Abstract: The use of poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses. Such compounds are also useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in various types of compositions for treating contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: The use of nanoparticles of inorganic materials (e.g., synthetic smectite clays) in ophthalmic and otic pharmaceutical compositions is described. The nanoparticles are utilized as biologically inert carriers or depots for ophthalmic and otic drugs. The nanoparticles may also be utilized to modify the rheological properties of the compositions, so as to enhance the viscosity or flow characteristics of the compositions and/or increase the retention time of the compositions in the eye or ear.

Abstract: An improved solution for use in the removal of cataractous lenses via liquefracture is described. The liquefracture solution contains a viscosity-enhancing agent to increase the residence time of the solution in the heating chamber of the liquefracture handpiece, thereby increasing the expulsion force of the solution from the handpiece (i.e., “pulse force”). An agent that releases gas when the liquefracture solution is heated in the handpiece may also be included in the solution, thereby also enhancing the pulse force of the solution upon expulsion from the handpiece. The solution preferably also contains a partially water-soluble agent that forms a temporarily insoluble precipitate when heated in a liquefracture handpiece. The precipitate acts as an abrasive agent when expelled with the liquefracture solution from the handpiece, thereby facilitating the cutting and disintegration of the cataractous lens material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions to the eye.

Abstract: Improved intraocular irrigating solutions are described. The solutions have enhanced viscosities that reduce the risk of damage to intraocular surgical procedures by reducing the turbulence of the solutions and dampening the movement of tissue fragments and air bubbles. The solutions preferably also have modified surface tensions that more closely resemble the surface tension of the aqueous humor.

Abstract: The use of low molecular weight amino alcohols in ophthalmic compositions is described. These compounds have been found to enhance the efficacy of anti-microbial preservatives.

Abstract: The use of amidoamines to treat or prevent infections attributable to Acanthamoeba and fungi is described. The amidoamines are highly effective against both Acanthamoeba and fungi, and are less toxic to delicate tissues that may become infected with these types of microorganisms (e.g., the cornea).

Abstract: Cleaning compositions for contact lenses are described. The compositions contain multifunctional anionic surfactants that include at least two hydrophilic dissociating head groups. The multifunctional surfactants described (e.g., LED3A) possess both surface active and chelating properties, and have been found to be particularly effective in removing protein deposits from contact lenses.

Abstract: The use of low molecular weight amino alcohols in ophthalmic compositions is described. These compounds have been found to enhance the efficacy of anti-microbial preservatives.

Abstract: Biguanide/quaternary ammonium compounds and the use of same as antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical compositions are described. The biguanide/quaternary ammonium compounds are useful in the preservation of pharmaceutical compositions, particularly ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions and compositions for treating contact lenses. The compounds are especially useful for disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: Ocular lubricant solutions are described. The solutions are adapted to facilitate the formation of a corneal flap during LASIK surgery. The solutions contain one or more viscosity enhancing agents (e.g., chondroitin sulfate) in a substantially salt-free, ophthalmically acceptable vehicle. Methods of lubricating the cornea to facilitate flap formation are also described.

Abstract: Aminobiguanides and the use of same as antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. The aminobiguanides are useful in the preservation of pharmaceutical compositions, particularly ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions and compositions for treating contact lenses. The compounds are especially useful for disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for facilitating the formulation and closure of a corneal flap during LASIK surgery are described. The compositions and methods are based on the use of one or more viscosity-enhancing agents (e.g., chondroitin sulfate) to provide an ophthalmic irrigating solution with improved coating properties and prolonged dwelling time on the cornea, thereby providing lubrication for the microkeratome used to form the corneal flap, reduce corneal epithelial abrasions, and help to produce smooth and consistent cuts with the microkeratome blade.

Abstract: Water-soluble borate-polyol complexes are useful as buffers and/or antimicrobials in aqueous ophthalmic compositions, including those containing polyvinyl alcohol. These compositions have greater antimicrobial activity than comparable compositions containing typical borate buffers and unexpectedly increase the antimicrobial efficacy of other antimicrobial agents when used in combination. In addition, use of the borate-polyol complexes avoids the incompatibility problem typically associated with the combination of borate buffer and polyvinyl alcohol; therefore, the compositions disclosed herein may also contain polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions to the eye.

Abstract: Ophthalmic, otic and nasal compositions containing a new class of antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin) are disclosed. The compositions preferably also contain one or more anti-inflammatory agents. The compositions may be utilized to treat ophthalmic, otic and nasal conditions by topically applying the compositions to the affected tissues. The compositions and methods of the invention are particularly useful in the treatment of acute otitis externa infections and ophthalmic infections attributable to one or both of two newly identified Microbacterium species, Microbacterium otitidis and Microbacterium alconae.

Abstract: Ophthalmic, otic and nasal compositions containing a new class of antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin) are disclosed. The compositions preferably also contain one or more anti-inflammatory agents. The compositions may be utilized to treat ophthalmic, otic and nasal conditions by topically applying the compositions to the affected tissues.

Abstract: Aminobiguanides and the use of same as antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. The aminobiguanides are useful in the preservation of pharmaceutical compositions, particularly ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions and compositions for treating contact lenses. The compounds are especially useful for disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: An improved method of sterilizing the field of surgery prior to an ophthalmic surgical procedure is described. The invention eliminates the need for painful and potentially traumatic injections of antibiotics by utilizing sustained release compositions which allow the antibiotics contained therein to penetrate deeply into the eye, thereby ensuring a sterile field of surgery during intraocular surgical procedures. The compositions may also be utilized to prevent post-surgical infections.

Abstract: Improved artificial tear compositions are described. The compositions are preferably formulated as sterile, isotonic solutions. The solutions contain a unique combination of three demulcents. The solutions preferably also contain one or more electrolytes and may also contain a nonionic surfactant. The solutions provide ocular comfort and are particularly useful in patients that are experiencing mild to moderate dryness or other irritation of the cornea. The solutions may be packaged as either an unpreserved unit dose product or as a preserved multi-dose product. The multi-dose products contain a very mild antimicrobial preservative system, and consequently can be frequently applied to the eye with little risk of ocular irritation attributable to the preservative components.