Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses and methods for detecting ocular surface defects. The methods and/or an apparatus of the invention can be used to detect ocular surface diseases, such as dry eye, uveitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), autoimmune disorders of the ocular surface, meibomianitis, conjunctival hyperemia, eyelid hyperemia, ocular rosacea, ocular inflammation, or eye lid swelling.

Abstract: The invention provides interfering RNA molecule-ligand conjugates useful as a delivery system for delivering interfering RNA molecules to a cell in vitro or in vivo. The conjugates comprise a ligand that can bind to a transferrin receptor (TfR). Therapeutic uses for the conjugates are also provided.

Abstract: An ophthalmic pharmaceutical composition useful in the treatment of glaucoma and control of intraocular pressure comprising an effective amount of a selective modulator of ALK5 receptor activity is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of treating glaucoma and controlling intraocular pressure comprising applying a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a selective modulator of ALK5 receptor activity to an affected eye of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particularly stable and soluble scFv antibodies and Fab fragments specific for TNF, which comprise specific light chain and heavy chain sequences that are optimized for stability, solubility, in vitro and in vivo binding of TNF, and low immunogenicity. Said antibodies are designed for the diagnosis and/or treatment of TNF-mediated disorders. The nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expression of the recombinant antibodies of the invention, methods for isolating them and the use of said antibodies in medicine are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluoroquinolone derivatives having enhanced ocular penetration characteristics and/or antimicrobial activity, and to compositions comprising such derivatives. The derivatives and compositions are particularly well suited for treating ophthalmic bacterial infections. The present invention more particularly relates to the discovery that a 2-methyl substitution on a diazabicyclo group attached to a fluoroquinolone ring system produces improved permeability characteristics, and that a 5-amino substitution on a fluoroquinolone ring system results in improved anti-microbial activity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating disorders of the outer retina with compounds that inhibit monoamine oxidase are disclosed.

Abstract: An irrigation/aspiration tip having a relatively rigid cannula attached to a hub and an open end opposite the hub. Coaxially and removable received over the tip is a soft elastomeric or rubber sleeve. The sleeve forms a gap between the sleeve and the cannula, the gap allowing irrigation flow. The distal end of the sleeve is closed by a cap of reduced diameter. The reduced diameter of the cap seals the distal end of the cannula. The relatively soft cap reduces the likelihood that the posterior capsule will tear during cortical clean-up and capsule polishing. Removing the sleeve allows the cannula to be resterilized an unlimited number of times, thereby allowing unlimited reuse of the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical tip having a spacer or stand-off to keep the distal end of the tip from directly contacting delicate tissue, such as the posterior capsule. In addition, one or more bypass holes may be provided to help vent any excess pressure when the tip is near delicate tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ophthalmic solutions with antimicrobial activity. The solutions have an antimicrobial compound such as hydrogen peroxide and a boron compound. In one embodiment, the solutions contain a boron compound such as sodium borate that provides antimicrobial activity in addition to that of hydrogen peroxide, particularly during periods following disinfection and neutralization of such solutions. This additional activity reduces the likelihood of microbial growth in contact lens disinfection applications that neutralize hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the immunogenicity of antibody variable domains is disclosed.

Abstract: A high-intensity pulsed-electrical-field (HIPEF) apparatus removes ocular tissue from a localized portion of an eye by delivering one or more focused shockwaves to that tissue. In one embodiment, for example, the apparatus generates one or more electrical pulses, delivers the one or more focused shockwaves to ocular tissue by applying the generated electrical pulses to a HIPEF probe, and then removes the ocular tissue disrupted by the one or more focused shockwaves via aspiration. To mitigate risk of damage to adjacent ocular tissue, the apparatus delivers the one or more focused shockwaves with energy substantially limited to the tissue being removed. The HIPEF apparatus is, therefore, especially advantageous in the context of cataract surgery where cataract tissue need be broken apart and removed without damaging adjacent tissue associated with the lens capsule required to implant an intraocular lens.

Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of tumor necrosis factor ? (TNF?) by silencing TNF? cell surface receptor TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) mRNA expression, or by silencing TNF? converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM17) mRNA expression. Silencing such TNF? targets, in particular, is useful for treating patients having a TNF?-related condition or at risk of developing a TNF?-related condition such as the ocular conditions dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, or ocular inflammation, or such as dermatitis, rhinitis, or asthma, for example.

