Ophthalmic lubricating solution adapted for use in lasik surgery

• US 20040009893A1
• Filed: 05/19/2003
• Published: 01/15/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alcon Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Alcon Incorporated
• Inventors: Markwardt, Kerry L., Doshi, Uday, Jafari, Masoud R., Wang, Pao-Li, Maddox, Emerson
• Granted Patent: US 6,919,321 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 514/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/716 Glucans
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/728 Hyaluronic acid
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/736 Glucomannans or galactomannans, e.g. locust bean gum, guar gum
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/737 Sulfated polysaccharides, e.g. chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate A61K31/727 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 38/39 Connective tissue peptides, e.g. collagen, elastin, laminin, fibronectin, vitronectin, cold insoluble globulin [CIG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0048 Eye, e.g. artificial tears

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. An ocular lubricant solution adapted to facilitate the formation of a corneal flap in LASIK surgery, comprising a viscosity-enhancing agent in an amount effective to enhance the viscosity of the solution, and an ophthalmically acceptable vehicle for said viscosity-enhancing agent, wherein the solution is sterile, unpreserved and substantially salt free.

2. A lubricant solution according to claim 1, wherein the solution has a viscosity of 1 to 50 cps.

3. A lubricant solution according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity-enhancing agent is selected from the group consisting of:

proteoglycans;

cellulose derivatives;

collagen or modified collagen;

galactomannans;

xanthan gum;

gellan gum;

alginate;

chitosans;

polyvinyl alcohol; and

carboxyvinyl polymers.

4. A lubricant solution according to claim 3, wherein the viscosity-enhancing agent comprises a proteoglycan.

5. A lubricant solution according to claim 4, wherein the proteoglycan is selected from the group consisting of chondroitin sulfate and sodium hyaluronate.

6. A lubricant solution according to claim 5, wherein the viscosity-enhancing agent comprises chondroitin sulfate.

7. A lubricant solution according to claim 1, wherein the solution has a viscosity of 3 to 30 cps.

8. A method of facilitating the formation of a corneal flap in LASIK surgery and reducing the risk of abrasions to corneal tissue during the formation of said flap, which comprises applying an ocular lubricant solution to the corneal surface, said solution comprising a viscosity-enhancing agent in an amount effective to enhance the viscosity of the solution, and an ophthalmically acceptable vehicle for said viscosity-enhancing agent, wherein the solution is sterile, unpreserved and substantially salt free.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the lubricant solution has a viscosity of 1 to 50 cps.

10. A method according to claim 8, wherein the viscosity-enhancing agent is selected from the group consisting of:

proteoglycans;

cellulose derivatives;

collagen or modified collagen;

galactomannans;

xanthan gum;

gellan gum;

alginate;

chitosans;

polyvinyl alcohol; and

carboxyvinyl polymers.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the viscosity-enhancing agent comprises a proteoglycan.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the proteoglycan is selected from the group consisting of chondroitin sulfate and sodium hyaluronate.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the viscosity-enhancing agent comprises chondroitin sulfate.

14. A method according to claim 8, wherein the lubricant solution has a viscosity of 3 to 30 cps.