Abstract: A midinfrared laser tissue ablater having an Er:YAG radiation source optically connected to a first end of a fiber optic cable, a probe with a handle and a bifurcated cannula having a first half and a second half and a generally closed, hollow tip having an opening opposite the handle, a fiber optic integrally and coaxially mounted in the probe, optically and mechanically connected to a second end of the fiber optic cable and terminating at a free end in an interior of the hollow tip, the free end having a coating with a hole so that a pulse of radiation emitted by the radiation source is directed through the fiber optic cable and the fiber optic to the free end where the pulse of radiation is reflected by the coating out the hole in the coating and into the opening in the tip, an irrigation source connected to the first half of the cannula and an aspiration source connected to the second half of the cannula.

Abstract: Sulfonamides and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds useful in controlling intraocular pressure are disclosed. Methods for controlling intraocular pressure through administration of the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved surgical method and apparatus using laser energy for destroying body tissue which includes a surgical handpiece including a surgical tip assembly which is driven by means of laser to achieve optical breakdown, plasma formation and shockwave generation to emulsify or destroy body tissue. The surgical tip assembly includes a laser fiber, a focusing means to enhance optical breakdown of tissue or fluid caused by laser energy transmitted through the laser fiber and an emulsification tip that is resonate tuned to vibrate in response to shockwaves produced by the optical breakdown caused by the laser energy. The emulsification tip and focusing means are configured in a spaced relationship to form an acoustic resonating chamber which further emulsifies body tissue and facilitates mixing of tissue with irrigation fluid.

Abstract: Anti-inflammatory compounds, a method of treating inflamed ocular tissue and compositions of these compounds are described. The compounds are derivatives and analogues of known steroid compounds (e.g., dexamethasone) and are advantageously characterized in that they do not cause any significant increase in intraocular pressure during chronic use.

Abstract: The use of monoacyl phosphoglycerides to enhance the penetration of topically applied ophthalmic drugs through the corneal epithelium is described.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses with three zones for the provision of bifocal vision are described. Methods for the lenses use are also described.

Abstract: A flexible and steerable aspiration tip for microsurgery includes a tip portion, the configuration of which may be remotely altered to access different areas at a surgical site. The aspiration tip includes a flexible portion which includes a spring material therewith which may be configured in a relaxed and pre-curved state or, alternatively, a stressed and straight configuration. The aspiration tip may be combined with a handpiece assembly which includes means to remotely alter the configuration of the aspiration tip. Different surgical procedures can be formed with a single flexible and steerable aspiration tip which results in a reduction of trauma and stress to the surgical site by elimination of the use of several surgical instruments and complicated surgical techniques.

Abstract: A surgical knife having a handle and a blade with a first generally V-shaped portion for cutting an incision having a first width of approximately 3.2 millimeters and a second generally arcuate portion for widening the incision to a second width of approximately 5.2 millimeters.

Abstract: A method of controlling intraocular pressure by nonchronic, topical administration of a clonidine derivative immediately prior and post trauma to the affected eye.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions comprising combinations of gelling polysaccharides and finely-divided drug carrier substrates which become relatively more viscous on contact with the eye are disclosed. These ophthalmic compositions are both comfortable and long-lasting Ophthalmic compositions further comprising a pharmaceutically active drug are also disclosed, as are methods of use.

Abstract: Bicomposite intraocular lenses and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. Bicomposite, hydrogel intraocular lenses with one or more haptic portions having a lower water content than the corresponding optic portions, and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. The bicomposite lenses are manufactured by (i) preparing a bicomposite button of hydrogel material containing one or more polymers or copolymers; (ii) lathing the button to produce a dehydrated intraocular lens with an optic and at least one haptic; and (iii) hydrating the lens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid ophthalmic composition of unique rheological and lubricating properties comprising, inter alia, a polyanionic polymer for use as a long lasting artificial tear. Also disclosed is a method of treatment comprising topically administering the composition when indicated for relief of dry eye syndrome, foreign body sensation, burning, hyperemia, corneal staining, and the like.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical handpiece having a generally hollow body with a reduced diameter portion at a free end and an interior surface, an ultrasonic horn coaxially mounted inside the body, terminating at the free end and defining a fluid flow passage at the reduced diameter portion and a spiral thread formed in the interior surface at the reduced diameter portion for reducing shearing of a fluid flowing through the fluid flow passage created by an ultrasonic vibration of the horn.

Abstract: A one-piece polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens having an optic with an optic profile and a pair of haptics each extending from the optic within the optic profile and each with a medial segment of variably reduced cross-sectional area.

Abstract: Compositions of an antiallergic compound and an antihistamine for preventing and treating ophthalmic allergic responses are disclosed. Methods for preventing and treating ophthalmic allergic responses with the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A linear cavity laser system having a yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser rod for producing a fundamental wavelength of radiation having a front face and a longitudinal axis, a first mirror reflective of the fundamental wavelength but transmissive of a desired harmonic wavelength located in front of the laser rod along the longitudinal axis, a second mirror reflective of both the fundamental wavelength and the desired harmonic wavelength located to a rear of the lasing rod along the longitudinal axis, a phase matched crystal harmonic wavelength generator responsive to the fundamental wavelength for generating the desired harmonic wavelength of radiation arranged between the front mirror and the lasing rod along the longitudinal axis and a dichroic member transmissive of the fundamental wavelength but reflective of the harmonic wavelength arranged between the laser rod and the harmonic wavelength generator along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An irrigating sleeve for use in combination with the cutting tip of a phacoemulsification handpiece containing a base having a nose and a hollow interior; a tube connected to the base at the nose having an interior surface, an open end opposite the nose and a longitudinal bore to receive the cutting tip in communication with the hollow interior of the base; and a rough texture comprised of random bumps and pits on the interior surface of the tube for reducing the amount of surface contact between the cutting tip and the interior surface of the tube during tube compression and for bathing the cutting tip continuously in a lubricant.

Abstract: An improvement to a flow control system is disclosed which comprises a transducer apparatus having dampening means to prevent or reduce the destructive effect of water hammers in such fluid control systems. This is especially useful in surgical irrigation and aspiration systems. The dampening means functions by diverting the transient fluid waves away from the delicate pressure-sensing means until a portion of the kinetic energy contained therein is dispersed.

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 to reduce the production of aqueous humor and carbachol to enhance the outflow of aqueous humor. A method of controlling elevated intraocular pressure with those compositions is also described.

Abstract: A modular surgical packaging system is shown which includes a central package with an open interior. The open interior is adapted to contain a first type of sterilizable surgical item. The external sidewalls of the central package have one or more accessory receiving compartments formed therein. One or more accessory modules, adapted to contain a second type of sterilizable surgical item, are received within the accessory receiving compartments formed on the external sidewalls of the central package in piggyback fashion.