Ophthalmic drug delivery device

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a drug delivery device for a human eye. The human eye has a sclera, an inferior oblique muscle, and a macula. The device of the present invention includes a pharmaceutically active agent, and a geometry that facilitates the implantation of the device on an outer surface of the sclera, beneath the inferior oblique muscle, and with the pharmaceutically active agent disposed above the macula. Methods of delivery a pharmaceutically active agent to the posterior segment of the human eye are also disclosed.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of delivering a pharmaceutically active agent to the eye, said eye having a sclera, a Tenon's capsule, a macula, and an orbit, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a tablet having a concave, dome-shaped scleral surface and pharmaceutically active agent disposed therein; and    disposing said tablet on an outer surface of said sclera and below said Tenon's capsule.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said disposing step comprises disposing said tablet proximate said macula.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said disposing step comprises disposing said tablet generally above said macula.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said tablet is formulated to bioerode and release said pharmaceutically active agent at a controlled rate.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said tablet has a convex, dome-shaped orbital surface.