Abstract: The present invention recognizes that medical devices, such as but not limited to contact lenses, can be made having a coating made at least in part using printing technologies to provide drug storage and drug release structures. The coating preferably includes at least one drug reservoir layer and a least one barrier layer, and can include structures, such as but not limited to capillary structures, which alone or in combination modulate the release of the drug from the coating. One aspect of the present invention is a medical device that incorporates a drug in at least one coating. A second aspect of the present invention is a method of making a medical device that incorporates a drug in at least one coating. A third aspect of the present invention is a method of using a medical device of the present invention to treat or prevent a disease, disorder or condition.

Abstract: Contact lenses are provided for ocular iontophoretic therapy. Implementations include a reservoir adapted to contain a charged therapeutic compound, a current source providing iontophoretic current to the charged therapeutic composition to affect delivery of the charged therapeutic composition into an eyeball, and a sensing circuit controlling the current source to maintain a selected pH range of the charged therapeutic composition. Alternate embodiments include active, sacrificial electrodes for generating ions sufficient to provide electromotive repulsive force to the charged compound to effect transport into ocular tissue.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that medical devices, such as but not limited to contact lenses, can be made having a coating made at least in part using printing technologies to provide drug storage and drug release structures. The coating preferably includes at least one drug reservoir layer and a least one barrier layer, and can include structures, such as but not limited to capillary structures, that alone or in combination modulate the release of the drug from the coating. One aspect of the present invention is a medical device that incorporates a drug in at least one coating. A second aspect of the present invention is a method of making a medical device that incorporates a drug in at least one coating. A third aspect of the present invention is a method of using a medical device of the present invention to treat or prevent a disease, disorder or condition.

Abstract: An ophthalmic shunt includes a seal or septum through which multiple injections of the therapeutic agent can be made as needed, thereby avoiding repeated injury to the sclera. The therapeutic agent is temporarily carried in a tube connected to the septum. The therapeutic agent release may be rapid or sustained over a period of time.

Abstract: An opto-mechanical system for operation with a container containing a fluid to be administered in an eye or a container such as a syringe for example to administer an insulin injection. The mount of the system is equipped with an optical system and a processing/recording means configured to receive optical data, from light (visual or infra-red) reflected by an area in the vicinity of the eye, which data represents temporal and spatial characteristics of a process of administering drops of the fluid from the container into the eye. Image analysis software or human observation may be used to analyze the recorded images.

Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are provided. One method involves introducing an implant into an anterior chamber of an eye. The implant is implanted into eye tissue adjacent the anterior chamber such that a proximal end of the implant resides in the anterior chamber following implantation. A therapeutic agent is eluted from the implant into the eye. Desirably, the release of the therapeutic agent from the implant is controlled. The controlled release of the therapeutic agent can be at a chosen rate and/or for a selected duration which can be episodic or periodic. The therapeutic agent can be an antiproliferative agent, an anti-inflammatory drug, or a compound for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

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: Methods, devices, and systems for inserting an implant in the cornea (105) of the eye, where the implant is a microshunt device (405,515). The microshunt device may comprise an inlet (425) section comprising at least one lumen and at least one inlet opening; an outlet (420) section comprising at least one lumen that connects to at least one outlet opening; and where the microshunt device (405,515) is configured to be implanted within the cornea (105) of an eye, where the microshunt device effects the flow of aqueous humor from an anterior chamber (160,235) of the eye to the anterior surface of the cornea (410,630), bypassing the trabecular meshwork (145,240), thereby diverting aqueous humor from the anterior chamber (160,235) to the surface of the cornea (410,630).

Abstract: A method of preventing rejection of an implant in the eye, includes forming a flap in the cornea of the eye, inserting an implant under the flap, cross linking corneal tissue surrounding an implant to make the corneal tissue surrounding an implant less vulnerable to enzymatic degradation, inserting polymeric material under the corneal flap so as to overlie corneal tissue, compressing a layer of the cornea from outside using a lens having a predetermined curvature to correct refractive error of the cornea, and cross linking corneal tissue that the polymeric material overlies.

