Abstract: The present invention provides zinc complexes for use in methods of providing zinc to subjects in need of treatment. The invention further provides improved dietary supplement formulations for improving and maintaining ocular nutrition. In particular, the improved dietary supplement formulations comprise the zinc complexes described herein, antioxidant vitamins, minerals and excipients.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved dietary supplements and methods for alleviating the symptoms of dry eye. The dietary supplements of the invention contain omega-3 fatty acids and flavonoids.

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 improved dietary supplements and methods for inhibiting the progression of macular degeneration and promoting healthy vision, while at the same time maintaining general health. The dietary supplements of the invention contain vitamin E and carotenoids in the form of lutein and/or zeaxanthine. The dietary supplements of the invention further contain Vitamin D, Vitamin C, copper and zinc and may also contain such ingredients as rosemary, DHA, and other vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved beadlet formulations useful for inclusion in dietary supplements customized for improving and maintaining ocular nutrition. In particular, the improved beadlets comprise DHA (docosahexaenoic acid); rosemary and/or its components; and excipients.

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 is directed to methods for enhancing current treatment regimens for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The methods of the invention include intraocular delivery of AMD compositions along with antioxidant compositions. Alternatively, the methods of the invention include a daily regimen of ocular vitamin consumption in conjunction with other treatment methods for AMD.

Abstract: Beadlets comprising xanthophylls and carotenes and/or retinoids, dietary supplements comprising these beadlets and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Beadlets comprising xanthophylls and carotenes and/or retinoids, dietary supplements comprising these beadlets and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A lacrimal cannula, which is used for the removal of plugs or obstructions from mammalian lacrimal canaliculi having a punctum, includes a body having a distal portion, a proximal portion, an external annulus disposed proximate the distal portion, and a hollow bore for fluid delivery from the distal portion. The external annulus has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the distal portion. The distal portion is inserted into the mammalian punctum without dilating the punctum and the external annulus has a generally spherical geometry which forms a seal with the external surface of the punctum without dilating the punctum and without the necessity of forcefully pressing the cannula against the punctal tissue to create a seal. The distal portion also has a relatively short length so that the distal portion is easily inserted into the canaliculus without contacting the plug or obstruction and thus interfering with the formation of the punctal seal.

Abstract: In vivo polymerizable intraocular lens compositions which comprise substituted fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl monomers having anionic, cationic, and/or nonionic surface active functionality in the unsaturated fluorophobic ends. The compositions are preferably cured by UV photoinitiation and are useful in repairing torn or detached retinal tissue or forming intraocular lenses in situ.

Abstract: Coatings for surgical instruments which comprise substituted fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl monomers having anionic, cationic, and/or nonionic surface active functionality in the unsaturated fluorophobic ends.

Abstract: Fluoroalkyl hydrocarbons as vehicles for pharmaceutical drugs are disclosed. These vehicles are particularly well-suited for delivering drugs which are insoluble in water or chemically unstable in aqueous media. Pharmaceutical solution compositions based on these vehicles have long shelf lives and provide improved drug bioavailability. In addition, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are nonaqueous, and therefore do not require preservatives or tonicity agents. The invention is particularly useful in the field of ophthalmology.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions containing biocompatible, bioadhesive polymerizable amphipathic mesophase materials useful for repairing retinal tissue tears or retinal detachments are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polymerizable materials, which comprise substituted fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl monomers having anionic, cationic, and/or nonionic surface active functionality in the unsaturated fluorophobic ends, are polymerized in vivo to provide effective, long-lasting repair of torn, ruptured or detached retinal tissue. Ophthalmic applications of these materials are not limited to retinal repair.

Abstract: Drug delivery vehicles which reversibly increase in either loss modulus or storage modulus, or both, upon contact with the eye, skin, mucous membrane or body cavity are disclosed. The vehicles contain one or more nonionic substituted cellulose ethers and do not require a charged surfactant or a pH-sensitive polymer for such increase in loss modulus or storage modulus, or both, upon administration. In one embodiment, the vehicles gel upon instillation in the eye.

Abstract: Topical ophthalmic compositions of carrageenans which are administrable as a drop but which become more viscous or gel upon instillation in the eye are disclosed. Methods for use of the compositions as topical ophthalmic vehicles for pharmaceutically active agents, and alone as lubricants or tear supplements, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions comprising combinations of gelling polysaccharides and finely-divided drug carrier substrates which become relatively more viscous on contact with the eye are disclosed. These ophthalmic compositions are both comfortable and long-lasting Ophthalmic compositions further comprising a pharmaceutically active drug are also disclosed, as are methods of use.

Abstract: Machine for separating and longitudinally slitting thin sheet, especially double-rolled aluminum sheet or foil, and for winding it onto two winding shafts in abutting strip coils, each winding station including a displaceable cylinder-biased winding carriage with a deflecting roll and a pressure roll defining a terminal sheet run unaffected by the carriage position. Slitting knives arranged on a rotatable swivel shaft in the winding carriage reach into the sheet path in its terminal run, just ahead of the winding point, the slitting knives being retractable into a safe position through rotation of the swivel shaft.