Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene reinforcement material in glaucoma drain surgery.

Purpose: To determine whether a synthetic material, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (E-PTFE), can be used successfully as a reinforcement material over the tubes of glaucoma drainage implants.

Methods: Patches of E-PTFE were sutured over the tubes of Baerveldt glaucoma drains implanted in the eyes of New Zealand white rabbits. Two material thicknesses were tested: 0.

Biocompatibility response to modified Baerveldt glaucoma drains.

Glaucoma implants are designed to increase fluid outflow from the eye in order to decrease intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve. The implant consists of a silicone tube that is inserted into the anterior chamber at one end and is attached at the other end to a silicone plate that is sutured to the outside of the globe beneath the conjunctiva. The glaucoma "implant" becomes a "drain" over the first 3 to 6 postoperative weeks as the silicone plate is enclosed by a fibrous capsule that allows a space to form into which fluid can drain and from which fluid can be absorbed by the surrounding tissues.

Clinical evaluation of Purilens, an ultraviolet light contact lens care system.

Purilens is a new contact lens care system that uses ultraviolet light and subsonic turbulence for lens cleaning and disinfection. In a single hands-off process using only preservative-free sterile saline, the lenses are ready to wear after a 15-minute cycle. This study was designed to test the safety of this contact lens care system.

Enhanced healing of cat corneal endothelial wounds by epidermal growth factor.

Purpose: The authors investigated whether healing of cat corneal endothelial wounds could be enhanced in vivo by human epidermal growth factor (EGF).

Methods: EGF was administered in sodium hyaluronate to the anterior chamber of cats after an endothelial touch injury. Control contralateral eyes received sodium hyaluronate alone.

Enhancement of the ocular bioavailability of topical tobramycin with use of a collagen shield.

We compared the ocular bioavailability in rabbits of 0.3% tobramycin applied with a collagen shield with eyedrop tobramycin application. Groups of rabbits received either (1) a collagen shield presoaked in tobramycin with a tobramycin drop before and after shield application (Shield) or (2) three drops of tobramycin (Drops).