Abstract: A medical device having a permeable bag connected by a non-permeable cannula to a discharge sac is described along with a manufacturing process and surgical implantation method. The permeable portions of the device have pores that are sized to be permeable to a predetermined class of small molecules, such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, or other therapeutic agents. Once absorbed inside the device, the small molecules are then passively transported, by a concentration gradient of the small molecules, to the discharge sac to be disbursed. A metal tube or other strip can be included in the cannula to assist a surgeon in orienting the device within the body.

Abstract: A method and delivery system are disclosed for creating an aqueous flow pathway in the trabecular meshwork, juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal of an eye for reducing elevated intraocular pressure. Pulsed laser radiation is delivered from the distal end of a fiber-optic probe sufficient to cause photoablation of selected portions of the trabecular meshwork, the juxtacanalicular trabecular meshwork and an inner wall of Schlemm's canal in the target site. The fiber-optic probe may be advanced so as to create an aperture in the inner wall of Schlemm's canal in which fluid from the anterior chamber of the eye flows. The method and delivery system may further be used on any tissue types in the body.

Abstract: A method is proposed for analyzing an optical coherence tomography (OCT) image of the anterior segment (AS) of a subject's eye. A region of interest is defined which is a region of the image containing the junction of the cornea and iris, and an estimated position the junction within the region of interest is derived. Using this a second region of the image is obtained, which is a part of the image containing the estimated position of the junction. Features of the second region are obtained, and those features are input to an adaptive model to generate data characterizing the junction.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and maintains the patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and can be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, wherein the support is capable of maintaining the patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural fluid flow across the canal.

Abstract: A device for treatment of glaucoma and prevention of sub-scleral fibrosis and blockage. This invention relates to a device for treatment of glaucoma comprising of a circular patch (1) with a plurality of holes wherein the patch is made of biocompatible material. Further, this invention also relates to a device for prevention of sub-scleral fibrosis and blockage comprising of a circular patch with a cut integrally provided with a lip (2) wherein the patch is made of bio compatible material and having a plurality of holes.

Abstract: Methods and devices are adapted for implanting into the eye. An incision is formed in the cornea of the eye and a shunt is inserted through the incision into the anterior chamber of the eye. The shunt includes a fluid passageway. The shunt is passed along a pathway from the anterior chamber through the scleral spur of the eye into the suprachoroidal space and positioned in a first position such that a first portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the anterior chamber and a second portion of the fluid passageway communicates with the suprachoroidal space to provide a fluid passageway between the suprachoroidal space and the anterior chamber.

Abstract: The invention is a device and a method for delivering a dose of a pharmaceutical agent to the eye. The device and method provide a safe and effective way to instill a specified dose of the agent to the eye virtually independent of gravity and posture. The device includes a filter matrix in which the fluid capture and release properties can be modified. The filter matrix is attached to a flexible handle with an impermeable or semipermeable membrane there between.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sustained release latanoprost implant in the form of a thin film comprising latanoprost incorporated in a biodegradable polymer matrix. Preferably, said implant is an intraocular implant comprising a thin film comprising latanoprost incorporated in a biodegradable polymer matrix wherein said implant is configured as a disc or a rolled film that can be inserted into the eye and unrolls to provide a film having a high surface area to volume ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic device with a retinal vascularization monitoring system and associated methods. In some embodiments, the ophthalmic device can be a contact lens with a retinal vascularization monitoring system that can be used to monitor temporal changes of a pulsating vessel forming part of the retinal vascularization. Further, the retinal vascularization monitoring system may include elements for delivering a signal, including an audible and/or visual message, to the user that can be useful for identifying abnormal conditions such as a cardiac failure without delay. The audible and/or visual messages can be signals communicated to the user using one or both of the ophthalmic device and a wireless device in communication with the ophthalmic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic device with an intraocular pressure monitoring system and associated methods. In some embodiments, the ophthalmic device can be a contact lens with an intraocular pressure monitoring system that is not dependent on eye ball shape or change over time. Further, the intraocular pressure monitoring system may include elements for delivering audible and/or visual messages to the user that can be useful for the monitoring and treatment of glaucoma. The audible and/or visual messages can be signals communicated to the user using one or both of the ophthalmic device and a wireless device in communication with the ophthalmic device.

