Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a system for treating a gland of a patient. The system includes a handheld device including a probe, a tip of the probe being formed with a suction opening and a delivery opening; a backend apparatus including a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid, an agent reservoir configured to contain agent particles, and a suction force generator; a delivery channel in fluid communication with the delivery opening and the fluid reservoir and the agent reservoir, the delivery channel allowing a mixture of the fluid and the agent particles to travel through the delivery channel and exit at the delivery opening; and a suction channel in fluid communication with the suction opening and the suction force generator, the suction channel allowing a suction force being generated at the suction opening by the suction force generator.

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.

Abstract: A therapeutic compress system for treatment of a body part. For treatment of the eye region, the compress system comprises a deformable frame that is disposable upon the eye region and includes a first frame section joined to a second frame section at a central bridge. A gel pack is removably joined to the frame and comprises a gelatinous material contained in a pouch. A V-strap assembly may be required for securing the gel pack and frame to the eye user in a manner that optimizes pressure of the gel pack on the eye region and comfort of the user. The compress system may include a gel impressor that is inwardly deformable so as to contact portions of the gel pack with the nasal corners of the eyes of the user.

Abstract: In one exemplary aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an assembly having an irrigation hand piece that includes an irrigation needle extending from a distal end. The irrigation needle is also configured to release a first fluid. The assembly further has an aspiration hand piece that includes an aspiration needle extending from a distal end. The aspiration needle has an axis and is configured to aspirate a second fluid into the assembly. The assembly has a first configuration in which the irrigation hand piece and aspiration hand piece are coupled together in a manner that causes the released first fluid from the assembly to flow coaxially about the axis of the aspiration needle and a second configuration in which the irrigation hand piece and aspiration hand piece are uncoupled which causes the released first fluid to flow substantially non-coaxial with respect to the axis of the aspiration needle.

Abstract: A flexible and restorable container main body for housing a medicinal solution. A stopper member is fixed in an inside of a medicinal solution passage that communicates with the container main body for discharging the medicinal solution when the container main body is pressed and deformed. A pressure valve is arranged in the medicinal solution passage at a downstream side in the medicinal solution discharge direction further than the stopper member and is formed with an opening having a circular cross section which contacts a tip portion of the stopper member. A biasing member is provided at a downstream side for biasing the pressure valve in a direction opposite to the medicinal solution discharge direction by abutting against a peripheral portion of the opening of the pressure valve.

Abstract: A device and system for controlling pressure via fluid exchange in the body is presented. The device and system may be used to control intraocular eye pressure. The system is comprised of four main components: a cannula, a sensor, a controller and a pump. The system works to engage in a fluid exchange which slowly increases/decreases intraocular pressure until a desired level is reached. Once the desired level is reached, the intraocular pressure is held steady and any external pressure perturbations are removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of treating an eye that include coupling a suction ring to the eye and introducing a liquid into an interior chamber of a container element coupled to the suction ring. The container element is also coupled to a focusing lens of a laser system such that only the liquid within the interior chamber is positioned between the focusing lens of the laser system and an outer surface of the eye. In some embodiments, the suction ring has a first suction region that is designed to suck the suction ring onto an eye and a second suction region that is designed to couple the suction ring to the container element.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for delivering an active agent into the eye of a subject. One such device may include an anode assembly having an anode housing and an anode configured to electrically couple to a power source, the anode assembly being configured to contact and remain against a surface of the eye. The device may also include a cathode assembly having a cathode housing and a cathode configured to electrically couple to the power source, the cathode assembly being configured to contact and remain against the surface of the eye. Additionally, the device may include at least one active agent reservoir functionally associated with at least one of the anode assembly and the cathode assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a fully human antigen binding fragment of an antibody for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or diagnosis of an ocular disease upon topical administration. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a fully human binding fragment of an antibody for ocular topical administration for treatment or diagnosis of an ocular disease. In particular, the antibody neutralizes HSV1 and HSV2.

Abstract: An emergency eyewash unit includes a pair of water discharge ports oriented to produce a pair of upwardly directed, diverging water streams for inside-out flush flow of contaminants from a person's eyes. These eyewash streams can be combined with a plurality of smaller upwardly directed facewash streams for flushing contaminants from a person's face. The eyewash and/or facewash streams are produced by an eyewash body adapted for rotatable mounting onto a water supply conduit, with a locking clip normally preventing undesired rotational disassembly. The eyewash body may be used in combination with an overhead emergency shower which, in one preferred form, includes a shower spray head carrying multiple flow control and flow shaper elements to produce a substantially uniformly dispersed shower spray pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for implanting ocular implants in eyes are provided which include a bent cannula having a lumen extending therethrough, the lumen having a length and a diameter and being configured to receive an ocular implant. The ocular implant is made up of a plurality of substantially uniformly sized particles, preferably a plurality of uniformly sized microspheres, arranged in a one-by-one array along the length of the lumen. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism for delivering the implant through the distal end of the lumen and into the eye, preferably without the use of a liquid or gel carrier medium located in the lumen along with the implant.

