Abstract: The invention relates to sustained release implants and to methods for treating eyes, particularly the eyes of mammals having eye disorders or diseases. By using the implants and methods described herein, the delivery of the one or more bioactive agents can be localized at a desired treatment site, particularly the choroid and the retina.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-based biocompatible non-cytotoxic preparation for the selective staining of internal limiting membrane (ILM) and/or epiretinal membranes (ERM) in the human or animal eye, and to a kit containing said water-based preparation according to the invention.

Abstract: Eye wall anchored fixtures each including at least one elongated anchor member for driven lengthwise insertion into an eye's eye wall in a transverse direction to its thickness for supporting an intraocular device in the eye's vitreous cavity. Fixtures are preferably anchored in circumferential incisions in a human adult eye's pars plana preferably 3.5 mm posterior to its corneal limbus, and perpendicular to a circumferential incision. The fixtures are either generally L-shaped with a single elongated anchor member designed for withdrawal from an eye wall or self-anchoring thereinto, or generally T-shaped with a pair of oppositely directed self-anchoring elongated anchor members for sealing a throughgoing incision. Intraocular devices can be designed for intraocular drug delivery, for acquiring intraocular physiological measurements, and the like.

Abstract: An injection device for injecting a product into an eye, said device comprising an injection needle and a support on which the injection needle is fixed, said device being characterized in that it comprises a locating mark disposed in such a way that the latter can be placed in contact with a defined bearing region of the surface of the eye, before any contact of the injection needle with said surface, and can then be kept in contact with said bearing region during a stage of penetration of said injection needle through said surface of the eye.

Abstract: A biomaterial mass is inserted through a punctum into a canaliculus in the lacrimal outflow system with a syringe. The mass has an outer cross section that is less than the inner cross section of the canaliculus. The mass absorbs liquid to swell to form a lacrimal filler or sealing mechanism. The lacrimal filler has an external cross section that conforms to the internal cross section of the canaliculus and a soft outer surface relative to the surrounding tissues to prevent erosion of the canaliculus lining. The lacrimal filler forms an occlusion that prevents the outflow of liquid through the lacrimal outflow system to retain tears within the eye to maintain eye lubrication and wetness. The mass and syringe are provided in kit with a rubber stopper and, optionally, a punctal dilator, an injecting catheter, and an enzyme for dissolving or degrading the lacrimal filler at a later time.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for delivering drugs for treatment of eye disease are described. For example, the methods, systems, and apparatus can be optionally used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration. In some examples, an eye disease is treated by implanting a device comprising a sealed container into the diseased eye. A dosage of drug for treating the diseased eye is disposed within the sealed container. The dosage of the drug is selectively released from the sealed container of the implanted device into eye tissue. The released dosage treats the eye disease.

Abstract: A novel system for coloring tissues of the human eye, especially methods of coloring the iris, includes drying the tissue surface, applying colorant to the dried surface, and then drying the applied colorant. The system avoids tattooing, implanting, and corneal modification. Permanent results may be obtained. Colorants may be coatings or stains.

Abstract: A method is provided for selectively opening a containment reservoir. The method includes providing a device which comprises a substrate in which at least one reservoir is located and covered by a reservoir cap; and directing laser light to the reservoir cap to cause the reservoir cap to disintegrate or become permeable. The device may be an implantable medical device. The reservoirs may contain a drug for controlled release or a biosensor.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for culturing stem cells, and in particular, for culturing ocular stem cells and the use of stem cells cultured using the devices and methods of the invention for the treatment of diseases.

Abstract: A method for operating a surgical system including placing a handpiece in an operative relationship with an eye for a surgical procedure. The method also comprises supplying irrigation fluid from an irrigation fluid source to the eye and applying vacuum from an aspiration source to the handpiece in order to aspirate the irrigation fluid from the eye through the handpiece. The method further comprises sensing a value of an occlusion indicating parameter corresponding to an occlusion of the handpiece and, from the sensing of the value, determining a duration of occlusion. The method additionally comprises controlling a controlled system parameter based at least in part on the duration of occlusion.

