US Patent 8685439 Method for the treatment and prevention of eyelid swelling

The invention features novel topical ophthalmic formulations comprising an osmotically active agent and a vasoconstrictor. Suitable osmotically active agents for use in the ophthalmic formulations of the invention include, without limitation, sodium chloride, dextrose, glycerine, sucrose, mannitol, and sorbitol; suitable vasoconstritors include, without limitation, naphazoline and oxymetazoline. Also provided are methods of using the ophthalmic formulations of the invention for the treatment and prevention of eyelid swelling by administering the ophthalmic formulations of the invention to the eye surface of a subject in need thereof.