Abstract: A method of forming microspheres containing a hydrophilic drug or agent for injection to provide localized treatment over a protracted time with sustained delivery in a therapeutically indicated rate band. The drug or agent is first dispersed or suspended as a micropulverized solid in an inert hydrophobic oil and sonicated with a non-aqueous solution of a biodegradable polymer. The dispersion is then stabilized in a second oil to remove solvent from the microspheres. Non-aqueous solvents are used throughout, and high drug concentrations are obtained simultaneously with enhanced control over a uniform and sustained delivery rate with extended duration of delivery. In vitro studies of ganciclovir in a silicone oil/fluorosilicone oil/PLGA system yield microsphere fractions that provide dose levels in a therapeutic range for CMV retinitis from only a single intravitreal injection that lasts substantially in excess of one month. The preparation method allows drug loading efficiencies above ninety percent.

Abstract: A method of treating an intraocular structural disorder of an eye comprising introducing into the intraocular structure under treatment a liquid silicone/fluorosilicone oil in an amount effective to treat the intraocular structural disorder.

Abstract: A method of treating an intraocular structural disorder of an eye comprising introducing into the intraocular structure under treatment a liquid silicone/fluorosilicone oil in an amount effective to treat the intraocular structural disorder.

Abstract: The non-intrusive measurement of preocular tear film evaporation employs a goggle fitted on a subject and connected with apparatus for introducing air of known conditions to a goggle chamber over one eye, apparatus for controlling air movement within the goggle chamber, and apparatus for humidity measurement of the chamber air.A measure of palpebral aperture readily provides the area of the exposed eye surface, for calculating the rate of tear evaporation.

Abstract: A hydrogel implant article of significant softness, pliability and elasticity when dry as well as when wet consists of a random cross-linked copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and an alkyl acrylate. The acrylate hydrogel article is useful, in one instance, as the material to produce a scleral buckle in retinal detachment surgery.

Abstract: This invention concerns a minus prescription hydrogel contact lens that permits oxygen diffusion to the cornea in sufficient quantity to avoid the effects of oxygen deprivation; avoids the physiological complications arising from damage to the bulbar conjunctivia due to compression of the limbal capillaries; and avoids corneal scleral or wetting deficiencies. These advantages are accomplished through a combination of lens design and hydrogel properties.

Abstract: An improved process for dispensing a lipid soluble labile drug, i.e. 1,3-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) by diffusion through a silicone capsule implanted at a periocular site to an intraocular site within an animal body being treated with the drug, the improvements wherein the silicone capsule is provided with a tube sealed at the distal end thereof and provided with longitudinal slit cut through the tube wall inside the capsule for filling the capsule following implantation of the capsule, wherein the capsule is implanted surgically near the site being treated so that the tube is accessible for filling without further surgical procedures and wherein the drug is injected into the capsule through the tube in the form of a solution in a solvent which is non-toxic to the animal being treated, inert with respect to the drug dissolved therein and capable of diffusing from the capsule within 5 hours to leave a residue of the drug in the capsule.

Abstract: This invention concerns a minus prescription hydrogel contact lens that permits oxygen diffusion to the cornea in sufficient quantity to avoid the effects of oxygen deprivation; avoids the physiological complications arising from damage to the bulbar conjunctivia due to compression of the limbal capillaries; and avoids corneal scleral or wetting deficiencies. These advantages are accomplished through a combination of lens design and hydrogel properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymers and hydrogels of polymers formed from a hydrophilic monomer of the group of dihydroxyalkyl acrylates and methacrylates, a substantially water insoluble monomer from the group of alkyl acrylates and methacrylates and preferably a minor amount of a water insoluble epoxidized alkyl acrylate or methacrylate. 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.

Abstract: This invention relates to copolymers and hydrogels formed by copolymerization of a hydrophilic monomer from the group of dihydroxyalkyl acrylates and methacrylates and a substantially water insoluble monomer from the group of alkyl acrylates and methacrylates. The preferred copolymer of the invention is formed from methyl methacrylate and glyceryl methacrylate (2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate). The hydrogels of the invention have unique physical and physiological properties which are particularly useful for the formation of contact lenses, particularly contact lenses having a relatively thin cross-section, though they may also be used for other purposes such as drug and pesticides delivery devices, dialysis, ultrafiltratiaon and reverse osmosis membranes, implants in surgery and dentistry and the like.