Abstract: Disclosed is the use of cloprostenol and fluprostenol analogues in combination with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension and ophthalmic compositions therefor.

Abstract: Agents for preventing and treating thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura and various diseases that tend to cause bleeding due, presumably, to thrombocytopenia contain a parathyroid hormone (PTH) or at least one PTH derivative as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of treating an ophthalmic infection in a useful warm blooded mammal who is in need of such treatment which comprises topical administration of an ophthalmologically effective amount of an OXAZOLIDINONE.

Abstract: Eye drops containing a &bgr;-blocker such as cartelol hydrochloride are improved in the penetration of the &bgr;-blocker into the eye and the retention thereof in the eye tissues by the incorporation of a C3-7 fatty acid such as sorbic acid to the eye preparations.

Abstract: A method of delaminating the epithelial sheet of the cornea of a human eye comprising loosening the epithelial sheet with a loosening solution, the loosening solution including an agent, and separating the loosened epithelial sheet from the underlying tissue of the cornea. In the alternative, a method of delaminating the epithelial sheet from the cornea of a human eye comprising making an incision in the epithelial sheet, loosening the incised epithelial sheet using a loosening solution, the loosening solution including an agent, and separating the loosened epithelial sheet from the underlying tissue of the cornea. In addition, a method of administering a medicine through the epithelial sheet of the cornea of a human eye comprising applying a treatment solution of the medicine to the eye, the treatment solution including an agent.

Abstract: A method and preparation for the stimulation of mucosal hydration in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the mucosal surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5′-diphosphate (UDP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5′-diphosphate (CDP), adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate mucin secretion. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of FGF-5 polypeptides to delay, prevent or rescue retinal neurons, including photoreceptors, other retinal cells or supportive cells (e.g. Müller cells or RPE cells) from injury and degradation. Conditions comprehended by treatment of the present FGF-5 polypeptides (including variants), antibodies, compositions and articles of manufacture include: retinal detachment, age-related and other maculopathies, photic retinopathies, surgery-induced retinopathies (either mechanically or light-induced), toxic retinopathies including those resulting from foreign bodies in the eye, diabetic retinopathies, retinopathy of prematurity, viral retinopathies such as CMV or HIV retinopathy related to AIDS, uveitis, ischemic retinopathies due to venous or arterial occlusion or other vascular disorder, retinopathies due to trauma or penetrating lesions of the eye, peripheral vitreoretinopathy, and inherited retinal degenerations. Exemplary retinal degenerations include e.g.

Abstract: Meso-zeaxanthin compositions for pharmaceutical use and use of meso-zeaxanthin to increase the deposition of macular pigment in the human eye, and for the therapeutic treatment or prophylaxis of diseases and disorders of the macula, in particular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: A method an composition for altering a plausible sequence of pathological events in retinal ganglion cells associated with glaucoma, the sequence including membrane depolarization, influx of millimolar amounts of Na+ via non-inactivating Na+ channels, and the lethal elevation of cell Ca2+ due to reversal of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. The method includes blocking, by administration of a selected composition, of associated, non-inactivating Na+ channels in retinal ganglion cells in order to limit Na+/Ca30 exchange in the retinal ganglion cells and prevent buildup of the Ca2+ level in the retinal ganglion cells to a lethal level. The results in a method of preventing retinal ganglion cell death, associated with glaucoma, by administering to the optic nerve of a mammal, a compound which blocks the non-inactivating sodium ion channels of the optic nerve.

Abstract: Contact lens care compositions for the treatment of hard contact lenses arc disclosed. The compositions are useful for rinsing, cleaning, disinfecting and storing of hard contact lenses. The compositions contain an unique gelling system involving galactomannan polysaccharides and borates to allow for the conditioning of the lens when it is reinserted in the eye of the user. Methods of using these compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel dithiocarbamamte disulfide dimer useful in various therapeutic treatments, either alone or in combination with other active agents. In one method, the disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate is coadministered with an agent that inactivates (or inhibits the production of) species that induce the expression of nitric oxide synthase to reduce the production of such species, while, at the same time reducing nitric oxide levels in the subject. In another embodiment, free iron ion levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate(s) to scavenge free iron ions, for example, in subjects undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy. In another embodiment, cyanide levels are reduced in a subject by administration of a disulfide derivative of a dithiocarbamate so as to bind cyanide in the subject. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to compositions and formulations useful in such therapeutic methods.