Abstract: A high-intensity pulsed electric field (HIPEF) vitrectomy apparatus is disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a HIPEF probe comprising at least one electrode disposed at a distal end of the HIPEF probe, such that the distal end is configured for insertion into an eye. Various embodiments include a probe shaft assembled from a modular end segment and one or more additional modular shaft segments, each of the modular end segment and one or more modular shaft segments in turn comprising at least two longitudinal channels adapted to accommodate an electrode unit. In some of these probe shafts, each of the modular end segment and one or more modular shaft segments has a central longitudinal channel, and the probe shaft further comprises an aspiration tube disposed within the central longitudinal channel.

Abstract: Agents that stimulate nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein and the subsequent increases in gene products that detoxify and eliminate cytotoxic metabolites are provided in a method for treating glaucomatous retinopathy or optic neuropathy. The structurally diverse agents that act on the Nrf2/ARE pathway induce the expression of enzymes and proteins that possess chemically versatile cytoprotective properties and are a defense against toxic metabolites and xenobiotics. Agents include certain electrophiles and oxidants such as a Michael Addition acceptor, diphenol, thiocarbamate, quinone, 1,2-dithiole-3-thione, butylated hydroxyanisole, flavonoid, an isothiocyanate, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene, ethoxyquin, a coumarin, combinations thereof, or a pharmacologically active derivative or analog thereof.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical hand piece comprises a driver coupled to a horn. The horn is coupled to a needle. An aspiration pump is integral with the hand piece and is located close to the needle. The aspiration pump comprises a motor coupled to a shaft. A removable cartridge comprises a length of flexible tubing held by a tubing holder. The length of flexible tubing is located between the shaft and the tubing holder. The removable cartridge comprises a section of an aspiration line.

Abstract: A high-intensity pulsed-electrical-field (HIPEF) apparatus treats ocular tissue within a localized portion of an eye with a pharmacological solution. To mitigate risk of damage to adjacent, healthy ocular tissue, the apparatus delivers the solution to only a portion of the eye and then alters the effectiveness of at least some of the solution delivered by applying a HIPEF. In some embodiments, for example, the apparatus delivers an inactive pharmacological solution and then activates at least some of the solution by applying a HIPEF to that solution. As the apparatus applies the HIPEF with high precision, the HIPEF only activates solution within select portions of the eye. In other embodiments, the apparatus delivers a pharmacological carrier encapsulating an active pharmacological solution and then penetrates the carrier by applying a HIPEF. Delivered with a high concentration, but low dose, the solution diffuses only to tissue within a localized portion of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to suspension compositions having a carboxyvinyl polymer such as a carbomer, a galactomannan such as guar, and a borate compound. A sparingly soluble particulate compound such as nepafenac is also included in the compositions. The sparingly soluble particulate compound has a small particle size to enhance bioavailability of the compound.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods that enhance the delivery of large macromolecules (i.e., greater than 10 kDa), such as antigen-binding polypeptides, across tight junctions. Such methods and compositions are particularly useful for delivering therapeutic antigen-binding polypeptides to the CNS, via intranasal administration, for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Abstract: A high-intensity pulsed-electrical-field (HIPEF) apparatus chemically induces lysis of ocular tissue within a localized portion of an eye. Instead of broadly applying a lysis affecting solution (e.g., plasmin) to the eye, the apparatus delivers solution to only a portion of the eye. The apparatus then alters the effectiveness of at least some of the solution delivered by applying a HIPEF to that solution. In some embodiments, for example, the apparatus delivers a solution that does not substantially affect lysis of ocular tissue and then enhances the solution's effectiveness by applying a HIPEF. As the apparatus applies the HIPEF with high precision, the HIPEF only enhances the effectiveness of the solution within select and localized portions of the eye. The apparatus is especially advantageous for vitreoretinal surgery, whereby the apparatus may selectively induce lysis of vitreous tissue within a localized portion of the vitreous cavity, without significantly affecting adjacent retinal tissue.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical hand piece comprises a driver coupled to a horn. The horn is coupled to a needle. An aspiration pump is integral with the hand piece and is located close to the needle. A rigid length of aspiration line is located between the aspiration pump and the needle. An optional pressure sensor is located between the aspiration pump and the needle as well.