| abstract |
Embodiments relate to an implant for use at or near the nasolacrimal drainage system, and embodiments provide a lacrimal canalicular implant, a lacrimal sac implant, a punctal plug, a punctal plug with a drug delivery function. The implant device optionally includes a drug core and a sheath disposed over the drug core. The drug core includes a therapeutic agent deliverable into the eye, and the sheath defines at least one exposed surface of the drug core. The exposed surface (s) of the drug core may contact the tear or tear film and release the therapeutic agent at therapeutic levels over a sustained period when the implant is implanted for use. The implant may include a retaining member that retains the drug core and sheath body near the punctum, and optionally includes an elastically expandable shape memory alloy. An occlusion member may be attached to the retaining member to at least partially occlude tear flow through the lacrimal canaliculus lumen. [Selection] Fig. 9C |