Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic compositions containing vitamin E tocopheryl derivatives which are comfortable and non-irritating. In addition, these vitamin E tocopheryl derivatives significantly increase the aqueous solubility of certain poorly soluble ophthalmic agents.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having at least two lumens mounted to a body. One lumen is used for aspiration, the second lumen is used to inject heated surgical fluid for liquefying a cataractous lens. A portion of the second lumen is surrounded by an insulated heating element that heats the surgical fluid as it passes through the second lumen. The handpiece may also contain a device for delivering the surgical fluid through the second lumen in metered pulses of a defined volume.

Abstract: The tackiness associated with certain soft acrylic polymers can be reduced by plasma treatment of the polymer surface. This is particularly useful with regard to intraocular lenses (IOLs), especially foldable IOLs, which are made from such soft acrylic polymers.

Abstract: Methods for treating persons with glaucoma or ocular hypertension with polyamine antagonists and an IOP-lowering compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A syringe cannula holder having an outer sleeve with an external thread that receives an internally threaded nut. The nut has a passage that permits a syringe cannula to pass through so that when the syringe body is installed within the outer sleeve, the nut may be threaded onto the outer sleeve leaving the cannula exposed. The syringe is held within the outer sleeve by a retaining ring.

Abstract: Fluoroalkyl hydrocarbons as vehicles for pharmaceutical drugs are disclosed. These vehicles are particularly well-suited for delivering drugs which are insoluble in water or chemically unstable in aqueous media. Pharmaceutical solution compositions based on these vehicles have long shelf lives and provide improved drug bioavailability. In addition, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are nonaqueous, and therefore do not require preservatives or tonicity agents. The invention is particularly useful in the field of ophthalmology.

Abstract: The invention discloses PEG-modified proteases, compositions containing these modified enzymes, and methods for using them to clean contact lenses. The methods of the present invention are also directed to the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lenses, when compositions of the present invention are combined with a suitable disinfectant.

Abstract: Keto-substituted tetrahydrofuran analogs of prostaglandins and methods of their use in treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension are disclosed.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions containing biocompatible, bioadhesive polymerizable amphipathic mesophase materials useful for repairing retinal tissue tears or retinal detachments are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polymerizable materials, which comprise substituted fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl monomers having anionic, cationic, and/or nonionic surface active functionality in the unsaturated fluorophobic ends, are polymerized in vivo to provide effective, long-lasting repair of torn, ruptured or detached retinal tissue. Ophthalmic applications of these materials are not limited to retinal repair.

Abstract: The use of polyethoxylated castor oils in prostaglandin compositions greatly enhances the prostaglandin's chemical stability.

Abstract: Compounds useful as cytoprotective agents are disclosed. The compounds possess dual activity, containing a phenolic portion selected to have antioxidant or free radical scavenging properties and a thiazolidine-4-carboxylate portion selected for its potential to act as a cysteine prodrug.

Abstract: A package having two halves that are connected by a hinge. The hinge allows the halves to be folded against each other about a device and held in this position by snap/indentation pairs. A folded tab on one half rests against a detent on the other half. Pushing down on the folded tab causes the tab to straighten out and thereby push against the detent, eventually overcoming the frictional force of the snap/indentation pair closest to the tab and pushing the halves apart an amount sufficient to remove the device.

Abstract: Thermally gelling emulsion compositions which reversibly increase in either loss modulus or storage modulus, or both, upon contact with the eye, skin, mucous membrane or body cavity are disclosed. The emulsion compositions contain one or more nonionic substituted cellulose ethers and do not require a charged surfactant or a pH-sensitive polymer for such increase in loss modulus or storage modulus, or both, upon administration. In one embodiment, the compositions gel upon instillation in the eye.

Abstract: Substituted tetrahydrofuran analogs of prostaglandins and methods of their use in treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension are disclosed.

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: Combinations of at least one clonidine derivative and at least one prostaglandin are used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension without some of the side effects typically associated with topical administration of prostaglandins.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for treating ocular tissues are disclosed. The methods utilize viscoelastic compositions containing certain compounds having an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant moiety covalently linked by an amide or ester bond. The compounds are useful in preventing and treating inflammatory and proliferative disorders through several mechanisms.

Abstract: The compounds of the present invention are of the formula (I): A--X--(CH.sub.2).sub.n --Y--(CH.sub.3).sub.m --Z wherein: A is an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAIA); A--X is an ester or amide linkage derived from the carboxylic acid moiety of the NSAIA, wherein X is O or NR; R is H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl; Y, if present, is O, NR, C(R).sub.2, CH(OH) or S(O).sub.n' ; n is 2 to 4 and m is 1 to 4 when Y is O, NR, or S(O).sub.n' ; n is 0 to 4 and m is 0 to 4 when Y is C(R).sub.2 or is not present; n is 1 to 4 and m is 0 to 4 when Y is CH(OH); n' is 0 to 2; and Z is (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) wherein: R' and R.sup.3 are H, C(O)R, C(O)N(R).sub.2, PO.sub.3.sup.-, or SO.sub.3.sup.- ; R" is H or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl; and R' and R.sup.3 together may form a ring having structure: (1) or (2); and provided that when Z is (e), X is not O. The compounds of the present invention also include pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula (I).

Abstract: Certain prostaglandin analogues are useful in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Also disclosed are ophthalmic, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such prostaglandin analogues.