Abstract: Improved intraocular irrigating solutions are described. The solutions have enhanced viscosities that reduce the risk of damage to intraocular tissues during intraocular surgical procedures by reducing the turbulence of the solutions and dampening the movement of tissue fragments and air bubbles. The solutions preferably also have modified surface tensions that more closely resemble the surface tension of the aqueous humor.

Abstract: An improved solution for use in the removal of cataractous lenses via liquefracture is described. The liquefracture solution contains a viscosity-enhancing agent to increase the residence time of the solution in the heating chamber of the liquefracture handpiece, thereby increasing the expulsion force of the solution from the handpiece (i.e., “pulse force”). An agent that releases gas when the liquefracture solution is heated in the handpiece may also be included in the solution, thereby also enhancing the pulse force of the solution upon expulsion from the handpiece. The solution preferably also contains a partially water-soluble agent that forms a temporarily insoluble precipitate when heated in a liquefracture handpiece. The precipitate acts as an abrasive agent when expelled with the liquefracture solution from the handpiece, thereby facilitating the cutting and disintegration of the cataractous lens material.

Abstract: A solution packaging system and method of administering a solution are disclosed. One embodiment of the solution packaging system of the present invention comprises a gas-impermeable dual-chamber bag, having a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a frangible (releasable) seal, and an over-wrap member enclosing and containing the dual-chamber inner bag. The dual-chamber bag can be used to package two-part medicinal solutions containing bicarbonate, such as ophthalmic irrigation solutions. The first chamber can be filled with and contain a first part of such an irrigation solution, comprising, for example, a buffer such as bicarbonate. The second chamber can contain the second part of such a solution, comprising, for example, glutathione (GSSG), or other anti-oxidant, and dextrose, or other energy source. Both parts may contain other excipients.

Abstract: A triple natural polymer viscoelastic composition is disclosed. By combining glucosamine sulfate (“GS”), sodium hyaluronate (“HA”) and chondroitin sulfate (“CS”), the triple natural polymer viscoelastic compositions of this invention can provide a viscoelastic agent at a surgical site that not only serves as a protective agent to ocular tissues, but that can also act as an agent to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with ocular surgery. Embodiments of this invention can comprise GS combined with existing HA/CS viscoelastic agents. Embodiments of this invention can also comprise GS and CS in combination with an irrigation solution. Further, to enhance retention time at the site of an intra-articulate application of an embodiment of this invention, the following biodegradable polymers may also be included in an embodiment of the compositions of the present invention: cellulose derivatives (e.g., hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, caboxymethylcellulose, etc.), carbopol, citosan, and collagen.

Abstract: An improved viscoelastic composition useful in the performance of ophthalmic surgical procedures and especially cataract procedures is disclosed. The embodiments of the composition comprise combinations of sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate and exhibit an improved rheological profile.

Abstract: Improved intraocular irrigating solutions are described. The solutions have enhanced viscosities that reduce the risk of damage to intraocular tissues during intraocular surgical procedures by reducing the turbulence of the solutions and dampening the movement of tissue fragments and air bubbles. The solutions preferably also have modified surface tensions that more closely resemble the surface tension of the aqueous humor.

Abstract: A system having an injection cartridge and plunger tip which are adapted to be used on commercially available intraocular lens injection systems. The injection cartridge is shorter and smaller in diameter than typical intraocular lens injection cartridge. The plunger tip has an extended, small diameter section sized to slide easily within a round bore in the cartridge. A stop prevents the plunger tip from being expelled from the cartridge. The entire system, including drug delivery device, may be packaged as a single, terminally sterilized unit, does not require manipulation of the drug delivery device and may be used with a wide variety of drug delivery formulations.