Biocompatible materials including a biodegradable hydrogel and an active agent including a divalent metal salt are provided. Methods of making the biocompatible materials and methods of use, for example for treating an eye disease or disorder, such as keratoconus, are also provided.

A plug for occluding an ocular canaliculus comprises a cylindrical body member having a first outer diameter. The cylindrical body member is provided along an external surface with at least one outwardly extending projection having a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter and larger than an inner diameter of an ocular canaliculus. The first outer diameter of the plug is typically less than and approximately equal to the inner diameter of the canaliculus.

A goniotomy surgical instrument (10) includes a hand grip portion (12) having an elongated configuration with proximal and distal ends. The instrument (10) includes a tip portion (14) extending from the distal end of the hand grip portion (12) and includes a shank (16) extending from the hand grip portion (12). The tip portion (14) includes a V-shaped distal end having first and second legs (18, 20). The first leg (18) extends at a first angle (α) from the shank (16) of the tip portion (14). The second leg (20) extends at a second angle (β) from the first leg (18). The shank (16) and the first and second legs (18, 20) are substantially coplanar.

A plurality of methods and apparatus for managing deficiencies of the meibomian gland lipid production and delivery, including wearable fabrics configured with a matrix of micro- and nano-electromechanical materials, or composite fibres of yarn that are substantially made from carbon nanotubes, graphene, spider silk, natural silk, denim, cotton, metals, or combination thereof. Other methods and apparatus include infrared and ultrasound energy sources within a kit aimed at personalised therapies for improving overall health of the eyelids, while providing for adjunctive relief for associated dry eye symptoms. The management kit may comprise a wearable fabric or spectacle frame configured with infrared emitters and sensors, a handheld imaging device and software containing dosage and administration information coupled with information on improving eyelid hygiene which is reviewed and periodically updated using user-specific information.

In some embodiments, a microsurgical instrument includes a trocar having a rigid, hollow shaft formed with a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the shaft. The distal end of the shaft may be shaped for tissue penetration. The instrument may further include a composite microcannula slidably engaged with the trocar in the lumen. The microcannula includes a light guide and a flexible hollow tube having an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the lumen in the trocar. Other embodiments include placing the microcannula in the lumen of the trocar, illuminating the end of the trocar by illuminating the end of the microcannula, advancing the trocar from a selected entry point on an eye into a selected structure in the eye, and extending the illuminated end of the microcannula from the trocar into the selected structure.

The present disclosure provides devices and methods for the treatment of ophthalmological conditions such as dry eye. Among the devices provided are punctal plugs and devices for inserting punctal plugs. The punctal plugs may be shaped for insertion in the punctum and/or the canaliculus. They may also be coated with a bioadhesive. Methods for inserting the punctal plugs are provided, as well as methods for preparing bioadhesive-coated punctal plugs. A method is also provided to treat dry-eye using a bioadhesive without use of a punctal plug.

A device for delivering a treatment medium to an eye includes a first body portion configured to be removably inserted and secured in an opening of the eye, and a second body portion supported by the first body portion. At least the second body portion includes a treatment medium, and a coating having an opening through which the treatment medium elutes out of the device.

A system for the treatment of the dry eye syndrome that is based on a light source. The system includes a disposable tip, to treat an eyelid. A corneal shield is used to protect the patient's eye.

A solid drug core insert can be manufactured by injecting a liquid mixture comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix precursor into a sheath body. The injection can be conducted at subambient temperatures. The mixture is cured to form a solid drug-matrix core. The therapeutic agent can be a liquid at about room temperature that forms a dispersion of droplets in the matrix material. A surface of the solid drug core is exposed, for example by cutting the tube, and the exposed surface of the solid drug core releases therapeutic quantities of the therapeutic agent when implanted into the patient. In some embodiments, the insert body inhibits release of the therapeutic agent, for example with a material substantially impermeable to the therapeutic agent, such that the therapeutic quantities are released through the exposed surface, thereby avoiding release of the therapeutic agent to non-target tissues.

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.