Abstract: An ophthalmic injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, a shaft connected to the plunger, and a pneumatic cylinder. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface partially defining a dispensing chamber for holding a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing, is capable of sliding in the dispensing chamber housing, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing. The pneumatic cylinder has a piston movable in a chamber. The piston is connected to a shaft. The shaft is connected to the plunger. The shaft has teeth located on its surface. A pawl is engageable with the teeth and limits movement of the shaft to a dispensing direction. Pneumatic pressure introduced into the chamber moves the piston, shaft, and plunger in a dispensing direction.

Abstract: A scleral lens is provided with a drug that is retained in the reservoir of fluid between the scleral lens and the cornea. This system can be used to deliver drugs not currently used because of poor bioavailability, to increase bioavailability of drugs used in patients already wearing a scleral lens, and to improve bioavailability in patients who are not currently wearing the lens. Dosing can be provided less frequently, thus decreasing the risk of non-compliance.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser closure includes a tube having a distal end. The tube has a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion. The hydrophobic portion has an exit orifice at the distal end.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising (i) chitosan, a salt or derivative thereof or a salt of a derivative thereof, (ii) a polyol-phosphate or sugar-phosphate salt, (iii) a plasticizer, and (iv) a therapeutic agent. Typically, the composition is a solution or suspension at ambient temperature but forms a gel at physiological temperatures.

Abstract: An annular device may include a biocompatible material. The device may be configured to substantially conform to a curvature of an eye. The device may be placed on a surface of the eye such that the device surrounds, but does not cover, the cornea. The device may cover a site of one or more incisions in a sclera of the eye without extending past an edge of a bulbar conjunctiva of the eye.

Abstract: A length of ophthalmic surgical irrigation tubing 14 includes an inner lumen 18 for transporting fluid from a source 24 to a surgical handpiece 26. The tubing 14 has an outer surface 20 including reinforcement structure 22 formed on the outer surface 20 along the length of the tubing 14. The reinforcement structure 22 provides support to the length of tubing 14 to resist kinking of the tubing 14 during surgery.

Abstract: A treatment for dry eye syndrome. An at least partially sealed chamber including a reservoir for moisture for surrounding the eyes is disclosed. The invention may be transparent for use during the day or in association with prescription or non-prescription lenses. The moisture chamber may also be opaque to act as a blackout mask for sleeping.

Abstract: An implant capable of forming a differential image in an eye is shown. The implant comprises an elongated member having a pair of spaced ends wherein one of the pair of ends includes a distal section that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis. The elongated member and the distal section are formed of a dimension to be inserted into and/or passed through a punctum opening of an eye and into the canaliculus. The implant incorporates into at least one of the elongated member and the distal section an energy obstructing material responsive to the application of an energy wave, such as an energy wave in the form of sound waves vibrating at frequencies greater than 20,000 cycles per second or electromagnetic radiation, which upon everting of an eyelid of an eye and exposing the implant to an appropriate energy wave, forms a differential image pattern showing the location of the implant in the eye.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for delivering pre-determined quantities of an active ingredient to a biological system are provided.

Abstract: A counter pressure device for ophthalmic drug delivery. The device includes a handle and a head coupled to a distal end of the handle. The head comprises a curved, concave surface for contacting the conjunctiva and having a notch for removably receiving a cannula. The device minimizes or prevents drug reflux and facilitates drug placement during ophthalmic drug delivery.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular conditions by inserting an implant comprising an active agent into an ocular site of a patient thereby obtaining an amelioration of a symptom of the ocular condition (i.e. a therapeutic effect) for an extended period of time during which a therapeutic amount or a detectable amount of the active agent is not present at the ocular site.

Abstract: An emergency eye wash system having a support panel and a pair of brackets for holding two bag assemblies containing sterile and sealed eye wash solution. The bag assemblies are connected by hoses to a pair of nozzles mounted on a pivotal tray assembly. When the system is dormant, the tray assembly is in a vertical closed position. When there is an emergency, a user pulls on a pivotal handle to puncture membranes in the hoses and to lower the tray assembly to cause flow from the bags to the nozzles to the user's face.

Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic drug-delivery devices, comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the body includes a styrene elastomer matrix and a drug in contact with the matrix. Also disclosed are methods of treating or preventing an eye disease in a subject, that involve contacting an eye of the subject with an ophthalmic drug delivery device comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the body comprises a styrene elastomer matrix and a drug in contact with the matrix, wherein release of the drug from the device occurs over time following contacting of the device with the eye of the subject.

Abstract: An eyelid scrub composition comprising polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and a pH stabilizing surfactant solution present in an amount effective to control the pH level of the composition between 5.5 and 7.5. The composition can further comprise moisturizers and foam stabilizers. The composition can be combined with a fabric pad for use as an eyelid scrub, where the fabric pad is pre-moistened with the composition and packaged for use. The composition may be applied to the eyelid scrub and rubbed to induce foaming. The composition is produced by preparing a modified Ringer's solution and adding 1,2-hexanediol, 1,2-octanediol, and an effective amount of one or more pH stabilizing surfactants. The mixture is then heated and allowed to cool before polyhexamethylene biguanide is added.

Abstract: An eyewash system for dispensing an eyewash fluid is disclosed. The eyewash system comprises a dispensing assembly having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a valve configurable between an open position and a closed position. The eyewash system also comprises a first tank in communication with the inlet portion of the dispensing assembly, and a second tank in communication with the inlet portion of the dispensing assembly. The outlet portion is configured to dispense eyewash fluid from both the first tank and the second tank when the valve is configured in the open position.

Abstract: A system for delivering a drop of liquid to an eye of a subject, wherein the instrument has a receiver to receive a liquid to be delivered to the eye of the subject, a transfer portion to receive the liquid from the receiver to advance a drop of the liquid by gravity and capillary action through a capillary tube to a lower discharge outlet whereat the drop of liquid breaks away and drops from the capillary tube, and a lid retractor supported adjacent to the discharge outlet of the capillary tube, for being pressed against the lower lid of the subject to form a cul-de-sac at the lower lid. The lower discharge outlet of the capillary tube is positioned adjacent to and above the lid retractor in a position to deposit the drop of liquid into the cul-de-sac.

Abstract: An eye treatment system for performing an ocular surgical procedure contains an eye treatment probe or handpiece, a treatment console, an eye treatment cassette, and a pump formed by the engagement of the treatment cassette with the treatment console. The handpiece is configured to provide at least irrigation fluid to, and aspiration of fluid from, a subject eye. The treatment console comprises a controller configured to control the eye treatment probe. The eye treatment cassette engages the treatment console to couple the eye treatment probe with the treatment console. The pump comprises a pump head having a plurality of projections disposed to rotate about an axis, a ramp disposed near the rotating projections, and a resilient channel configured to transfer fluid when engaged by the ramp and the plurality of projections. The ramp is configured to reduce pressure fluctuations with the eye during a surgical procedure and comprises and entrance portion, a central portion, and an exit portion.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification cannula 10 includes a hub 12 for engagement with an ophthalmic surgical instrument. An elongated needle 14 having a proximal end 16 is attached to the hub 12. The cannula 10 has an aspiration lumen 20 spanning a majority of a length of a needle 14 from the proximal end towards a distal end 18. A venturi lumen 22 is formed in the needle adjacent the distal end. The venturi lumen 22 is in communication with the aspiration lumen 20 so that fluid and tissue may be aspirated through the venturi lumen 22 and the aspiration lumen 20.

