Abstract:
The intraocular use of combinations of stromal cell growth stimulators (e.g., TGF- beta ) and antimetabolites (e.g., mitomycin C) in connection with glaucoma filtration surgery is described. The combination is applied to the surgical site to attract, mitogenically activate, and neutralize the potential for extracellular matrix synthesis leading to scar formation by stromal cells. Without such treatment, the formation of scar tissue may lead to impairment of the outflow of aqueous humor at the surgical site, particularly the fistula. The mitogenic activation of the stromal cells makes these cells susceptible to the antimetabolites. This enables the antimetabolites to suppress the proliferation of the fibroblasts and other associated stromal cells to a much greater extent, relative to the proliferation seen when the metabolites alone are utilized. The increased suppression of the proliferation and metabolism of these cells results in a significant improvement in the ability to prevent or retard the formation of scar tissue, and thereby reduces the incidence of fistula closure following glaucoma filtration surgery.
Abstract:
Universal ophthalmic pharmaceutical vehicles which increase in viscosity upon instillation in the eye are disclosed. Ophthalmic compositions of the universal vehicle and a pharmaceutically active drug are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the vehicle gels upon instillation in the eye. In another embodiment, suspension vehicles having superior physical stability are provided.
Abstract:
The use of certain dopaminergic compounds for controlling elevations of intraocular pressure is disclosed. The compounds are ergoline derivatives. The most preferred compound is cabergoline. The compounds have been found to produce a significant reduction of intraocular pressure.
Abstract:
Novel anti-inflammatory compounds, compositions of these compounds and use of such compounds to treat inflammed ocular tissue are described. The compounds are derivatives and analogues of known steroid compounds (e.g., dexamethasone) and are advantageously characterized in that they do not cause any significant increase in intraocular pressure during chronic use.
Abstract:
Calcium antagonists and compounds which lower intraocular pressure are combined in ophthalmic compositions to treat glaucoma. The calcium antagonists prevent or reduce the loss of visual field, while the intraocular pressure-lowering compounds maintain the intraocular pressure at normal levels.
Abstract:
Topical ophthalmic compositions comprising certain thiadiazoles are useful in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The thiadiazoles are slightly less potent than timolol; however, they have greatly reduced systemic side effects as compared to timolol.
Abstract:
Aqueous pharmaceutical compositions containing a synergistic combination of a quinolone and a polystyrene sulfonic acid polymer are described, wherein the compositions are clear solutions which are comfortable and have sustained release. Methods for use of the compositions are also disclosed. This type of formulation is particularly useful with ciprofloxacin-type quinolones by greatly increasing the solubility of these quinolones, making it feasible to have aqueous solutions containing such quinolones at or near physiological pH.
Abstract:
Thiophene sulfonamides and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds useful in controlling intraocular pressure are disclosed. Methods for controlling intraocular pressure through administration of the compositions are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a device and method for storing and caring for contact lenses, including a self-contained contact lens holder (12) to support and contain one or more contact lenses. A fluid conduit (28) is associated with the contact lens holder (12) to provide a pathway for fluid to the chamber or chambers (18 and/or 20) holding each contact lens. A fluid container (34) holding a fluid used in contact lens care is put in fluid communication with the fluid conduit (28) to selectively introduce fluid into the contact lens holder (12). In one embodiment of the invention, fluid can selectively be dispensed externally of the fluid container (34) and contact lens holder (12).
Abstract:
The use of monoacyl phosphoglycerides to enhance the penetration of topically applied ophthalmic drugs through the corneal epithelium is described.