Methods and apparatus for delivery of ocular implants

A method of retaining an implant in an implant administration device, the method comprising:

• formulating a flowable retainer solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC);
• dispensing a dispensed mass of the retainer solution into a lumen of a needle to form a retention plug that is contained within and spanning the lumen of the needle proximal to a distal opening from the needle;
• positioning an intraocular implant within the lumen of the needle proximal to the retention plug;
• and
• positioning a shortened push rod proximal to the implant, the push rod operatively coupled to an actuator of the implant administration device,
• wherein the retention plug prevents inadvertent release of the implant from the lumen prior to actuation of the implant administration device and works in conjunction with the shortened push rod to slow the ejection speed of the implant from the lumen upon deployment in the eye using the actuator;
• wherein the needle is 22 Gauge or smaller and the lumen is substantially non-siliconized;
• wherein the needle has a siliconized external surface;
• wherein the ejection speed is no greater than about 25 mm/second at an ejection distance of about 20 mm away from the lumen;
• and
• wherein the retainer solution has a concentration that is greater than 2.5% w:w and less than about 4% w:w.