Abstract: An Enzyme Orthokeratology method is provided for correcting refractive errors in the eye of a subject mammal. Accelerating reshaping of the cornea is accomplished by administering a corneal hardening amount of a corneal hardening agent to the eye of the subject. Reformation is accomplished under the influence of a rigid contact lens or a series of lenses having a concave curvature that will correct a refractive error. The cornea rapidly reshapes its convex curvature to the concave curvature of the contact lens, rendering the eye emmetropic. The cornea is permitted to “harden” to retain the new emmetropic shape. After “hardening” has occurred, the lens rendering the eye emmetropic is removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to antimicrobial lenses containing coated zeolites and methods for their production.

Abstract: This invention relates to antimicrobial lenses and methods for their production where the lenses contain silver and a polymerizable monomer of Formula I, II, III or IV 1

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to remove dryness and unpleasantness in eyes of contact lens wearers and to obtain favorable moist feel and wearing feel by stabilizing a lacrimal fluid layer on the surface of eyeballs of the wearers. By using an ophthalmic composition containing polyvinyl pyrrolidone, the lacrimal fluid layer existing on ionic contact lenses can be stabilized via adsorption of polyvinyl pyrrolidone on the ionic contact lenses. By adding a viscosity-increasing agent to the ophthalmic composition, the lacrimal fluid layer can be maintained in a stable state over a long period of time.

Abstract: An optically clear antimicrobial lens, containing greater than 0.01 weight percent activated silver is disclosed as well as methods for the production, use, and storage of the lens.

Abstract: The invention features polymeric hydrogel contact lenses containing an anti-glaucoma medication, such as a beta adrenergic receptor antagonist, e.g., timolol maleate, or an alpha adrenergic receptor agonist, e.g., brimonidine tartrate, and methods of fabrication and uses thereof. A medication is passively transferred into a contact lens by absorption from a dilute aqueous solution. Such treated lenses are contacted with the ocular fluid of an individual to treat glaucoma.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical implant for administering a biologically active substance is made up of an immediate-release component, preferably containing a disintegrating agent, and a sustained-release component. The implant of the present invention provides flexibility in adjusting the release of the medicament and a faster onset of release can be provided along with a long-term sustained-release. The release rate of the biologically active substance can be adjusted by controlling the relative quantities of the immediate-release component and the sustained-release component.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for antiglaucomatous medications utilizing a polymeric hydrogel which can absorb an ophthalmic medication which can then be transferred into the ocular fluid of the eye.

Abstract: Biomedical devices with antimicrobial coatings are provided. One or more surfaces of the device are coated with lactoferrin to impart antimicrobial properties to the surface.

Abstract: A contact lens having a pharmaceutical agent releasably disposed therein. The lens itself comprises a polymer of an unsaturated carboxylic acid ester of salicylic acid, the unsaturated carboxylic acid having up to 24 carbon atoms and 1-4 ethylenic double bonds, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the salicylic acid ester.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for selecting contact lenses to reduce corneal staining. The method selects contact lens materials based upon the ratio of the water diffusion coefficient to the ion diffusion coefficient.

Abstract: Bis-amido polybiguanides and their use as antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. A method of synthesis of bis-amido polybiguanides is also disclosed. The bis-amido polybiguanides are useful in the preservation of pharmaceutical compositions, particularly ophthalmic and otic pharmaceutical compositions and compositions for treating contact lenses. The compounds are especially useful for disinfecting/cleaning contact lenses.

Abstract: A novel polyurethane based prepolymer useful in biomedical devices which provides high oxygen permeability and superior physical properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses, which compositions comprise a carbonate or bicarbonate salt, a non-carbonate buffer system, an antimicrobial agent, and a non-ionic surfactant. Products according to the present invention, especially multi-purpose solutions, provide simultaneous disinfection and cleaning of contact lenses including the prevention or removal of protein and lipid deposits and other debris.

