Methods and cosmetic preparations for the sustained delivery of therapeutic agents to the eye

Abstract

Cosmetic compositions comprising therapeutic agents for the treatment of various eye conditions and methods of use are described. In particular, the invention provides cosmetic compositions comprising ophthalmic therapeutic agents in combination with a muscle fasciculating agent for application to the outer surface of the upper eyelid, perimeter of the eyelid and / or eyelashes thereby causing transfer of the therapeutic agents into the vascular network within the eyelid for delivery into all parts of the eye, including the posterior segments of the eye, the eyelid glands, conjuctiva and periocular tissue.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 289,471, filed Dec. 23, 2009 and Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 256,614, filed Oct. 30, 2009, both of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates generally to cosmetic preparations and their use to deliver therapeutic agents to treat various conditions affecting the eye. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for delivery of one or more therapeutic agents to the eye by topical application of a cosmetic composition containing the therapeutic agent(s) to the eyelid, perimeter of the eyelid and / or eyelashes. More specifically, these methods comprise applying a cosmetic preparation containing the desired therapeutic agent or combination of therapeutic agents to the surface of the eyelid, perimeter of the eye and / or eyelashes thereby causing transfer of the therapeutic agent...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of maintaining the health of the eye and protecting the eye from oxidative damage comprising topically applying to at least one upper eyelid, lower eyelid and/or eyelashes a cosmetic preparation comprising from about 0.00

Problems solved by technology

There are several over the counter (OTC) products available for the treatment of red eye and other allergic conditions of the eye, but many consumers have difficulty using the available products which are in the form of eye drops, e.g., Visene, Naphcon, Opcon that are difficult to apply and are messy.

Eye drops are particularly problematic for individuals who use eye make up, since the drops often drip, causing make up, e.g., mascara, eyeliner, under eye cover, to run or smear.

Certain products such as those for treating dry eye, e.g., lubricating eye drops are particularly problematic because after application of the drops to the eye, the user experiences blurred vision for a period of time ranging from about five to ten minutes.

Moreover, these products are of short duration, requiring multiple application throughout the day and since a disproportionate number of people suffering from dry eye are female, application of drops to treat the condition has the added detractor of resulting in smeared makeup.