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 diabetic retinopathy or drusen formation in age-related macular degeneration. 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 other than genistein, an isothiocyanate, 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene, ethoxyquin, a coumarin, combinations thereof, or a pharmacologically active derivative or analog thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for purifying guar comprising combining borate and guar in an aqueous solution and treating the aqueous solution with an organic solvent to induce precipitation of purified guar. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to ophthalmic formulations comprising purified guar produced by the processes described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for determining the location of the bottom of a fluid chamber in a surgical cassette to calibrate the surgical system. According to one embodiment, the surgical cassette is shaped to allow light from a light source to pass unobstructed to a linear sensor array in an area that is a known distance from the bottom of a fluid chamber. Light rays intersected by solid cassette material, on the other hand, will insufficiently illuminate the linear sensor array. Because the slot is a known distance from the bottom of the chamber, the location of the bottom of the chamber can be determined by determining the transition between illuminated and insufficiently illuminated portions of the linear sensor array.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, an actuator for driving the plunger, a temperature control device, and a temperature release mechanism. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing, is capable of sliding in the dispensing chamber housing, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing and is capable of altering the temperature of the substance in the dispensing chamber. The temperature release mechanism is in a locked position when the substance is outside the proper temperature range and an unlocked position when the substance is in the proper temperature range.

Abstract: An infusion sleeve of an ultrasonic vibrating needle. The sleeve is collapsible and serrated or scalloped at a distal end. Fluid flows through a passage between the needle and the infusion sleeve in a direction from the proximal end of the sleeve to a distal end of the sleeve. Upon reaching the distal end, the fluid emerges by flowing across valley formations that are between peak formations of the distal end of the infusion sleeve. The peak formations abut the exterior of the incision so that the fluid flow cools tissue at the incision and the needle.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating disorders of the outer retina with compounds with 5-HT1A agonist activity are disclosed.

Abstract: Antagonists of S1P3 (Edg-3) receptors are provided for attenuation of Smad signaling in a method of down-regulation of receptor signaling and downstream decreased production of connective tissue growth factor in ocular disorders involving CTGF accumulation. Ocular disorders involving inappropriate CTGF accumulation include ocular hypertension, glaucoma, glaucomatous retinopathy, optic neuropathy, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, choroidal neovascularization, proliferative vitreoretinopathy and ocular wound healing, for example. Such disorders are treated by administering antagonists of the present invention.

Abstract: A liquefaction surgical handpiece having a check valve within the boiling chamber. Such a construction reduces upstream fluid volume. Reduction of upstream fluid volume reduces capability for compliance caused either by trapped air or absorbed gas in the liquid.

Abstract: Generally speaking, the output brightness of an illuminator is varied by chopping an output light beam such that the beam is alternately interrupted and unhindered. An interrupter can be rapidly moved into and out of the transmission path of a light beam. The brightness of the light beam received at a site will be attenuated based on the amount of time per cycle the light beam remains obstructed versus unhindered.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having an active flow restrictor responsive to a feedback loop that can vary the fluid flow resistance through the handpiece.

Abstract: The use of SOD mimics particularly pentaazacycle Mn(II) complex SOD mimics, for the treatment of AMD, DR, and retinal edema is disclosed.

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: The use of SOD mimics, particularly Mn(III) salen SOD mimics, for the treatment of AMD, DR, and retinal edema is disclosed.

Abstract: The use of SOD mimics, particularly Mn(III) salen SOD mimics, for the treatment of AMD, DR, and retinal edema is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and age-related macular degeneration. More specifically, the present invention describes the use of agents that down-regulate expression of tanis and/or p21Waf1/Cip1/Sd1 genes to treat such disorders of the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed are UV absorbers that contain a labile functional group capable of initiating free radical polymerization.

Abstract: Methods for treating an allergic or inflammatory disease or other Syk-mediated disease or Syk-mediated condition characterized by administering a composition which contains a therapeutically effective amount of a 3,6-substituted imidazol[1,2-b]pyridazine compound.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating disorders of the outer retina with compounds with 5-HT1A agonist activity are disclosed.

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: The present invention provides methods and kits for diagnosing and treating glaucoma.