Abstract: An eye treatment system includes an eye treatment probe and a console. The console has a cassette receptacle and a fluid drive system including a first peristaltic drive rotor and a second peristaltic drive rotor. The first and second drive rotors are exposed to the receptacle and are substantially coaxial. The cassette includes a cassette body and a fluid pathway network for coupling the fluid drive system of the console with the probe. The cassette body has cassette positioning surface for fittingly engaging the receptacle. The fluid pathway network has a first resilient tubing segment and a second resilient tubing segment, the first and second tubing segments are configured for peristaltic driving engagement by the first and second rotors, respectively, when the cassette is mounted to the console. Various elements of the cassette are configured for interfacing with the components of the console when the cassette is mounted to the console.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods interface a cassette with an eye treatment system console to provide coupling between the console and an eye treatment probe. The console may receive the cassette using a driven axial translation linkage that inhibits rotation of the cassette. The cassette may facilitate accurately positioning of a pressure sensor relative to a the console by allowing sliding movement between the sensor and a cassette body. Multiple peristaltic drives may be mounted to the console so that their rotors rotate about a common axis. An integrated mount structure may support and/or position components of the console which will interface with cassette, and an axially compressible vacuum connector of the console seal to a tapered vacuum coupler of the cassette.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering medication to an eye includes a stent having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end includes a collarette configured to be secured against a punctum of the nasal lacrimal system, and the distal end includes an expandable pouch for storing the medication to be delivered to the eye. The stent has a length substantially equivalent to a length of a canaliculus that is joined to the punctum such that, when implanted, the expandable pouch of the medical device is disposed in the nasal lacrimal sac of the patient and the medication is thereafter released through an opening in the collarette. A mechanical pumping mechanism in the expandable pouch and/or a membrane covering the opening in the collarette may be provided to better control release of the fluid. The stent may also include anchoring pegs disposed on an exterior surface thereof that, when the device is implanted, contact an interior surface of the canaliculus. An inserter tool is also described.

Abstract: A contact lens with a conductive outer shell (one electrode of a two-electrode electrophoresis device) and a preferably soft, preferably disposable contact lens for contacting a patient's eye, assists in delivering dilation drops or other medicaments to a patient's eye. Advantageously, the lens is used with a relatively small hand-held power source. Electrophoresis can be used to help deliver dilation drops more rapidly, regardless of the delivery apparatus used for the electrophoresis.

Abstract: A surgical hand tool, comprising a handle with a substantially elongated fluid guide extending away therefrom, which fluid guide terminates, at a distal end, in a brush head and is connectable, at a proximal end, to the fluid chamber accommodated in the handle, such that, during use, fluid can flow from the fluid chamber through the fluid guide in order to be dispensed via the brush head, wherein the brush head is accommodated in an insertion sleeve, and is slidable from a first position in which the brush head is located inside the insertion sleeve to a second position in which at least a part of the brush head extends outside the insertion sleeve.

Abstract: An ocular positioning device threadably attached to a standard soft sided squeeze bottle of ophthalmic fluid. The device consists of two parts, an attaching mechanism and a sealing mechanism, connected by a hinge with motion limited to ninety degrees of arc. The sealing mechanism is fitted with a nose bridge saddle designed to rest on the bridge of the users nose and to align the discharge nozzle with the central portion of the ocular opening of either of the users eyes when the attaching hinge is in the fully open position. The sealing mechanism is also fitted with a manually operated latch to maintain the sealing mechanism in the closed and sealed condition to prevent leakage when not in use.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching to a squeeze bottle or other dispenser for delivering drops to an eye comprises an axial member and a laterally extending leg. The axial member is attached to the bottle and receives drops or liquid therefrom. The leg is rested against the patient's nose bridge so that it directs fluid to a trough and releases drops into the eye after a predetermined threshold volume is exceeded.

Abstract: An injection device includes a dispensing chamber, a plunger, a controller, a memory device resistant to sterilization, and a housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber and the plunger. The dispensing chamber has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a cavity for receiving a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber, is capable of sliding in the cavity of the dispensing chamber, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber. The controller controls the operation of the injection device. The controller reads dosage data from the memory device and operates the injection device to deliver a dosage corresponding to the dosage data.

Abstract: A self-contained eye wash station for dispensing flushing fluid having two rigid rectangular containers and a base unit supporting the rigid containers at a fixed height. Each container has an integral fluid/air chamber and is filled with flushing fluid. The containers nest and lock into recesses of the base unit. A spray nozzle is connected to the fluid/air chamber of each rigid container via a flexible tube. The base unit has a pivoting manifold which has an “open” or “closed” position. The spray nozzles lock into snap fixtures on the manifold. Flexible caps cover the spray nozzles. Each fluid/air chamber has a vent opening covered by a flexible cap. The base unit also has a fluid reservoir and a fluid drain. An optional fluid collection container for waste fluid may be provided with the eye wash station.

