Abstract: An orientation system for corrective eye surgery includes a camera for performing a first image mapping of a patient's eye using a predetermined eye feature and software for processing the first image map to determine an edge location of the feature. A second image mapping of the eye is performed with the patient in a different position. The second image map is processed to locate the predetermined eye feature. Correlation of the mappings is used to calculate an orientational change of the eye between the two positions. The data are used to calculate an adjustment to be applied to a corrective prescription for application by the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A footswitch having an adjustable treadle and switch placements, thereby helping to make the footswitch ergonomically more correct for a variety of users.

Abstract: Featured is a device for puncturing tissue of a body, such as the lamina cribosa and methods for treating a CVRO with such a puncturing device. The puncturing device includes a puncture member being generally configured and arranged to locally disrupt tissue proximal an area of the puncture site, to minimize the potential for damage to body parts or tissue immediately adjacent to this area of the puncture site and to facilitate perforation of the tissue at the puncture site. When the lamina cribosa is being punctured, the puncture member is more particularly configured and arranged to locally disrupt connective tissue of the lamina cribosa proximal to and surrounding the central retinal vein while minimizing the potential for structural damage to the central retinal vein. In an exemplary embodiment, the lamina cribosa is repeatedly punctured to strip/locally disrupt connective tissue surrounding the central retinal vein.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having at least two lumens or tubes mounted to a body. At least one tube is used for aspiration and at least one other tube is used to inject heated surgical fluid for liquefying a cataractous lens. A portion of the second tube is enlarged to form a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the second tube. The pumping chamber may use a pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing relatively gentle pulses of heated surgical fluid against the capsular bag to assist in the removal of lens epithelial cells and cortical material adhered to the capsular bag.

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: The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions to the eye.

Abstract: A light-translation system includes a fixed base and translatable mirror mount having mirror-supporting brackets. A first and second arm are pivotally attached in parallel, spaced-apart relation adjacent first ends to the base and adjacent second ends to the mirror mount to form a parallelogram-shaped attachment with the base and mirror mount. The pivotal attachments are formed using flexural pivots, each having a thick portion oriented for achieving minimal angular deviation of the mirror. A first bracket has three pads for supporting one side of the mirror. A second bracket has two surfaces shaped to support an edge of the mirror, each surface positioned opposite a pad. A washer dimensioned to admit a mounting screw is positionable opposite a third pad against an outside wall of the mirror mount to removably retain the mirror without imposing appreciable bending stress thereon.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of three polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of two polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity.

Abstract: Novel processes useful in the preparation of 11-oxa prostaglandin analogs are disclosed.

Abstract: The topical use of HETE compounds to treat ophthalmic inflammatory disorders involving cytokines is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical cassette for use in a combined anterior segment and posterior segment ophthalmic surgical procedure is disclosed. The surgical cassette includes an irrigation inlet for receiving irrigation fluid from a source, a first irrigation outlet for providing irrigation fluid to a first ophthalmic microsurgical instrument, a first manifold fluidly coupling the irrigation inlet with the first irrigation outlet, a second irrigation outlet for providing irrigation fluid to a second ophthalmic microsurgical instrument, and a second manifold fluidly coupling the irrigation inlet with the second irrigation outlet. The surgical cassette greatly simplifies the combined procedure by eliminating the need for separate anterior segment and posterior segment cassettes for the combined procedure.

Abstract: A device for dispensing fluid medicine includes a housing having an opening leading to an interior, a first aperture, and a second aperture. The device also includes a plastic dropper bottle at least partially disposed in the interior through the opening. The bottle has a container holding fluid medicine to be dispensed and a nozzle with a third aperture in fluid communication with the container. The device further includes a drop counter switch disposed in the housing and a lever rotationally coupled to the housing. The lever has a first flange disposed in the first aperture for causing the bottle to dispense fluid through the third aperture. The lever also has a second flange disposed in the second aperture for operative engagement with the drop counter switch upon the first flange causing the bottle to dispense fluid through the third aperture.

Abstract: A microkeratome blade for use for the removal of the epithelial layer and underlying Basement Membrane while leaving a smooth and undisturbed Bowman's Membrane in preparation for a laser refractive surgical procedure. The blade is capable of cutting through the epithelial layer and Basement Membrane, but not capable of cutting through Bowman's Membrane.

Abstract: A threaded locking beam nut having a plurality of locking beams configured such that the inside edge surface of each locking beam has a radially inwardly angled surface thereby forming substantially a V-shaped channel between adjacent beams.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices, and methods of delivering pharmaceutically active agents to a target tissue within a body using such devices, are disclosed. One drug delivery device includes a body having an internal surface for placement proximate a target tissue and a well having an opening to the internal surface. An inner core comprising a pharmaceutically active agent is disposed in the well.

Abstract: Fused pyridazine derivatives are useful for treating dry eye disorders and other disorders requiring the wetting of the eye.

Abstract: Novel 3-(2-aminopropyl)-H-indol-5-ols useful for lowering and controlling IOP and treating glaucoma are disclosed.