Abstract: An eye treatment system for performing an ocular surgical procedure contains an eye treatment probe or handpiece, a treatment console, an eye treatment cassette, and a pump formed by the engagement of the treatment cassette with the treatment console. The handpiece is configured to provide at least irrigation fluid to, and aspiration of fluid from, a subject eye. The treatment console comprises a controller configured to control the eye treatment probe. The eye treatment cassette engages the treatment console to couple the eye treatment probe with the treatment console. The pump comprises a pump head having a plurality of projections disposed to rotate about an axis, a ramp disposed near the rotating projections, and a resilient channel configured to transfer fluid when engaged by the ramp and the plurality of projections. The ramp is configured to reduce pressure fluctuations with the eye during a surgical procedure and comprises and entrance portion, a central portion, and an exit portion.

Abstract: A comfortable insert comprises a retention structure sized for placement under the eyelids and along at least a portion of conjunctival sac of the upper and lower lids of the eye. The retention structure resists deflection when placed in the conjunctival sac of the eye and to guide the insert along the sac when the eye moves. The retention structure can be configured in many ways to provide the resistance to deflection and may comprise a hoop strength so as to urge the retention structure outward and inhibit movement of the retention structure toward the cornea. The insert may move rotationally with deflection along the conjunctival sac, and may comprise a retention structure having a cross sectional dimension sized to fit within folds of the conjunctiva. The insert may comprise a release mechanism and therapeutic agent to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time.

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: A vitrectomy apparatus comprises a containment body (3), at least one supply device (4), (5) which can be fixed to an eyeball (6) and/or moved by an operator, feeding means (7) for the controlled feeding of at least one operating fluid, at least partly mounted in the containment body (3) and in turn comprising at least one main pipe (8) which is or can be connected to the supply device (4), (5), and at least one control unit (21) operatively connected at least to the feeding means (7) for controlling their operation. The vitrectomy apparatus (1) also comprises means for varying the temperature (11) of the operating fluid, being coupled with the feeding means (7) and/or with the supply device (4), (5), for varying the temperature of the operating fluid, the control unit (21) also being connected to the means for varying the temperature (11) in order to control their operation. In particular, the means for varying the temperature (11) can act as heating means (12), and comprise one or more Peltier cells (15).

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: A piercing device for use in internally pierced blister delivery devices include a base, a piercer body and an internal fluid path. The internal fluid path includes one or more inlet channels into a central cavity which is connected to one or more delivery channels and exit ports. The cavity is defined by angular walls and top to create turbulence in the fluid flow and to produce a controllable spray, mist, drops, plume or stream delivery. The piercer body also provides a pointed lancet disposed in the center of the exit ports for piercing the lidstock of a formed blister.

Abstract: A system for administering medication to an eye. The system includes a siphon tube in fluid communication with a medication reservoir, a dispensing nozzle connected to the siphon tube, and a shield coupled to the dispensing nozzle for movement relative thereto between an opened position and a closed position. The siphon tube defines a longitudinal axis extending along a substantially vertical direction when the siphon tube is in an upright position. The dispensing nozzle extends at an angle offset from the longitudinal axis when the shield is in the opened position. The nozzle and the angle are so dimensioned as to facilitate accessing the eye when the siphon tube is substantially in the upright position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the transplantation of cells (3) in suspension comprising a support with at least one micro-cavity (2) containing or able to contain said suspension in direct contact with the object on which the cells are to be transplanted. The device is intended for application to human tissue or human or animal body, such as the eye, the gingiva, skin, a wound or a burn.

