The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 13, 1976
Filed:
Oct. 07, 1974
Jerre M Freeman, Memphis, TN (US);
Other;
Abstract
A plug of suitable dimension and material is removably inserted into the upper and/or lower punctal apertures of the eye to block the opening and the attendant canaliculus so as to thereby prevent the drainage of lacrimal fluid therethrough. The plug is comprised of tissue-tolerable, readily sterilizable material, such as polytetrafluorethylene (Teflon), or hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) hydrophilic polymer, methyl methacrylate, silicon, stainless steel or other inert metal material. The rod-like plug is formed with an oversized tip or barb portion that dilates and blockingly projects into the canaliculus, a smaller neck or waist portion upon which the punctum sphincter ring tightens, and a relatively larger, smooth head portion which rests upon the top of the punctal opening and prevents the plug from passing down into the canaliculus. In some embodiments the plug is impregnated with or otherwise acts as a carrier vehicle for an ophthalmic medication which is stored and delivered on a sustained release basis to the eye. A method for inserting the plug into the punctal opening is described, utilizing a dilator tool for enlarging the punctum and associated canaliculus and an inserter tool for facilitating the grasping, manipulation and insertion of the plug. The punctal plug has been found useful in treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) and is believed to be suitable for treating other ophthalmic ailments where retention of lacrimal fluid on the surface of the eye and in the lacrimal lake is desired or where sustained release of an ophthalmic medication to the eye by using the plug as a medication carrier is desired.