Abstract: The present invention is an ophthalmic injection system with a limited reuse assembly and a tip segment. The tip segment is connectable to and removable from the limited reuse assembly. The tip segment includes a dispensing chamber, a plunger, and a housing. The dispensing chamber holds a quantity of a substance to be injected into an eye. The proximate end of the plunger has a first mechanical linkage interface. The limited reuse assembly of the ophthalmic injection system has a power source, a controller, a motor, a second mechanical linkage interface located on an end of the motor shaft; and a second housing. The first mechanical linkage interface is mateable with the second mechanical linkage interface such that when the tip segment is connected to the limited reuse assembly, the first mechanical linkage interface mates with the second mechanical linkage interface so that motion of the shaft results in motion of the plunger.

Abstract: An instrument for implanting tissue in an eye or other body member is disclosed. The instrument includes an elongated mandrel and a tubular nozzle arranged over the mandrel. The instrument also includes a piston engaging an end of the nozzle and a vacuum passage arranged in the piston. The instrument also includes a body having a portion of the piston arranged therein with one end of the mandrel being secured to the body. The instrument also includes an actuator integrated with the body wherein the actuator interacts with the piston to control movement of the nozzle relative to the mandrel.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for liquefying the vitreous humor of an eye. The process includes the steps of delivering plasmin into the vitreous of the eye and incubating the vitreous and plasmin together for a period of time. Plasmin may be introduced through injection or a sustained release device. Plasmin may be used to treat a pathological condition of the eye such as diabetic retinopathy, macular hole, macular pucker, intraocular infection, foreign intraocular material and retinal detachment.

Abstract: Methods are provided for medical treatment or diagnosis of a patient. The method includes implanting into the patient a device which comprises (i) a substrate in which at least one reservoir is located and covered by a first reservoir cap, (ii) a drug or sensor located in the reservoir, and (iii) control circuitry and a power source for disintegrating or permeabilizing the reservoir cap, and (iv) an external interface to receive incident light energy; and directing focused light to the external interface of the implanted device to actuate disintegration or permeabilization of the reservoir cap to release the drug or expose the sensor. The device may implanted onto or into the sclera or other tissue surface of the eye of the patient. The focused light may be laser light, which may be used to transmit power or data to the device.

Abstract: An irrigating technique that can be used to increase the flow of fluid through the trabecular meshwork. Pulses of relatively high pressure irrigating are directed at the trabecular meshwork. These pulses can be focused, thereby perforating the trabecular meshwork, or applied over a larger area so as to stimulate the trabecular meshwork for improved fluid transport. In addition, the pulses of the irrigating balance salt solution can be used to clean away material, such as iris pigment, that may be blocking or clogging the trabecular meshwork. Such a technique may be practiced using the herein disclosed tip with commercially available surgical handpieces.

Abstract: A method for using a smaller diameter infusion sleeve that reduces the potential for heat buildup and also provides adequate irrigation flow.

Abstract: A method for operating a surgical system including a control unit having a vacuum sensor and/or a flow rate sensor, the method including placing a handpiece in an operative relationship with an eye for a surgical procedure and thereafter supplying irrigation fluid to the handpiece while applying a vacuum to the handpiece to aspirate the irrigation fluid from the eye through the handpiece. During fluid aspiration, a vacuum level and/or flow rate is sensed which corresponds to an occlusion of the handpiece and from the sensed vacuum level and/or flow rate, a duration of the occlusion is determined. In response to the determined duration of occlusion, at least one of the handpiece parameters is varied.

Abstract: A novel system for coloring tissues of the human eye, especially methods of coloring the iris, includes drying the tissue surface, applying colorant to the dried surface, and then drying the applied colorant. The system avoids tattooing, implanting, and corneal modification. Permanent results may be obtained. Colorants may be coatings or stains.

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: A method and apparatus for a suture less injectable retinal detachment sponge and method for placing the sponge in a pocket beneath the surface of the sclera is the subject of the present invention. An exterior accessible pocket can be created in the sclera by making an incision in the outer surface. The incision can be made utilizing a crescent blade. The apparatus used to perform the procedure for insertion of the sponge in the pocket utilizes an injector having a cylinder and plunger combination. The cylinder can have a sponge removably contained therein and a plunger for injecting the sponge out of the cylinder portion of the injector to the desired location within the pocket.

