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: 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: 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: 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: A cutting blade for a rotary vitreous cutter having an opening separated by a cutting bar having two cutting edges so that one of the openings is always in communication with the cutting port in the outer tube of the vitreous cutter as the cutting blade rotates.

Abstract: Novel ester and amide derivatives of 3-benzoylphenylacetic acid are disclosed. The use of these novel derivatives and certain known derivatives in topically administrable compositions for the treatment of ophthalmic inflammatory disorders is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing carbonic anhydrase inhibitors is disclosed.

Abstract: Enantioselective syntheses of (S)-6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2-(3-methoxypropyl)-2H-thieno[3,2-e]-1,2-thiazin- 4-ol 1,1-dioxide and related compounds are described.

Abstract: Novel polymerizable yellow dyes are disclosed. Additionally, novel and known dyes are used to block or lower the intensity of blue light transmitted through ocular lenses and other windows.

Abstract: New thienothiadiazine sulfonamides useful as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are disclosed. Methods for using the compounds to control IOP are also disclosed.

Abstract: Substituted hydrindanes and their use in controlling angiogenesis-dependent diseases in warm blooded animals are disclosed.

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: The use of physiological tear compositions for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. The compositions have a high viscosity and contain bicarbonate, at least one cellulosic polymer and at least one carboxy vinyl polymer.

Abstract: Universal ophthalmic pharmaceutical vehicles which increase in viscosity upon instillation in the eye are disclosed. Ophthalmic compositions of the universal vehicle and a pharmaceutically active drug are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the vehicle gels upon instillation in the eye. In another embodiment, suspension vehicles having superior physical stability are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated perimetry. A patient interface is adjustable with respect to a previously positioned patient rather than requiring the patient to position him or herself with regard to the perimeter. Fine adjustment of the patient interface with respect to the patient is possible while a perimeter dome is moved away from the patient and patient interface. Once positioned, the perimeter dome is moveable to a position adjacent the patient. A visual stimulus generating and directing device is preferably contained in a first module attachable to the dome. The visual stimuli are directed to various locations in the dome. An optional feature includes an eye sensing device which continuously monitors the size and position of a patient's pupil and correlates this information to the projected stimuli to verify the patient's fixation during testing. The eye sensor is preferably contained within a second module attachable to the dome.

Abstract: A process for synthesizing (23S,25R)-calcitriol lactone and related Vitamin D analogs comprises reacting protected enantiomerically pure glycidol or 2-alkylglycidol with protected De-A,B-8.beta.-hydroxy-24-nor-cholan-23-al, removing the protective groups from the epimeric product mixture and separating the epimers, to give a hydrindane tetrol product, followed by oxidation and protection of the hydrindane tetrol product, reacting the tetrol product with the lithium salt of (3S)-(3.alpha.,5.beta.,Z)-2-(2-methylene-3,5-bis-((1,1-dimethylethyl)dimet hylsilyloxy)cyclohexylidene)ethyl diphenyl phosphine oxide and removing the final protective groups. Certain intermediate compounds also show biological activity as angiostatic agents.

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: An intraocular lens folder having a generally planar, open frame in the shape of a rounded "A" with a rimmed, open head at the top of the "A." The base of the "A" forms a pair of opposing legs or handles that join to form a hinge at the crotch where the handles attach to the head. The hinge allows the handles to be squeezed together and yet spring apart when released. Squeezing the handles causes the top edge of the head rim to compress and move toward the hinge. The open head contains a plurality of projections terminating in open, relieved jaws into which the IOL is placed. The location of the projections is such that when the handles are squeezed together and the rim moves toward the hinge, two of the jaws move toward each other, causing the IOL to be folded in half.