Abstract: A system and method for tuning and controlling ultrasonic handpieces by varying the frequency of the drive signal that is fed to the handpiece by a discrete dither increment. A digital signal processor may be used to measure the response of the handpiece to the varying drive signal and compare these responses to determine the probable value of the actual series resonance. The output of the digital signal processor is used to generate control parameters embodied within an appropriate control signal, which is fed to the source of the drive signal in order to alter aspects of the drive signal.

Abstract: Ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions useful in controlling elevated intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma and ocular hypertension are described. The compositions comprise a combination of a beta-blocker and a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor to reduce the production of aqueous humor, preferably formulated as a suspension having a pH between about 6.8 and about 7.8. These compositions may additionally contain a mucomimetic anionic polymer and/or a finely-divided drug carrier substrate to provide sustained release. A method of controlling elevated intraocular pressure with these compositions is also described.

Abstract: A-seco steroids are disclosed. Methods of use are disclosed for treating ophthalmic pathological neovascularization and controlling intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A syringe cannula holder having a split outer sleeve that can be folded around the cannula so as to engulf fully the cannula. The sleeve is held in place by a sliding retaining nut. A hinged, locking retainer holds the syringe within the sleeve.

Abstract: Methods for treating inflammnatory pathologies are disclosed. Particularly, the methods utilize pharmaceutical compositions containing certain compounds having an anti-inflanumatory and anti-oxidant moiety covalently linked by thiol or sulfoxide or sulfone bond. The compounds are useflil in preventing and treating inflammatory disorders through several mechanisms.

Abstract: Various embodiments of optical fiber cables and laser probes are disclosed for providing multi-spot laser beams from a single laser beam source. This permits time-intensive but repetitive laser surgical procedures such as panretinal photocoagulation to be performed with increased accuracy and in a fraction of the time currently allotted for such procedures.

Abstract: High refractive index copolymers suitable for use in ophthalmic lenses, such as foldable intraocular lenses, are disclosed. The high refractive index copolymers of the present invention consist essentially of (i) one or more monomers having the structure: ##STR1## wherein: X is H or CH.sub.3 ;m is 0-10;Y is nothing, O, S, or NR wherein R is H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.n H.sub.2n+1 (n=1-10) isoOC.sub.3 H.sub.7, C.sub.6 H.sub.5, or CH.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.5 ;Ar is any aromatic ring which can be unsubstituted or substituted with H,CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5, n--C.sub.3 H.sub.7, iso--C.sub.3 H.sub.7, OCH.sub.3, C.sub.6 H.sub.11, Cl, Br, C.sub.6 H.sub.5, or CH.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.5 ;and (ii) one or more monomers having the structure: ##STR2## wherein: X, X' is independently H or CH.sub.3 ;n, n' are independently 2 or 3;m, m' are independently 2-25;Ar, Ar' are independently as defined above;a is 1 or 2; andZ is C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 or S(.dbd.O).sub.2.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: Simple, efficacious, easily manufacturable, convenient to use and cost-effective contact lens care cleaning compositions comprising carbon dioxide and carbonic acid as cleansing agents are disclosed. The 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. Also disclosed is a one-step cleaning and disinfecting regimen, whereby an effervescent tablet composition capable of generating carbon dioxide and carbonic acid is dissolved in a disinfecting solution or rinsing/disinfecting/storage solution.

Abstract: Compounds having anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity are disclosed. The compounds are useful in preventing and treating inflammatory disorders through several mechanisms. Methods of treatment employing these properties of the compounds and corresponding pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: N,N-dialkyl and N'-alkylethylene diamines of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as described in the specification. The compounds are useful in disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses and preserving ophthalmic products.

Abstract: A cassette having, in a first embodiment, a series of break-off, prismatic tabs integrally formed in the cassette that can be optically sensed by the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Foldable, acrylic, high refractive index ophthalmic device materials containing a UV absorbing chromophore are cured by exposure to blue light using a benzoylphosphine oxide photoinitiator.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of cloprostenol and fluprostenol analogues for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Also disclosed are ophthalmic compositions comprising said compounds.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having at least two lumens mounted to a body. One lumen is used for aspiration, the second lumen is used to inject heated surgical fluid for liquefying a cataractous lens. A portion of the second lumen is surrounded by an insulated heating element that heats the surgical fluid as it passes through the second lumen. The handpiece may also contain a device for delivering the surgical fluid through the second lumen in metered pulses of a defined volume.

Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic compositions containing vitamin E tocopheryl derivatives which are comfortable and non-irritating. In addition, these vitamin E tocopheryl derivatives significantly increase the aqueous solubility of certain poorly soluble ophthalmic agents.

Abstract: The tackiness associated with certain soft acrylic polymers can be reduced by plasma treatment of the polymer surface. This is particularly useful with regard to intraocular lenses (IOLs), especially foldable IOLs, which are made from such soft acrylic polymers.

Abstract: Methods for treating persons with glaucoma or ocular hypertension with polyamine antagonists and an IOP-lowering compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A syringe cannula holder having an outer sleeve with an external thread that receives an internally threaded nut. The nut has a passage that permits a syringe cannula to pass through so that when the syringe body is installed within the outer sleeve, the nut may be threaded onto the outer sleeve leaving the cannula exposed. The syringe is held within the outer sleeve by a retaining ring.