Ophthalmic insert and method for sustained release of medication to the eye

A method for providing sustained release of medication to an eye, the method comprising:

• providing an ophthalmic insert having a body portion sized to pass through a lacrimal punctum and be positioned within a lacrimal canaliculus of an eyelid, a collarette connected to the body portion and sized to rest on the exterior of the lacrimal punctum and having at least one pore provided therein, a reservoir contained at least partially within the body portion and in fluid communication with the at least one pore, and a medication stored within the reservoir;
• positioning the insert into the lacrimal punctum and canaliculus of the eyelid;
• and
• releasing the medication stored in the reservoir through the at least one pore and onto the eye over time in a controlled manner.

An ophthalmic insert for sustained release of medication to an eye, comprising:

• a body portion sized to pass through a lacrimal punctum and be positioned within a lacrimal canaliculus of an eyelid;
• a collarette connected to the body portion and sized to rest on the exterior of the lacrimal punctum, the collarette having at least one pore provided therein;
• an enlarged bulb portion connected to the body portion for securing the insert within the canaliculus;
• a reservoir contained at least partially within the body portion and in fluid communication with the at least one pore;
• and
• a medication stored within the reservoir in two phases including a concentrated form and a saturated solution, the medication released through the at least one pore and onto the eye over time in a controlled manner while the insert is positioned in the eyelid.