Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of dry eyes by providing a single apparatus for measuring the diameter of the lacrimal punctum and, based on the measured punctal diameter, inserting therein an appropriately sized punctum plug.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 14, 2011
Date of Patent:
November 26, 2013
Assignees:
AlphaMed, Inc., OCuSOFT, Inc.
Inventors:
James Michael Gubachy, Arthur Medina, Jr.
Abstract: A punctum plug includes a distal tip, a proximal cap and a body connecting the tip to the cap. The cap has a proximal surface which remains exposed in the eye upon implantation of the punctum plug. A passage for an insertion tool extends distally in the punctum plug from an opening along the proximal surface. One or more recesses in the proximal surface collect tear fluid by surface tension, and each recess is laterally offset in its entirety from the opening and does not overlap or align with the opening. The number of recesses is indicative of the size of the punctum plug. A method of punctal occlusion involves collecting tear fluid in the one or more recesses and adhering the tear fluid in the one or more recesses by surface tension.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 16, 2003
Date of Patent:
February 7, 2006
Assignee:
AlphaMed Inc.
Inventors:
George W. Murray, Michael J. Watermeier