Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of .omega.-conotoxins for the prevention and treatment of retinal or optic nerve head damage in humans. Compositions and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for tuning and controlling ultrasonic handpieces by incorporating a broad-spectrum signal as at least a component of the signal used to drive the handpiece. The response of the handpiece to this broad-spectrum signal is measured and the frequency or amplitude or both of the drive signal are adjusted in order to maintain the desired level of handpiece performance. The operation of the systems and the performance of the methods described enables the handpiece to be operated in a most effective manner over a more widely varying range of mechanical load and thermal conditions than was possible through the use of prior control systems and methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of platelet derived growth factor for the enhancement of wound healing wherein the growth factor is either singularly or multiply dosed on a single day, rather than multiply dosed over a number of days. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising platelet derived growth factor.

Abstract: Stable liquid enzyme compositions containing an ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lens injector cartridge having an asymmetric bore. The asymmetric bore initiates the folding of the lens on one side only, thereby reducing the amount of energy imparted to the lens and the potential for damage to the lens. The gentle folding of the lens also assists in positioning the travel of the haptics down the bore, thereby reducing the potential for damage to the haptics.

Abstract: Methods for preventing and treating retinal edema with brinzolamide are disclosed.

Abstract: Stable liquid enzyme compositions containing an ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for tuning and controlling ultrasonic handpieces by varying the frequency of the drive signal that is fed to the handpiece by a discrete dither increment. A digital signal processor may be used to measure the response of the handpiece to the varying drive signal and compare these responses to determine the probable value of the actual series resonance. The output of the digital signal processor is used to generate control parameters embodied within an appropriate control signal, which is fed to the source of the drive signal in order to alter aspects of the drive signal.

Abstract: Ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions useful in controlling elevated intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma and ocular hypertension are described. The compositions comprise a combination of a beta-blocker and a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor to reduce the production of aqueous humor, preferably formulated as a suspension having a pH between about 6.8 and about 7.8. These compositions may additionally contain a mucomimetic anionic polymer and/or a finely-divided drug carrier substrate to provide sustained release. A method of controlling elevated intraocular pressure with these compositions is also described.

Abstract: A-seco steroids are disclosed. Methods of use are disclosed for treating ophthalmic pathological neovascularization and controlling intraocular pressure.

Abstract: Methods for treating inflammnatory pathologies are disclosed. Particularly, the methods utilize pharmaceutical compositions containing certain compounds having an anti-inflanumatory and anti-oxidant moiety covalently linked by thiol or sulfoxide or sulfone bond. The compounds are useflil in preventing and treating inflammatory disorders through several mechanisms.

Abstract: A syringe cannula holder having a split outer sleeve that can be folded around the cannula so as to engulf fully the cannula. The sleeve is held in place by a sliding retaining nut. A hinged, locking retainer holds the syringe within the sleeve.

Abstract: Various embodiments of optical fiber cables and laser probes are disclosed for providing multi-spot laser beams from a single laser beam source. This permits time-intensive but repetitive laser surgical procedures such as panretinal photocoagulation to be performed with increased accuracy and in a fraction of the time currently allotted for such procedures.

Abstract: High refractive index copolymers suitable for use in ophthalmic lenses, such as foldable intraocular lenses, are disclosed. The high refractive index copolymers of the present invention consist essentially of (i) one or more monomers having the structure: ##STR1## wherein: X is H or CH.sub.3 ;m is 0-10;Y is nothing, O, S, or NR wherein R is H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 (n=1-10) isoOC.sub.3 H.sub.7, C.sub.6 H.sub.5, or CH.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.5 ;Ar is any aromatic ring which can be unsubstituted or substituted with H,CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5, n--C.sub.3 H.sub.7, iso--C.sub.3 H.sub.7, OCH.sub.3, C.sub.6 H.sub.11, Cl, Br, C.sub.6 H.sub.5, or CH.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.5 ;and (ii) one or more monomers having the structure: ##STR2## wherein: X, X' is independently H or CH.sub.3 ;n, n' are independently 2 or 3;m, m' are independently 2-25;Ar, Ar' are independently as defined above;a is 1 or 2; andZ is C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 or S(.dbd.O).sub.2.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Simple, efficacious, easily manufacturable, convenient to use and cost-effective contact lens care cleaning compositions comprising carbon dioxide and carbonic acid as cleansing agents are disclosed. The compositions do not require abrasive agents such as polymeric beads, nor ocularly irritating agents such as enzymes or surfactants in order to effectively clean proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous deposits from the surface of contact lenses. Also disclosed is a one-step cleaning and disinfecting regimen, whereby an effervescent tablet composition capable of generating carbon dioxide and carbonic acid is dissolved in a disinfecting solution or rinsing/disinfecting/storage solution.

Abstract: Compounds having anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity are disclosed. The compounds are useful in preventing and treating inflammatory disorders through several mechanisms. Methods of treatment employing these properties of the compounds and corresponding pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: A cassette having, in a first embodiment, a series of break-off, prismatic tabs integrally formed in the cassette that can be optically sensed by the surgical instrument.

Abstract: N,N-dialkyl and N'-alkylethylene diamines of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as described in the specification. The compounds are useful in disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses and preserving ophthalmic products.

Abstract: Foldable, acrylic, high refractive index ophthalmic device materials containing a UV absorbing chromophore are cured by exposure to blue light using a benzoylphosphine oxide photoinitiator.