The present invention relates to a drug delivery system comprising a core and a shell in which the core comprises a hydrolytically degradable polymer X which polymer backbone comprises pendant ester and acid functionalities and in which the shell comprises a hydrolytic degradable polymer Y. The hydrolytic degradable polymers X and Y are different polymers. Polymer X further comprises amino-acids in the polymer backbone and degrades via zero order degradation kinetics for a period of at least 3 months. Polymer Y degrades via auto-acceleration degradation kinetics.

Devices can be implanted in an eye to treat glaucoma. The devices described herein include a body defining a lumen and having first and second ends and external and lumenal surfaces. The body has a length sufficient to provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and tear film of the eye through the lumen when the device is implanted in the sclera. By the strategic selection of particular materials of construction, and/or by controlling the configuration and size of the lumen, in some embodiments, the device is a filterless construct. In some embodiments, a filter is included. The glaucoma treatment devices as provided herein are designed to prevent bacterial ingress and to provide the required level of outflow resistance to achieve a desired intraocular pressure. Methods of treating glaucoma wherein the device is implanted in the sclera of an afflicted eye are also described.

The present technology is generally directed to adjustable shunting systems for draining fluid from a first body region to a second body region. The adjustable shunting systems include a flow control plate or cartridge for controlling the flow of fluid through the system. For example, the flow control plate can include a shape memory actuation assembly having one or more nitinol actuators for controlling the flow of fluid through the system. The flow control plate can further include a plurality of discrete sheets or layers adhered together to encase the shape memory actuation assembly. The discrete sheets or layers can form flow channels for directing fluid through the flow control plate.

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.

An ocular implant having an inlet portion and a Schlemm's canal portion distal to the inlet portion, the inlet portion being disposed at a proximal end of the implant and sized and configured to be placed within an anterior chamber of a human eye, the Schlemm's canal portion being arranged and configured to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of the eye when the inlet portion is disposed in the anterior chamber.

A surgical technique and device wherein an indwelling tube is placed in the eye of a patient having glaucoma. The tube diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidal space from which it is removed by blood flowing in the choroidal and uveal tissues. This decreases the intraocular pressure.

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.

An intraocular drainage device may include a monolithic silicone body having a flap, a rigid bottom plate having a portion configured to contact a corresponding portion of the flap, and a tube having a proximal end disposed between the flap and the rigid bottom plate. The corresponding portion of the flap may be configured to separate from the portion of the rigid bottom plate responsive to a fluid pressure in aqueous humor received from the tube. A plurality of parallel microgrooves may be formed on one or more portions of one or more outer surfaces of the intraocular drainage device.

Apparatus and methods are provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the device operates on the principles of a Starling resistor, and includes a housing, a deformable structure and a spring mounted within a housing, such that the spring applies a substantially constant spring force over a predetermined working range on the deformable structure to thereby self-regulate flow of fluid through the deformable structure.

A method, device, or system for treating eye disorders or conditions, comprising restoring or increasing blood flow or blood flow rate in an artery that supplies blood to or in the eye, thereby increasing the amount of nutrient(s) that reaches the eye or a portion thereof. The invention also includes methods, devices, or systems for treating eye disorders or conditions which use reverse flow or retrograde flow structures and systems during the treatment of the eye disease.