OCULAR INSERT

• US 3,626,940 A
• Filed: 05/02/1969
• Issued: 12/14/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/1969
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Alejandro Zaffaroni
• Original Assignee: Alejandro Zaffaroni
• Inventors: Zaffaroni, Alejandro
• Primary Examiner(s): Michell, Robert W.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dyer, R. P.
• Application Number:
  US04/821,468
• Time in Patent Office: 956 Days
• Field of Search: 128/260,261,268,1.4,1.3,264,303.1,76.5 351/160
• US Class Current: 424/427
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 9/0017 implantable in, or in contact with, the eye, e.g. ocular inserts
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0051 Ocular inserts, ocular implants

Abstract

Drug dispensing ocular insert for insertion into the cul-de-sac of the conjunctiva between the sclera of the eyeball and the lid to dispense drug to the eye over a prolonged period of time is adapted for convenient insertion and removal by incorporation of a magnetically attractable substance therein. The ocular insert can be inserted and removed from the cul-de-sac using a magnetic tool.

Claims

1. In a drug dispensing ocular insert comprising a flexible body containing a drug and adapted for insertion into the cul-de-sac of the conjunctiva between the sclera of the eyeball and the lid to dispense drug to the eye over a prolonged period of time, the improvement for allowing insertion and removal of said ocular insert by magnetic means comprising incorporating into said ocular insert an amount of a nonmagnetic but magnetically attractable substance sufficient to render said ocular insert magnetically attractable.

2. The ocular insert of claim 1 wherein said nonmagnetic but magnetically attractable substance is encapsulated with a protective coating that is nonirritating to the eye.

3. The ocular insert of claim 1 wherein said nonmagnetic but magnetically attractable substance is dispersed throughout same.

4. The ocular insert of claim 1 wherein said nonmagnetic but magnetically attractable substance is isolated therein.