Abstract: Methods of treating diseases of ocular tissues expressing the nuclear receptor PPAR&ggr;, by inhibiting the inflammatory response, the neovascularization and angiogenesis, and programmed cell death (apoptosis) in these target tissues, comprising administering to a human or animal in need of treatment an effective amount of a compound that modifies the activity of PPAR&ggr;, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for promoting retinal neuronal survival in a mammal, wherein the neuronal cells are at risk of dying. The method comprises administering to the mammal an effective dose of at least one of the following substances: IGF-I; a functional derivative of IGF-I; IGF-II; or a functional derivative of IGF-II.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for the prevention or treatment of diseases associated with excessive proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy comprising as the active ingredient N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl)anthranilic acid represented by the formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which has an inhibitory activity on proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Abstract: A water-soluble eye drop comprising (a) at least one selected from carteolol and an acid addition salt thereof, (b) at least one acrylic polymer selected from a straight-chain type polyacrylic acid and a pharmaceutically acceptable water-soluble salt thereof, and (c) at least one selected from a water-soluble alkali metal salt and a water-soluble amine. The water soluble eye drop has a remarkably long duration time of drug efficacy, and is superior in intraocular pressure inhibition action and is effective for treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: Selective AMPDA inhibitors for preventing and treating damage to the optic nerve and/or retina are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration comprising a carrier and, as active ingredient, an ophthalmologically active compound, characterized in that the composition is formulated to promote pre-gastric absorption of the ophthalmologically active compound. A process for preparing such compositions and the use of such compositions for the treatment of ophthalmic diseases, particularly diseases caused by elevated intro-ocular pressure, such as ocular hypertension and glaucoma, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular neovascularization using photodynamic therapy in combination with an angiostatic steriod are disclosed.

Abstract: Substances, methods and devices for moisturizing the eye by stimulation of the lachrymatory glands to cause generation of tears.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peripheral ocular circulation ameliorant which contains dihydropyridines represented by the general formula (I) or their medicinally acceptable salts as active ingredients (where R1 is a nitrophenyl group and R2, R3, and R4 are lower alkyl groups), and particularly provides an optic disc blood flow ameliorant, choroidal blood flow ameliorant, retinal blood flow ameliorant, and accordingly, therapeutics for visual field defects associated with normal intraocular pressure glaucoma as well as for optic neuropathy, retinopathy, retinal-degeneration diseases, etc.

Abstract: The invention concerns combinations of alpha adrenergic agents such as brimonidine and its derivatives as represented by formula (I) below wherein each Y is independently selected from the group consisting of N, N—CH3, O, S and C—R1; R1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl or oxo; R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl and lower alkenyl; n is an integer from 1 to 3; and a broken line beside a solid line indicates either a single or a double bond with the proviso that when n=1, both bonds from Y to C—R1 cannot be double bonds, and prostaglandins known in the art to cause lowering of intraocular pressure which are useful in compositions, methods of treatment and articles of manufacture for the treatment of glaucoma and alleviation of elevated intraocular pressure and providing neuroprotection.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of improved NR2B antagonists for the prevention and treatment of retinal or optic nerve head damage in mammals. Compositions and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for increasing or decreasing parasympathetic/cholinergic/ciliary tonic contraction in order to restore the resting portion of the eye and allow normal positive and negative accommodation includes administering to a presbyopic subject an effective amount of a muscarinic agent.

Abstract: A method for optimizing pupil size in individuals suffering from excessive pupillary dilation in dim light as well as through medication is disclosed. Alpha 1 antagonist is applied in an eye drop formulation to the eye, resulting in reduced pupil size in dim light, but less reduction in pupil size in bright light.

Abstract: A method for preventing damage to mammalian eye tissues by UV-irradiation and ozone by applying to the eye a pharmaceutically effective amount of vitamin A and vitamin E.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing intraocular pressure or retinal ganglion cell death caused by specific reactive oxygen species by delivering carvedilol or a derivative or metabolite thereof having beta-adrenergic antagonist activity or specific reactive oxygen species scavenging activity to the retinal ganglion cells of a subject having or at risk of developing glaucomatous or other optic neuropathy.

Abstract: A fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension containing fluorometholone as an active ingredient, wherein a cellulosic polymer, such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or methylcellulose, and a nonionic surfactant, such as polysorbate 80, are added thereto to increase the redispersibility of the fluorometholone. The amount of the cellulosic polymer is preferably 0.0001 to 0.003 (W/V) %, and the amount of the nonionic surfactant is preferably 0.0001 to 0.5 (W/V) %. The fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension has excellent redispersibility and hardly forms aggregates.

