Abstract: A counter pressure device for ophthalmic drug delivery. The device includes a handle and a head coupled to a distal end of the handle. The head comprises a curved, concave surface for contacting the conjunctiva and having a notch for removably receiving a cannula. The device minimizes or prevents drug reflux and facilitates drug placement during ophthalmic drug delivery.

Abstract: Topical formulations of olopatadine for treatment of allergic or inflammatory disorders of the eye and nose are disclosed. The aqueous formulations contain approximately 0.17-0.62% (w/v) of olopatadine and an amount of polyvinylpyrrolidone or polystyrene sulfonic acid sufficient to enhance the physical stability of the formulations.

Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) in intraocular pressure-related conditions, including ocular hypertension and glaucoma such as normal tension glaucoma and open angle glaucoma.

Abstract: An improved computer based surgical video overlay system that allows relevant surgical data from a surgical apparatus to be combined as a graphic image with the video image of a surgical procedure in which the data from the surgical apparatus is sent wireless to the video overlay console. Elimination of the data cable between the surgical apparatus and the video overlay console is advantageous in an operating room environment. The same computer based surgical video overlay system runs computer program that occupies a user interface to allows definition of operation modes, input of relevant data, selection of data overlay graphic screen templates and various methods for customization. A time coded-data file is created and stored including all the relevant parameters of a surgical procedure. This file contains the same time-code included in the graphic image overlaid in the surgical video signal. An precise match can be performed between the recorded data on file and the surgical video recording.

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

Abstract: Novel benzopyran analogs are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the lowering and controlling of normal or elevated intraocular pressure as well as a method for the treatment of glaucoma using compositions containing one or more of the compounds of the present invention.

Abstract: A cassette having a molded flow channel contained on an elastomeric sheet that is bonded or mechanically attached to a rigid substrate. The flow channel projects outwardly from the exterior of the cassette so that a peristaltic pump having pump head rollers mounted radially from the axis of rotation of the pump motor compress the elastomeric flow channels against the rigid substrate during operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to treat and/or prevent increased intraocular pressure in a subject by administering a protein kinase C-delta (PKC?) inhibitor. In further embodiments, the present invention relates to methods to treat and/or prevent glaucoma by administering a PKC? inhibitor.

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 system and method for generating a calibration data curve, including communicating known calibration data for a microsurgical cassette to a surgical console with which the cassette will be used.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for a surgical machine includes a reservoir, first and second proportional valves, and a controller. The reservoir holds pressurized gas. The first proportional valve is located on an input side of the reservoir and allows a variable amount of pressurized gas to enter the reservoir. The second proportional valve is located on an output side of the reservoir and allows a second variable amount of pressurized gas to exit the reservoir. The controller controls the operation of the first and second proportional valves. The controller adjusts the first and second proportional valves so that a constant gas pressure range is maintained at an output of the reservoir over a first range of input gas pressures and a second range of gas usage.

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: A system for a pneumatically-powered vitrectomy machine includes an output port, a venting valve, a venting manifold, a pressure transducer, and a controller. The output port provides pressurized gas to a vitrectomy probe. The venting valve is located close to the output port. The venting manifold fluidly connects the venting valve to a venting port. The venting port vents pressurized gas from the venting manifold. The pressure transducer is located near the output port. The pressure transducer is configured to read a pressure of a gas near the output port. The controller is adapted to receive information about the pressure and activate the venting valve. When the information received from the pressure transducer indicates a fault condition, the controller directs the venting valve to open.

Abstract: The use of poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses. Such compounds are also useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in various types of compositions for treating contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating a wound in a subject that involve administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a composition that includes one or more human connective tissue mast cell stabilizers, wherein administration of the composition results in treatment of the wound. In particular embodiments, the wound is an ophthalmic or dermal wound, such as a corneal epithelial defect, a conjunctival wound, or dermal abrasion. Administration, for example, may be by topical application of the composition to the ocular surface or skin. Exemplary mast cell stabilizers include olopatadine, variants of olopatadine, alcaftidine, derivatives of alcaftidine, dihydropyridines, and spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Abstract: A new method of evaluating the ability of drug molecules to penetrate the cornea is described. The permeation rate of the drug molecules in MDCK cells is utilized to predict the ability of the molecules to penetrate the cornea. The method is useful for in vitro screening of potential new ophthalmic drugs, as well as in the design of new drug molecules for topical ocular administration.

Abstract: The invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing non-feminizing estrogen and methods of using these compositions to prevent or ameliorate retinal and optic nerve damage associated with glaucoma.

Abstract: A method of treating dry eye or dry eye symptom includes topically administering a formulation to the eye. The formulation includes an ophthalmically acceptable carrier and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a positive modulator of PSA-NCAM. The administered formulation treats dry eye or dry eye symptoms. A method of stimulating the expression of PSA-NCAM in neural beds of an eye includes topically administering a formulation to the eye. The formulation includes an ophthalmically acceptable carrier and a pharmaceutically effective amount of a positive modulator of PSA-NCAM. The administered formulation may stimulate the expression of PSA-NCAM in the neural beds of the eye. A formulation includes an ophthalmically acceptable carrier and a therapeutically effective amount of a positive modulator of polysialic acid-neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM).

Abstract: A footswitch assembly with a position memory includes adjustable mounting mechanisms. A first adjustable mounting mechanism moves the heel cup portion on the treadle pedal assembly to a predetermined position to accommodate the length of a user's foot. A second adjustable mounting mechanism moves the side wing assembly to predetermined position to accommodate the width of a user's foot. A third adjustable mounting mechanism adjusts the force needed to move the treadle pedal assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a water insoluble polymer matrix that comprises a bioerodable polyester polymer or a fatty acid based polyester polymer, or a mixture of both polymers, wherein the polymer matrix has a melting point of less than 60° C., and wherein the composition is liquid or paste at room temperature and is formulated to occlude a punctual channel in a subject and conforms to the shape of the canalicular or punctal channel.