Alcon, Inc.

Alcon Manufacturing, Ltd.

Alcon Research, Ltd.

Novartis Ag

Kerry L Markwardt

Uday Doshi

Mandar V Shah

Masoud R Jafari

Gerald D Cagle

Emerson Maddox

Pao-Li Wang

Glenn R Sussman

Mikhail Boukhny

Donald M Cohen

Bahram Asgharian

Bhagwati P Kabra

William H Garner

James E Teague

Rajan Bawa

Rex E Hall

William T Mccune

Christian Masterson

Harli M Dollinger

An improved viscoelastic composition useful in the performance of ophthalmic surgical procedures and especially cataract procedures is disclosed. The embodiments of the composition comprise combinations of sodium hyaluronate and chondroitin sulfate and exhibit an improved rheological profile.

Combinations of viscoelastics for use during surgery

An improved solution for use in the removal of cataractous lenses via liquefracture is described. The liquefracture solution contains a viscosity-enhancing agent to increase the residence time of the solution in the heating chamber of the liquefracture handpiece, thereby increasing the expulsion force of the solution from the handpiece (i.e., 'pulse force'). An agent that releases gas when the liquefracture solution is heated in the handpiece may also be included in the solution, thereby also enhancing the pulse force of the solution upon expulsion from the handpiece. The solution preferably also contains a partially water-soluble agent that forms a temporarily insoluble precipitate when heated in a liquefracture handpiece. The precipitate acts as an abrasive agent when expelled with the liquefracture solution from the handpiece, thereby facilitating the cutting and disintegration of the cataractous lens material.

Solution for removing cataracts via liquefracture

Improved intraocular irrigating solutions are described. The solutions have enhanced viscosities that reduce the risk of damage to intraocular surgical procedures by reducing the turbulence of the solutions and dampening the movement of tissue fragments and air bubbles. The solutions preferably also have modified surface tensions that more closely resemble the surface tension of the aqueous humor.

Intraocular irrigating solution having improved flow characteristics

Ocular lubricant solutions are described. The solutions are adapted to facilitate the formation of a corneal flap during LASIK surgery. The solutions contain one or more viscosity enhancing agents (e.g., chondroitin sulfate) in a substantially salt-free, ophthalmically acceptable vehicle. Methods of lubricating the cornea to facilitate flap formation are also described.

Ophthalmic lubricating solution adapted for use in lasik surgery

Compositions and methods for facilitating the formulation and closure of a corneal flap during LASIK surgery are described. The compositions and methods are based on the use of one or more viscosity-enhancing agents (e.g., chondroitin sulfate) to provide an ophthalmic irrigating solution with improved coating properties and prolonged dwelling time on the cornea, thereby providing lubrication for the microkeratome used to form the corneal flap, reduce corneal epithelial abrasions, and help to produce smooth and consistent cuts with the microkeratome blade.

Ophthalmic irrigating solution adapted for use in lasik surgery

The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions to the eye.

Ophthalmic compositions containing galactomannan polymers and borate

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.

Gelling ophthalmic compositions containing xanthan gum

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Mansfield, TX, United States of America

Kerry L Markwardt