Abstract: A medical device for the treatment and prevention of eye and respiratory tract conditions is provided. The medical device may include a pack with a pump, a filter, and a vaporizer chamber for storing fluid and selectively supplying fluid vapor to ambient air. The medical device may further include a glasses unit comprising a pair of frames and a diffuser. The medical device may further include a tube having a first end configured for connection to the pack and a second end configured for connection to the diffuser. The glasses unit may be separated from the pack when the medical device is in use. Various methods for the treatment and prevention of eye and respiratory tract conditions and a method for modifying a pair of conventional glasses for treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering therapeutic substances into the eye. An implant containing the therapeutic substance is implanted at least partially within the optic nerve and the therapeutic substance then elutes from the implant. The implant may have a lumen or it may be solid.

Abstract: A novel system for coloring the human eye is presented, including methods of coloring the conjunctiva on its internal or external surface, coloring the sclera, coloring the iris, suspending colorant in the subconjunctival space, and combinations of two or more of these methods. The system avoids tattooing, implanting, and corneal modification. Permanent results may be obtained. Colorants may be coverings, suspensions, or stains.

Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are described. One method involves providing an elongated delivery device and an implant mounted at a distal end of the delivery device. An incision is formed in eye tissue and the implant is inserted the through the incision using the delivery device. The implant is implanted at a location communicating with a physiologic outflow pathway of an eye such that a distal end portion of the implant and a proximal end portion of the delivery device are relatively disposed in a non-linear orientation during implantation. In one method, the implant is non-linear after insertion.

Abstract: An ophthalmological device comprises an implant member carrying an antifibrotic agent that is released slowly over a prolonged period when inserted into a wound in an eye produced by surgery. The member is placed in the vicinity of a wound created during the surgery to inhibit inflammatory cell proliferation, thereby preventing the growth of fibrous tissue after the eye surgery.

Abstract: A delivery system includes a housing along with a tip connected to one end of the housing. A first cannula extending from the tip is provided for inserting a rod implant into tissue. A second cannula, concentrically disposed within the first cannula, is utilized to force the rod implant from the first cannula and for ejecting a fluid behind the inserted rod implant in the tissue.

Abstract: Featured are devices for delivering a treatment medium to an eye as well as methods related thereto. Such devices and methods allow a desired amount of the treatment medium to be delivered in a controllable manner over a predetermined time period. In particular embodiments, the delivery device is configured and arranged so the treatment medium is eluted from one portion of the delivery device and so that another portion thereof is removably secured within a natural opening or orifice in or proximal to the eye. In specific embodiments the another portion is configured and arranged so as to be removably secured within the natural opening comprising at least one punctum of an eye.

Abstract: An implant for treating an ocular disorder has a longitudinal implant axis, an outflow portion passing therethrough, a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings therein, an inflow portion, and an anchoring member that extends from the implant and is disposed distally of the openings. The outflow portion is shaped and sized to be introduced into Schlemm's canal of an eye at an angle, and received at least partially within Schlemm's canal regardless of its rotational orientation about the axis during introduction. The openings allow fluid communication from a lumen within the outflow portion to a location outside the outflow portion. The inflow portion is configured to be positioned within an anterior chamber of the eye to permit fluid communication from the anterior chamber to the outflow portion. The axis extends through a trabecular meshwork of the eye and is generally orthogonal to Schlemm's canal during the fluid communication.

Abstract: Devices and devices for the treatment of the eye are disclosed. Preferred devices of the invention include a piercing member that is inserted into the eye to create a pathway for a cannula. The cannula is slidably mounted to the piercing member and is adapted to reach a treatment site within the eye at which material is injected into and/or withdrawn from the eye. The outer diameter of the piercing member is small enough to allow for self-sealing of the insertion site of the device upon the device's withdrawal therefrom. Also disclosed are methods for the utilizing the devices to treat the eye.