Abstract: A surgical device for localized delivery of beta radiation in surgical procedures, particularly ophthalmic procedures. Preferred surgical devices include a cannula with a beta radiotherapy emitting material at the distal end of the cannula. The surgical device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of treat Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: A method of treating ocular disorders involving angiogenesis includes the steps of providing a trans-scleral drug delivery device comprising an insert stabilizer for attachment to a scleral surface and having an interlock opening and a replaceable implant having a reservoir adjacent the scleral surface and an interlock tab, wherein said insert stabilizer and said replaceable implant are removeably connectable by mating said interlock tab and said interlock opening; providing an anti-angiogenic factor; introducing said anti-angiogenic factor into said reservoir; and attaching said insert stabilizer to the scleral surface. The reservoir can be refilled by disengaging the implant from the stabilizer, inserting a new dosage of anti-angiogenic factor, and reconnecting the implant to the stabilizer or injecting a new dosage of anti-angiogenic factor into the reservoir through an injection port in the stabilizer.

Abstract: An iontophoretic apparatus comprising a housing member, a current distribution member, a medicament containment member and at least one of a lateral and medial straddling member. The straddling member are configured to correspond to the surrounding soft tissue.

Abstract: An eyewash system is disclosed. The eyewash system includes a mounting apparatus and a container coupled to the mounting apparatus and having a removable portion. Movement of the container relative to the mounting apparatus separates the removable portion from the container to provide an opening in the container. The removable portion may be provided on a cap coupled to the container. The container may be coupled to the mounting apparatus by a retaining device (such as a pin) inserted through one or more members extending from the base and through a tab extending from the removable portion.

Abstract: The invention, in one aspect, provides a strip for tear collection. The strip has a first end and an opposite second end and preferably has substantially uniform cross-sections from the first end to the second end. The strip is made of a hydrogel material in substantially dry state. The strip is characterized by having a substantially uniform swelling along the hydrogel strip from the first end to the second end when fully wicked by a tear fluid and by having a correlation between the volume of tear uptake by said strip and the length of the wicked end portion of said strip. A strip of the invention is useful for assay of an analyte of interest in a tear fluid. The invention also provides a method and kits for assaying an analyte of interest (e.g., lactoferrin, glucose, herpes simplex virus, hormones, etc.).

Abstract: A portable eye washer is described including a bladder, which may be disposable, filled with an eye-washing solution such as water or a solution specially-designed for cleaning eyes. The bladder may be made of rubber, a thin plastic, or other material so long as the bladder material is generally not permeable to the eye washing solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder for an eyedropper comprising a base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces wherein the base has at least one interface for receiving the eyedropper. There is also a support coupled to the base and extending from the bottom surface of this base. Extending out from this support is a first leg and a second leg. These legs branch apart to form a slot or support groove therebetween. There is also a track formed on the bottom surface of the base wherein the support is adjustably coupled to the track so that the support can slide along the track. At least one band can be coupled to the base. The band is allows an eyedropper to attach to the holder.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pad for treating eye conditions comprising a multipart container having an impermeable outer membrane sized to fit generally within the peri-orbital region and sufficiently flexible to mold to the eye; a first chemical in a first storage area in the multipart container; a second chemical in a second storage area in the multipart container, the first and second chemicals selected to have an exothermic reaction when mixed for producing a temperature suitable for treating eye conditions, the exothermic reaction providing the suitable temperature for a period of time suitable for treating eye conditions; and an inner membrane for initially separating the first and second chemicals, the inner membrane being renderable permeable, without causing the impermeable outer membrane to become permeable, to permit mixing the first and second chemicals to cause the exothermic reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating glaucoma, such as a method that includes inserting a stent through an incision in an eye; the stent having an inflow portion that is in fluid communication with an outflow portion of the stent; transporting the stent from the incision through the anterior chamber of the eye to an aqueous cavity of the eye, such that the inflow portion of the stent is positioned in the anterior chamber and the outflow portion of the stent is positioned at the aqueous cavity; and infusing fluid from the inflow portion to the outflow portion of the stent.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a monolithic medicine dropper, for storing and dispensing liquids, includes a first portion resiliently compressible at one end. Also included is at least a second portion fluidly connected with the first portion and being essentially rigid and hollow and having an opening. At least one of the portions includes written indicia thereon indicating liquid capacities and content levels of the dropper.

