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Ocular insert with anchoring protrusions

  • US 5,322,691 A
  • Filed: 06/29/1993
  • Issued: 06/21/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/02/1986
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for the controlled sustained release of an ophthalmic drug into the eye over a period of time which comprises:

  • (a) inserting an elongated device having a body of polymeric material in the form of a rod or tube containing an ophthalmic drug into the upper or lower fornix so as to anchor said device into position therein, with at least two anchoring protrusions extending radially outwardly from said body, said device having a length of at least 8 mm and a diameter including protrusions which does not exceed 1.9 mm, wherein said device is sufficiently flexible to allow it to bend along the curvature of the eye within the upper or lower fornix upon being position so that the longitudinal axis of said device is generally parallel to the transverse diameter of the eyeball, said device being of a size and configuration such that, upon insertion into the upper or lower fornix, the device does not extend onto any visible portion of the eyeball, said device being independent of movement of the eye and remaining out of the field of vision so as to be well retained in place and imperceptible by a patient over a prolonged period of use, with said protrusions acting to minimize lateral movement of the device within the fornix; and

    (b) allowing said device to remain in the upper or lower fornix for drug release during said period of time, whereby the device when inserted into the upper or lower fornix can be retained therein for more than seven days.

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