Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to aqueous surgical compositions comprising a sigma-1 receptor agonist. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods of irrigating ocular tissues during an ophthalmic surgical procedure such as cataract surgery. Such methods comprise bathing the ocular tissues with a composition comprising a sigma-1 receptor agonist.

Abstract: A method for prolonging the activity of an autodegradable enzyme comprises storing the enzyme after manufacture at a pH less than about 5, and reconstituting the acidified enzyme substantially immediately before use with a buffer having a pH in the range from about 6.5 to about 11, wherein the pH remains within 1 pH unit upon adding said the enzyme into the buffer. The method is useful to provide enzyme for wide use, which otherwise would lose activity upon long storage. In one embodiment the method is applicable to provide enzyme for inducing controlled posterior vitreous detachment.

Abstract: Methods of modifying total MMP activity levels in the vitreous of an eye are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method results in reduced MMP activity and comprises introducing plasmin into the vitreous of the eye. Enzyme assisted vitrectomy procedures are also provided, and comprise introducing plasmin into the vitreous in an amount sufficient to induce posterior detachment of the vitreous, mechanically detaching the vitreous from the eye, introducing a replacement fluid into the eye, and introducing plasmin into the eye in an amount sufficient to decrease the total MMP activity in vitreous. Considering the purported roles of MMPs in a variety of vitreal pathologies, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting the progression of various disease conditions, including prolifertaive diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract: Methods of modifying total MMP activity levels in the vitreous of an eye are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method results in reduced MMP activity and comprises introducing plasmin into the vitreous of the eye. Enzyme assisted vitrectomy procedures are also provided, and comprise introducing plasmin into the vitreous in an amount sufficient to induce posterior detachment of the vitreous, mechanically detaching the vitreous from the eye, introducing a replacement fluid into the eye, and introducing plasmin into the eye in an amount sufficient to decrease the total MMP activity in vitreous. Considering the purported roles of MMPs in a variety of vitreal pathologies, the present invention provides methods of inhibiting the progression of various disease conditions, including prolifertaive diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract: A method for rapid purification of a blood component from blood is described in which the blood plasma is first separated from the cellular blood elements by any conventional means, such as centrifugation. An affinity cartridge is then activated with a molecule, such as an amino acid, which binds with a blood component such as plasminogen. The separated blood plasma is then passed through the affinity cartridge such that the blood component is retained by the affinity cartridge. Thereafter, the blood component is eluted from the affinity cartridge by passing a buffer solution containing a releasing agent through the affinity cartridge. This releasing agent disengages the blood component from the affinity cartridge. The releasing agent is then separated from the eluted solution by passing the eluted solution through a device, such as an ion exchange or size exclusion device. The separated blood component, e.g.

Abstract: A method for rapid purification of a blood component from blood is described in which the blood plasma is first separated from the cellular blood elements by any conventional means, such as centrifugation. An affinity cartridge is then activated with a molecule, such as an amino acid, which binds with a blood component such as plasminogen. The separated blood plasma is then passed through the affinity cartridge such that the blood component is retained by the affinity cartridge. Thereafter, the blood component is eluted from the affinity cartridge by passing a buffer solution containing a releasing agent through the affinity cartridge. This releasing agent disengages the blood component from the affinity cartridge. The releasing agent is then separated from the eluted solution by passing the eluted solution through a device, such as an ion exchange or size exclusion device. The separated blood component, e.g.

Abstract: A method for performing a vitrectomy on an eye is disclosed for removing the vitreous humor from the eye. The method comprises the first step of introducing plasmin into the vitreous humor in order to induce a posterior vitreous detachment. Thereafter, the vitreous is removed by conventional methods and replaced with a sterile saline solution.