Punctum and Canalicular Anatomy for hydrogel-based Intracanalicular Insert Technology

Abstract

Aim: Despite advances in cataract surgery, postoperative ocular inflammation and pain occurs. To address compliance issues with topical corticosteroid administration, a hydrogel-based dexamethasone insert was developed for intracanalicular administration. The objective is to understand the anatomy to best administer the insert and learn how the anatomy and hydrogel properties help retain the insert in the canaliculus over time. Materials & methods: Human cadavers (n = 5) were dissected to assess dimensions of punctum and canaliculus as part of drug discovery and development. Results & conclusions: Mean measures for punctal diameter was 0.5 ± 0 mm and vertical canaliculi length was 2.4 ± 0.5 mm and width was 1.6 ± 0.5 mm. Vertical canalicular width was larger than the punctal opening, a critical understanding for placing and retaining intracanalicular inserts.

Keywords:

• cataract
• dexamethasone
• drug delivery
• fluorescein
• hydrogel
• intracanalicular
• ocular surface disease

Financial & competing interest disclosure

SL Tyson received grant funding from Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. P Campbell, J Biggins, A Driscoll, A Gibson, S Vantipalli, JL Metzinger and MH Goldstein are employees of Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.