Abstract: Provided is a device for use in controlling the liquid outflow from the anterior chamber of the eye, methods of draining aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the intra-orbital space using the device, methods for controlling the liquid outflow from the anterior chamber of the eye and further surgical methods for implanting the presently described device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to medical databases, remote monitoring, diagnosis and treatment systems and methods. In one particular embodiment, a system for remote monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment of eye conditions, disorders and diseases is provided. This method generally includes administering a stream of droplets to the eye of a subject from an ejector device, and storing data related to the administration in a memory of the ejector device. The data may then be monitored and analyzed.

Abstract: Described is a medicament delivery device comprising a body adapted to be placed on the eye and a reservoir formed in the body containing a medicament. The body has a first surface adapted to contact at least a portion of the eye and be centered around a cornea. At least one projection is formed on the first surface. The projection includes a channel adapted to create a fluid flow path for the medicament from the reservoir to a terminal end of the projection.

Abstract: A viscoelastic medium is useful for the manufacture of a medicament, such as a medical device, for treatment of increased intraocular pressure in the eye of a human or animal. The medicament is administerable into at least one sclerally penetrating fistula of the eye such that the fistula is filled with the medicament. The medium is also useful in a method of treating increased intraocular pressure in the eye of a human or an animal in need thereof, comprising the step of injecting the viscoelastic medium into at least one sclerally penetrating fistula in the eye such that the fistula is filled with the medium.

Abstract: Modularized eye treatment devices, systems, kits and method are disclosed which include therapy delivery modules that are combined in a housing to deliver one or more therapies to a patient. Therapy modules include temperature control modules, moisture delivery modules and massage delivery modules. A controller can be provided that identifies which therapy modules are provided and therapy is adjusted based on the identification of which modules are provided in the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus to treat an eye comprises an annular retention structure to couple to an anterior surface of the eye. The retention structure is coupled to a suction line to couple the retention structure to the eye with suction. A coupling sensor is coupled to the retention structure or the suction line to determine coupling of the retention structure to the eye. A fluid collecting container can be coupled to the retention structure to receive and collect liquid or viscous material from the retention structure. A fluid stop comprising a porous structure can be coupled to an outlet of the fluid collecting container to inhibit passage of the liquid or viscous material when the container has received an amount of the liquid or viscous material. The coupling sensor can be coupled upstream of the porous structure to provide a rapid measurement of the coupling of the retention structure to the eye.

Abstract: A method of treating glaucoma in an eye by managing fluid flow past an implanted shunt having an elastomeric plate and a non-valved elastomeric drainage tube. The plate is positioned over a sclera of the eye with an outflow end of the elastomeric drainage tube open to an outer face of the plate. An inflow end of the drainage tube tunnels through the sclera to the anterior chamber of the eye. The plate may have regions of greater propensity for cell adhesion alternating with regions of lesser cell adhesion. For example, regions of texturing around the plate or drainage tube may be provided to control the size of a bleb that forms over the implant. The effective surface area of the plate may be balanced against a number of fenestrations. The drainage tube has a reduced profile and may be shaped with a non-circular external cross-section to reduce its height. A scleral groove may be used to further reduce the height of the drainage tube on the sclera.

Abstract: A method of delivering safe, suitable, and repeatable dosages to a subject for topical, oral, nasal, or pulmonary use and a device for droplet ejection includes a fluid delivery system capable of delivering a defined volume of the fluid in the form of droplets having properties that afford adequate and repeatable high percentage deposition upon application. The method and device include a housing, a reservoir disposed within the housing for receiving a volume of fluid, an ejector mechanism configured to eject a stream of droplets having an average ejected droplet diameter greater than 15 microns, the stream of droplets having low entrained airflow such that the stream of droplets deposit on the eye of the subject during use.

Abstract: Methods and systems 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. Some embodiments described apparatus and methods useful in photoablation of tissues. In some embodiments, a photoablation apparatus is used to perforate a tissue, forming an aperture into a space behind the tissue. Gases formed during a photoablation process can be used to pressurize the space behind the tissue to enhance patency of the space. In some embodiments the tissue is the trabecular meshwork of the eye and a wall of Schlemm's canal, and the space behind the tissue is a portion of the lumen of Schlemm's canal. In some embodiments, the method is useful in the treatment of glaucoma by improving outflow from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal, reducing intraocular pressure.

