Abstract: Compositions containing an ophthalmically acceptable enzyme of high purity and integrity in a liquid medium and methods involving the use of these compositions for cleaning a contact lens, and in combination with an antimicrobial agent for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens are disclosed.

Abstract: The use of certain amidoamines to disinfect contact lenses and preserve ophthalmic compositions is described, Ophthalmic compositions containing these compounds as disinfecting agents or preservatives are also described, The amidoamines utilized in the present invention have potent antibacterial and antifungal activity, and are chemically compatible with inorganic ions and other materials utilized in ophthalmic compositions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for cleaning and wetting of contact lenses, especially rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses. The compositions comprise low molecular weight polyalkylene oxide modified siloxanes, which are particularly effective in removing lipids from the surface of contact lenses.

Abstract: Improved ophthalmic irrigating solutions are described. The solutions include one or more drugs for controlling intraocular pressure, an antioxidant/free radical scavenger, electrolytes, a cellular energy source, bicarbonate, and a buffer. Methods of using the solutions in connection with ophthalmic surgical procedures are also described.

Abstract: Compounds structurally related to ethacrynic acid are described. The compounds are useful for controlling intraocular pressure. Unlike ethacrynic acid, the compounds of the present invention are capable of effectively penetrating the cornea. Methods of controlling intraocular pressure via topical application of one or more of the compounds to the eye and topical ophthalmic compositions useful in the treatment of glaucoma are also described.

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: Ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions useful in controlling elevated intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma and other ophthalmic conditions are described. A method of controlling elevated intraocular pressure with those compositions is also described. The compositions contain a combination of an alpha-2 agonist (e.g., para-amino clonidine) and a beta blocker (e.g., betaxolol).

Abstract: Saline solutions useful in treating contact lenses are described. Unlike prior saline solutions used for similar purposes, the present solutions do not contain conventional antimicrobial agents which are potentially toxic to ocular tissues. Rather, the solutions contain a combination of a borate-polyol complex, one or more anionic or nonionic surfactants, and a low molecular weight amino acid (e.g., glycine). It has been found that this combination effectively preserves the saline solutions from antimicrobial contamination, is relatively nontoxic to ocular tissues, and is compatible with oxidizing agents used in certain contact lens disinfecting systems. The combination also facilitates the cleaning of contact lenses.

Abstract: An improved method for rapid disinfection of contact lenses in a convenient and reliable manner is disclosed in which a series of oxidation-reduction reactions are employed. Specifically, dicheoroisocyanurate and potassium iodide react to form iodine species for disinfecting the contact lens. An amount of ascorbate is then added to neutralize the iodine species.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of using certain defined phenylene dioxamic acids in treating allergic ocular responses, such as, hayfever, conjunctivitis, atopic and keratoconjunctivitis, vernal conjunctivitis, giant capillary conjunctivitis and other diseases where mast cell degranulation are important in the etiology, by topical administration of said active to the affected eye; also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising said actives.

Abstract: The intraocular use of TGF-.beta..sub.3 in connection with glaucoma filtration surgery is described. A composition containing TGF-.beta..sub.3 is applied to the surgical site to suppress the production and/or alter the composition of extracellular matrix synthesized by fibroblasts at the surgical site, and thereby reduce the formation of scar tissue and consequent impairment of the outflow of aqueous humor through a fistula created during the surgery.

Abstract: Anti-inflammatory compounds, a method of treating inflamed ocular tissue and compositions of these compounds are described. The compounds are derivatives and analogues of known steroid compounds (e.g., dexamethasone) and are advantageously characterized in that they do not cause any significant increase in intraocular pressure during chronic use.

Abstract: Compounds having both calcium antagonist and antioxidant activity are disclosed. The compounds are useful in preventing or alleviating damage to tissues at the cellular level. Methods of treatment which employ these properties of the compounds and corresponding pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain alkenyl diamines, the use of same for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses and preserving ophthalmic products, and associated ophthalmic compositions are described.

Abstract: The use of TGF-.beta..sub.3 to reduce the formation of scar tissue as a result of trauma to the cornea of the eye is described. The invention is particularly directed to the use of TGF-.beta..sub.3 to reduce the formation of scar tissue in connection with ophthalmic surgical procedures involving the cornea, such as laser irradiation of the cornea. A composition containing TGF-.beta..sub.3 is applied to the site of the trauma to alter the production and composition of extracellular matrix synthesized by fibroblasts, and thereby reduce the formation of scar tissue and consequent impairment of vision.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of ophthalmic inflammation and methods of treating ophthalmic inflammation with those compositions are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of a glucocorticoid and an angiostatic steroid. The angiostatic steroid substantially prevents any significant increases in intraocular pressure which might otherwise be experienced by the patient as a side effect of the glucocorticoid component of the compositions. The therapeutic interaction of the two components therefore allows the potent anti-inflammatory properties of the glucocorticoids to be utilized without fear of elevating intraocular pressure.

Abstract: Certain amidoamines, the use of same for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses and preserving ophthalmic products, and associated ophthalmic compositions are described.

Abstract: An improved process for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses with a single solution is described. The process utilizes the cleaning effect of a cleaning agent in combination with the solvent action of water and physical agitation of the lens (i.e., by means of rubbing) to achieve a degree of cleaning which is comparable to or better than prior processes which utilize surfactant-cleaners. The cleaning agent is selected from polycarboxylates, polysulfonates and polyphosphates. The preferred cleaning agent is citrate. The process also offers greater convenience, relative to many prior systems for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses, since the need to utilize additional products to clean the lenses is eliminated.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of ophthalmic inflammation and methods of treating ophthalmic inflammation with those compositions are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of a glucocorticoid and tetrahydrocortisol. The tetrahydrocortisol serves to substantially prevent any significant increases in intraocular pressure which might otherwise be experienced by the patient as a side effect of the glucocorticoid component of the compositions. The therapeutic interaction of the two components therefore allows the potent antiinflammatory properties of the glucocorticoids to be utilized without fear of elevating intraocular pressure. A method of preventing increases in intraocular pressure attributable to systemic or topical corticosteroid therapy is also disclosed. That method involves the administration of a pharmaceutical composition containing tetrahydrocortisol to a patient receiving such therapy.

Abstract: A laser system having plural optical paths, each with a dielectric mirror for extracting a different wavelength of light from a laser beam, and a laser medium movable with respect to the different optical paths for injecting the laser beam into a desired optical path. The laser medium is mounted to a motor driven carriage for moving the laser medium with respect to the different optical paths.