Biocompatible biodegradable intraocular implant system

Abstract

Generally, an intraocular implant and methods for treating an ocular condition. As to certain embodiments, an intraocular biocompatible biodegradable implant (11) which can provide a biocompatible biodegradable material in the form of a flexible membrane (12) containing an active agent (24) which implanted between an intraocular lens (8) and the surface of the posterior capsule (5) of the eye (1)(4) inhibits migration of residual lens epithelial cells after cataract surgery by providing structural or pharmaceutical barriers to reduce posterior capsule (5) opacification of the eye (1)(4).

Description

[0001]This application is the United States National Stage of International Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT / US2009 / 006195, filed Nov. 19, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 270,567, filed Jul. 10, 2009 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 199,674, filed Nov. 20, 2008, each hereby incorporated by reference herein.I. TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]Generally, an invention comprising an intraocular implant and methods for treating an ocular condition. In particular, an embodiment of an intraocular biocompatible biodegradable implant including a biocompatible biodegradable material and an active agent which implanted between an intraocular lens and the surface of the posterior capsule of the eye inhibits migration of residual lens epithelial cells after cataract surgery by providing structural or pharmaceutical barriers to reduce posterior capsule opacification of the eye.II. BACKGROUND[0003]Visually imp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]Another broad object of the invention can be to provide a biocompatible biodegradable intraocular implant locatable between the surface of the posterior capsule of the eye and an implanted IOL during cataract surgery which by structural or pharmaceutical barriers inhibits migration of residual lens epithelial cells to the surface of the posterior capsule.

Problems solved by technology

However, there may be substantial problems with this procedure such as IOL damage, postoperative intraocular pressure spikes, vitreous floaters, cystoid macular edema, retinal detachment, and IOL subluxation, or the like.

Additionally, pediatric patients can be difficult to treat and a delay in treatment can lead to irreversible amblyopia.

Many underdeveloped countries do not have access to a Nd:YAG laser and the cost can be prohibitive.

Additionally, the majority of pharmacological agents tested in vitro for inhibition of migration and proliferation of LECs are antimetabolites and antimitotics which have not been used clinically because of their toxic side effects.

Problems relating to incomplete seal of the lens capsule (45) resulting in leakage of potentially toxic chemicals into the anterior chamber (46) of the eye, rupture of the lens capsule (45) during manipulation of the irrigation device, difficulty in assessing kill of LECs within the lens capsule and an increase in the duration of routine cataract surgery limit the usefulness of the irrigation device.

Another prominent problem with routine cataract surgery and other surgical procedures such as retinal surgery, cornea transplant surgery, glaucoma surgery, or the like, can be postoperative administration of antibiotics to prevent endophthalmitis.

However, there has yet to be a prospective randomized study showing that topical antibiotics prevent endophthalmitis.

Topical drops can be difficult for young and elderly patients and the drop schedule can be cumbersome and confusing particularly when following surgery each eye is on a different drop schedule.

These difficulties can result in non-compliance with serious consequences such as endophthalmitis, glaucoma, and cystoid macular edema.

Recent prospective studies supporting the use of intracameral antibiotic injections for prophylaxis of endophthalmitis have stirred debate regarding the risks associated with this method of antibiotic prophylaxis including the short duration of protective effect (possibly less than 24 hours), the introduction of potentially contaminated substances in the anterior chamber, endothelial cell toxicity, toxic anterior segment syndrome, dilutional and osmolarity errors during mixing, and the like.

Also, the systemic administration of drugs for treatment of localized ocular conditions may not be preferred because of the inefficiency associated with indirect delivery of the drugs to a target organ.

However, patients can be intolerant of these devices due to difficulty in insertion and removal and mild to moderate conjunctival irritation during use which may explain why external ocular inserts have not been widely accepted in clinical practice.

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