Abstract: The present invention is a viewing assembly that can selectively create optical compound corrections in the images reflected from the viewing assembly. The viewing assembly includes a reflective surface coupled to a supporting body in such a manner that the reflective surface conforms to the contour of the supporting body. The contour of the supporting body can then be selectively altered by the viewer of the viewing assembly, thereby changing the shape of the reflective surface and creating desired optical corrections in the viewed reflected images.

Abstract: A method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material so as to develop a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface thereon comprises covalently grafting a biocompatible polymeric material to the surface of the substrate material by radio frequency plasma-induced grafting. The biocompatible polymeric material is preferably the same as the substrate material. In addition, a method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material comprises subjecting the substrate surface to radio frequency plasma sufficient to raise the temperature at the substrate material to just above the glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of the substrate material for a time sufficient to produce a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface on the substrate material. Further, a prosthesis used in mammals, including an intraocular lens, comprises a polymeric material core and a biocompatible polymeric material covalently grafted to the polymer core by radio frequency plasma induction.

Abstract: The cells of the coverings and linings of internal human and animal tissues, organs and body cavities subject to trauma, such as surgery, may be protected against exfoliation or destruction by the topical application or injection of effective amounts of chondroitin sulfate prior to or during the trauma. Preferably, the chondroitin sulfate is used in physiological solutions in concentrations of about 40 to 55 weight percent, and may be used as a surgical irrigating solution. Intraarticular injection of such chondroitin sulfate solutions into human and animal joints having degenerative joint conditions protects the joint cells, reduces aseptic inflammation and/or prevents further degeneration of cartilage tissue. Solutions for preserving human and animal cells and tissues in vitro for later in vivo use have extended storage life when chondroitin sulfate is added to such storage solutions in effective amounts such as about 1 to 20 weight percent of the storage solution.

Abstract: The present invention is a viewing assembly that can selectively create optical compound corrections in the images reflected from the viewing assembly. The viewing assembly includes a reflective surface coupled to a supporting body in such a manner that the reflective surface conforms to the contour of the supporting body. The contour of the supporting body can then be selectively altered by the viewer of the viewing assembly, thereby changing the shape of the reflective surface and creating desired optical corrections in the viewed reflected images.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material so as to develop a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface thereon. A portion of the substrate surface is first removed, as by etching, in a radio frequency plasma reactor using inert argon gas. A biocompatible polymeric material may be covalently grafted to the surface of the substrate material by radio frequency plasma-induced grafting. The biocompatible polymeric material is preferably the same as the substrate material but may be different. Alternatively, after etching, the surface of a substrate material may be subjected to radio frequency plasma sufficient to raise the temperature at the substrate surface to just above the glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of the substrate material for a time sufficient to produce a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface on the substrate material.

Abstract: A method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material so as to develop a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface thereon comprises covalently grafting a biocompatible polymeric material to the surface of the substrate material by radio frequency plasma-induced grafting. The biocompatible polymeric material is preferably the same as the substrate material. In addition, a method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material comprises subjecting the substrate surface to radio frequency plasma sufficient to raise the temperature at the substrate material to just above the glass transition temperature (T.sub.g) of the substrate material for a time sufficient to produce a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface on the substrate material. Further, a prosthesis used in mammals, including an intraocular lens, comprises a polymeric material core and a biocompatible polymeric material covalently grafted to the polymer core by radio frequency plasma induction.

Abstract: The cells of the coverings and linings of internal human and animal tissues, organs and body cavities subject to trauma, such as surgery, may be protected against exfoliation or destruction by the topical application or injection of effective amounts of chondroitin sulfate prior to or during the trauma. Preferably, the chondroitin sulfate is used in physiological solutions in concentrations of about 40 to 55 weight percent, and may be used as a surgical irrigating solution. Intraarticular injection of such chondroitin sulfate solutions into human and animal joints having degenerative joint conditions protects the joint cells, reduces aseptic inflammation and/or prevents further degeneration of cartilage tissue. Solutions for preserving human and animal cells and tissues in vitro for later in vivo use have extended storage life when chondroitin sulfate is added to such storage solutions in effective amounts such as about 1 to 20 weight percent of the storage solution.