Abstract: A theraputic lens for removable placement onto a surface of a cornea of an eye, and methods for making and using the same. The lens has a first surface adapted for exposure to light and a second surface adapted to contact the surface of the cornea. The first and second surfaces define a portion which is adapted to allow visible light to pass and includes living cells forming at least part of the portion. In addition, the curvature of the lens can be modified by positioning the contact lens onto the surface of the cornea of the eye, and directing a beam of radiant energy onto the second surface in a predetermined pattern to ablate a section of the portion to form a lens of a desired shape.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing O-(meth)acrylate compound of the following formula (1) is useful as a starting material for a resin composition used in optical applications such as a lens; wherein R represents hydrogen atom or methyl group; 1 represents an integer from 1 to 3; B is when B is  n is 2; m is 1 or 2; A is selected from the following groups: wherein m represents 1 or 2; each ring may be substituted by one or more alkyl, alkylthio or alkoxy groups having 1 or 2 carbon atoms; p and q are 0 or 1, while m is 1 when p is 1; when B is  n is 1; m is 2 or 3; A is selected from the following groups: —(CH2)r—S—(CH2)r—, —(CH2)r—S—S—(CH2)r—, —(CH2)r—S—(CH2)s—S—(CH2)r— and wherein r and s are an integer from 1 to 3; when B is  n is 1; m is 2; A is selected from the following groups: —

Abstract: The invention provides a method and compositions for controlling food borne enteric bacterial pathogens in poultry populations. The incidence of the colonization of poultry by enteropathogenic bacteria, and/or the populations of enteropathogenic bacteria within colonized poultry, may by substantially reduced by providing particles of an expanded matrix material to the locus or vicinity of the animals, particularly during the period of feed removal prior to slaughter. The method and compositions are particularly useful for the control of Salmonella species, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, and Campylobacter species.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved conjunctival insert for topical delivery of medication or lubrication into the conjunctival spaces and upon the ocular surface of human eye. Specifically, three physical designs are provided, differing by size, named “Large”, “Medium” and “Small”. Also provided are methods of treating ocular maladies and of lubricating or moisturizing a dry eye using the disclosed conjunctival inserts. Such inserts can also be used for veterinary practices in the cases of primates and quadrupeds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting refractive errors of the eye are disclosed. Accelerated reshaping of the corneal tissue is accomplished by administering one or more enzymes and/or other agents to the eye which temporarily soften the cornea. The cornea is thereafter fitted with a rigid contact lens or a series of lenses which have a concave curvature that will correct a refractive error. The softened cornea then rapidly reshapes its convex curvature to the concave curvature of the contact lens or series of lenses, thereby rendering the eye emmetropic. The enzymes and/or other agents then dissipate from the cornea, and the cornea "hardens" to retain the new emmetropic shape. After "hardening" has occurred, the lens rendering the eye emmetropic is removed.

Abstract: Articles such as medical devices are selectively coated with a lubricious coating. A temporary coating, formed from an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer of low to moderate molecular weight, is painted onto those portions of the article which are to remain free of any coating in the final product. Then, the entire article is coated with a material which forms a lubricious coating. The article is then soaked in water to loosen the coatings at the locations at which the temporary coating was applied. The coatings are cleanly removed from those locations, leaving an article with a lubricious coating in some portions, and which is uncoated in the remaining portions. The process can be used in coating portions of catheters, surgical gloves, contact lenses, and any other articles which require a lubricious coating only on a portion of the surface of the article.

Abstract: This invention provide silicone-based, biomedical devices that exhibit improved wettability as well as biocompatability through the use of functional silane agents. More specifically, the invention provides devices at least one surface of which has a functional silane coupling agent and hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a selenium-carrier conjugate by covalently attaching (i) an organic selenium compound selected from the group consisting of RSeH, RSeR, RSeR', RSeSeR and RSeSeR', wherein R and R' are each an aliphatic residue containing at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of aldehyde, amino, alcoholic, carboxylic, phosphate, sulfate, halogen or phenolic reactive groups and combinations thereof, to (ii) a carrier having a constituent capable of forming a covalent bond with said reactive groups of said selenium compound to produce a selenium-carrier conjugate which is capable of specific attachment to a target site. The carrier may be a protein, such as an antibody specific to a bacteria, virus, protozoa, or cell antigen, including without limitation, cell surface antigens, a peptide, carbohydrate, lipid, vitamin, drug, lectin, plasmid, liposome, nucleic acid or a non-metallic implantable device, such as an intraocular implant or a vascular shunt.

Abstract: The present invention involves the discovery that synthetic thyroid hormones can be used as compositions to reduce intraocular pressure in vivo. Methods of screening synthetic thyroid hormones for effect on intraocular pressure, aqueous pressure, hydraulic conductivity, hyaluronic acid secretion, and extracellular matrix assembly are provided. Methods of treating glaucoma and treating excess intraocular pressure with synthetic thyroid hormones and compositions therefore are also provided.

