Abstract: Ophthalmic suture materials made from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers with high tensile strength for use in drug delivery, methods of making them, and method of using them for ocular surgery and repair have been developed. The suture materials are made from a combination of a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer and a hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. In a preferred embodiment the suture materials are made from a poly(hydroxyl acid) such as poly(1-lactic acid) and a polyalkylene oxide such as poly(ethylene glycol) or a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer. The sutures entrap (e.g., encapsulate) one or more therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents and provide prolonged release over a period of at least a week, preferably a month.

Abstract: Ophthalmic suture materials made from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers with high tensile strength for use in drug delivery, methods of making them, and method of using them for ocular surgery and repair have been developed. The suture materials are made from a combination of a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer and a hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. In a preferred embodiment the suture materials are made from a poly(hydroxyl acid) such as poly(1-lactic acid) and a polyalkylene oxide such as poly(ethylene glycol) or a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer. The sutures entrap (e.g., encapsulate) one or more therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents and provide prolonged release over a period of at least a week, preferably a month.

Abstract: Ophthalmic suture materials made from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers with high tensile strength for use in drug delivery, methods of making them, and method of using them for ocular surgery and repair have been developed. The suture materials are made from a combination of a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer and a hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. In a preferred embodiment the suture materials are made from a poly(hydroxyl acid) such as poly(l-lactic acid) and a polyalkylene oxide such as poly(ethylene glycol) or a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer. The sutures entrap (e.g., encapsulate) one or more therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents and provide prolonged release over a period of at least a week, preferably a month.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device and method for providing HA to the ocular environment. A contact lens according to the present invention is treated at its surface with a HA binding peptide. The HA binding peptide can be covalently bonded to a functional group on the surface of the contact lens, such as OH, COOH, or NH2. The lens can then be pretreated with HA for immediate increased wearer comfort upon insertion of the lens. As HA is washed away or degraded from the surface of the lens, the HA binding peptide remains and therefore HA can be replenished from endogenous or exogenous sources.

Abstract: Ophthalmic suture materials made from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers with high tensile strength for use in drug delivery, methods of making them, and method of using them for ocular surgery and repair have been developed. The suture materials are made from a combination of a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer and a hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. In a preferred embodiment the suture materials are made from a poly(hydroxyl acid) such as poly(l-lactic acid) and a polyalkylene oxide such as poly(ethylene glycol) or a polyalkylene oxide block copolymer. The sutures entrap (e.g., encapsulate) one or more therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic agents and provide prolonged release over a period of at least a week, preferably a month.

Abstract: Keratocyte loss after trauma or injury to the corneal epithelium is prevented or reduced by applying to the corneal epithelium a keratocyte maintenance solution over a period of time sufficient to permit corneal wound healing. The keratocyte maintenance solution is applied to the cornea after trauma (for example, removal of the epithelium prior to surgery, such as photorefractive keratectomy). Preferably, the solution is maintained over the cornea by means of a fluid bath or by means of an absorbent material effective for controlled release of the solution to the cornea (e.g., a collagen shield substantially in the form of a conventional contact lens). A preferred keratocyte maintenance solution is a corneal storage medium.