Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for cleaning and wetting of contact lenses, especially rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses. The compositions comprise low molecular weight polyalkylene oxide modified siloxanes, which are particularly effective in removing lipids from the surface of contact lenses.

Abstract: Novel polymerizable yellow dyes are disclosed. Additionally, novel and known dyes are used to block or lower the intensity of blue light transmitted through ocular lenses and other windows.

Abstract: A corneal topographer including a directional light source, a CCD and a positioning stage all controlled by a computer for automatically centering and focusing the corneal image onto the CCD. The computer receives video signals from the CCD representing the corneal image, which is digitized and displayed on a real-time basis on a monitor screen. A reflection of the directional light source is positioned to align in the center of the corneal image. An operator moves an optics head to place the corneal image on the monitor screen, roughly focuses the image, and then commands the computer to take over. The computer calculates the distance between the image of the directional light source and the center of the CCD, and activates the positioning stage to move the directional light source image to the center. The positioning stage is moved within a focusing range, where several positions and corresponding intensity characteristics of the directional light source image are tabulated.

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: Improved ophthalmic irrigating solutions are described. The solutions include one or more drugs for controlling intraocular pressure, an antioxidant/free radical scavenger, electrolytes, a cellular energy source, bicarbonate, and a buffer. Methods of using the solutions in connection with ophthalmic surgical procedures are also described.

Abstract: A method for attaching haptics to an optic of an intraocular lens including the steps of providing the peripheral edge of the optic with at least one hole, inserting an end of the haptic into the hole, aiming a laser which emits radiation within the visible spectrum which is matched to the absorption spectrum of the haptic at a portion of the haptic within the hole and firing the laser so that the radiation passes through the optic essentially without absorption and is absorbed by the haptic, thereby causing the haptic to swell an amount sufficient to mechanically anchor the end of the haptic within the optic.

Abstract: Certain anionic surfactants are used to enhance antimicrobial effectiveness in comfortable, sustained release ophthalmic compositions containing polyelectrolytes, such as carboxyvinyl polymers, polystyrene sulfonic acid polymers and cationic exchange resins, as well as at least one active ingredient.

Abstract: Methods for lowering and controlling intraocular pressure using estrogen metabolites are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions comprising mixtures useful to treat the metabolically impaired and to improve patient compliance. Included are non-racemic mixtures of certain chiral spirofluorenehydantoins. Methods of use to treat glucose toxicity and complications arising from diabetes mellitus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ophthalmic pharmaceutical vehicles which become viscous on contacting the eye are disclosed. Ophthalmic compositions of the vehicle and a pharmaceutically active drug are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for focusing a corneal topographer by determining the maximum intensity of a reflected light during a first focusing sweep and capturing the topographic image during a second sweep when the reflection intensity reaches the maximum intensity.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds which are useful as disinfectants and/or preservatives in ophthalmic compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of cloprostenol, fluprostenol, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Also disclosed are ophthalmic compositions comprising said compounds.

Abstract: New thienothiadiazine sulfonamides useful as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are disclosed. Methods for using the compounds to control IOP are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polyethylene oxide (PEO) coatings providing improved biocompatibility for implantable medical devices are disclosed. The PEO coatings comprise functionalized end-capped PEO which is attached at one end to the medical device. The PEO compounds are then exposed to a high energy source for a time sufficient to cause the PEO compounds to form a cross-linked, insoluble network. These PEO coatings are able to survive ethylene oxide sterilization procedures with minimal loss of protein or cell repulsion ability.

Abstract: Compounds structurally related to ethacrynic acid are described. The compounds are useful for controlling intraocular pressure. Unlike ethacrynic acid, the compounds of the present invention are capable of effectively penetrating the cornea. Methods of controlling intraocular pressure via topical application of one or more of the compounds to the eye and topical ophthalmic compositions useful in the treatment of glaucoma are also described.

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: Ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions useful in controlling elevated intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma and other ophthalmic conditions are described. A method of controlling elevated intraocular pressure with those compositions is also described. The compositions contain a combination of an alpha-2 agonist (e.g., para-amino clonidine) and a beta blocker (e.g., betaxolol).

Abstract: Saline solutions useful in treating contact lenses are described. Unlike prior saline solutions used for similar purposes, the present solutions do not contain conventional antimicrobial agents which are potentially toxic to ocular tissues. Rather, the solutions contain a combination of a borate-polyol complex, one or more anionic or nonionic surfactants, and a low molecular weight amino acid (e.g., glycine). It has been found that this combination effectively preserves the saline solutions from antimicrobial contamination, is relatively nontoxic to ocular tissues, and is compatible with oxidizing agents used in certain contact lens disinfecting systems. The combination also facilitates the cleaning of contact lenses.