Abstract: Suspension formulations containing dexamethasone and ciprofloxacin are disclosed. The formulations contain a nonionic polymer, a nonionic surfactant and an ionic tonicity agent, but are physically stable and easily re-suspended. The formulations are intended for topical application to the eye, ear or nose.

Abstract: An ophthalmic solution containing 0.01 to 0.5 weight % of pranoprofen and 0.1 to 5.0 weight % of an organic amine, such as tromethamine or 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-(2-sulfoethyl)piperazine. Such solution has a desirable stability and does not cause undue irritation when administered to eyes to treat an inflammatory disease such as keratoconjunctivitis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the ophthalmic applications of mucin derived from mammalian milk or milk byproducts. This mucin has been found to be a MUC1 type mucin similar to the transmembrane mucin expressed on the surface of the human eye. The mucin-containing preparations described in this invention can be in the form of an aqueous formulation to be instilled into the eye, or in which to pre-soak or store an object to be inserted into the eye, such as a contact lens, an ointment, or a solid device to be inserted into the conjunctival sac. The preparations disclosed are utilized for the treatment of tear film and ocular surface disorders associated with the signs and symptoms of dry eye. Furthermore, mucin-based formulations are also effective for the relief of symptoms of eye irritation, such as those caused by environmental conditions or by contact lens wear.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the preparation of aqueous formulations containing azithromycin for ophthalmic use, as well any formulations obtained by this process and their topical use in the ocular bacterial infections, more preferably in the treatment of conjunctivitis, keratitis and blepharitis.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for increasing hydration and lubrication of lacrimal tissues in a subject in need of such treatment. The method comprises administering to the subject a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist such as nicotine and its analogs, transmetanicotine and its analogs, epibatidine and it analogs, lobeline and its analogs, pyridol derivatives, para-alkylthiophenol derivatives, and imidacloprid and its analogs, in an amount effective to stimulate mucus secretion in the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the formulation include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation, suppository form, or transdermal form.

Abstract: There are disclosed compositions and methods for treating the surface of the eye, or contact tenses to be placed on the eye, with an aqueous composition comprising a quaternary nitrogen-containing ethoxylated glycoside and a therapeutic agent. The subject invention is particularly suited for use with silicone-containing contact lenses. Examples of specific compositions include aqueous solutions of lauryl methyl gluceth-10 hydroxypropyl-dimonium chloride in combination with anionic polysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of treating patients afflicted with diabetic ophthalmopathy. The method includes administering to a patient in need of treatment an effective amount of a thiol or reducible disulfide compound according to the formula set forth in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanoemulsion, that includes: an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase; and at least one anionic surfactant selected from the group including phosphoric acid fatty esters and oxyethylenated derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof; wherein the oily phase includes oil globules having a number-average size of less than 100 nm; wherein the oily phase includes at least one oil having a molecular weight of greater than 400; and wherein a weight ratio of the oily phase to the surfactant ranges from 2 to 10. The invention also provides a process for making the nanoemulsion, and methods for its use. The nanoemulsion is ideally transparent and stable on storage. It can ideally contain large amounts of oil while retaining good transparency and good cosmetic properties. The nanoemulsion is particularly useful in compositions, including topical, pharmaceutical, dermatological, cosmetic, opthalmic, and opthalmologic.

Abstract: A method for reducing or preventing the effects of inflammation arising from injured tissue, which method comprises the steps of: a. bringing the injured tissue, or pre-injured tissue, into contact with a photosensitizing agent capable of penetrating into the tissue, resulting in the desired degree of biodistribution in less than one hour; and b. exposing the tissue thus contacted to light having a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizing agent for a time sufficient to reduce or prevent inflammation in the exposed tissue, but not so long as to cause necrosis or erythema of the exposed tissue, or a pharmaceutical composition or an article for reducing or preventing the effects of inflammation arising from injured tissue. The composition comprises: a. from about 1 &mgr;/mL to about 2 mg/mL of a photosensitizing agent capable of penetrating into the injured tissue, or pre-injured tissue, resulting in the desired degree of biodistribution less than one hour; and b. a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treating a silicone-hydrogel contact lenses while worn in the eye. In particular, the method employs an ophthalmic solution containing a cationic cellulosic polymer that binds to the lens and prevents the accumulation of lipids, proteins and other products, particularly during extended use of the lens. The addition of one or more surfactants to the solution further maintains the lens clean during use. Such a solution is intended to be applied, in the form of drops, to contact lens in the eye.

