Abstract: A novel formulation for the treatment of the many underlying inflammatory processes that cause dry eye syndrome. In particular, the formulation, which is orally administered includes the optimal blend of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, and nutrient cofactors necessary to enhance the metabolic conversion associated with the tear-specific series E-one anti-inflammatory prostaglandin (PGE1). As used herein, the term “nutrient cofactor” refers to a compound that supports and enhances the conversion of linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid. Additionally, the formulation inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory compounds, as well as the growth of viral and bacterial pathogens of the three-layer tear film.

Abstract: Dry-eye syndrome and other dryness effects of glandular malfunction are treated orally by a combination which includes a source of omega-3 fatty acid, a source of omega-6 fatty acid, vitamin A, vitamin B6, a source of magnesium and a water-soluble antioxidant. The preparation preferably is contained in a capsule. In a preferred form of the preparation and of the method, the preparation also includes mucin and cold water fish oil. The fatty acids preferably are contained in blackcurrant seed oil, and the water-soluble antioxidant is preferably in the form of vitamin C.

Abstract: Dry-eye syndrome and other dryness effects of glandular malfunction are treated orally by a combination which includes a source of omega-3 fatty acid, a source of omega-6 fatty acid, vitamin A, vitamin B6, a source of magnesium and a water-soluble antioxidant. The preparation preferably is contained in a capsule. In a preferred form of the preparation and of the method, the preparation also includes mucin and cold water fish oil. The fatty acids preferably are contained in blackcurrant seed oil, and the water-soluble antioxidant is preferably in the form of vitamin C.

Abstract: Dry-eye syndrome and other dryness effects of glandular malfunction are treated orally by a combination which includes a source of omega-3 fatty acid, a source of omega-6 fatty acid, vitamin A, vitamin B6, a source of magnesium and a water-soluble antioxidant. The preparation preferably is contained in a capsule. In a preferred form of the preparation and of the method, the preparation also includes mucin and cold water fish oil. The fatty acids preferably are contained in blackcurrant seed oil, and the water-soluble antioxidant is preferably in the form of vitamin C.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is presented for the performance of refractive surgery. The success of refractive surgery, particularly astigmatic refractive surgery varies with the intuition and skill of the surgeon yielding a consistency of results more typical of art than science. In the described embodiments methods and apparatus that quantify refractive surgery by determining the nature of incisions are based upon traceable and repeatable factors. The described embodiments incorporate hardware and software for use in the data management.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is presented for the performance of refractive surgery. The success of refractive surgery, particularly astigmatic refractive surgery varies with the intuition and skill of the surgeon yielding a consistency of results more typical of an than science. The invention comprises methods and apparatus that quantify refractive surgery by determining the nature of incisions based upon traceable and repeatable factors. The invention incorporates hardware and software for use in the data management.

Abstract: A hypotraumatic injection needle having substantially no cutting edges is described. The injection needle has a beveled surface with the furthermost end of the beveled surface removed and rounded to form the needle tip. All edges on the tip and beveled portion of the needle are rounded and smoothly polished. The needle tip has a low profile, with the slope of the beveled portion being less than twenty degrees. These features allow the needle to penetrate easily by means of blunt dissection of tissue, rather than cutting tissue. The injection needle is particularly useful for posterior peribulbar or retrobulbar anesthesia in connection with ophthalmic surgery. The injection needle has a "ski-tip" effect, guiding the tip of the needle away from the beveled side. This effect, along with the absence of cutting edges, significantly reduces the hazards associated with ophthalmic surgical injections, such as inadvertent cutting of the eyeball or optic nerve.

Abstract: A convex anterior or convex posterior thin-edged intraocular lens is supported within the capsular bag adjacent the posterior capsule by a pair of curved haptics angled anteriorly to retain the intraocular lens posterior of and out of contact with the iris and pupil margin and to allow miosis. The compression and memory characteristics of the haptics gently stretch the posterior capsule against the intraocular lens to prevent both wrinkles and stress lines. Upon ciliary muscle contraction, the retention of the lens adjacent the posterior capsule also creates the potential for forward movement of the lens to permit the patient to change the focal power of the eye.