Abstract: A surface treated intraocular lens implant for use in the replacement of a cataractous natural lens to prevent posteriror capsular opacification. The surface treated intraocular lens includes one or more proteins, polypeptides, polyamino acids or polyamines bound to the surface of the intraocular lens implant covalently, non-covalently or a combination thereof. The one or more proteins, polypeptides, polyamino acids or polyamines present on the surface of the intraocular lens implant serves to reduce or eliminate residual lens epithelial cell migration within the lens capsule. By preventing residual lens epithelial cell migration, posterior capsular opacification of the intraocular lens implant is thus reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A method for destroying retinal pigment epithelial cells in an eye in order to prevent the occurrence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. A solution containing a basement membrane binding agent conjugated to a cytotoxic agent is introduced into the vitreous chamber. The solution is maintained in the vitreous chamber for a period of time sufficient to permit the basement membrane binding agent to bind to basement membranes lining the vitreous chamber. The solution is then removed from the vitreous chamber, whereby a portion of the basement membrane binding agent remains bonded to basement membranes within the vitreous chamber, thereby exposing retinal pigment epithelial cells disposed on the basement membrane to the cytotoxic agent.

Abstract: A surface treated intraocular lens implant for use in the replacement of a cataracts natural lens to prevent posterior cellular opacification. The surface treated intraocular lens includes one or more carbohydrates covalently bound to the surface of the intraocular lens implant and a carbohydrate binding agent conjugated to a cytotoxic agent for binding said carbohydrates. The cytotoxic agent present on the intraocular lens implant serves to destroy residual lens epithelial cells within the lens capsule thereby preventing posterior cellular opacification of the intraocular lens implant.

Abstract: A method for destroying residual lens epithelial cells in an eye in order to prevent the occurrence of posterior chamber opacification. A solution containing a basement membrane binding agent conjugated to a cytotoxic agent is introduced into the lens capsule. The solution is maintained in the lens capsule for a period of time sufficient to permit the basement membrane binding agent to bind to basement membranes within the lens capsule. The solution is then removed from the lens capsule, whereby a portion of the basement membrane binding agent remains bonded to basement membranes within the lens capsule, thereby exposing residual lens epithelial cells disposed on the basement membrane to the cytotoxic agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying residual lens epithelial cells. The apparatus includes a probe configured for insertion into the eye between the iris and the lens capsule. The probe is further configured to deliver energy therefrom to residual lens epithelial cells within the lens capsule in order to destroy them. The distal end of the probe is configured to allow a surgeon using the probe to reach all areas within the lens capsule to ensure that no epithelial cells remain alive after use of the probe.

Abstract: A method for destroying residual lens epithelial cells in an eye in order to prevent the occurrence of posterior chamber opacification. A solution containing a basement membrane binding agent conjugated to a cytotoxic agent is introduced into the lens capsule. The solution is maintained in the lens capsule for a period of time sufficient to permit the basement membrane binding agent to bind to basement membranes within the lens capsule. The solution is then removed from the lens capsule, whereby a portion of the basement membrane binding agent remains bonded to basement membranes within the lens capsule, thereby exposing residual lens epithelial cells disposed on the basement membrane to the cytotoxic agent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying residual lens epithelial cells. The apparatus includes a probe configured for insertion into the eye between the iris and the lens capsule. The probe is further configured to deliver energy therefrom to residual lens epithelial cells within the lens capsule in order to destroy them. The method includes the steps of inserting a probe constructed in accordance with the apparatus of present invention into the eye such that a distal end portion of the probe is disposed between the iris and the lens capsule, delivering energy to the probe such that residual lens epithelial cells within the lens capsule are destroyed, ceasing the delivery of energy to the probe, and removing the probe from the eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing posterior capsular opacification. The apparatus includes a probe configured for insertion into the lens capsule of an eye undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction. The probe is further configured to deliver energy therefrom to tissues within the lens capsule in order to kill residual lens epithelial cells. The method includes the steps of inserting a probe constructed in accordance with the apparatus of present invention into the lens capsule of the eye, delivering energy to the probe such that residual lens epithelial cells within the lens capsule are killed, ceasing the delivery of energy to the probe, and removing the probe from the eye.