Folding device and method for an intraocular lens

Abstract

A folding device for holding and folding an IOL and adapted to allow a surgeon to select between loading the IOL into a removably attached IOL injector and between holding the IOL in a folded state for removal with a separate instrument. The folding device includes a pair of opposing sides, each having an upper surface. A plurality of retaining brackets extend upwardly from the upper surfaces of each side. The brackets are adapted for receiving and removably retaining the IOL injector. A hinge couples the sides together along a fold axis and allows the sides to retain the IOL therebetween. The hinge allows the sides to fold together from a planer position about a first fold direction when using the separate instrument and towards each other about a second fold direction when using the IOL injector. This allows the surgeon to select between attaching the IOL injector to the retaining brackets such that when the sides are folded about the second fold direction, the IOL is released from the sides and loaded into the load chamber and between folding the sides about the first fold direction such that the IOL is folded and maintained in a folded state.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.