Abstract: Fatty acid salts of betaxolol, a cardioselective beta-blocker, and ophthalmic compositions containing these salts are described. These new salts have an aqueous solubility significantly less than that of betaxolol hydrochloride. This relatively poor aqueous solubility enables the salts to be slowly released from a suitable ophthalmic vehicle when placed in the aqueous environment of the eye. The salts also exhibit a significantly lower incidence of ocular irritation, as compared to ophthalmic solutions containing betaxolol hydrochloride.

Abstract: Copolymer compositions are prepared from a novel class of siloxane monomers in combination with hydroxyperfluoroalkylstyrenes, preferably p-(2-hydroxy hexafluoroisopropyl)sytrene [HFIS] monomer for ophthalmic applications.

Abstract: A disposable bipolar instrument for ophthalmic surgery has a pair of shell halves carrying electrodes. A collar connects the shell halves together, and electrical conductors supply current to and from the respective electrodes. The shell halves are composed of disposable plastic material, as is the connecting collar and cap which connect the parts and hold the wires in place. Squeezing of the shell halves together is guided by a tongue-and-groove type of joint formed between the shell halves by pairs of upstanding walls, the walls having sloped surfaces in respective facing regions to permit deformation of the shell halves together at one end thereof, so as to permit movement of the electorde tips together to perform cauterization. The deformation of the plastic material causes a progressive resistance, thereby permitting a tactile feedback to the user, so that the instrument can be operated where the field of vision of the user is partially or totally obstructed.

Abstract: Anti-inflammatory compounds and a method of treating inflamed ocular tissue utilizing these compounds are described. The steroidal actives are advantageously characterized in that they do not cause any significant increase in intraocular pressure during chronic use.

Abstract: Soft and hard contact lenses are freed from deposits by rubbing them with a particulate organic polymer with a carrier, the polymer having a particular size in the range from about one micron to about 600 microns and a Rockwell hardness in the range of from about R120 to about M68, or a shore hardness in the range from about A15 to about D100.

Abstract: Disclosed are 2,3-diamino-1,4-butanedithiol; 4,5-diamino-1,2-dithiane; and their N-acyl and N-alkyl derivatives. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the disclosed compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; and a method of treatment comprising administering such compounds and compositions when an antihypertensive effect or radioprotective effect is indicated.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a hollow cylindrical body from which a high viscosity composition is discharged in precisely metered doses by means of a plunger rod longitudinally movable within the body. The plunger rod includes a series of thread segments formed at equispaced, angular intervals from each other to establish an exterior thread of constant pitch in threaded engagement with the body. Each segment has an abutment surface projecting from the surface of the plunger. By depressing a trigger mounted on the body into contact with an abutment surface aligned therewith, the plunger rotates through the angular interval and thereby advances through the body to expel a desired amount of composition. Disengagement of the trigger with the abutment surface automatically occurs as the abutment surface rotates to the end of the angular interval, out of contact with the trigger, causing the next in-line abutment surface to be indexed into alignment with the trigger to allow for successive doses.

Abstract: A package for materials that are to be mixed just prior to use comprises a squeezable container into which is inserted a barrel containing a plunger. One substance to be mixed is placed within the container. The second substance is placed within a compartment formed within the barrel between a pair of pistons having flexible sealing rings. Telescoping of the plunger rod into the barrel causes the upper piston to advance into the compartment. The advancing upper piston exerts hydraulic pressure causing the lower sealing piston to detach from the barrel allowing internal mixing of the substances into a mixed fluid. By squeezing the container side wall, mixed fluid may be dispensed from a forward end of the plunger rod communicating with the container interior through a series of passageways.

Abstract: 3-chloro-4-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazao-2-yl)-amino-5-alkylbenzoic acid, its pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts and esters are useful in treating glaucoma by virtue of the effect in lowering intraocular pressure when administered systemically or topically to the eye. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the disclosed compounds; and methods of treatment comprising administering said compositions when a lowering of intraocular pressure is indicated.

Abstract: A syringe holder for receiving a syringe and provided with a locking device to lock the needle assembly onto the syringe to prevent the needle assembly from dislodging during administration or loading of a viscous material. The holder is also provided with grips for control of the syringe during use.

Abstract: A dispensing device including a hollow cylindrical body from which a high viscosity composition is discharged in precisely metered doses by a plunger rod longitudinally movable within the body. A series of projection are formed at equispaced, longitudinal intervals from each other on the plunger rod. A pair of parallel actuating arms pivotally mounted on the body extend along opposite side of the plunger rod and are formed with a pair of teeth, respectively, projecting inward toward the rod. By depressing the arms, the teeth pivot into engagement with one of the projections to advance the plunger within the body to expel a desired amount of composition. In a preferred embodiment, advancement of the plunger rod through a precise distance is automatically controlled via contact between the teeth with stop surfaces formed on the next in-line projection.

Abstract: Hydrogel polymeric material, suitable for preparing optical devices such as contact lenses. The material is of improved oxygen permeability and mechanical properties in comparison with conventional hydrogels. It comprises, in addition to the hydrogel material, from about 5% to about 60% by weight of a siloxane comonomer containing both an aromatic ring and vinyl functionality. Its cooperation and combination of performance characteristics with traditional hydrogel forming monomers provides a very useful polymeric material for making lenses of the soft hydrogel type.

Abstract: Hydrogel compositions characterized by a copolymer composition which includes a hydroxyfluoroalkylstyrene as a comonomer. The preferred comonomer compound is p-(2-hydroxyhexafluoroisopropyl)-styrene [HFIS].

Abstract: Novel colorless siloxane monomers containing both an aromatic ring and vinyl functionality are employed as a monomer for preparing copolymers that are ophthalmically useful. The monomer has good oxygen permeability, allows preparation of copolymers that have good machineability, and is easily wettable. Moreover, because of its compatability with other copolymers it can be useful to make a wide variety of types of lenses including hard and soft, and ocular implants as well.

Abstract: A sustained release drug delivery system suitable for ophthalmic use is described. The delivery system utilizes a cationic polymer (polyquat) to deliver a drug residue. The drug residue delivered may comprise an anionic drug or a drug-carrier complex.

Abstract: Soft and hard contact lenses are freed from deposits by rubbing them with a particulate organic polymer with a carrier, the polymer having a particular size in the range from about one micron to about 600 microns and a Rockwell hardness in the range of from about R120 to about M68, or a shore hardness in the range from about A15 to about D100.

Abstract: A contact lens cleaning solution containing an enzyme having proteolytic activity and a surfactant, and optionally also a chelating agent and urea, and a method of cleaning contact lenses utilizing this solution are described. The solution and method effectively remove deposits of proteinaceous material, mucins, lipids and calcium located either on or beneath the surface of the lens.

Abstract: Method of treating glaucoma comprising the topical or systemic application of an aldose reductase inhibitor; compositions comprising such inhibitors are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A nontoxic, aqueous, contact lens cleaning solution containing a mixture which includes a nonionic or weakly anionic surfactant, a chelating agent, a source of hydrated protons, and optionally also urea; and a method of chemically removing protein, lipid and calcium deposits from contact lens utilizing this solution are described.