Devices and methods for storing, loading, and delivering an intraocular lens

An insertion system for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject, comprising:

• a cartridge having:
• a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end, a proximal end, and exterior sides;
• a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at a distal end of the body;
• and
• a pair of wings longitudinally disposed on the exterior sides of the body and formed along the proximal end of the body, wherein the wings are connected to the body by a connecting rib;
• the cartridge having a cross-section defined by two generally opposing and interfacing sides:
• a first side and a second side, wherein the interface of the two sides define a horizontal axis;
• the first side comprised of a cross-section that is generally arcuate;
• the second side comprised of a cross section that is generally parallel to the horizontal axis;
• and
• a handpiece comprising an upwardly facing protruding platform on which the cartridge is placed, wherein the platform is configured to fit within the opening, and a pushrod with a tip having a saddle and extending at least partly over the platform;
• the opening disposed to permit passage of at least a portion of the tip when cartridge is placed onto the handpiece from above the handpiece.

A method of inserting an intraocular lens, comprising:

• providing a cartridge having:
• a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end, a proximal end, and exterior sides;
• a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at a distal end of the body;
• and
• a pair of wings longitudinally disposed on the exterior sides of the body and formed along the proximal end of the body, wherein the wings are connected to the body by a connecting rib;
• the cartridge having a cross-section defined by two generally opposing and interfacing sides:
• a first side and a second side, wherein the interface of the two sides define a horizontal axis;
• the first side comprised of a cross-section that is generally arcuate;
• the second side comprised of a cross section that is generally parallel to the horizontal axis;
• providing a handpiece comprising a pushrod with a tip having a saddle;
• disposing the cartridge above the handpiece;
• attaching the cartridge onto the handpiece from above the handpiece;
• and
• while attaching the cartridge, disposing the tip such that the opening permits passage of at least a portion of the tip.