Abstract: A method for making antimicrobial, blood-compatible surfaces is provided, articles having surfaces made by this method, and the use of these articles in fields where controlling the spread of microbes and blood-compatibility are important. Such fields include the medical field, where it is critical to eliminate infection causing microbes and reduce the number of dangerous blood clots in patients.

Abstract: A ring for a hard contact lens, which can be detachably attached to the peripheral edge of a hard contact lens and which has a groove of a shape corresponding to the peripheral edge of the hard contact lens, formed along the inner periphery of the ring.

Abstract: A process for forming a surface modification on a polymer substrate and polymer substrates having such surface modifications. The process comprises the steps of absorbing a swelling monomer into the polymer substrate for a period of time in order to swell the polymer substrate; removing the swollen polymer from the swelling monomer; transferring the swollen polymer to a reaction mixture containing at least one functional monomer; polymerizing the functional monomer in the reaction mixture containing the swollen polymer substrate for a period of time; and removing the polymer from the reaction mixture. Because the surface modification produced by the process is a surface interpenetrating polymer network, the process is not sensitive to the reactive groups located on the surface of the polymer substrate. Further, the surface interpenetrating network bonds to the polymer substrate through caternary connections or other forms of chain entanglement and thus is quite stable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method of disinfecting a contact lens with an ophthalmically safe disinfecting aqueous solution comprising about 2.0 to about 8.0 ppm of a bis(biguanide) having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of branched or unbranched alkyl having 4-12 carbon atoms, ether or thioether radical having 4-12 carbon atoms, or cycloalkyl or cycloalkyl-alky radical having 5-12 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having 1-12 carbon atoms, alkoxyalkyl having 1-12 carbon atoms, or cycloalkyl or cycloalkyl-alkyl having 5-12, carbon atoms; R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl radical having 1-6 carbon atoms, and A in the above formula is selected from the group consisting of a divalent alkyl, alkyloxyalkyl, or alkylsufide radical each having 4-12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A storage solution for a hydrogel contact lens comprising a material having polar groups at one end and non-polar groups at the other end. The storage solution desirably further contains an oil. The material comprising polar and non-polar groups modifies the surface properties of the lens and facilitating the formation of a lipid layer over the lens.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided prosthetic articles having polyurethane coatings with biologically active compounds incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Methods for the preparation of such articles are also provided. Thus, a polyurethane coating is applied to a prosthetic article, the coating then swelled (without significantly dissolving the polymer) so that substantial quantities of biologically active compounds can be incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Upon long term exposure of a prosthetic article of the invention to physiological conditions, the biologically active compound is slowly released by the treated polymer. The biologically active compound is, therefore, released only at the site where it is desired, i.e., where the prosthetic article is positioned.

Abstract: Improved medical devices and instruments prepared by an improved method of producing hydrophilic, gamma-irradiation induced polymerized and chemically grafted coatings on plastic surfaces of articles adapted for contacting living tissue, the improvement comprising carrying out the graft polymerization in an aqueous solution under specific combinations of the following conditions:(a) monomer concentration in the range of from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight;(b) total gamma dose in the range of from about 0.001 to less than about 0.50 Mrad; and(c) gamma dose rate in the range of from above about 2,500 to about 10.sup.8 rads/minute.

Abstract: A polymeric material incorporating a polyvalent cation chelating agent in an amount effective to inhibit the growth of an ocular pathogen, particularly a protozoan, can be used to produce eye care products such as contact lens cases and containers for containing eye care solutions and contact lenses.

