Compositions and Methods for Non-Surgical Treatment of Ptosis

Abstract

Provided are pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use of the compositions, for the non-surgical treatment of ptosis (eyelid droop). In one embodiment the composition includes oxymetazoline 0.1% formulated for topical administration to an eye. In one embodiment the composition includes a synergistic combination of oxymetazoline and phenylephrine, formulated for topical administration to an eye. Oxymetazoline alone causes no pupillary dilation (mydriasis), and a synergistic combination of oxymetazoline and phenylephrine induces no clinically significant mydriasis. In addition to providing desirable cosmetic effects, the compositions and methods of the invention can improve visual fields otherwise compromised by ptosis.

1 . A method for treating ptosis in a subject, comprising
 administering an effective amount of oxymetazoline to the exterior surface of an eye of a subject in need of such treatment.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the administering results in at least a 1 mm increase in the vertical separation of the upper and lower lids of the eye. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the administering results in at least a 10 percent increase in the vertical separation of the upper and lower lids of the eye. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the oxymetazoline is formulated as a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least 0.05 weight percent oxymetazoline in an ophthalmologically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the oxymetazoline is provided as a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of oxymetazoline. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the administering is administering as a single drop. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the administering is administering at least once daily. 
     
     
         8 - 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method for treating ptosis in a subject, comprising
 administering an effective amount of a long-acting alpha adrenergic agonist and an effective amount of a short-acting alpha adrenergic agonist to the exterior surface of an eye of a subject in need of such treatment.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the long-acting alpha adrenergic agonist is oxymetazoline or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the short-acting alpha adrenergic agonist is phenylephrine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the administering results in at least a 1 mm increase in the vertical separation of the upper and lower lids of the eye. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the administering results in at least a 10 percent increase in the vertical separation of the upper and lower lids of the eye. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the oxymetazoline is formulated as a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least 0.05 weight percent oxymetazoline in an ophthalmologically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the long-acting alpha adrenergic agonist is provided as a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least 0.1 weight percent oxymetazoline and the short-acting alpha adrenergic agonist is provided as a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least 0.15 weight percent phenylephrine. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the short-acting alpha adrenergic agonist is provided as a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least 0.25 weight percent phenylephrine. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the long-acting alpha adrenergic agonist is provided as a pharmaceutical composition comprising 0.1 weight percent oxymetazoline and the short-acting alpha adrenergic agonist is provided as a pharmaceutical composition comprising 0.25 weight percent phenylephrine. 
     
     
         21 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A pharmaceutical composition, comprising oxymetazoline, a short-acting alpha adrenergic agonist, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, formulated for topical ophthalmic use. 
     
     
         31 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 30 , wherein the short-acting alpha adrenergic agonist is phenylephrine. 
     
     
         32 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 31 , wherein the oxymetazoline is present at a concentration of at least 0.1 weight percent. 
     
     
         33 . The pharmaceutical composition of  claim 32 , wherein the phenylephrine is present at a concentration of 0.15 to 1.5 weight percent. 
     
     
         34 - 40 . (canceled)