Abstract: An ocular device for insertion into an eye is provided and includes a body having an anterior surface and a posterior surface for placement on one of superior sclera and inferior sclera of the eye. The posterior surface is defined by a base curve that is substantially identical to a radius of curvature of the one of the superior sclera and inferior sclera of the eye. In one embodiment, the ocular device serves as an ocular drug delivery device and contains an active pharmaceutical agent, a lubricant, etc.

Abstract: An ocular implant includes an elongate member having an internal lumen forming a flow pathway that provides a fluid pathway between the anterior chamber and the suprachoroidal space of the eye. The implant includes a hydrogel member attached to the elongate member, wherein the hydrogel member is adapted to expand upon implantation of the elongate member in the eye. An attachment attaches the hydrogel member to the elongate member.

Abstract: A medical system comprising apparatus and methods for improved irrigation and lavage in wound management. The device attaches to at least one irrigation fluid source and is configured to administer the fluid indirectly to a wound or tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, and methods for delivery of an active agent into the eye of a subject. In one aspect, for example, an ocular active agent delivery device (10) can include an active agent reservoir (14) disposed in an annular housing (12), the annular housing (12) being configured to fit inside of a lens capsule and at least partially encircling a line of sight of an intraocular lens within the lens capsule. The device (10) can further include a semipermeable membrane (16) operatively coupled to the active agent reservoir (14), where the semipermeable membrane (16) is configured to allow diffusion of an active agent from the active agent reservoir (14). Additionally, a valve (18) can be operatively coupled to the active agent reservoir (14), where the valve (18) is configured to allow filling of the active agent reservoir (14) with an active agent.

Abstract: A smoke capture adapter comprising: a first adapter part having a first generally ring-shaped portion with a first cylindrical inner surface for securely engaging a laser apparatus having a beam propagation axis, the first generally ring-shaped portion being oriented such that the beam propagation axis passes through a region bound the first generally ring-shaped portion and a tubular outlet extending from said first generally ring-shaped portion for communicating with a vacuum tube; a second adapter part rotatably connected to the first adapter part and arranged to rotate generally about the beam propagation axis having a second generally ring-shaped portion adjacent the first generally ring-shaped portion, the first and second generally ring-shaped portions defining a generally toroidal cavity and an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity; the tubular outlet and inlet in fluid communication through the cavity; whereby the position of the inlet relative to the first adapter part may be adjusted by rota

Abstract: An injectable formulation of therapeutic agent may comprise the therapeutic agent and a stabilizer such that a substantial portion of the stabilizer remains in the therapeutic device to stabilize the therapeutic agent when the therapeutic agent is released from the therapeutic device. The injectable formulation may comprise one or more of binding agent particles or erodible material particles, such that the formulation can be injected into the therapeutic device. The binding agent particles can bind reversibly to the therapeutic agent so as to modulate release of the therapeutic agent, and the erodible material particles can generate protons of an acid so as to increase stability of the therapeutic agent and may modulate release of the therapeutic agent. The therapeutic agent can be combined with one or more of the stabilizer, the binding agent particles or the erodible particles to increase stability of the therapeutic agent and may modulate release.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for delivering an active agent into the eye of a subject. In one aspect, for example, the present invention provides an ocular drug delivery device including a housing configured to couple to the eye of the subject and a corneal seal coupled to the housing and positioned in the housing to encircle the cornea during use to form a corneal region, where the housing extends outward from the corneal seal to form a scleral region, and where the scleral region being positioned over the eye's sclera during use. The device further includes an active agent reservoir coupled to the housing and positioned to release active agent into the scleral region and a pressure regulator coupled to the housing that is operable to introduce negative pressure between the housing and the eye. Thus the corneal seal is operable to fluidically isolate the corneal region from the scleral region in response to the negative pressure.

