Device for inserting a flexible intraocular lens

#The present invention pertains to a device for inserting a flexible intraocular lens (IOL) into the eye of a patient.

#The natural crystalline lens of the eye plays a primary role in focusing light onto the retina for proper vision. However, the lens can become damaged due to injury or become cloudy because of the aging process or disease and form a cataract. To restore vision to the eye, the natural lens must be surgically removed and an artificial lens implanted as a replacement.

#Many surgical procedures have been developed for removing the natural lens. As an example, phacoemulsification is one such process which has gained wide popularity. According to this procedure, a slender implement is inserted through an incision made in the eye and into the natural lens. The implement produces ultrasonic vibrations and emulsifies the lens. The emulsified portions of the lens are then aspirated out of the eye through a passage provided in the implement. As opposed to other procedures, this lens extraction method requires the surgeon to make only a narrow incision in the eye. In general, the use of a small incision can lessen the trauma and complications experienced during the surgery and postoperatively.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an insertion device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the plunger of the insertion device.

#FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the plunger.

#The present invention pertains to a device 10 (FIG. 1) for inserting a flexible IOL 12 into an eye 14 of a patient (FIG. 26). The device comprises an outer tubular unit 16 and an inner plunger 18. In one embodiment, tubular unit 16 is formed by a base member 20, a cover 21 and a cannula 22 which are coupled together (FIGS. 1, 13 and 14). The components of device 10 may be composed of a plastic or metal material. For example, the components can be formed of polycarbonate or polypropylene. The plunger 18 and cannula 22 are preferably made of polypropylene. Nevertheless, a wide array of materials could be used.

#Base member 20 is an elongate tubular member defining an inner passage 24 which is provided with a relatively large opening at proximal end 26 and an opening 27 of reduced size near, but spaced from, distal end 28 (FIGS. 1, 5, 13 and 14). A forwardly extending shelf segment 29 projects beyond opening 27 (FIGS. 5, 13 and 14). Base member 20 preferably has generally oval cross sectional configuration, although other shapes could be used.

#The inner passage 24 of base member 20 is adapted to movably receive therein plunger 18. A longitudinal groove 34 is preferentially positioned along one of the side walls 32 defining inner passage 24 (FIG. 13). Groove 34 cooperates with an extending flange 35 projecting laterally from plunger 18 to ensure that the plunger is properly oriented when fed into base member 20. Nevertheless, the groove construction could be replaced with a different structure for ensuring proper placement, such as forming at least a portion of inner passage 24 and plunger 18 with a D-shaped configuration. Near distal end 28, base member 20 forms a narrowed neck 39. Neck 39 defines distal opening 27 through which a portion of the plunger is passed to engage lens 12. Converging guideways 41 are positioned along opposite interior sides of passage 24 leading up to neck 39FIGS. 5, 13 and 14). Guideways 41 function to ease the passage of the plunger through neck 39 and over the shelf segment 29 for engagement with lens 12.