Abstract: Lacrimal implants and related methods providing secure, wedgable retention within a lacrimal punctum and associated canaliculus of an eye are disclosed. The lacrimal implants can comprise an implant body configured for at least partial insertion through the lacrimal punctum and into the canaliculus. The implant body can include first and second portions, and can extend from a proximal end of the first portion defining a longitudinal proximal axis to a distal end of the second portion defining a longitudinal distal axis. The implant body can be configured such that, when implanted using an integral dilator, an angled intersection exists between the proximal and distal axes. In this way, at least a portion of the implant body can be biased against at least a portion of the lacrimal canaliculus located at or more distal to a canalicular curvature, thereby retaining an implanted position of the lacrimal implant using anatomical structures.

Abstract: Lacrimal implants for treating ocular diseases are disclosed. More particularly, lacrimal punctal plugs, methods of making such plugs, and methods of treating ocular diseases using such plugs are disclosed.

Abstract: The lacrimal implant delivery systems and methods described herein provide for controlled release of a therapeutic agent for the treatment of disease, including the treatment of glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or elevated intraocular pressure with latanoprost or other anti-glaucoma agents. Treatment of disease, including glaucoma, ocular hypertension, or elevated intraocular pressure with latanoprost or other anti-glaucoma agent in conjunction with penetration enhancer, such as benzalkonium chloride, and/or artificial tears is also provided.

Abstract: Substance delivering punctum plug devices and related methods for treating disorders and diseases of the eye. Some embodiments of the device maximize dissolution of the substance in tears and/or other fluid(s) that distribute to the anterior surface of the eye so as to maximize delivery of the substance to or through the cornea or anterior surface of the eye ball while minimizing loss of substance through other routes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering an active agent such as a medicine to a subject, uses an ocular implant such as a punctal plug, to which the active agent has been applied. The implant is installed at the eye of the subject for administering the active agent via tissues of the eye.

Abstract: Lacrimal implants, methods of making lacrimal implants, and methods of treating ocular, respiration or other diseases or disorders using lacrimal implants are disclosed.

Abstract: The methods described herein provide reduction of intraocular pressure by administering a sustained release formulation including latanoprost and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle and administering an eye drop adjunctive composition to the eye of a patient. The sustained release formulation can release latanoprost continuously for at least 90 days from a punctum plug delivery system. The eye drop adjunctive composition can also include latanoprost.

Abstract: Surface treated implantable articles and related methods are disclosed. The surface treated implantable articles can be substantially flash-free, include one or more rounded edges, or include an enhanced optical clarity, one or all of which can be produced by polishing. The polishing can include causing the implantable articles to be repeatedly impacted with polishing media when the articles are swelled to an enlarged state. The polishing process can be particularly useful for smoothing lacrimal implants insertable in a lacrimal canaliculus.

Abstract: The methods described herein provide treatment of glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and elevated intraocular pressure with latanoprost or other therapeutic agent(s). Implant devices for insertion into a punctum of a patient provide sustained release of latanoprost or other therapeutic agent(s) that is maintained for 7, 14, 21, 30, 45, 60, or 90 days or more, thus avoiding patient noncompliance and reducing or lowering adverse events associated with eye drop administration of latanoprost or other therapeutic agent(s) and other therapeutic agent(s).

Abstract: Lacrimal implants and related methods providing secure retention within the lacrimal punctum of an eye are described. The lacrimal implants can comprise a implant body configured for at least partial insertion through the lacrimal punctum and into a lacrimal canaliculus. The implant body can include a deformable retention structure that can be configured to substantially encapsulate an expandable retention element. In some examples, the expandable retention element can include a fluid absorbing material, which can be exposed to fluid such as via a fluid permeable retainer or a fluid permeable aperture. As the fluid absorbing material retains fluid (i.e., upon acceptance of fluid into the retention structure), its size increases and its shape can change to urge one or more portions of the retention structure outward, such as against a wall of the lacrimal canaliculus, thereby securely retaining the lacrimal implant within the punctum.

Abstract: Insertion and extraction tool, systems, and methods for use with lacrimal implants. An insertion tool is disclosed that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a tool body therebetween. The distal end includes a mechanical coupling to receive a cartridge preloaded with a lacrimal implant, and a plunger configured to dispense the lacrimal implant from a preloaded cartridge.

Abstract: A solid drug core insert can be manufactured by injecting a liquid mixture comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix precursor into a sheath body. The injection can be conducted at subambient temperatures. The mixture is cured to form a solid drug-matrix core. The therapeutic agent can be a liquid at about room temperature that forms a dispersion of droplets in the matrix material. A surface of the solid drug core is exposed, for example by cutting the tube, and the exposed surface of the solid drug core releases therapeutic quantities of the therapeutic agent when implanted into the patient. In some embodiments, the insert body inhibits release of the therapeutic agent, for example with a material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, such that the therapeutic quantities are released through the exposed surface, thereby avoiding release of the therapeutic agent to non-target tissues.

Abstract: Lacrimal implants for treating diseases or disorders are disclosed. More particularly, lacrimal implants, methods of making such implants, and methods of treating ocular, respiration, inner ear or other diseases or disorders using such implants are disclosed.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus comprising a lacrimal implant insertable at least partially into a lacrimal punctum. The lacrimal implant comprises an implant core, and an implant body. The implant body includes a cavity sized and shaped to receive the implant core. At least one of the implant core and the implant cavity includes a detection device configured to allow automatic detection of the lacrimal implant with a separate detector device.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a punctum of a patient comprises a body. The body has a distal end, a proximal end, and an axis therebetween. The distal end of the body is insertable distally through the punctum into the canalicular lumen. The body comprises a therapeutic agent included within an agent matrix drug core. Exposure of the agent matrix to the tear fluid effects an effective therapeutic agent release into the tear fluid over a sustained period. The body has a sheath disposed over the agent matrix to inhibit release of the agent away from the proximal end. The body also has an outer surface configured to engage luminal wall tissues so as to inhibit expulsion when disposed therein. In specific embodiments, the agent matrix comprises a non-bioabsorbable polymer, for example silicone in a non-homogenous mixture with the agent.