Abstract: The topical use of EgLN-3 inhibitors is disclosed for the treatment of dry eye.

Abstract: A drug loading apparatus has a dispensing chamber housing formed by a top housing part and a bottom housing part. The top housing part is separable from the bottom housing part. A plunger is located in the bottom housing part such that the plunger forms a first fluid seal with an inner wall of the bottom housing part. When the top housing part is coupled to the bottom housing part, a second fluid seal is formed.

Abstract: The invention concerns in one embodiment a method for treating glaucoma or elevated IOP in a patient comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of a composition comprising an agent that modulates PAI-1 activity. In a preferred embodiment, the agent that modulates PAI-1 expression and/or activity is cilostazol or an analog or metabolite of cilostazol.

Abstract: The topical use of 5,6,7-trihydroxyheptanoic acid and analogs alone or in combination with histamine antagonists and/or mast cell stabilizers is disclosed for the treatment of ocular allergy.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved dietary supplements and methods for inhibiting the progression of macular degeneration and promoting healthy vision, while at the same time maintaining general health. The dietary supplements of the invention contain vitamin E and carotenoids in the form of lutein and/or zeaxanthine. The dietary supplements of the invention further contain Vitamin D, Vitamin C, copper and zinc and may also contain such ingredients as rosemary, DHA, and other vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to development of efficacious pharmaceutical compositions comprising an active agent, such as the free base or hydrochloride salt of tandospirone, for topical delivery to the eye for the treatment of retinal disorders.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection device includes a dispensing chamber housing with an inner surface that partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a substance, a plunger fluidly sealed to the interior surface of the dispensing chamber housing, and a needle fluidly coupled to the dispensing chamber. A temperature control device partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing and alters a temperature of the substance. A piston is coupled to the plunger at one end and to a spring at the other end. The spring provides a force to drive the piston and the plunger. An actuator is coupled to the lockout bar with which a button is configured to interface. The actuator moves the lockout bar when the substance reaches a temperature, thereby allowing the button to be activated so that the spring provides the force to drive the plunger. An incorporated stop whose measurements may vary allow the expelled dosage to vary accordingly.

Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of serum amyloid A mRNA expression in glaucomas involving SAA expression.

Abstract: A drug loading apparatus includes a plunger with a through hole or slit valve located in the top face of the plunger. A dispensing chamber housing located in a drug delivery device is configured to receive the plunger so that a dispensing chamber is formed when the plunger is located in the dispensing chamber housing. The drug can then be loaded into the dispensing chamber through the plunger, and a piston with an end configured to seal the through hole or engage the plunger with the slit valve can then be inserted.

Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of HIF1A mRNA expression for treating patients with ocular angiogenesis, particularly for treating retinal edema, diabetic retinopathy, sequela associated with retinal ischemia, posterior segment neovascularization (PSNV), and neovascular glaucoma, and for treating patients at risk of developing such conditions.

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-efficiency, wide-angle illumination surgical 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; 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 scattering the light beam to illuminate an area, wherein the optical element comprises a compound parabolic concentrator (“CPC”) cone; 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, diffusive optical element comprising a sculpted distal end of the optical fiber or a machined or injection-molded plastic CPC-cone.

Abstract: Chromophores that absorb both UV and short wavelength visible light are disclosed. The chromophores are particularly suitable for use in intraocular lens materials.

Abstract: Otic compositions are disclosed. The compositions contain an otic drug and a carrier comprising a low molecular weight compound. The compositions do not drain out of the ear after administration.

Abstract: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as when an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system of the present invention predicts the temperature of the 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 of the present invention 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: In one aspect of the invention, a multifocal ophthalmic lens includes an optic and a plurality of diffractive zones disposes about an optical axis of the optic. At least two of the diffractive zones have different areas so as to cause broadening of optical energy profiles at a near focus and a far focus of the diffractive zones for generating an intermediate focus. A fraction of incident optical energy directed to the intermediate focus is different from a fraction of incident optical energy directed to at least one of the near or far foci.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a fitting having three portals. One of the portals is an entry portal for a liquid, one of the portals is an entry portal for a gas, and the other portal is an exit portal for either the liquid or the gas. A normally closed back flow prevention valve is located in fitting. The back flow prevention valve prevents back flow of liquid through the fitting. The fitting and the backflow prevention valve also minimize or eliminate the formation of air bubbles in the liquid.

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: The present invention relates to compounds and methods which may be useful as inhibitors of H1R and/or H4R for the treatment or prevention of inflammatory, autoimmune, allergic, and ocular diseases.

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 an approximate temperature of the eye using an 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 to the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.