Abstract: An ophthalmic implant having a body for positioning in a recess created in the sclera, feet for positioning in the anterior chamber, and a neck between the body and the feet for positioning in a scleral opening created between the scleral recess and the anterior chamber. The implant feet extend beyond the implant body and have a curvature approximating the curvature of the anterior chamber. The implant has drainage passageways for draining ocular fluid from the anterior chamber. The passageways are formed in outer surfaces or through the interior of the implant. Interior passageways are formed in surfaces of layers of the implant or by voids in inner layers of the implant. Related methods include creating undercuts that receive outer portions of the implant body and creating a scleral opening that is longer than the implant neck.

Abstract: An automated mechanical device separates the epithelial layer of a cornea from the cornea. The device includes a separator such as a plate, wire or dull blade. The device can preserve a separated epithelial layer as a disk without rupturing the disk and without substantial epithelial cell loss. The epithelial layer is separated from the cornea without cutting the cornea.

Abstract: A lacrimal insert includes a body defining a reservoir, and a head provided at an end of the body and closing the reservoir. The body is made from a material impermeable to the medication while the head is made from a permeable material adapted to release the medication from the reservoir to the eye at a determinable rate. In one manufacture, the body of the insert is molded and includes a hole at a tip end; the head is molded onto the body; the medication is injected into the insert through the tip end hole; and the tip end is sealed. The portion of the insert at which the medication is released is precisely fabricated in order to control release of the medication, and the reservoir is filled and then closed away from the area of medication permeability.

Abstract: An ophthalmic drug delivery device having a first end and a second end, an injection port, a reservoir, and a sleeve is disclosed. The injection port is for sealingly engaging a needle of a syringe, which is for providing a fluid comprising a pharmaceutically active agent. The reservoir is disposed within the device, is fluidly coupled to the injection port, and has an opening for communicating the fluid to an outer surface of a sclera of an eye. The sleeve is for engaging the device proximate overlapping portions of the first end and the second end for forming a generally ring-shaped three-dimensional geometry upon implantation of the device on the outer surface of the sclera. The device is useful for the treatment of a disease of the posterior segment of the eye.

Abstract: A multi-function surgical instrument for facilitating ophthalmic surgery of the eye (3) by laser means, included are a lower ring (1) and an upper ring (2). One or two intermediate rings may also be included. The lower ring (1) includes a central aperture (11) to capture the limbus and aid in positioning of the eye (3). Protuberances on the lower surface (18) of said ring (1), application of vacuum between the lower surface (18) of the ring (1) and the eye (3), or both may be used to more firmly grip the eye (3). Ports (14) disposed on the upper surface (13) of the lower ring (1) and connected to a vacuum source may be used to control hydration of the surgical field. Attached to structures of the lower ring (1) is a sterile platform (17) for reposing temporarily removed tissues (32) during the administration of laser pulses to other tissues. The upper ring (2) is disposed above the surgical bed.

Abstract: An eye fluid applicator comprising a) a hand grip part having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end and the proximal end defining a axis therebetween and a distal direction and a proximal direction along said axis, b) a container, or a seat for a container, having a bottle part and a delivery orifice for delivery of a stream or drops, the orifice defining a fluid delivery axis and a fluid delivery direction, along said axis, from the bottle through the orifice, the container being arranged with its orifice closer to the proximal end than the distal end, and c) an eye cup part having a rim and a cavity, the rim defining a contact plane, a contact axis normal to said contact plane and a contact direction, along said contact axis, from the cavity towards the rim, the eye cup being arranged at the orifice and the proximal direction of the hand grip and the contact direction of the eye cup forming an acute angle therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is a hygienic cover for ones finger to prevent spreading microorganisms. The invention has an inner flexible microorganism impervious layer. Additionally, the invention would have an outer absorbent layer such as a cotton weave to absorb liquids and bond to mucus. Furthermore, the outer layer can contain and or the entire apparatus can be covered in antiseptic chemicals and or saline solutions to insure the outer layer is free of any microorganisms. Additionally, the invention would have one or more tabs that can be grasped by ones other hand to aid in the application and removal of the invention.

