lenses for controlled release of polyethers into an eye's tear film. Polyether components of the subject solution are released from the soft contact lens material matrix over long time periods to produce longer lasting wetting performance, improved lubricity, improved end-of-the-day comfort and reduced feeling of dryness from wearing contact lenses. The present invention also includes the use of cationic polyelectrolytes for controlling the swelling of hydrogel contact lenses typically caused by the absorption of high concentrations of polyethers.

Abstract: A method for making an ocular drug delivery device involves subjecting the device to a supercritical fluid to remove contaminants from the device. The supercritical fluid includes supercritical carbon dioxide. The contaminants include unreacted monomers or oligomers present in the polymeric material used to form the device.

Abstract: A solution for soft, hydrogel contact lenses includes a polyether that is controllably released into an eye's tear film when the lens is worn. Polyether components of the subject solution are released from the soft contact lens material matrix over long time periods to produce longer lasting wetting performance, improved lubricity, improved comfort, and/or reduced feeling of dryness from wearing contact lenses. The solution further includes a cationic polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel viscoelastic composition that includes a suitable aqueous carrier and xanthan gum. The novel viscoelastic composition has rheological properties consistent with a good dispersive viscoelastic and improved damping ability over commercial dispersive viscoelastics.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions have photochromic and blue-light filtering ability and are useful in the manufacture of ophthalmic medical devices. The polymeric compositions comprise a photochromic material incorporated into polymeric host materials and are activatable by blue light having a first wavelength range to become photochromic, and are thereby capable of absorbing blue light in a second wavelength range. Methods of making the compositions comprise incorporating a photochromic material into a polymeric host material.