Abstract: A comfortable insert comprises a retention structure sized for placement under the eyelids and along at least a portion of conjunctival sac of the upper and lower lids of the eye. The retention structure resists deflection when placed in the conjunctival sac of the eye and to guide the insert along the sac when the eye moves. The retention structure can be configured in many ways to provide the resistance to deflection and may comprise a hoop strength so as to urge the retention structure outward and inhibit movement of the retention structure toward the cornea. The insert may move rotationally with deflection along the conjunctival sac, and may comprise a retention structure having a cross sectional dimension sized to fit within folds of the conjunctiva. The insert may comprise a release mechanism and therapeutic agent to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time.

Abstract: Described herein are delivery devices and methods of using the devices for delivering an ocular implant into a suprachoroidal space without use of a goniolens. The delivery device includes a handle including a channel extending from a proximal end of the handle to a distal end of the handle, an applier coupled to the handle, the applier including a blunt distal tip and an elongate, flexible wire insertable through a fluid channel of an ocular implant, and a fiber optic image bundle reversibly inserted through the channel such that the fiber optic image bundle extends to a region proximal to the blunt distal tip of the applier.

Abstract: A composition is described herein comprising cyclosporin A, polysorbate 80, a polyoxyethylene stearate, and an oil; wherein the composition is an emulsion which is ophthalmically acceptable. Methods of treating diseases or conditions using said compositions, and medicaments related thereto, are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and software for controlling infusion pressure, such as during a medical procedure, using systemic blood pressure are described. Systemic blood pressure, such as brachial arm blood pressure or radial artery blood pressure, may be used to estimate central retinal artery blood pressure to estimate critical closing pressure. Further, the disclosure relates to controlling infusion pressure to prevent an increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure when such is not desired, and, when such is desired, using systemic blood pressure and infusion pressure to control an intentional increase in intraocular pressure above the estimated critical closing pressure to stop intraocular bleeding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bottle for packaging a liquid to be distributed drop by drop comprising a reservoir the walls of which can be reversibly elastically deformed by letting air into the container, surmounted by a liquid dispensing head comprising a dropper nozzle protruding from the bottle and an anti-bacterial filter membrane, that is partially hydrophilic and partially hydrophobic, interposed across the path of the liquid and the air, at the base of the said nozzle. In the dispensing head, the proposal is to create the nozzle by itself out of a material containing a bactericidal agent that has the effect of preventing any bacterial growth on the surface of the said nozzle on the outside of the antibacterial membrane. A porous core is advantageously positioned inside the duct through which liquid is expelled and air is admitted.

Abstract: Disclosed are lacrimal inserts and their method of use for delivery of medication to the eye. The plug includes a body portion sized to pass through a lacrimal punctum and be positioned within a lacrimal canaliculus of the eyelid and includes means for directional release of medication into the lacrimal fluid. The plug may contain a core, or reservoir, at least partially within the body portion comprising a therapeutic agent that is configured to controlled release into the eye.

Abstract: An article for therapy and treatment of at least one eye. The article includes a backing for application to the at least one eye. The backing includes at least one receiver positioned to align with the at least one eye. The article also includes at least one pod that is detachably secured within the at least one receiver. The at least one pod includes material for delivering therapy and treatment to the at least one eye.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in treating eye conditions. In some embodiments, a site-specific therapeutic agent is mixed with a releasing agent with a dual syringe apparatus in order to achieve homogeneity. Once mixed, the site-specific therapeutic agent and releasing agent can be either dispensed directly within an area of the eye or within an implant. The implant can be at least partially filled with the site-specific therapeutic agent and releasing agent either prior to or after implantation into the eye. Some ratios of site-specific therapeutic agents to releasing agents are disclosed which provide various releasing profiles of the site-specific therapeutic agent within the eye.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to an injection device having a plunger configured to advance a distance into a container of material, such as a viscoelastic container; a trigger mechanism configured upon an actuation of the trigger mechanism to apply a first force to a spring element; and the spring element coupled to the plunger and configured to apply a second force to the plunger and which is configured to prevent exceeding a threshold maximum force applied to the container.

