Method for treatment of macular degeneration

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for treating macular degeneration utilizing a therapeutic agent delivery system that is disposed in proximity of the sclera after which one or more therapeutic agents are injected or diffused into the sclera to provide for the dissolution of waste products in Bruch's membrane.

1 . A method for treating macular degeneration comprising: 
 providing a reservoir of at least one therapeutic agent for dissolving lipids in Bruch's membrane;    providing an elongate probe configured to engage the surface of the eye in the proximity of the optic nerve;    providing a therapeutic agent delivery apparatus for delivering the therapeutic agent to the sclera;    placing the elongate probe in position to deliver the therapeutic agent to the eye; and    delivering the therapeutic agent to the sclera.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the therapeutic agent is lipase.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the therapeutic agent is a solution of lipase and at least one therapeutic agent selected from calcium chloride, bile salts, and albumin.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the therapeutic agent is a solution of lipase and a detergent for binding free fatty acids released by the lipase.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said therapeutic agent is injected into the sclera.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said therapeutic agent is diffused into the sclera.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the diffusion of the therapeutic agent into the sclera is enhanced by iontophoresis.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the elongate probe includes a therapeutic agent dispensation opening for providing the therapeutic agent to the eye.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the elongate probe includes a probe positioning portion for positioning the therapeutic dispensing opening in close proximity to the fovea.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein therapeutic agent delivery apparatus is movable between inoperative and operative positions for delivery of the therapeutic agent.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9  and further including maintaining the therapeutic delivery apparatus in the inoperative position until the probe is disposed relative to the eye for delivery of the therapeutic agent.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  and including disposing the therapeutic delivery apparatus in an operative position for delivery of the therapeutic agent and further including disposing the therapeutic delivery apparatus in the inoperative position for withdrawal of the probe relative to the eye.