Abstract: The present invention addresses the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, and treatment of individuals with impaired visual function such as impaired dark adaptation, using regulation of pathogenic mechanisms similar to atherosclerosis. In further specific embodiments, compositions that increase reverse cholesterol transport are utilized as therapeutic targets for age-related macular degeneration and improving impaired dark adaptation. In a specific embodiment, the lipid content of the retinal pigment epithelium, and/or Bruch's membrane is reduced by delivering Apolipoprotein A1, particularly a mimetic peptide.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the treatment of age-related macular degeneration using regulation of pathogenic mechanisms similar to atherosclerosis. In further specific embodiments, compositions that increase reverse cholesterol transport are utilized as therapeutic targets for age-related macular degeneration. In a specific embodiment, the lipid content of the retinal pigment epithelium, and/or Bruch's membrane is reduced by delivering Apolipoprotein A1, particularly a mimetic peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to altering the physical and/or chemical properties of at least part of at least one tissue in the eye. In a specific embodiment, it relates to the treatment of any eye disorder, although in particular embodiments the individual has a thickened Bruch's membrane. An activating energy source is utilized to effect a controlled diffusion enhancement and/or degradation of Bruch's membrane that enables improved diffusional transport between the choroid and retina. The individual is administered an inactivated diffusion-enhancing molecule that becomes associated with the membrane, which is then precisely exposed to an activating energy source, such as light or ultrasound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improving, at least in part, a deficiency in dark adaptation for an individual. The therapy for dark adaptation includes local administration of a retinoid, such as a Vitamin A or a derivative thereof, such that deleterious side effects seen with systemic administration are avoided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to altering the physical and/or chemical properties of at least part of at least one tissue in the eye. In a specific embodiment, it relates to the treatment of any eye disorder, although in particular embodiments the individual has a thickened Bruch's membrane. An activating energy source is utilized to effect a controlled diffusion enhancement and/or degradation of Bruch's membrane that enables improved diffusional transport between the choroid and retina. The individual is administered an inactivated diffusion-enhancing molecule that becomes associated with the membrane, which is then precisely exposed to an activating energy source, such as light or ultrasound.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns altering the mechanical and/or chemical property of a body tissue, particularly an ocular tissue. In specific cases, it concerns altering or stabilizing the shape of the cornea, such as in a subject suffering or at risk for ectasia or keratoconus. In other specific cases, it concerns strengthening the sclera in a subject suffering or at risk for myopia. The invention employs light irradiation of a photoactivatable compound, such as one that applies crosslinking to the tissue, for example.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered proteins and biomedical products made from the engineered proteins. The biomedical products include lenses useful for ophthalmic purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention involves the discovery that synthetic thyroid hormones can be used as compositions to reduce intraocular pressure in vivo. Methods of screening synthetic thyroid hormones for effect on intraocular pressure, aqueous pressure, hydraulic conductivity, hyaluronic acid secretion, and extracellular matrix assembly are provided. Methods of treating glaucoma and treating excess intraocular pressure with synthetic thyroid hormones and compositions therefore are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the treatment of age-related macular degeneration using regulation of pathogenic mechanisms similar to atherosclerosis. In further specific embodiments, compositions that increase reverse cholesterol transport are utilized as therapeutic targets for age-related macular degeneration. In a specific embodiment, the lipid content of the retinal pigment epithelium, and/or Bruch's membrane is reduced by delivering Apolipoprotein A1, particularly a mimetic peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: Novel optical elements are provided which are capable of post fabrication modifications. Specifically, the invention includes lenses, such as intraocular lens, which can undergo changes in storage modulus after fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of implementing an optical element having a refraction modulating composition. The methods include using a wavefront sensor to provide an optical measurement of the optical element. The present invention also relates to systems comprising an optical element having a refraction modulating composition and a wavefront sensor.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the treatment of age-related macular degeneration using regulation of pathogenic mechanisms similar to atherosclerosis. In further specific embodiments, reverse cholesterol transport components, such as transporters and HDL fractions, are utilized as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for age-related macular degeneration. In a specific embodiment, the lipid content of the retinal pigment epithelium, and/or Bruch's membrane is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions involving the use of bioerodible (biodegradable) polymers to address fundamental needs in ocular surgery including sealants and sealing methods, barriers to cellular adhesion and proliferation, and mechanical barriers. In a particular embodiment, the present invention is also directed to the treatment of intraocular hypotony in an eye by limiting the flow of aqueous from the eye. In a preferred embodiment, application of a polymer, such as to the angle of the eye, limits the flow, thereby increasing the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: The present invention involves the discovery that synthetic thyroid hormones can be used as compositions to reduce intraocular pressure in vivo. Methods of screening synthetic thyroid hormones for effect on intraocular pressure, aqueous pressure, hydraulic conductivity, hyaluronic acid secretion, and extracellular matrix assembly are provided. Methods of treating glaucoma and treating excess intraocular pressure with synthetic thyroid hormones and compositions therefore are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the treatment of age-related macular degeneration using regulation of pathogenic mechanisms similar to atherosclerosis. In further specific embodiments, reverse cholesterol transport components, such as transporters and HDL fractions, are utilized as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for age-related macular degeneration. In a specific embodiment, the lipid content of the retinal pigment epithelium, and/or Bruch's membrane is reduced.

Abstract: Novel optical elements are provided which are capable of post fabrication modifications. Specifically, the invention includes lenses, such as intraocular lens, which can undergo changes in storage modulus after fabrication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.