Abstract: Described is an aid device for an intraocular injection comprising a skirt having an aperture to receive an eye, and a cover coupled to the skirt. The cover has one or more guide holes adapted to receive a needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for treatment of glaucoma, wherein by means of an elongated catheter provided with a distal portion and a proximal portion, a tube-shaped implant is inserted and released in a Schlemm's canal with two opposite openings exposed by an incision and a folded up scleral flap. In a first phase, the distal portion inserted into the Schlemm's canal through the first opening, while a fluid or gaseous medium is injected at the same time, and exited through the second opening, which is, in circumferential direction, oppositely located. The implant detachably disposed at the protruding distal portion and, in a second phase, inserted, in circumferential direction, into the expanded Schlemm's canal up to the first opening. Subsequently, the distal portion, which protrudes from the first opening, is detached from the implant and, together with the catheter, removed.

Abstract: Therapeutic agent delivery formulations for the sustained release of therapeutic agents from a Port Delivery System (PDS) implant is described in this application.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for sealing and encapsulating Components on and within an annular-shaped Multi-Piece Insert. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic Lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel and the Component includes a sealed and encapsulated Multi-Piece Insert portion.

Abstract: A biocompatible glaucoma drainage device, comprising a non-porous element, a porous element, an anchoring assembly disposed around the non-porous element, wherein the anchoring assembly comprises a plurality of barbs extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: Various systems and techniques may be used for moisturizing an eye during ocular surgery. In particular implementations, a system and a technique for moisturizing an eye may include the ability to determine whether an eye should be moisturized during ocular surgery and to activate a fluid control device if an eye should be moisturized. The activation of the fluid control device may allow fluid flow from a fluid reservoir to a fluid nozzle coupled to a nozzle mounting device adapted to hold the fluid nozzle stable relative to a patient's eye. The system and the technique may also include the ability to deactivate the fluid control device.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for intraocular injection comprising a body adapted to accommodate a syringe having a needle, an outer sleeve telescopically coupled to the body, and at least two arms hingedly coupled to the outer sleeve. Each of the arms comprises a medial portion adapted to encase at least a portion of the needle. When the body moves distally relative 10 to said outer sleeve, the body engages the arms separating the medial portions.

Abstract: A first sponge device for use to manipulate and prepare the surface of the epithelium of an eye prior to application of an ophthalmic solution has a handle and a sponge head secured to the handle. The head is made of an absorbent, wicking sponge material and has a non-sharp, tissue preparation surface of predetermined shape for rubbing across the surface of the epithelium layer in order to manipulate the tissue. After the surface is prepared, a second, holding sponge is placed over the eye to act as a reservoir and to hold ophthalmic solution against the eye surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are lacrimal inserts and their method of use for delivery of medication to the eye. The plug includes a body portion sized to pass through a lacrimal punctum and be positioned within a lacrimal canaliculus of the eyelid. The plug may contain a core, or reservoir, at least partially within the body portion comprising a therapeutic agent that is configured to controlled release into the eye and is configured for release medication via a designated port, valve, or orifice in the insert housing and inhibits diffusion of medication via the housing itself.

Abstract: An injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, and a temperature control device. The dispensing chamber housing has a first part and a second part. The first part is thermally coupled to a needle. The second part is thermally coupled to the first part. The second part has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with an inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing, is capable of sliding in the dispensing chamber housing, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing and is capable of altering a temperature of the substance in the dispensing chamber. The second part has a greater thermal coefficient than the first part.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the delivering of medicinal compounds into the natural orifice of a being, human or otherwise, but most suitably for the delivery of a punctal plug to the punctum of a human.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants may include a brimonidine free base and a biodegradable polymer associated with the brimonidine free base to facilitate the release of the brimonidine free base into an eye with the polymer matrix lasts a period of time of not more than twice the drug release duration, but more than the drug release duration.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing pulsatile release of active agents via a punctal plug inserted into a punctum. A tube is provided which may be inserted into a cavity of a punctal plug. One or more pulsatile delivery units are arranged in a generally linear fashion within the tube. The pulsatile delivery units include a core comprising the active agent and an encapsulation layer around the core.

Abstract: An apparatus to treat a patient comprises a container to receive fluid of a device implanted in the eye. The fluid of the device can be analyzed to determine a component of the vitreous humor of the eye.