Abstract: The invention comprises a method for measuring the relative thickness of the lipid layer component of the precorneal tear film on the surface of an eye after distribution of the lipid layer subsequent to blinking. Light is directed to the lipid layer of a patient's eye with an illuminator. The illuminator is a broad spectrum light source covering the visible region and is a lambertion light emitter such that the light source is specularly reflected from the lipid layer and undergoes constructive and destructive interference in the lipid layer. The specularly reflected light is collected and focused using a collector such that the interference patterns on the tear film lipid layer are observable. The collector also produces an output signal representative of the specularly reflected light which is suitable for further analysis, such as projection on to a high resolution video monitor or analysis by or storage in a computer.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for measuring the relative thickness of the lipid layer component of the precorneal tear film on the surface of an eye after distribution of the lipid layer subsequent to blinking is disclosed. An illuminator directs light to the lipid layer of a patient's eye. The illuminator is a broad spectrum light source covering the visible region and is a lambertion light emitter such that the light source is specularly reflected from the lipid layer and undergoes constructive and destructive interference in the lipid layer. A collector collects and focuses the specularly reflected light such that the interference patterns on the tear film lipid layer are observable. The collector also produces an output signal representative of the specularly reflected light which is suitable for further analysis, such as projection on to a high resolution video monitor or analysis by or storage in a computer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosing the eye and to methods for subsequent treatment following such diagnosis. The method involves diagnosing a deficiency in the anatomy and performance of the upper eyelid recognizing the impact of this deficiency during blinking on problems such as dry eye, contact lens intolerance and ocular discomfort in general. The invention also involves the use of this diagnostic method to provide a treatment modality to alleviate such problems.

Abstract: A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction. Heat is applied to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force may also be applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions or occlusions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reach desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for imaging a portion of a mammalian eyelid has an eye contact lenspiece configured to direct the light through an eyelid from posterior to anterior surface to thereby trans-illuminate the eyelid, when the light source illuminates the contact lens. An imaging device receives an image of the eyelid as it is trans-illuminated. Other methods and apparatus are presented in various embodiments, hence this abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing meibomian glands in the eyelids of humans for meibomian gland disease is provided. The apparatus comprises a handle, and a probe tip mounted for movement relative to said handle such that when the probe tip is placed against the eyelid and compressive force is applied, movement of the handle a preselected distance replicates the force required for natural expression of secretion from the meibomian gland. Movement of the handle relative to the probe tip the preselected distance exerts a force of between about 5 grams per 30 mm2 and 40 grams per 30 mm2 and preferably a force of approximately 15 grams per 30 mm2. An indicator means selected from the group consisting of auditory, visual and tactile signals is provided and when activated alerts the clinician that the required force has been reached. According to the method of the present invention a probe tip is located in contacting relation with the eyelid, the probe tip being connected to a handle.

Abstract: A method of evaluating dry eye in humans wherein the flow of naturally occurring secretion to the eye is reduced or stopped due to the presence of an obstruction of a meibomian gland in the eyelid involves applying a pressure to the eyelid that mimics pressure applied during blinking; and simultaneously imaging the glands to diagnose the condition of the meibomian gland. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosing the eye and to methods for subsequent treatment following such diagnosis. The method involves diagnosing a deficiency in the anatomy and performance of the upper eyelid recognizing the impact of this deficiency during blinking on problems such as dry eye, contact lens intolerance and ocular discomfort in general. The invention also involves the use of this diagnostic method to provide a treatment modality to alleviate such problems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosing the eye and to methods for subsequent treatment following such diagnosis. The method involves diagnosing a deficiency in the anatomy and performance of the upper eyelid recognizing the impact of this deficiency during blinking on problems such as dry eye, contact lens intolerance and ocular discomfort in general. The invention also involves the use of this diagnostic method to provide a treatment modality to alleviate such problems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for avoiding the onset of eye discomfort while performing prolonged near point activities such as use of a computer or reading. The method of the invention comprises creation of a high periocular relative humidity over the surface of the eyes when engaged in prolonged near point activities. Preferably, the relative humidity is maintained at least at eighty percent and preferably at least at ninety percent. The increased humidity maintains the thickness of the lipid layer during such activity thereby reducing evaporation from the tear film. The high periocular relative humidity is desirably achieved using frames over the eye to encase the eye in a confined but controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention is a test strip and method for delivering a controlled dose of fluid to the eye. The strip and method is useful to determine break-up-time of the tear film over the cornea. The method comprises providing a planar ophthalmic test strip having a length greater than its width and having a tip on at least one of its end. The tip adsorbs liquids, has a width that is less than the width of the remainder of the strip, and has a surface area not exceeding 30 square mm. The tip is wetted with liquid, placed in contact with the corneal surface and break-up-time is observed. The test strip is designed to deliver a limited dose of from 0.5 to 1.0 .mu.l of liquid to the surface of the cornea.

