| abstract |
Devices and methods for delivering a therapeutically active ocular implant into an eye are provided. Such a device generally includes a hollow sleeve having an open proximal end, a distal end, a substantially uniform inner diameter and a substantially uniform outer diameter extending between the proximal end and the open distal end. In addition, the device includes a plunger element having an angled configuration and sized to be slidably received within the sleeve for urging an implant from the distal end of the sleeve and into an eye. Systems for performing ocular research are provided which include a plurality of such hollow sleeves cut from a single flouroplastic tube, and a plurality of plunger elements cut from a single wire. The devices, systems and methods are especially useful for facilitating implantation of relatively fragile, for example brittle, ocular implants in an intact condition. |