Abstract: A check valve having a piston-like ball or stopper a pre-determined distance from the valve seat so that the ball or stopper seats against the valve seat only under backflow pressure.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for lowering IOP and/or providing neuroprotection are disclosed. The compositions and methods are particularly directed to the use inhibitors of Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) to lower IOP and/or provide neuroprotection.

Abstract: Disclosed are soft, high refractive index, acrylic device materials having improved strength. The materials contain a phenylene-siloxane macromer.

Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of gremlin in intraocular pressure-related conditions, including ocular hypertension and glaucoma such as normal tension glaucoma and open angle glaucoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial formulations comprising an N-halamine and a quantity of sodium chlorite sufficient to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of the N-halamine. The present invention is further directed to formulations for disinfecting a contact lens comprising an N-halamine and a quantity of sodium chlorite sufficient to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of the N-halamine.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved dietary supplements and methods for inhibiting the progression of macular degeneration and promoting healthy vision. The dietary supplements of the invention contain cobeadlets comprising vitamin E and carotenoids in the form of Vitamin A, lutein and/or zeaxanthing. The dietary supplements of the invention further contain Vitamin C, copper and zinc and may also contain such ingredients as rosemary, DHA, other vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: A variable intensity endoilluminator system is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable to receive the light beam; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam to illuminate a surgical field; and a translucent cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber, wherein the cannula is operable to diffuse and transmit the light from the light beam when the optical fiber is retracted into the cannula. The cannula and the handpiece can be fabricated from biocompatible materials.

Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of connective tissue growth factor mRNA expression in ocular disorders involving CTGF expression. Ocular disorders involving aberrant CTGF expression include glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, choroidal neovascularization, proliferative vitreoretinopathy and wound healing. Such disorders are treated by administering interfering RNAs of the present invention.

Abstract: An in vivo method for the construction of randomized gene libraries and/or domain replacement in gene libraries by homologous recombination using a Kluyveromyces lactis killer toxin, in particular the (?-subunit of the K. lactis killer toxin, as negative selection marker is described. The use of the (?-subunit of K. lactis as negative selectable marker increases the percentage of randomized clones.

Abstract: Topical suspension compositions of nepafenac are disclosed. The compositions are especially suitable for topical ophthalmic administration.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the treatment of glaucoma and other ocular diseases are disclosed. The compositions and methods are particularly directed to the use inhibitors of Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), such as SP600125 in the treatment of glaucoma and other ocular diseases.

Abstract: A gradient index wide-angle illuminator is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: a light source for providing a light beam; an optical cable, optically coupled to the light source for receiving and transmitting the light beam; a handpiece, operably coupled to the optical cable to receive the light beam; an optical fiber, operably coupled to the handpiece, wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical cable to receive and transmit the light beam; an optical element, optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and transmitting the light beam to illuminate a surgical field, wherein the optical element comprises a gradient index lens; and a cannula, operably coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber and the optical element. The optical element can be a small-gauge, divergent gradient index lens having a distal surface co-incident with the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the dissociation of soft proteinaceous tissue using pulsed rapid variable direction energy field flow fractionization is disclosed. The pulsed rapid disruptive energy field is created by the use of a probe which surrounds the soft proteinaceous tissue to be removed. Once the adhesive mechanism between tissue constituents has been compromised, fluidic techniques are used to remove the dissociated tissue.

Abstract: An improved viscoelastic composition useful in the performance of ophthalmic surgical procedures and especially cataract procedures is disclosed. The embodiments of the composition comprise combinations of sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate and exhibit an improved rheological profile.

Abstract: Methods for using 6-aminoimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine analogs are disclosed herein to treat rho kinase-mediated diseases or rho kinase-mediated conditions, including controlling intraocular pressure and treating glaucoma, are disclosed. Ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of eye diseases such as glaucoma, and additionally useful for controlling intraocular pressure, the compositions comprising an effective amount of 6-aminoimidazo[1,2-b]pyridazine analogs, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines a temperature of an eye using irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.

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 ocular angiogenesis, retinal ischemia, and diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic drug-delivery devices, comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the body includes a styrene elastomer matrix and a drug in contact with the matrix. Also disclosed are methods of treating or preventing an eye disease in a subject, that involve contacting an eye of the subject with an ophthalmic drug delivery device comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the body comprises a styrene elastomer matrix and a drug in contact with the matrix, wherein release of the drug from the device occurs over time following contacting of the device with the eye of the subject.

Abstract: Topical ophthalmic compositions that form a gel or partial gel upon application to the eye are described. The compositions are particularly useful as artificial tears and ocular lubricants, but may also be utilized for the topical delivery of pharmaceutically active compounds to the eye. The compositions contain a polysaccharide/borate gelling system. The polysaccharides that may be utilized contain cis-diol groups and have a structure that is predominately linear, with a slight degree of branching.

Abstract: An orientation method for corrective eye surgery that registers pairs of eye images taken at different times and with the patient in different positions includes retrieving reference digital image data on an eye of the patient, including image data on an extracorneal eye feature. Real-time image data are collected that include image data on the extracorneal eye feature. A combined image is displayed of a superposition of the data sets, and a determination is made as to whether the combined image indicates an adequate registration between them based upon the extracorneal eye feature data in the two data sets. If the registration is not adequate, one of the data sets is manipulated until an adequate registration is achieved. A system is directed to apparatus and software for orienting a corrective program for eye surgery.