Abstract: 15-HETE derivatives with enhanced metabolic stability and methods of their use for treating dry eye are disclosed.

Abstract: Bis-amido polybiguanides and their use as antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. A method of synthesis of bis-amido polybiguanides is also disclosed. The bis-amido polybiguanides are useful in the preservation of pharmaceutical compositions, particularly ophthalmic and otic pharmaceutical compositions and compositions for treating contact lenses. The compounds are especially useful for disinfecting/cleaning contact lenses.

Abstract: A control system for a Liquefracture handpiece that uses output from a surgical console to generate a control signal for an RF amplifier. The output from the RF amplifier is used to drive the handpiece heating element. To prevent excessive heated fluid from entering the eye, the vacuum in the handpiece is monitored and excessive or rapid increases in vacuum level (indicating an occlusion or low aspiration flow) causes the power to the heating element to be reduces or eliminated.

Abstract: Contact lens care compositions for the treatment of hard contact lenses arc disclosed. The compositions are useful for rinsing, cleaning, disinfecting and storing of hard contact lenses. The compositions contain an unique gelling system involving galactomannan polysaccharides and borates to allow for the conditioning of the lens when it is reinserted in the eye of the user. Methods of using these compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating ocular conditions which find their etiology in compromised ocular blood flow with brinzolamide and brimonidine are disclosed.

Abstract: Acrylic, high refractive index ophthalmic device materials comprising an aryl acrylic monomer, a first stage polymerization initiator and a second stage cross-linking agent are prepared in a two-stage method. The monomers used to form the ophthalmic device materials do not contain cross-linking agents having more than one unsaturated bond. In the first stage of the method, the materials are polymerized. In the second stage, the materials are cross-linked by exposure to heat.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing calpain inhibitors and methods of using these calpain inhibitors to prevent or ameliorate ocular neural tissue disease or damage.

Abstract: Selective AMPDA inhibitors for preventing and treating damage to the optic nerve and/or retina are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular neovascularization using photodynamic therapy in combination with an angiostatic steriod are disclosed.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump having a molded flow channel contained on an elastomeric sheet that is bonded or mechanically attached to a rigid substrate. The pump head rollers are mounted radially from the axis of rotation of the pump motor and compress the elastomeric flow channels against the rigid substrate.

Abstract: A microsurgical forceps having a first handle and a second handle coupled to the first handle at a hinge point is disclosed. The first handle includes a cannula for transporting surgical fluid and a first jaw with an aperture for delivering the fluid. The second handle includes a second jaw for cooperating with the first jaw. The first handle may include a second cannula for fluidly coupling to a vacuum source. The first jaw may also include a second aperture for delivering vacuum. The forceps may be used to more effectively position an intracorneal optical lens in an intracorneal pocket.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of improved NR2B antagonists for the prevention and treatment of retinal or optic nerve head damage in mammals. Compositions and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of injecting a first viscous fluid into a target tissue simultaneous with aspirating a second viscous fluid from the target tissue is disclosed. A surgical system is provided that is capable of supplying pneumatic pressure and vacuum. A first viscous fluid is injected into the target tissue using pneumatic pressure from the system. A mode of operation of the system is changed to provide vacuum and pneumatic pressure. The second viscous fluid is aspirated from the target tissue using vacuum from the system, and the pneumatic pressure remains substantially constant during aspiration. An improved foot pedal for controlling the simultaneous injection and aspiration of viscous fluids is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having at least two lumens mounted to a body. At least one lumen is used for aspiration and at least one other lumen is used to inject heated surgical fluid for liquefying a cataractous lens. A portion of the second lumen 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 lumen. The pumping chamber may use any type of heater, such as a resistive heater or an induction heater. The handpiece may also contain other lumens for injecting relatively cool surgical fluid.

Abstract: Fatty acid/amino acid soaps are used in conjunction with an antifungal acid and a chelating agent as a new preservative system for topically administrable pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Suspension formulations containing dexamethasone and ciprofloxacin are disclosed. The formulations contain a nonionic polymer, a nonionic surfactant and an ionic tonicity agent, but are physically stable and easily re-suspended. The formulations are intended for topical application to the eye, ear or nose.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning soiled contact lenses are disclosed. The methods involve contacting the soiled lens with a cleaning composition comprising carbon dioxide and carbonic acid as cleansing agents. The cleaning compositions do not require abrasive agents such as polymeric beads, nor ocularly irritating agents such as enzymes or surfactants in order to effectively clean proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous deposits from the surface of contact lenses.

Abstract: A topical ophthalmic composition for the treatment of dry eye in humans, comprising one or more histamine H2 agonists, is disclosed.

Abstract: Optical characteristics of optical systems, such as the eye, are measured including vision defects of the eye using a collimated beam from a diode laser focused onto the anterior surface of the cornea of the eye for providing a finite source of secondary radiation on the retina of the eye, the image of which is close to a desired diffraction limited spot. The secondary radiation is reflected back from the retina as a reflected wavefront of radiation that passes through the eye and is directed onto a wavefront analyzer where distortions associated with the reflected wavefront are measured. By focusing on the cornea through a long focal length lens and thus converging the beam through a small angle, as opposed to typically focusing a collimated light onto the retina, the need for lenses or lens combinations, and the time required to adjust such to accommodate the differing vision of each patient is eliminated.