Abstract: Ophthalmic solutions are provided for use as tear substitutes and contact lens solutions. These solutions contain a cationic polymeric surfactant that has an affinity for the surface of the eye or a contact lens. Also disclosed are ophthalmic solutions containing a combination of the cationic polymeric surfactant and a water soluble anionic polymer which forms a complex in aqueous solution. The complex has an affinity for the surface of the eye or contact lens. In this manner, the present solutions provide improved duration of comfort to the user. The present compositions are also useful as carriers for ophthalmic drugs.

Abstract: A method for forming an ocular drug delivery device includes the steps of: (1) forming a drug core containing an active agent, wherein the drug core has a barrier disposed all surfaces thereof except for a drug release surface which is left free of the barrier; (2) forming a drug release membrane over the drug release surface; and (3) forming the remaining portion of the device body by an overcast (overmold) process.

Abstract: A method for forming an ocular drug delivery device includes the steps of: (1) forming a drug core containing an active agent, wherein the drug core has a barrier disposed all surfaces thereof except for a drug release surface which is left free of the barrier; (2) forming a drug release membrane over the drug release surface; and (3) forming the remaining portion of the device body by an overcast (overmold) process.

Abstract: An ocular device for insertion into an eye is provided and includes a body having an anterior surface and a posterior surface for placement on one of superior sclera and inferior sclera of the eye. The posterior surface is defined by a base curve that is substantially identical to a radius of curvature of the one of the superior sclera and inferior sclera of the eye. In one embodiment, the ocular device serves as an ocular drug delivery system and contains an active pharmaceutical agent, a lubricant, etc. In a second embodiment the ocular device can be constructed in such a manner to treat a wide variety of ocular conditions and diseases.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions containing a high percentage of bound alkyl ether segments provide matrices and membranes for the controlled release of drugs and medicinal agents. The polymeric compositions are prepared by the polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated alkyl ether containing monomers. Copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated alkyl ether containing monomers with co-monomers are also disclosed. The drug loaded polymeric compositions of this invention find particular utility in the construction of controlled release devices.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions containing a high percentage of bound polypropylene glycol provide matrices for the controlled release of drugs and medicinal agents. The compositions are prepared by the polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated polypropylene glycol containing monomers. Copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated polypropylene glycol containing monomers with co-monomers are also disclosed. The drug loaded polymeric compositions of this invention find particular utility as ocular insets for the controlled release of drug(s) into the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous formulation to be instilled into the eye, or in which to pre soak or store an object to be inserted into the eye, such as a contact lens, an ointment, or a solid device to be inserted into the conjunctival sac. The preparations disclosed are utilized for the treatment of a tear film and ocular surface disorder known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye syndrome. In general, the preparations of this invention are also effective for the relief of symptoms of eye irritation, such as those caused by dry environmental conditions or by contact lens wear. In accordance with the present invention, the ophthalmic preparation includes a glycoprotein component, similar to that found at the normal human ocular surface and in one exemplary and preferred embodiment, the glycoproteins are derived from mammalian milk, preferably bovine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous formulation to be instilled into the eye, or in which to pre soak or store an object to be inserted into the eye, such as a contact lens, an ointment, or a solid device to be inserted into the conjunctival sac. The preparations disclosed are utilized for the treatment of a tear film and ocular surface disorder known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye syndrome. In general, the preparations of this invention are also effective for the relief of symptoms of eye irritation, such as those caused by dry environmental conditions or by contact lens wear. In accordance with the present invention, the ophthalmic preparation includes a glycomacropeptide component, similar to that found at the normal human ocular surface and in one exemplary and preferred embodiment, the glycomacropeptide is derived from mammalian milk, preferably bovine.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the unexpected finding that the combination of a carboxylate containing anionic polymer, of molecular weight greater than about 1000 daltons, with cleaning agents, provides improved contact lens cleaning preparations. The present invention includes contacting a soiled contact lens with an aqueous solution comprising an anionically charged polymer and a surfactant or surfactant combination selected from the classes of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants.

