Ocular insert apparatus and methods

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.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to the following co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Applications: (1) Serial No. 61, filed September 14, 2011, entitled "Ocular Insert Apparatus And Methods" / 534,845; and (2) US Provisional Application Serial No. 61 / 568,624, filed December 8, 2011, entitled "Ocular Insert Apparatus And Methods." The disclosure of the above provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0003] The subject matter of this application is related to the following commonly assigned patent application: PCT Application No. PCT / US2010 / 037268, published as WO2010 / 141729 on December 9, 2010, entitled "Anterior Segment Drug Delivery"; U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 151,001, filed June 1, 2010, entitled "Anterior Segment Drug Delivery"; and filed September 14, 2011, entitled "Ocular Insert Device and (Ocular Insert Apparatus And Methods), U.S. Provisional Patent Application Seri...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Existing insert devices can be less than ideal, and blinking in at least some cases can cause the insert to contact the cornea, or rub the eyelid or conjunctiva, causing patient discomfort in at least some cases

Furthermore, given that existing insert structures can remain in the eye for extended periods of time, the release rate profile for the amount of drug released and the amount released for extended periods of time may be low in at least some instances for at least some of the existing insert structures. ideal value

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