Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting tip assembly for an ultrasonic surgical cutting instrument having an ultrasonic transducer. The assembly includes a transition horn which is operatively couplable to the transducer, an elongated ultrasonic vibration-transmitting tube which is separable from the horn, and a threaded retaining nut. The threaded portion of the nut threadably engages the threaded portion of the transition horn to hold the proximal end of the tube and the horn together so that ultrasonic vibrations can thereby be efficiently transmitted from the transducer to the distal end of the tube, and then to the surgical site. The nut threaded portion can be formed either on the outside or the inside of the nut, and when on the outside in one embodiment, the nut and tube can be formed as an integral member to be threaded into the distal end of the horn. The elimination of all exposed tip nut surface angles greater than forty-five degrees increases the hydrodynamic performance of the assembly.

Abstract: The multi-ported valve assembly includes a valve body having a plurality of individual ports disposed in a common plane and a common port having its axis disposed perpendicularly to the common plane of the individual ports. The valve assembly includes a selector means having a body portion designed to engage the valve body and provide selective communication between one of the individual ports and the common port. The selector means includes a handle to facilitate rotation thereof and selection of a desired fluid flow passageway as well as indicator means to indicate direction of fluid flow. Also provided are sealing means to prevent external leakage during use and suitable connecting or coupling means to provide connection especially in devices and apparatus used in ophthalmic surgical procedures.

Abstract: An intraocular lens designed for ease of insertion and for minimizing contact with intraocular tissues comprises a lens body having an optical axis, two optical surfaces and a periphery to which is fixed at least one filamentous haptic extending circumferentially and radially from the point of attachment along a curvilinear path in space to a maximum distance from the optical axis. The haptic has a proximal segment adjacent to the attachment point, a medial segment attached to and continuous with the proximal segment and a distal segment attached to and continuous with the medial segment. At least a part of the distal segment lies at the maximum distance from said optical axis and constitutes the tissue-contacting portion of the haptic. The tissue-contacting element is tangent to a second plane parallel to the first plane and displaced from it along the optical axis, and at least the medial segment of the haptic traverses a path concave toward the first plane and avoiding intersection with the second plane.

Abstract: There are disclosed an improved method and apparatus which derive the optical characteristics of a lens system from a plurality of measurement beams and can display the same. Included is an imaging channel which cooperates with a microprocessor for detecting the measurement beams and processing the detected beam information to derive the optical characteristics of the lens system.

Abstract: A simulated cataractous lens and method of making the same are disclosed. The simulated lens is comprised of a proteinaceous material, such as natural animal lens material which is selectively hardened and which has the hardness and transparency thereof altered by predetermined amounts so as to correspond to different stages of cataract afflicted lenses.

Abstract: An intraocular lens designed for ease of insertion and for minimizing contact with intraocular tissues comprises a lens body having an optical axis, two optical surfaces and a periphery to which is fixed at least one filamentous haptic extending circumferentially and radially from the point of attachment along a curvilinear path in space to a maximum distance from the optical axis. The haptic has a proximal segment adjacent to the attachment point, a medial segment attached to and continuous with the proximal segment and a distal segment attached to and continuous with the medial segment. At least a part of the distal segment lies at the maximum distance from said optical axis and constitutes the tissue-contacting portion of the haptic. The tissue-contacting element is tangent to a second plane parallel to the first plane and displaced from it along the optical axis, and at least the medial segment of the haptic traverses a path concave toward the first plane and avoiding intersection with the second plane.

Abstract: Disclosed are substituted or unsubstituted planar tricyclic fluorene or nuclear analogs thereof, spiro-coupled to a five-membered ring containing a secondary amide, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are useful, inter alia in the treatment of diabetes. Also disclosed are processes for the preparation of such compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; and methods of treatment comprising administering such compounds and compositions when indicated for, inter alia, long term, prophylactic treatment of the diabetes syndrome. A particularly preferred class of compounds comprise difluoro-dialkoxy substituted spiro-(9H-fluorene-9,4'-imidazolidine)-2',5-diones.

Abstract: Thiophene sulfonamides and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds useful in controlling intraocular pressure are disclosed. Methods for controlling intraocular pressure through administration of the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses with three zones for the provision of bifocal vision are described. Methods for the lenses use are also described.

Abstract: Two compounds, which are derivatives of 2(2-hydroxyphenyl) 2H-benzotriazole, are copolymerized with hydrogel forming monomers to form ultraviolet absorbing hydrogels. These hydrogels have many potential applications. For instance, they can be used to make contact lenses and intraocular lenses which are particularly useful for aphakics.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating corneal haze resulting from exposure of the eye to laser irradiation are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of wound healing modulators to the eye. Compositions for use in preventing and treating the corneal haze are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is related to an improved method and apparatus for use in controlling the ultrasonic fragmentation of the body tissue. The ultrasonic apparatus includes a transducer assembly mounted in the handpiece assembly. The transducer is operable for converting electrical power to ultrasonic mechanical vibrational energy. A vibrational amplifying device is coupled to the transducer assembly and includes in series asymmetrical horn and symmetrical horn portions. Included in one of the horn portions is an operative tip.

Abstract: There is provided a medical fluid cassette made of thermoformed plastic material which cooperates with a medical control unit having retaining structure cooperable with the cassette to assist in controlling the flow of fluid through tubing associated with the cassette.

Abstract: New spirofluoreneisothiazolidinone dioxides and methods for their preparation are disclosed.

Abstract: Topical ophthalmic compositions containing microfine particles of one or more retinoids are described. The compositions are useful in the treatment of dry eye syndrome and related ophthalmic surface disorders and as ocular lubricants. A method of treating dry eye syndrome and related ophthalmic surface disorders and a method of providing topical ocular lubrication using these compositions are also described.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for replacing the natural lens of an eye including a pair of flexible loops connected to and projecting from the optic portion on one side of the first axis, adapted for supporting the IOL in the eye. The loops include outer end portions that terminate outwardly from the peripheral edge and on opposite sides of the second axis. A stabilizing member(s) is connected to and projects from the optic portion on the other side of the first axis from where the loops are connected, adapted for stabilizing the IOL in the eye. The flexible loops and stabilizing member(s) is shaped and dimensioned so that when the loops are moved toward the peripheral edge the outer end portions do not extend beyond the stabilizing member(s).

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating corneal haze resulting from exposure of the eye to laser irradiation are disclosed. The methods include administration of compositions of wound healing modulators to the eye. Compositions for use in preventing and treating the corneal haze are also disclosed.

Abstract: Angiostatic steroids for use in controlling ocular hypertension are disclosed. Pharmaceutical composition of the angiostatic steroids and methods for their use in treating ocular hypertension, including controlling the ocular hypertension associated with primary open angle glaucoma, are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for storage, mixing, and dispensing of two separate materials, including but not limited to liquids, semi-liquids, powders, and granulated materials. The first and second containers include neck portions which are matably slidable within one another, the necks defining openings into each container. A plug member is retentively held in the neck of either container, and extends to a stopper portion which blocks fluid flow through the neck of the one container when it is positioned in the neck of the other container, thus separating the two independent materials during storage. A sleeve extends over the second container and at least a portion of the first container. A removable collar can be positioned between the second container and the first container to hold them in a position where the materials are separated for storage.

Abstract: Method of promoting healing of ocular wounds comprising the topical application of an aldose reductase inhibitor; compositions comprising such inhibitors are also disclosed.