Abstract: Aqueous ophthalmic preparations are provided and are intended to be instilled into the eye, or in which to pre soak or store an object to be inserted into the eye, such as a contact lens, an ointment, or a solid device to be inserted into the conjunctival sac. The preparations disclosed are utilized for the treatment of a tear film and ocular surface disorder known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye syndrome. In general, the preparations of this invention are also effective for the relief of symptoms of eye irritation, such as those caused by dry environmental conditions or by contact lens wear. In accordance with the present invention, the ophthalmic preparation includes a mucin component, similar to that found at the normal human ocular surface and in one exemplary and preferred embodiment, the mucin is a transmembrane or surface mucin.

Abstract: Aqueous ophthalmic preparations are provided and are intended to be instilled into the eye, or in which to pre soak or store an object to be inserted into the eye, such as a contact lens, an ointment, or a solid device to be inserted into the conjunctival sac. The preparations disclosed are utilized for the treatment of a tear film and ocular surface disorder known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye syndrome. In general, the preparations of this invention are also effective for the relief of symptoms of eye irritation, such as those caused by dry environmental conditions or by contact lens wear. In accordance with the present invention, the ophthalmic preparation includes a mucin component, similar to that found at the normal human ocular surface and in one exemplary and preferred embodiment, the mucin is a transmembrane or surface mucin.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the unexpected finding that the combination of a carboxylate containing anionic polymer, of molecular weight greater than about 1000 daltons, with cleaning agents, provides improved contact lens cleaning preparations. The present invention includes contacting a soiled contact lens with an aqueous solution comprising an anionically charged polymer and a surfactant or surfactant combination selected from the classes of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the ophthalmic applications of mucin derived from mammalian milk or milk byproducts. This mucin has been found to be a MUC1 type mucin similar to the transmembrane mucin expressed on the surface of the human eye. The mucin-containing preparations described in this invention can be in the form of an aqueous formulation to be instilled into the eye, or in which to pre-soak or store an object to be inserted into the eye, such as a contact lens, an ointment, or a solid device to be inserted into the conjunctival sac. The preparations disclosed are utilized for the treatment of tear film and ocular surface disorders associated with the signs and symptoms of dry eye. Furthermore, mucin-based formulations are also effective for the relief of symptoms of eye irritation, such as those caused by environmental conditions or by contact lens wear.

Abstract: Ophthalmic solutions include a material composed of (a) a hydrophobic core having at least three carbon atoms and (b) at least three hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chains attached to the core.Examples of such materials include ethoxylated derivatives of glucose, glycerin, sorbitol, and divinyl benzene.

Abstract: A method for treating contact lenses with solutions including a material having (a) a hydrophobic core having at least three carbon atoms and (b) at least three hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chains attached to the core.

Abstract: A method for treating contact lenses involves irradiation of the contact lens with high energy radiation while immersed in an aqueous medium such as saline solution.

Abstract: Compositions for treating contact lenses, particularly rigid, gas permeable contact lenses, comprise a quaternary nitrogen-containing ethoxylated alkyl glucoside.

Abstract: Methods of treating contact lenses employ a material composed of (a) a hydrophobic core having at least three carbon atoms and (b) at least three hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chains attached to the core.

Abstract: Improved contact lens compositions are achieved through incorporation of a fluorine containing mono or diester of itaconic acid in siloxane polymeric contact lens compositions. Copolymers include components which modify contact lens mechanical, optical and transport properties as well as surface characteristics to achieve at least some compositions having an oxygen permeability of at least DK35 with a refractive index of from 1.35 to 1.5 and a percent hydration below 2 percent of total weight. Contact lenses made of materials of this invention are highly permeable to oxygen and resistant to the deposition of tear components providing extended wear capability through improved biocompatibility.

Abstract: Improved contact lens compositions are achieved through incorporation of a fluorine containing mono or diester of itaconic acid in siloxane polymeric contact lens compositions. Copolymers include components which modify contact lens mechanical, optical and transport properties as well as surface characteristics to achieve at least some compositions having an oxygen permeability of at least DK35 with a refractive index of from 1.35 to 1.5 and a percent hydration below 2 percent of total weight. Contact lenses made of materials of this invention are highly permeable to oxygen and resistant to the deposition of tear components providing extended wear capability through improved biocompatibility.