Abstract: A storage solution for a hydrogel contact lens comprising a material having polar groups at one end and non-polar groups at the other end. The storage solution desirably further contains an oil. The material comprising polar and non-polar groups modifies the surface properties of the lens and facilitating the formation of a lipid layer over the lens.

Abstract: A composition and method for treatment of skin. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier containing a bilayer component having one or more polar terminus groups and one or more non-polar terminus groups separated from said polar terminus groups capable of penetrating the outer surface of the skin to form an aligned bilayer within the stratum corneum. The bilayer assists in the formation of bilayer lamellae that is believed to replicate the bilayer lamellae present in healthy skin. The composition is topically applied to the skin as often as is required.

Abstract: A composition and method for treatment of skin. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier containing a bilayer component having one or more polar terminus groups and one or more non-polar terminus groups separated from said polar terminus groups capable of penetrating the outer surface of the skin to form an aligned bilayer within the stratum corneum. The bilayer assists in the formation of bilayer lamellae that is believed to replicate the bilayer lamellae present in healthy skin. The composition is topically applied to the skin as often as is required.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing evaporation of an aqueous layer from the surface of the eye. The method comprises applying an admixture of a charged phospholipid and a non-polar oil over the eye, preferably in the form of a meta-stable oil in water emulsion in a dosage not exceeding 100 microliters.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing evaporation of an aqueous layer from the surface of the eye. The method comprises applying a gel of oil and wax over the eye, preferably in the form of a meta-stable oil in water emulsion in a dosage not exceeding 100 microliters. The gel is formed by gelling a hydrocarbon oil with a wax, preferably dispersed in aqueous medium at a pH of at least about 8.0.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing evaporation of an aqueous layer from the surface of the eye. The method comprises applying an admixture of a charged phospholipid and a non-polar oil over the eye, preferably in the form of a meta-stable oil in water emulsion in a dosage not exceeding 100 microliters.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing evaporation of an aqueous layer from the surface of the eye. The method comprises applying an admixture of a charged phospholipid and a non-polar oil over the eye, preferably in the form of a finely divided oil in water emulsion.

Abstract: A method and composition for treating dry eye. The method comprises addition of a positively or negatively charged, complex phospholipid to the ocular surface of the eye. The phospholipid is desirably added in a treatment composition, preferably in the form of an aqueous emulsion. It is believed that the phospholipid component of the treatment composition permits replication of a tear film.

Abstract: The invention provides new hydrogel forming materials comprising synthetic, hydrophilic, aqueous-insoluble polymer networks formed by copolymerization of a hydrophilic dihydroxyalkyl acrylate or methacrylate, a substantially water insoluble alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, one or more additional hydrophilic comonomers selected from the group of vinylic monomers, acrylates, and methacrylates, and a cross-linking agent. The hydrogels are preferably used for the formation of contact lenses, but may also be used for drug and pesticides delivery devices; dialysis, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes; implants in surgery and dentistry; and the like.