Apparatus and method for providing desired rotational orientation to an intraocular lens
AssigneeAllergan, Inc.
InventorEdward R. Zaleski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatus for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) into eyes are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an insertion tube, and an injector rod having a distal tip capable of engaging an intraocular lens. A rotating assembly is provided to controllably rotate the rod as it moves distally through the insertion tube. The rotation of the injector rod is imparted to the IOL in such a manner that the IOL is also rotated as it moves through the insertion tube. The degree of rotation of the IOL is controlled to place the IOL in an orientation for final implantation in the eye with reduced risk of damaging the eye. Methods for inserting an IOL into an eye using such apparatus are also disclosed and are within the scope of the present invention.
Claims19
An apparatus for inserting a folded intraocular lens through an incision into an eye comprising:
- a tube defining a hollow passage, said tube having an ejection opening through which said intraocular lens is passed from said hollow passage into an eye;
- an injector rod longitudinally movable within said hollow passage of said tube, said injector rod having a distal portion adapted to contact the folded intraocular lens within said hollow passage of said tube to urge the folded intraocular lens distally through said hollow passage;
- and
- a rotation assembly located relative to said injector rod so that said distal portion of said injector rod is axially rotated a controlled amount as said injector rod is moved distally through said tube.
An apparatus for inserting a folded intraocular lens through an incision into an eye comprising:
- a tube defining a hollow passage, said tube having an ejection opening through which said intraocular lens is passed from said hollow passage into an eye;
- an injector rod longitudinally movable within said passage of said tube, said injector rod having a distal end portion which includes a forceps-like element including two spaced apart members which are substantially stationary relative to each other and are structured to engage the folded intraocular lens within said hollow passage of said tube;
- and
- a cam race disposed on said injector rod and a cam follower disposed on said tube, said cam race and said cam follower being positioned so that said distal end portion of said injector rod is axially rotated a controlled amount as said injector rod is moved distally through said tube.
A method for inserting an intraocular lens into an eye comprising:
- placing an intraocular lens in a folded condition in an insertion apparatus comprising a tube defining a hollow passage having an ejection opening through which said lens is ejected from said hollow space;
- an injector rod longitudinally movable within said hollow passage of said tube, said injector rod having a distal end portion adapted to contact the folded intraocular lens within said hollow passage to urge the folded intraocular lens distally through said hollow passage;
- a rotation assembly located relative to said injector rod so that said distal end portion of said injector rod is axially rotated a controlled amount as said injector rod is moved distally through said tube;
- positioning said ejection opening in proximity to or through an incision in said eye;
- and
- moving said injector rod distally.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.