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.

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: An optical fiber detector, and a method and system for optical fiber detection are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a receptacle, to receive and position an optical fiber connector, an infra-red (“IR”) source for providing an incident IR beam onto a cross-sectional face of an optical fiber and a cross-sectional face of the optical fiber connector, and an IR detector for receiving a reflected IR beam from the face of the optical fiber and the face of the optical fiber connector and generating a detector signal representative of the intensity of the reflected IR beam, wherein the intensity of the reflected IR beam is representative of the presence and type of the optical fiber. It is contemplated that the optical fiber detector of this invention can be implemented or incorporated in any machine or system requiring connection of an optical fiber to a light source.

Abstract: Topical compositions of amide derivatives of carboxylic acid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are disclosed. The compositions have a reduced potential to cause mitochondrial swelling when topically administered to the eye.

Abstract: Compounds with 5HT7 receptor affinity (some of which are novel) useful for lowering IOP, improving blood flow to the optic nerve head and the retina, providing neuroprotection, and treating retinal diseases are disclosed. The Compounds are also useful for treating sleep disorders, depression, and other psychiatric disorders, such as, schizophrenia, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, circadian rhythm disorders, and centrally and peripherally mediated hypertension. Compositions and methods for their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for temporal dithering of an LED indicator are disclosed, one embodiment of the method comprising: initializing the LED indicator to display a first color of a color palette; during each cycle of a preset cycling rate, cycling the LED indicator display color between the first color and one or more selected colors of the color palette, wherein the LED indicator is caused to display in turn the first color and each selected color of the color palette for a preset portion of each cycle determined to result in a perceived display color at the LED indicator; and repeating the cycling step to maintain the perceived display color at the LED indicator. The method can further comprise the step of changing the perceived display color to a new perceived display color.

Abstract: An improved instrument for removing subretinal fluid and performing fluid exchanges in vitreoretinal surgery is disclosed. The instrument includes a cannula with a curved distal portion and a side port on the curved distal portion for aspirating subretinal fluid. The instrument also includes a second port for aspirating a second fluid from the vitreous cavity during a fluid exchange.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of three polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity.

Abstract: The invention concerns in one embodiment a method of treating glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a composition comprising at least one prenyltransferase inhibitor. In another embodiment, the invention concerns a composition for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure and glaucoma comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of a prenyltransferase inhibitor.

Abstract: The use of NIPAM polymers to prevent or reduce the formation of protein deposits on the surfaces of medical devices is described. The invention is particularly directed to reduction of the adsorption of proteins on surfaces of contact lenses and other medical prosthetics.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having a tip with at least two coaxially spaced electrically conductive tubes. The tubes are separated by an electrical insulator. The interior of the inner tube is used for aspiration of liquefied tissue. The outer tube is surrounded by a soft irrigation sleeve that forms an irrigation fluid path. The distal portion of the interior tube terminates inside of the outer tube so as to form a boiling region. Surgical fluid from the irrigation fluid path can enter the boiling region through a hole or port in the outer tube. Electrical current is passed between the inner and outer tube to rapidly boil any surgical fluid in the boiling region. The boiling fluid rapidly expands out of the ring between the tube ends and forces hot fluid to contact the targeted tissue, thereby liquefying the tissue and allowing the tissue to be aspirated. Such a construction allows the boiling chamber to be self-priming and operate even if the outer tube is occluded with material.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions suitable for use as artificial tears or as vehicles for ophthalmic drugs are disclosed. The compositions contain a combination of three polymers that have a synergistic effect on viscosity.

Abstract: Substituted [1,4]oxazino[2,3-g]indazols for lowering intraocular pressure and treating glaucoma are disclosed.

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: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating glaucoma, methods for diagnosing glaucoma, and methods for identifying agents which may be useful in the treatment of glaucoma. More specifically, the present invention describes the use of agents that modulate the expression of serum amyloid A.

Abstract: Topical solution compositions of brimonidine tartrate are disclosed. The solution compositions lack an oxidative preservative.

Abstract: Described are methods for the treatment of ocular hypertension or glaucoma comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more compounds that inhibit the enzyme EgLN-3. Certain embodiments of the invention combine the use of EgLN-3 with other glaucoma treatment agents. The compounds of the invention may be formulated in compositions comprising pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling ocular hypertension associated with (i) primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), (ii) other forms of glaucoma, or (iii) glucocorticoid therapy are disclosed. The methods involve administration of angiostatic agents and other IOP-lowering agents via local injections in the anterior segment of the eye. The most preferred IOP-lowering agents are angiostatic steroids, particularly anecortave acetate, and the most preferred route of administration is an anterior juxtascleral injection or implant. The invention is based in part on the discovery that anterior juxtascleral injections of anecortave acetate are capable of controlling intraocular pressure for sustained periods of from one to several months or more. This result is believed to be attributable to facilitation of access of the anecortave acetate to the trabecular meshwork via the anterior juxtascleral route of administration.

Abstract: Solid or semi-solid intraocular implant compositions are disclosed. The compositions contain a lipophilic compound but lack a polymeric ingredient.