Abstract: The aqueous suspension can be prepared by incorporating, in an aqueous suspension of a hardly soluble drug, a water-soluble polymer within the concentration range from the concentration at which the surface tension of the aqueous suspension of the drug begins to decrease up to the concentration at which the reduction in surface tension ceases. The resulting aqueous suspension shows ready redispersibility and will not undergo aggregation of dispersed particles or caking. Because of its good redispersibility, the suspension is useful as a parenteral preparation, eye drops, nasal drops, a preparation for oral administration, a lotion or the like.

Abstract: The use of texaphyrins for ocular diagnosis and therapy is provided, especially use of photosensitive texaphyrins for photodynamic therapy of conditions of the eye characterized by abnormal vasculature, such as macular degeneration, or pterygium, for example. The photosensitive texaphyrin may be a free-base texaphyrin or may be metallated with a diamagnetic metal. Preferably, the photosensitive texaphyrin is metallated with lutetium. Due to the dual wavelength absorption of texaphyrins, i.e., at 400-500 nm and at 700-800 nm, especially about 732 nm, as compared to porphyrins, texaphyrins are more effective and versatile for use in humans as compared to porphyrins. Texaphyrins serve as effective contrast agents in ocular angiography.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of certain phthalazines in the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of ocular neovascularization.

Abstract: A stable physiologic balanced salt solution of a hyaluronate salt, such as sodium hyaluronate, is provided which contains calcium ion, for example, in the form of calcium chloride or calcium acetate, and magnesium ion, for example in the form of magnesium chloride or magnesium acetate, together with sodium chloride, potassium chloride or potassium acetate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate and water, and optionally bicarbonate, dextrose and glutathione disulfide, preservatives and other conventional ingredients employed in irrigating solutions. This solution is used as a visco-elastic ophthalmic device during ophthalmic surgery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of ophthalmology. In particular the invention relates to the field of ocular disorders including visual field loss and glaucoma using an isoquinolinesulfonyl compound, which lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) and produces dilation of ocular blood vessels.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition containing a divalent salt and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent as a precipitate. The composition reduces or eliminates the risk of stinging and burning the eye from topical application. Additionally a preservative system comprising a perborate salt, a polyphosphonic acid peroxy stabilizer and EDTA provides stable preservation of a variety of aqueous ophthalmic compositions.

Abstract: A loop diuretic is applied topically to the corneal epithelium along with a therapeutic ophthalmic drug in an aqueous solution. The loop diuretic acts to temporarily block the discrete ion channels for outward Na+2Cl−K+ cotransport through the baso-lateral membrane of the corneal epithelium while allowing inward ion movement, to the anterior chamber unaffected and thus serves to enhance the rate of diffusion of the ophthalmic drug through the cornea to the interior of the eye through solvent drag.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition which comprises a neurotrophic factor, an optic nerve functional disorder-treating agent which comprises a neurotrophic factor, and a method for treating an optic nerve functional disorder, which comprises administering an effective amount of a neurotrophic factor, particularly a glaucoma-treating agent and a method for treating the same are provided.

Abstract: Ophthalmic drug delivery vehicles which are administrable as a liquid and which gel upon contact with the eye are disclosed. The vehicles contain xanthan gum and an ophthalmically acceptable anesthetic agent.

Abstract: The invention concerns semi-fluorinated alkanes of the general formulae RFRH and RFRHRF, RF being a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group and RH being a linear or branched saturated (hydrocarbon)-alkyl group.

Abstract: A method for preventing or treating pathological changes which occur in association with cataract formation in the mammalian eye by protecting lens cells against the cataractogenic effects of transforming growth factor-&bgr; (TGF&bgr;). Estrogen or an estrogenic substance can be administered to the mammal or directly to or near the eye of the mammal. The means of administration can be by a pharmaceutical composition comprising estrogen, a membranous ocular patch impregnated with estrogen or a lens or lens implant coated or impregnated with estrogen.

Abstract: A calcium-based ophthalmic composition for treating dry eye including a hydrophobic carrier, such as petrolatum, and a calcium salt. Also a method for treating dry eye comprising the step of administering the composition according to the present invention.