Reliably retained shape memory ophthalmological implants

A shape memory polymer plug configured for use in occluding an ocular punctum comprising

• in a pre-deployed state, a constrained, smooth, and relatively straight but flexible body formed entirely of the shape memory polymer;
• and
• in a deployed state,
• an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end;
• an anchor protruding directly and extending distally away from the distal end surface of the elongate body, wherein at least a portion of the anchor forms a structure that is wider than a diameter of the ocular punctum;
• and
• a flange extending from the proximal end of the elongate body in a plane generally perpendicular to a longitudinal orientation of the elongate body;
• wherein
• the elongate body, the anchor, and the flange are formed as a monolithic structure entirely of the shape memory polymer which transitions from the pre-deployed state to the deployed state upon exposure to an external stimulus;
• and
• the anchor is configured to collapse upon rotation of the elongate body allow for substantially atraumatic removal of the device from the ocular punctum.