Abstract: A method of permanently modifying the surface of a substrate material so as to develop a microscopically smooth, biocompatible surface thereon comprises covalently grafting at least a first biocompatible material, preferably having pendant terminal carboxylic acid or amine groups, to the surface of the substrate material by radio frequency plasma-induced grafting. In addition, a method of permanently modifying the surface of the substrate material comprises cross-linking a second biocompatible material to the first biocompatible material grafted to the substrate material using a cross-linking agent. Further, a prosthesis used in mammals, including an intraocular lens, comprises a polymer core and at least a first biocompatible material, preferably having pendant terminal carboxylic acid or amine groups, covalently grafted to the polymer core by radio frequency plasma induction.

Abstract: A marking device is provided for marking the sclera and/or limbus of a patient's eye to standardize and define incision location and suture placement prior to cataract removal, and to aid in the intraoperative control of astigmatism. The device comprises a generally arcuate body member having opposed major surfaces with a plurality of projections extending from one of the major surfaces. The body member has an inferior arc and a superior arc with the inferior arc having a smaller radius than the superior arc. The projections are radially aligned, extending from the major surface and are adapted to be inked and to transfer ink marks to the sclera and/or limbal area of an eye. The ink marks represent the locations where incisions and sutures are to be placed.

Abstract: The cells of the coverings and linings of internal human and animal tissues, organs and body cavities subject to trauma, such as surgery, may be protected against exfoliation or destruction by the topical application or injection of effective amounts of chondroitin sulfate prior to or during the trauma. Preferably, the chondroitin sulfate is used in physiological solutions in concentrations of about 40 to 55 weight percent, and may be used as a surgical irrigating solution. Intraarticular injection of such chrondroitin sulfate solutions into human and animal joints having degenerative joint conditions protects the joint cells, reduces aseptic inflammation and/or prevents further dengeration of cartilage tissue. Solutions for preserving human and animal cells and tissues in vitro for later in vivo use have extended storage life when chondroitin sulfate is added to such storage solutions in effective amounts such as about 1 to 20 weight percent of the storage solution.

Abstract: A conjugated cytotoxin is provided for preventing posterior lens capsule opacification (after-cataract) after extracapsular extraction. Preferably, the mitotic inhibitor of lens epithelial cells comprises a conjugate containing methotrexate which is covalently linked to an antibody, such as anticollagen, in approximately a molar ratio of 1:1 to 10:1. The mitotic conjugate may be instilled in the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye, preferably immediately after the lens has been removed, or coated onto an intraocular lens prior to insertion onto the posterior lens capsule. Similar conjugates may be attached to other artificial materials in the body to fight fibroblast proliferation.

Abstract: A marking device and method of using it are provided for making the sclera and/or limbus of a patient's eye to standardize and define incision location and suture placement prior to cataract removal, and to aid in the intraoperative control of astigmatism. The device comprises a generally arcuate body member having opposed major surfaces with a plurality of projections extending from one of the major surfaces. The body member has an inferior arc and a superior arc with the inferior arc having a smaller radius than the superior arc. The projections are radially aligned, extending from the major surface and are adapted to be inked and to transfer ink marks to the sclera and/or limbal area of an eye. The ink marks represent the locations where incisions and sutures are to be placed.

Abstract: A universally adjustable telescopic spectacle assembly for use with an implanted intraocular lens employs an objective lens which has positioned in front of the objective lens a cylindrical lens to provide cylindrical correction to the handicapped user. The telescopic assembly employs universal motion in that the assembly can be moved with respect to a spectacle frame so that one is able to shift the objective lens axis about a central point while further having the capability of moving the objective lens in a spiral motion away from or towards the eye of the user and further having means for providing a pivotal joint mechanism to permit maximum oblique adjustment of the entire telescopic assembly as related to the optical or central axis of the objective lens. In this manner any change in conditions of vision or a misalignment of the intraocular lens as inserted during surgery can be compensated for by the universal adjustable telescopic assembly as disclosed.

Abstract: A method for executing application programs written in a high level program language on tightly coupled multiprocessor systems in a Multiple Instruction/Multiple Data (MIMD) environment includes the steps of: initializing a MIMD environment in a data processing system by a call to an initialization routine from an application program; maintaining the MIMD environment until all independently executable portions of the application program have been executed; scheduling execution of those tasks representing independently executable portions of the application program; synchronizing execution and completion of the tasks until all tasks have completed execution; terminating the MIMD environment on completion of all the tasks.

Abstract: Damage to endothelial and epithelial cells subject to surgery can be substantially minimized by using chondroitin sulphate. This method is particularly useful when applied prior to ophthalmic surgery, particularly intraocular lens implantation surgery.