Abstract: Methods and systems of treating a patient with strabismus include providing a stimulator, configuring one or more stimulation parameters to treat strabismus, programming the stimulator with the one or more stimulation parameters, generating a stimulus configured to treat strabismus with the stimulator in accordance with the one or more stimulation parameters, and applying the stimulus with the stimulator to one or more of the extraocular muscles and/or one or more cranial nerves that innervate the extraocular muscles in accordance with the one or more stimulation parameters.

Abstract: A cannula, for delivering a bolus of a pharmaceutically active agent to the posterior chamber of the eye, having an orifice disposed at the distal tip. The cannula is slidably disposed within a hypodermic needle. The sliding action of the cannula within the needle provides a means for trimming a formed bolus of a pharmaceutically active agent from the orifice of the cannula. In addition, the double wall formed by the cannula within the needle provides insulation from the cooler temperatures within the eye to allow for the delivery of phase transition substances.

Abstract: An infusion system with a needleless or needle-requiring injection site placed downstream of a fluid selection stopcock valve and upstream of the infusion cannula. In an alternate embodiment the fluid selection stopcock valve and injection site may be formed as a single consumable unit.

Abstract: A method for determining the optimum location for placement of an intraocular implant containing used to treat an ocular condition, particularly implants comprised of a biodegradable polymer and a therapeutic agent for the treatment of retinal tissue.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for topically applying an ophthalmic solution to the eye to at least temporarily reduce the effects of various visual anomalies. The solution contains a therapeutically effective amount of one or more pupil dilating agents that generate a moderate amount of dilation in order to relieve symptoms such as vitreous floaters. Moreover, the composition may be topically applied in approximately a one drop dose, which may be instilled on an as needed basis depending on the concentration and rate of release of one or more of the following or similar dilating agents: naphazoline, ephedrine, naphazoline HCl, phenylephrine HCl, epinephrine and/or dipivefrin.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering infusion fluid into an eye includes a container defining a chamber configured to contain a quantity of infusion fluid. A first tube defines a first passage that provides fluid communication between the chamber and a volume defined within the eye. At least a portion of the quantity of infusion fluid is infused into the volume through the first passage. A second tube is positioned about the first tube and defines a second passage between an outer surface of the first tube and an inner surface of the second tube. A quantity of at least one substantially oxygen-free inert gas is contained within the second tube to facilitate maintaining the infusion fluid in a low oxygen state. In an alternative embodiment, a vacuum is produced within the second tube to facilitate maintaining the infusion fluid in a low oxygen state.

Abstract: An anti-VEGF method for treating undesirable conditions resulting from radiation-induced vasculopathy. In a specific application, the method is applied to these undesirable conditions found in an eye.

Abstract: A disposable drug delivery device has a dispensing needle, a plunger, a spring, a shaft, and a lock mechanism. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing needle, is capable of sliding in the cavity of the dispensing needle, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing needle. The spring is connected to the plunger via a shaft. The lock mechanism holds the shaft in a first position such that the spring is in a compressed state. When the lock mechanism releases the shaft, the spring extends providing a force that moves the shaft and connected plunger in a direction toward the tapered end of the dispensing needle thereby expelling the drug from the dispensing needle into an eye. The spring also provides a retaining force so that the plunger is retained in an extended position against the tapered end of the dispensing needle.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for delivering a quantity of a substance into an eye. By applying compressed gas into an actuation chamber, a separating member connected to a lock mechanism and a plunger is displaced. The plunger displaces the quantity of the substance from a dispensing member and into an eye. The plunger is retained in an extended position so that the quantity of the substance is not retracted back into the dispensing member when the dispensing member is removed from the eye.

Abstract: An apparatus and minimally invasive method for removing fluid from a subretinal space to allow a detached retina to flatten. An apparatus, comprising a fluid withdrawal device and a guide for advancing and placing the device, is positioned on the exterior eye surface at the detachment site. Various embodiments of the apparatus are disclosed. Using the guide, the surgeon advances the device into the fluid-filled space and drains fluid, allowing the retina to flatten. Additional injection of saline or gas into the vitreous cavity normalizes intraocular pressure, and the patient is ambulatory immediately afterward. Unlike other retinal attachment techniques, in the inventive procedure the patient receives only a local anesthetic, and has no restraint on head movement.