Abstract: An eyewash station includes a body, a door, and a waste collection system for waste eyewash solution. The body contains an eyewash solution source having a defined solution volume. A first area of the door is pivotally connected to the body. An internal surface of a second area of the door has a dispensing member in fluid communication with the eyewash solution source. The second area of the door has a waste collection system including a flexible container, such as a rolled bag. In operation, the eyewash solution is dispensed from the dispensing member and then the waste eyewash solution collected and contained in the rolled bag.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for delivering an active agent into the eye of a subject. One such device may include an anode assembly having an anode housing and an anode configured to electrically couple to a power source, the anode assembly being configured to contact and remain against a surface of the eye. The device may also include a cathode assembly having a cathode housing and a cathode configured to electrically couple to the power source, the cathode assembly being configured to contact and remain against the surface of the eye. Additionally, the device may include at least one active agent reservoir functionally associated with at least one of the anode assembly and the cathode assembly.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a mammal wherein an occlusion blocks at least a portion of the flow of naturally occurring secretion out of a gland channel orifice. The invention comprises selecting a device capable of delivering a jet of heated medium. The device is positioned such that when the jet is it is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid, proximate to the gland channel orifice, a jet of heated medium is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid proximate to the gland channel orifice at a pressure of from about 2 psi to about 30 psi. Application of the jet of heated medium is maintained for sufficient time to loosen, break up, fracture, soften or liquefy at least a portion of the occlusion such that at least a portion of the occlusion is removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the medium is water heated to a temperature of between about 42° C. and about 46° C.

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 for intraocular injection comprising a body adapted to accommodate an injection device and a displacement device coupled to a distal portion of the body. The displacement device comprises a first portion and a second portion connected to the first portion. Axial movement of the first portion within the body in a distal direction causes the second portion to displace a superficial layer of an eye relative to an underlying layer of the eye.

Abstract: Implantable drug delivery devices, and kits and methods incorporating them are described. The devices may, for example, be configured for implantation into an ocular region of a subject. The drug delivery devices may comprise multiple, selectively-triggerable drug reservoirs for administration of sequential or concomitant drug regimens. Some variations of devices may comprise one or more reservoirs that may be triggered by an optical stimulus, e.g., light having a wavelength within a certain wavelength range. The devices, methods, and kits may be useful in the treatment chronic ocular conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices comprising a non-bioabsorbable polymer structure configured to support a composition comprising an active agent. The devices include a plurality of portions fused together and a recess configured to support the composition. At least one of the portions includes an impermeable polymer and at least one other portion includes a rate-limiting water-permeable polymer. The rate-limiting water-permeable polymer allows for transportation of the active agent to an exterior of the device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aqueous pharmaceutical composition, particularly an aqueous ophthalmic composition, suitable as an injection, particularly an intravitreal injection. The composition includes a biologic therapeutic agent (e.g., an isolated monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to a C5 protein) that tends to raise the viscosity of the composition and a guanidine and/or guanidine derivative (e.g., L-arginine) that tends to lower the viscosity of the composition.

Abstract: A gravity-fed, emergency eyewash station includes a flow regulator in the feed line between the solution bag and the dispensing nozzle to maintain a constant flow rate throughout the entire activation time frame. The flow regulator uses a float valve to variably open and close an orifice that feeds the dispensing nozzle. Solution enters the flow regulator from an orifice at the top and leaves from an opening at the bottom. Solution flowing into and out of the regulator quickly reaches an equilibrium state, resulting in a constant flow rate for the entire activation time frame.

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.

Abstract: A system for treating an ocular condition of a patient includes an electrically powered ocular implant sized for placement within an eye and includes a transmitter sized to be carried on or adjacent the head of the patient for disposal adjacent the eye. The transmitter includes a transmission antenna that emits an electromagnetic flux field sufficient to energize the ocular implant and includes a flux shunt disposed within the electromagnetic flux field. The transmission antenna may be disposed between the flux shunt and the implant.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for delivery of an active agent into the eye of a subject can include an intraocular active agent delivery device including an active agent dispersed within a biodegradable active agent matrix. The active agent includes dexamethasone and the delivery device is adapted to fit within a lens capsule or ciliary sulcus of an eye. The delivery device can be inserted into the lens capsule or ciliary sulcus of an eye during cataract surgery or for treatment of uveitis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are drug delivery devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders requiring targeted and controlled administration of a drug to an interior portion of the eye for reduction or prevention of symptoms of the disorder. The devices are capable of controlled release of one or more drugs and may also include structures which allow for treatment of increased intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber of the eye through the device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide treatment with a first therapeutic agent and a second therapeutic agent for an extended time. The first therapeutic agent may comprise a VEGF inhibitor and the second therapeutic agent may comprise an antiinflammatory, such as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, for example a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. One or more of the first therapeutic agent or the second therapeutic agent can be injected into the eye, for example injected into a therapeutic device implanted into the eye to release the injected therapeutic agent for an extended time.

