Abstract: Disclosed are esters and amides of suprofen having enhanced delivery characteristics on topical administration to the eye; also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising such suprofen derivatives and methods of using them when indicated to achieve an anti-inflammatory effect on topical delivery to the eye.

Abstract: The system uses a tunable inductor in series with the piezoelectric crystal excitation transducer in the probe which has a flux modulation coil. The bias current through this flux modulation coil is controlled by the system. It is controlled such that the inductance of the tunable inductor cancels out the capacitive reactance of the load impedance presented by the probe when the probe is being driven by a driving signal which matches the mechanical resonance frequency of the probe. The resulting overall load impedance is substantially purely resistive. The system measures the phase angle and monitors the power level. The system uses this information to adjust the bias current flowing through the flux modulation coil to maintain the substantially purely resistive load impedance for changing power levels. This information is also used to adjust the frequency of the driving signal to track changing mechanical resonance conditions for the probe at different power levels.

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: A knife for ophthalmic surgery and particularly for posterior capsulotomy procedures comprises a thin, continuously curved shaft having an elongated handle attached at one end thereof. The longitudinal axis of the handle is disposed substantially tangentially to the curved shaft. A blade portion on the opposite end of the shaft terminates in a sharp tip. The shaft tapers from a relatively thick section adjacent the handle to a relatively thin section adjacent the blade portion.

Abstract: A driver system for an ultrasonic probe using a tunable inductor in series with the piezoelectric crystal excitation transducer in the probe. The bias current through this flux moduation coil is controlled by the system such that the inductance of the tunable inductor cancels out the capacitive reactance of the load impedance presented by the probe when the probe is being driven by a driving signal which matches the mechanical resonance frequency of the probe. The resulting overall load impedance is substantially purely resistive. The system also adjusts the frequency of the driving signal to track changing mechanical resonance conditions for the probe at different power levels. This method of operation insures substantially maximum power transfer efficiency and substantially linear power control over a range of power dissipation levels.

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 tetrahydrocortexolone. The tetrahydrocortexolone serves to substantially prevent any significant increases in intraocular pressure which might otherwise by 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 tetrahydrocortexolone to a patient receiving such therapy.

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: Contact lens cleaning compositions containing a combination of an enzyme and a carboxy vinyl polymer, and a method of cleaning contact lenses with such compositions are described. The compositions are capable of cleaning soiled contact lenses very rapidly and completely due to a favorable interaction between the enzyme component and an abrasive precipitate formed by the carboxy vinyl polymer component when a small amount of the compositions is rubbed on the lenses.

Abstract: Disclosed are nonstinging, sustained release ophthalmic formulations to control intraocular pressure in antiglaucoma therapy comprising a basic active, a cation exchange resin, and, inter alia, an acidic, mucomimetic polymer. Also disclosed are methods of treatment comprising administering such formulations topically to the eye when indicated for control and lowering of intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A means, method, and system for storing and caring for contact lenses, including cleaning, rinsing, storing, disinfecting, lubricating, etc., including a self-contained contact lens holder to support and contain one or more contact lenses. A fluid conduit is associated with the contact lens holder to provide a pathway for fluid to the chamber or chambers holding each contact lens. A fluid container holding a fluid used in contact lens care can be put in fluid communication with the fluid conduit and is operable to selectively introduce fluid into the fluid conduit and fill the contact lens holder with the fluid. The contact lens holder, fluid contact, and fluid container may all be incorporated in a unitary body, or fluid container and/or the fluid conduit can be selectively attachable to the contact lens holder so that different fluid containers can be interchangeable to the contact lens holder.

Abstract: A hand-held cannula assembly for irrigating and aspirating opthalmic surgical sites includes as irrigation cannula circumscribed about an aspiration cannula and extending out through the forward end of the assembly from a reservoir for the irrigation fluid in the handle. Pressurized irrigation fluid is supplied to the reservoir through the rearward end of the handle and flows through openings in the irrigation cannula periphery into an annular flow passage between the two cannulas. An opening in the irrigation cannula issues the irrigation fluid at the surgical site. Aspiration fluid is drawn into the aspiration cannula which extends through the handle interior to an outflow opening at the rearward handle end. The irrigation/aspiration tip exterior is made to be smooth, protrusionless, unitary and one-piece in design to afford a minimum in tissue tearing at the surgical site, while also allowing improved irrigation fluid flow a the site.

Abstract: A method for packaging intraocular lenses, contact lenses and other small, delicate devices which must be stored in a liquid is described. The method utilizes a container having a conically-shaped compartment to package small, delicate devices (e.G., intraocular lenses) in a manner such that the devices may be easily located in the compartment and removed from the container.

Abstract: Disclosed are antibiotic compositions for topical administration comprising an aminoglycoside, a benzylpyrimidine and a sulfonamide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aseptic, particle-free production of articles. A shroud is placed around at least a portion of the device which produces the articles to substantially isolate that portion from the external environment. The device for producing the articles and the shroud are sterilized and the air inside the shroud is filtered and sterilized. A laminar or other type of flow of filtered, sterilized air is imparted through the shroud over the articles being produced. A secondary shroud encloses the corridor or work area adjacent the shroud and device which produces the articles. The corridor and secondary shroud are sterilized, and sterilized and filtered air is continually introduced therein. The articles therefore are particle-free and sterilized for further use. The apparatus and method can be used for any component production process employing high temperatures and/or pressures, including, but not limited to, blow molding, injection molding, and production of semiconductor electronic components.

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 dispenser for substances including solids, liquids, semi-solids, and gels including a forward member having a bore extending between its front and back opposite ends. The front end of the forward member consists of an application orifice. A rearward member is translateably movable with respect to the forward member and includes a plunger which is extendable through the back end of the forward member into the bore of the forward member. The plunger is slidable in the bore in response to movement of the forward section with respect to the rearward section. The substance, having been inserted into the bore, is then expelled from the application orifice in a precise and easily maneuverable manner. The dispensing means can be used with substances which are pre-packaged in capillary-type containers. The plunger can have different diametered sections which allow expulsion of the substance and then allow expulsion of the capillary-type container.

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: 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.

Abstract: A linear suction control system 10 includes a linear solenoid valve 11 which exhibits a flow through rate having a known proportional relationship with the current through the solenoid 30. Regulated fluid pressure 12 is fed through the linear solenoid valve 11 to a venturi-type pressure vacuum converter 17. The resulting vacuum is proportional to the flow rate through the valve 11 and thus to the current through the solenoid 30. A transducer 16 samples the vacuum output and produces a signal fed to a differential amplifier 17. The signal is compared in negative feedback fashion with a variable input voltage set by a potentiometer 18 or other variable voltage source, so that the transducer signal tracks the voltage source signal. The voltage source can comprise a potentiometer 18 actuated by a foot switch 19 or the like, so that angular position of the foot switch 19 relates directly and predictably to the vacuum output of the converter 13.

Abstract: Contact lens cleaning compositions containing a carboxy vinyl polymer, and a method of cleaning contact lenses with such compositions are descrived. The compositions are capable of cleaning soiled contact lenses very rapidly and completely due to the cleaning action of an abrasive precipitate formed by the carboxy vinyl polymer component when a small amount of compositions is rubbed on the lenses.