Abstract: The invention relates generally medical devices and methods for the treatment of glaucoma in an animal eye and, more particularly, to medical devices and methods for treating tissue of the trabecular meshwork and /or Schlemm's canal of the eye to restore or rejuvenate a portion or all of the normal physiological function of directing aqueous outflow for maintaining a normal intraocular pressure in the eye.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for improved treatment of elevated intraocular pressure due to glaucoma. A trabecular shunting device is adapted for implantation within the trabecular meshwork of an eye such that aqueous humor flows controllably from the anterior chamber of the eye to Schlemm's canal, bypassing the trabecular meshwork. The trabecular shunting device may utilize a quantity of pharmaceuticals effective in treating glaucoma, which are controllably released from the device into cells of the trabecular meshwork and/or Schlemm's canal. Depending upon the specific treatment contemplated, pharmaceuticals may be utilized in conjunction with the trabecular shunting device such that aqueous flow either increases or decreases as desired. Placement of the trabecular shunting device within the eye, and release of a glaucoma medication therefrom, can arrest or slow the progression of glaucoma.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for placing a fluid shunt, for the treatment of glaucoma, from inside the anterior chamber of an eye, through the trabecular meshwork, and into Schlemm's canal. The apparatus can include a handpiece having a distal end and a proximal end; an elongate tip connected to the distal end of said handpiece, the elongate tip having a distal portion and being configured to be placed through a corneal incision and into an anterior chamber of said eye; a holder attached to the distal portion of the elongate tip, the holder configured to hold and release said inlet section of the trabecular shunt; and an actuator on the handpiece that actuates the holder to release the inlet section of the trabecular shunt from the holder.