Abstract: Balanced pH, thermo-irreversible gels comprising a polyoxyalkylene compound and an ionic polysaccharide are ideal materials for the formation of a protective contact lens over the cornea of the eye of a mammal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting refractive errors of the eye are disclosed. Accelerated reshaping of the corneal tissue is accomplished by administering one or more enzymes and/or other agents to the eye which temporarily soften the cornea. The cornea is thereafter fitted with a rigid contact lens or a series of lenses which have a concave curvature that will correct a refractive error. The softened cornea then rapidly reshapes its convex curvature to the concave curvature of the contact lens or series of lenses, thereby rendering the eye emmetropic. The enzymes and/or other agents then dissipate from the cornea, and the cornea "hardens" to retain the new emmetropic shape. After "hardening" has occurred, the lens rendering the eye emmetropic is removed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a selenium-carrier conjugate by covalently attaching (i) an organic selenium compound selected from the group consisting of RSeH, RSeR, RSeR', RSeSeR and RSeSeR', wherein R and R' are each an aliphatic residue containing at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of aldehyde, amino, alcoholic, phosphate, sulfate, halogen or phenolic reactive groups and combinations thereof, to (ii) a carrier having a constituent capable of forming a covalent bond with said reactive groups of said selenium compound to produce a selenium-carrier conjugate which is capable of specific attachment to a target site. The carrier may be a protein, such as an antibody specific to a bacteria, virus, protozoa, or cell antigen, including without limitation, cell surface antigens, a peptide, carbohydrate, lipid, vitamin, drug, lectin, plasmid, liposome, nucleic acid or a non-metallic implantable device, such as an intraocular implant or a vascular shunt.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens screening method suited for extended-wear for periods of at least one day on the eye without a clinically significant amount of corneal swelling and without substantial wearer discomfort. The lens has a balance of oxygen permeability and ion or water permeability, with the ion or water permeability being sufficient to provide good on-eye movement, such that a good tear exchange occurs between the lens and the eye. A preferred lens is a copolymerization product of a oxyperm macromer and an ionoperm monomer. The invention encompasses extended wear contact lenses, which include a core having oxygen transmission and ion transmission pathways extending from the inner surface to the outer surface.

Abstract: A polymeric material incorporating a polyvalent cation chelating agent in an amount effective to inhibit the growth of an ocular pathogen, particularly a protozoan, can be used to produce eye care products such as contact lens cases and containers for containing eye care solutions and contact lenses.

Abstract: Novel bioartificial hydrogels consisting of a three-dimensional crosslinked mixture of: (a) a bifunctionalized polyethylene oxide, activated with an activating agent, dissolved in an aqueous solution; and (b) albumin type protein. The novel hydrogels are based on the crosslinking of albumin type protein of various sources including, for example, bovine serum albumin, lactalbumin or ovalbumin, with a bifunctionalyzed polyethylene oxide, most preferably polyethylene glycol, or a mixture of bifunctionalyzed polyethylene oxides preferably polyethylene glycol, of various molecular masses (Mr 2,000 to 35,000), dissolved in aqueous solution in adequate proportions. Also provided is a method and conditions for preparing the novel hydrogels. Also divulged are a variety of biomedical applications for the novel hydrogels.

Abstract: A contact lens made of a polymeric hydrogel material having absorbed therein as a leachable additive of desferrioxamine, and a method for making the composition by soaking the polymeric material in a solution of the additive.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens, particularly a soft hydrogel contact lens, is disclosed. The lens can be derived from a crosslinked polymer made by reacting a hydrophilic monomer with a crosslinking amount of a polyfunctional compound containing a saccharide residue. The preferred hydrophilic monomer is actually a mixture of the following individual hydrophilic monomers: a) the reaction product of a free radical reactive monoisocyanate and a monoalkoxy polyalkylether, b) N,N-dimethylacrylamide, and optionally c)hydroxyethyl methacrylate. The preferred polyfunctional compound is a prepolymer derived from an alkoxylated glucose or sucrose. This prepolymer can be made by reacting glucose or sucrose, which has been ethoxylated or propoxylated, with a free radical reactive isocyanate which has been capped. The free radical reactive isocyanate can be capped by reacting it with a polyalkylether, such as polyethylene glycol, and then reacting this intermediate with a diisocyanate.

Abstract: A biocompatible poly(ethylene oxide) gel implant and method for production which can be injected into the human body for tissue replacement and augmentation. The implant is prepared by dissolving a sample of essentially pure poly(ethylene oxide) in a saline solution in a sealed canister, removing all free oxygen from the container and replacing it with an inert gas, such as argon, and irradiating the canister with a gamma ray source to simultaneously crosslink the polyethylene oxide while sterilizing it. The gel can then be placed into a syringe and injected into the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting refractive errors of the eye are disclosed. Accelerated reshaping of the corneal tissue is accomplished by administering one or more enzymes and/or other agents to the eye which temporarily soften the cornea. The cornea is thereafter fitted with a rigid contact lens or a series of lenses which have a concave curvature that will correct a refractive error. The softened cornea then rapidly reshapes its convex curvature to the concave curvature of the contact lens or series of lenses, thereby rendering the eye emmetropic. The enzymes and/or other agents then dissipate from the cornea, and the cornea "hardens" to retain the new emmetropic shape. After "hardening" has occurred, the lens rendering the eye emmetropic is removed.