Abstract: A multipurpose phacoemulsification needle includes a needle body having a lumen therethrough for aspiration of fluids and tissue. A needle body includes a proximal end adapted for attachment to a phacoemulsification handpiece, a curved portion and a tip portion disposed at a distal end of the needle body. The tip portion includes a truncated hemisphere having a flat surface thereon and a port disposed in the flat surface. The truncated hemisphere includes a rounded surface of sufficient area to enable capsule polishing and when driven in an ultrasonic mode, the needle is also suitable for irrigation and aspiration as well as phacoemulsification of lens tissue.

Abstract: A device implanted in an eye of a patient suffering from glaucoma includes a valve seated in a pocket of a plate. The pocket includes a flexible, resilient top wall forming at least a portion of a topside surface of the plate. A channel in communication with an outlet of the valve has a open top that allows aqueous humor flowing from the outlet of the valve to flow onto the topside surface of the plate.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for separating the epithelial layer of a cornea from the eye. The device includes a separator having an edge to remove the epithelial layer as the separator moves across the eye. The edge includes a thickness thicker than the thickness of at least one epithelial cell and less thick than the thickness of the epithelial layer. Separation can be performed mechanically, without the use of chemicals, so that the shape and integrity of the separated epithelial layer is preserved. The device can also be used with a polymer film that adheres to the epithelial layer to help preserve an integrity of the epithelial layer.

Abstract: A small-scale portable recyclable fluid flushing method used for flushing irritants or inflammatory agents from the skin or eyes, or for flushing infectious debris from wounds. The invention is either made reusable or disposable, and typically comprises: a. a single or plurally chambered container with at least one flushing fluid chamber filled with an uncontaminated flushing fluid appropriate for the intended flushing procedure; b. a first outflow fluid conduit, e.g., a channel or tube, which transports uncontaminated fluid from the container flushing fluid chamber to a pump or impeller housing; c. a manual or electrically operated pump or impeller for transporting uncontaminated fluid through to a second outflow fluid conduit to a dispersal outlet or nozzle; d. a fluid runoff collector surrounding the dispersal outlet, or a catch basin situated below the dispersal outlet, either of which acts as a sump to capture the contaminated runoff fluid from the flushing procedure; e. a first drain fluid conduit; f.

Abstract: A punctum plug includes a distal tip, a proximal cap and a body connecting the tip to the cap. The cap has a proximal surface which remains exposed in the eye upon implantation of the punctum plug. A passage for an insertion tool extends distally in the punctum plug from an opening along the proximal surface. One or more recesses in the proximal surface collect tear fluid by surface tension, and each recess is laterally offset in its entirety from the opening and does not overlap or align with the opening. The number of recesses is indicative of the size of the punctum plug. A method of punctal occlusion involves collecting tear fluid in the one or more recesses and adhering the tear fluid in the one or more recesses by surface tension.

Abstract: A disposable eye patch includes a first sheet member, a second sheet member smaller than the first sheet member, and an adhesive layer applied to one side of the first sheet member. One portion of the adhesive layer bonds the first and second sheet members together, and another portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the tissue surrounding an eye when the eye patch is applied to a patient. A release layer may be provided to cover the exposed portion of the adhesive layer, and may be peeled off prior to the use of the eye patch. The release layer and a plurality of eye patches may be provided in the form of a dispenser roll assembly. In a method of manufacturing the disposable eye patch, the first and second sheet members may both be formed from a sheet material having an adhesive layer, and then the first and second sheet members may be adhered together with the adhesive layer on one of the sheet members contacting the adhesive layer on the other one of the sheet members.