Abstract: Described methods and compositions for treating Meibomian Gland Disease (MGD) for normalizing gland secretions and improving symptoms of ocular surface diseases associated with MGD. The methods concern treatment of a patient with aldosterone antagonists, such as spironolactone or analogues of spironolactone. Spironolactone is desirably added in a novel treatment composition, preferably in the form of an aqueous solution, emulsion or suspension in small but effective concentrations and in a novel vehicle that adds to the increased solubility of what previously was known to be an insoluble active agent. Moreover, it is believed that the specific lower but effective concentrations of spironolactone, and/or the pluronic vehicle of the treatment composition, permits optimal expression of essential lipids and upregulation of genes that control lipid production necessary to a more normalized lipid component of the tear film for the treatment and/or the prevention of signs and/or symptoms of MGD.

Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide for treatments of ocular disorders of the eye, such as ocular surface diseases as well as those associated with inflammation of internal cells and cell layers of the eye. The methods disclosed herein describe methods for treating ocular disorders, particularly dry eye disorders, comprising topically administering to an ocular region of a subject a composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one aldosterone antagonist or salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Included is a method for treating dry eye comprising topically administering to an ocular region of a subject a composition comprising spironolactone and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and reducing or preventing one or more symptoms or causes of dry eye.

Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide for treatments of ocular disorders of the eye, such as ocular surface diseases as well as those associated with inflammation of internal cells and cell layers of the eye. The methods disclosed herein describe methods for treating ocular disorders, particularly dry eye disorders, comprising topically administering to an ocular region of a subject a composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one aldosterone antagonist or salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Included is a method for treating dry eye comprising topically administering to an ocular region of a subject a composition comprising spironolactone and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; and reducing or preventing one or more symptoms or causes of dry eye.

Abstract: The invention provides novel multi-modality probes for pathologic cell tracking which allow labeling of dying cells with new probes and tracking them via non-invasive imaging techniques to diagnose ocular diseases, determine disease progression and evaluate effectiveness of treatment. The molecular probes of the invention can be topically, locally, or systemically administered for diagnosing and monitoring improvement or progression of any ocular diseases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided by which a fluid may be drawn and packaged within a series of interconnected sterile units. Once filled with the fluid, the connectors joining the sterile units may be sealed and severed to produce a number of separate sterile units. The volume of the separate sterile units may correspond to a single dose of the fluid. The technique allows a fluid to be partitioned into sterile units without exposure to the air or other potential contaminants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided by which eyelid diseases may be treated and eyelid hygiene may be performed. In particular, the method and apparatus stimulate eyelid muscles and facial muscles, allowing stimulation of glandular eyelid components that allow optimization of the tear film and the ocular surface. In this manner, the symptoms associated with ocular irritation or with eyelid disorders may be treated by maintaining proper tear film composition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided by which a fluid may be drawn and packaged within a series of interconnected sterile units. Once filled with the fluid, the connectors joining the sterile units may be sealed and severed to produce a number of separate sterile units. The volume of the separate sterile units may correspond to a single dose of the fluid. The technique allows a fluid to be partitioned into sterile units without exposure to the air or other potential contaminants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided by which eyelid diseases may be treated and eyelid hygiene may be performed. In particular, the method and apparatus stimulate eyelid muscles and facial muscles, allowing stimulation of glandular eyelid components that allow optimization of the tear film and the ocular surface. In this manner, the symptoms associated with ocular irritation or with eyelid disorders may be treated by maintaining proper tear film composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus, and method for preventing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) that addresses the various causes of CVS. To help maintain a proper preocular tear film the present invention provides a device to generate a blink reminder signal and a blink indicator, such as a light, a speaker, or a portion of a display monitor, to communicate the blink reminder signal to the computer user. The device may incorporate feedback devices such as a blink monitor, a temperature monitor, a humidity monitor, an elapsed time monitor, or a clock. The present invention also provides an eye enclosure that defines an enclosed area about the computer user's eye that is at least partially enclosed. The invention incorporates components aimed at optimizing the environment within the enclosed area. For example, air moisteners communicating with the enclosed area maintain a relatively high humidity within the enclosed area and reduce the evaporation of fluid from the eyes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus, and method for preventing Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) that addresses the various causes of CVS. To help maintain a proper preocular tear film the present invention provides a device to generate a blink reminder signal and a blink indicator, such as a light, a speaker, or a portion of a display monitor, to communicate the blink reminder signal to the computer user. The device may incorporate feedback devices such as a blink monitor, a temperature monitor, a humidity monitor, an elapsed time monitor, or a clock. The present invention also provides an eye enclosure that defines an enclosed area about the computer user's eye that is at least partially enclosed. The invention incorporates components aimed at optimizing the environment within the enclosed area. For example, air moisteners communicating with the enclosed area maintain a relatively high humidity within the enclosed area and reduce the evaporation of fluid from the eyes.