Abstract: The contact lens made of hydrophilic gels contains substantially 20 to 65 percent by weight of a swelling agent in the equilibrium swollen state. An example of the swelling agent can be physiological saline, water, or buffer with pH 6.5 to 7.5. The lens contains inhibitors of endoproteases and exoproteases such as aprotinin, elastatinal, and soybean. The lens may also include some type of steroidal and/or nonsteroidal antiphlogistics. The lens may also contain antibiotics. The contact lens is used for longer term wearing and may also be used for the treatment of various lesions of the anterior eye segment.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided prosthetic articles having polyurethane coatings with biologically active compounds incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Methods for the preparation of such articles are also provided. Thus, a polyurethane coating is applied to a prosthetic article, the coating then swelled (without significantly dissolving the polymer) so that substantial quantities of biologically active compounds can be incorporated within the interstices of the polymer. Upon long term exposure of a prosthetic article of the invention to physiological conditions, the biologically active compound is slowly released by the treated polymer. The biologically active compound is, therefore, released only at the site where it is desired, i.e., where the prosthetic article is positioned.

Abstract: A drug delivery ophthalmic insert prepared by forming a water soluble solid polymer into a paste by the addition of a small fixed amount of water, drying the paste and then sectioning the paste into a plurality of rod shaped inserts is provided. The insert is rendered suitable for prolonged and sustained delivery of medication to the eye since it is formed by the addition of a small amount of water and has a surface area less than about 3 mm.sup.2. Specific water soluble solid polymers which may be used include methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, alginic acid and combinations thereof as well as mixtures of pilocarpine dispersed in methylcellulose and its combinations.

Abstract: Compositions useful to at least partially correct an effect of ametropia in a mammalian eye are disclosed. Such compositions comprise a plurality of particles sized and adapted to be placed in proximity to the outer surface of the cornea of a mammalian eye to at least partially correct an effect of ametropia in the mammalian eye. Each of the plurality of particles carries a complete hologram, preferably a complete hologram which holds all the information needed to at least partially correct the effect of ametropia in the mammalian eye. A particularly useful method of administering the plurality of particles to a mammalian eye is to use an additional component in an amount effective to act as a carrier for the plurality of particles. In one embodiment, this carrier component is an ophthalmically acceptable, aqueous-based liquid. Methods for using such compositions to at least partially correct an effect of ametropia in the mammalian eye, and methods for producing such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens for placement on the anterior surface of the eye is disclosed. The lens has impregnated in it or it has coated on its surface an ester of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a fatty acid in which the alcohol residue has at least one hydroxyl group. The ester is present in an amount which is effective to prevent or decrease the release of bacterial toxins when the lens is exposed to those toxins. The lens is particularly well-suited for a soft hydrogel contact lens, and advantageously eliminates, minimizes or prevents keratitis. Bacterial keratitis is an infection of the cornea of the eye which may occur during extended wear of the lens and may cause ulceration of the cornea.

Abstract: Partial esters of alginic acid and salts thereof possess important bioplastic and pharmaceutical qualities and are useful in various fields including medical, surgical, cosmetics and foods.

Abstract: A flexible ocular insert device adapted for the controlled sustained release of an ophthalmic drug into the eye. In one embodiment, the device includes an elongated body of a polymeric material in the form of a rod or tube containing a pharmaceutically active ingredient and with at least two anchoring protrusions extending radially outwardly from the body. The device has a length of at least 8 mm and the diameter of its body portion including the protrusions does not exceed 1.9 mm. The sustained release mechanism may, for example, be by diffusion or by osmosis or bioerosion. The insert device is advantageously inserted into the upper or lower fornix of the eye so as to be independent of movement of the eye by virtue of the fornix anatomy. The protrusions may be of various shapes such as, for example, ribs, screw threads, dimples or bumps, truncated cone-shaped segments or winding braid segments.

Abstract: Contact lenses are cleaned by contacting the lenses with a composition containing an effective amount of one or more cyclodextrins. The compositions can also be employed at elevated temperatures or may contain suitable antimicrobial agents in order to simultaneously clean and disinfect the lenses.

Abstract: A novel compound for the treatment and prevention of ocular and other types of inflammation is disclosed. The compound, OB-101, is effective at both the early and late phases of inflammation. The compound is useful for the treatment of inflammation in both the anterior and posterior portions of the eye, as well as in other parts of the body.