Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides techniques for inducing collagen cross-linking in human tissue, such as cartilage or cornea, without using a photosensitizer (e.g., riboflavin), by inducing ionization of the water contained in the tissue to produce free radicals that induce chemical cross-linking in the human tissue. In an embodiment, a femtosecond laser operates at sufficiently low laser pulse energy to avoid optical breakdown of tissue. In an embodiment, the femtosecond laser operates in the infrared frequency range.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides techniques for inducing collagen cross-linking in human tissue, such as cartilage or cornea, without using a photosensitizer (e.g., riboflavin), by inducing ionization of the water contained in the tissue to produce free radicals that induce chemical cross-linking in the human tissue. In an embodiment, a femtosecond laser operates at sufficiently low laser pulse energy to avoid optical breakdown of tissue. In an embodiment, the femtosecond laser operates in the infrared frequency range.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides techniques for inducing collagen cross-linking in human tissue, such as cartilage or cornea, without using a photosensitizer (e.g., riboflavin), by inducing ionization of the water contained in the tissue to produce free radicals that induce chemical cross-linking in the human tissue. In an embodiment, a femtosecond laser operates at sufficiently low laser pulse energy to avoid optical breakdown of tissue. In an embodiment, the femtosecond laser operates in the infrared frequency range.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds and related methods useful for cross-linking collagen and stabilizing collagenous tissues using formaldehyde-donating compounds or nitrogen oxide-containing compounds such as ?-Nitro Alcohols. Also disclosed are compounds and related methods for modulating the rate or degree of collagen cross-linking using nitrogen oxide-containing compounds such as ?-Nitro Alcohols. The formaldehyde-donating, nitrogen oxide-containing and/or ?-Nitro Alcohol compounds disclosed are capable of stabilizing collagenous tissues such as the corneal and scleral tissues and are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases such as alterations in corneal curvature, keratoconus, keratectasia, progressive myopia and glaucoma.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of protecting all or a portion of the optic nerve fiber layer within the optic nerve/lamina cribrosa (ONLC) complex in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that results in crosslinking of collagen in the indiviudal's peripapillary sclera, thereby stiffening the individual's peripapillary sclera and protecting all or a portion of the optic nerve fiber layer within the ONLC of the individual. In a particular embodiment, the invention is directed to methods of treating glaucoma in an individual in need thereof, comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that results in crosslinking of collagen in the indiviudal's peripapillary sclera, thereby stiffening the individual's peripapillary sclera and treating the glaucoma in the individual.

Abstract: The subject application provides an aqueous composition suitable for use as an artificial tear solution comprising one or more lipids produced by an enzyme of the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) family and/or the acyl-CoA cholesterol acytransferase (ACAT) family. This invention also provides related methods.

Abstract: An argon-fluoride excimer laser or other laser source capable of generating far-ultraviolet radiation at 193 nm is pulsed with energy densities of greater than 20 mj per cm.sup.2 at a repetition rate up to 25 pulses per second to direct its radiation through a mask and onto corneal tissue, or other biological matter, to form an ablation therein of predetermined configuration and depth by a process of ablative photodecomposition. The masks are formed with a slit, circular, crescent or other openings of widths between 30 and 800 microns, and may even be formed to provide a graded intensity center to edge. The mask is reflective or composed of or faced with an organic polymer to prevent heat build-up.

Abstract: An argon-fluoride excimer laser or other laser source capable of generating far-ultraviolet radiation at 193 nm is pulsed with energy densities of greater than 20 mj per cm.sup.2 at a repetition rate up to 25 pulses per second to direct its radiation through a mask and onto corneal tissue, or other biological matter, to form an ablation therein of predetermined configuration and depth by a process of ablative photodecomposition. The masks are formed with a slit, circular, crescent or other openings of widths between 30 and 800 microns, and may even be formed to provide a graded intensity center to edge. The mask is reflective or composed of or faced with an organic polymer to prevent heat build-up.

Abstract: A low energy laser system for surgical purposes, in particular, ophthalmic surgery, comprises a source of pulsed laser energy. Er:YAG lasers having a wavelength of 3 microns are preferred. Optical fibers which are responsive to the laser energy deliver amounts of the laser energy to selected body tissue sufficient to perform delicate surgical procedures without adverse biological or chemical interaction with the tissue. In particular, a compound fiber assembly is preferred for delivery of laser energy having a wavelength above 2 microns which compound fiber comprises an elongated fiber body comprised of fluoride based glass, a surgical optical fiber tip of a hard, moderately transparent mineral, such as quartz or sapphire, and an element for coupling the optical fiber tip to the fluoride glass body.