Abstract: A therapeutic device can be configured to place the reservoir substantially between the conjunctiva and the scleral such that the size of the reservoir can be increased and the size of the scleral penetration decreased so as to decrease invasiveness. The device may comprise a substantially constant reservoir volume and drug release mechanism, in which the volume of the reservoir and mechanism are tuned to receive a quantity of therapeutic agent with a volume of injected formulation and release the therapeutic agent for an extended time with a release rate profile. The porous structure may comprise a first side coupled to the reservoir and a second side to couple to the patient to release the therapeutic agent, and a plurality of interconnecting channels can extend from the first side to the second side.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an ophthalmic surgical instrument may include an aspiration tube, an irrigation/aspiration tip (formed of a first material such as plastic), and a patch, coupled to the irrigation/aspiration tip, made of a second material (e.g., silicone) having a higher coefficient of friction than the first material. In some embodiments, the patch may be placed on the irrigation/aspiration tip in a position to allow a user of the irrigation/aspiration tip to manipulate an intraocular lens (IOL) through contact between the patch and the IOL. For example, the patch may be positioned on a side of the irrigation/aspiration tip opposite an aspiration port or on a distal end of the irrigation/aspiration tip. In some embodiments, the patch may be formed separately and coupled to the irrigation/aspiration tip through an adhesive or may be molded onto the irrigation/aspiration tip. In some embodiments, the patch may include features to increase friction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drug carrier device attachable to glasses, which is attached to the glasses and worn with the glasses around the eyes to enable transdermal delivery of drugs for medicinal ingredients for promoting eye fatigue recovery and improving eye diseases. The drug carrier device includes a drug carrier containing medicinal herb ingredients, and a fixing unit for detachably fixing the drug carrier on a frame of glasses. The fixing unit extends from the drug carrier and has a fixing loop whose end portion is bent to be hooked on frame of the glasses. The frame of the glasses is made of a metal to be magnetically coupled to a magnet and the fixing unit includes a permanent magnet magnetically coupled to the frame of glasses. The drug carrier device is attached to the glasses to enable drugs to penetrate into the skin around the eyes of the wearer during everyday life, thereby minimizing the cost burden associated with providing an additional pad fixing member and reducing feeling of irritation.

Abstract: An ophthalmic drug delivery device containing a primary medicament reservoir and a replaceable medicated module containing a second medicament where the device has a selector to allow dispense of primary medicament or a combination of the primary and secondary medicaments such that a single activation of the ophthalmic drug delivery will deliver both medicaments to the user.

Abstract: The middle ear ventilation tube is a ventilation tube for placement through an opening formed through the tympanic membrane to drain fluid from the middle ear to the ear canal or outer ear. The middle ear ventilation tube includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical tube having axially opposed first and second open ends. A first annular flange is formed about the first open end of the tube. The first annular flange defines a tapered angled edge for insertion through an opening formed through the patient's tympanic membrane. A second annular flange is formed about the second open end of the tube. The second annular flange has a tongue portion extending outwardly therefrom for grasping and manipulation. A notch is formed in the tongue portion, and a pair of recesses are formed in the second annular flange, each for engaging a needle for fine adjustment within the ear.

Abstract: A drug support body is provided that can be used to appropriately administer a drug to the anterior segment of the eye while the production cost is reduced. A drug layer containing a drug component to be administered to an anterior segment of the eye is provided at a halfway portion in a longitudinal direction of a base plate, wherein the base plate includes a bending portion that allows the base plate to bend in a direction opposite to a surface of the base plate on which the drug layer is provided, and by bending the base plate at the bending portion, at least a portion of a surface facing the base plate of the drug layer is exposed from the base plate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a semiconductor device comprising an array of containment cells, wherein each containment cell is configured to contain a medicament and each containment cell comprises a cell activation element configured to release the medicament within the containment cell upon receipt of an activation trigger.

Abstract: An eyelid margin wipe comprising chemical means for adjusting the temperature of the wipe relative to the ambient temperature. The wipe is particularly useful for treatment of disorders of the eyelid or eyelid margin such as meibomian gland dysfunction.

Abstract: An ophthalmic microsurgical system is described for treatment of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The microsurgical system includes a thin walled outer sheath microcannula 1 slidably disposed about an inner member 4, which extends slightly beyond the distal end of the microcannula 1. The inner member 4 may be straight or curved and may optionally include a surgical instrument and/or a sensor or signaling beacon. The microsurgical system is used in a surgical procedure for opening Schlemm's Canal to provide drainage of aqueous fluid in order to relieve excess intraocular pressure that results from glaucoma and other diseases of the eye.