Abstract: Atomizers for administering liquids to the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye, special eye adapters for atomizers and the use of atomizers for ophthalmological administration. The atomizers are free from propellant gas and have an energy reservoir for supplying the energy needed for the atomization process.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a needle fluidly coupled to a dispensing chamber, a power source for providing current to the dispensing chamber housing, a controller for controlling the power source, and a housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber housing, the power source, and the controller. The dispensing chamber housing is made of a shape memory alloy and has an inner surface defining a dispensing chamber for receiving a quantity of a substance. The controller directs a first current to the dispensing chamber housing to heat the substance contained in the dispensing chamber and a second current to the dispensing chamber housing to alter the shape of the dispensing chamber housing to deliver the substance.

Abstract: A surgical device for localized delivery of beta radiation in surgical procedures, particularly ophthalmic procedures. Preferred surgical devices include a cannula with a beta radiotherapy emitting material at the distal end of the cannula. The surgical device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of treat Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: A method of treating ocular disorders involving angiogenesis includes the steps of providing a trans-scleral drug delivery device comprising an insert stabilizer for attachment to a scleral surface and having an interlock opening and a replaceable implant having a reservoir adjacent the scleral surface and an interlock tab, wherein said insert stabilizer and said replaceable implant are removeably connectable by mating said interlock tab and said interlock opening; providing an anti-angiogenic factor; introducing said anti-angiogenic factor into said reservoir; and attaching said insert stabilizer to the scleral surface. The reservoir can be refilled by disengaging the implant from the stabilizer, inserting a new dosage of anti-angiogenic factor, and reconnecting the implant to the stabilizer or injecting a new dosage of anti-angiogenic factor into the reservoir through an injection port in the stabilizer.

Abstract: A surgical device for localized delivery of beta radiation in surgical procedures, particularly ophthalmic procedures. Preferred surgical devices include a cannula with a beta radiotherapy emitting material at the distal end of the cannula. The surgical device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of treat Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: A surgical device for localized delivery of beta radiation in surgical procedures, particularly ophthalmic procedures. Preferred surgical devices include a cannula with a beta radiotherapy emitting material at the distal end of the cannula. The surgical device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of treat Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: A method and device for administering material to an eye during an eye-open interval. The device includes, an electronically controllable fluid delivery element and a detector in communication with the electronically controllable fluid delivery element. The detector is capable of discerning at least a portion of an eye-blink event and producing a signal actionable on the electronically controllable fluid delivery element.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating glaucoma, such as a method that includes inserting a stent through an incision in an eye; the stent having an inflow portion that is in fluid communication with an outflow portion of the stent; transporting the stent from the incision through the anterior chamber of the eye to an aqueous cavity of the eye, such that the inflow portion of the stent is positioned in the anterior chamber and the outflow portion of the stent is positioned at the aqueous cavity; and infusing fluid from the inflow portion to the outflow portion of the stent.

Abstract: An ophthalmic drug delivery device having a first end and a second end, an injection port, a reservoir, and a sleeve is disclosed. The injection port is for sealingly engaging a needle of a syringe, which is for providing a fluid comprising a pharmaceutically active agent. The reservoir is disposed within the device, is fluidly coupled to the injection port, and has an opening for communicating the fluid to an outer surface of a sclera of an eye. The sleeve is for engaging the device proximate overlapping portions of the first end and the second end for forming a generally ring-shaped three-dimensional geometry upon implantation of the device on the outer surface of the sclera. The device is useful for the treatment of a disease of the posterior segment of the eye.

Abstract: A device for dispensing viscoelastic solutions, said device consisting of a syringe (1) which contains at least two viscoelastic solutions (V1, V2) having different properties, said solutions (V1, V2) being dispensed in succession, in a predetermined order, said device being characterized in that said syringe (1) includes at least one moving diaphragm (10) that separates said at least two viscoelastic solutions (V1, V2).