Intraocular lens insertion apparatus

An insertion apparatus for inserting an intraocular lens having an optic and at least one fixation member in a patient's eye, comprising:

• an insertion cartridge having a proximal loading chamber sized to receive the intraocular lens in an unfolded configuration, and a distal injection tube having an open distal mouth sized to fit through an incision in the eye, the insertion cartridge further including a lumen connecting the loading chamber and the open distal mouth that reduces in size therebetween to cause the intraocular lens to fold into a smaller size than its unfolded configuration when pushed through the lumen;
• and
• a push rod having a distal tip for pushing the intraocular lens through the insertion cartridge from the loading chamber through the connecting lumen and out the open distal mouth, the push rod defining a longitudinal axis and the distal tip of the push rod having at least one relief channel extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and on a lower side thereof, the relief channel being positioned to receive the fixation member of the intraocular lens as the distal tip contacts and pushes on the optic.

An insertion apparatus for inserting an intraocular lens having an acrylic optic and at least one fixation member in a patient's eye, comprising:

• an intraocular lens having an acrylic optic and at least one fixation member;
• a polymer insertion cartridge having a proximal loading chamber sized to receive the intraocular lens in an unfolded configuration, and a distal injection tube having an open distal mouth sized to fit through an incision in the eye, the insertion cartridge further including a lumen connecting the loading chamber and the open distal mouth that reduces in diameter therebetween to less than about 2.0 mm at the open distal mouth to cause the intraocular lens to fold into a smaller size than its unfolded configuration when pushed through the lumen, wherein at least a portion of the connecting lumen has a lubricity enhancing component incorporated into the polymer and concentrated near the surfaces of the cartridge.