Abstract: Apparatus for insertion of intraocular lenses into the eye are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a loading chamber and an injection portion. The loading chamber has a proximal end and a distally extending opening. The loading chamber defines a first lumen and is adapted to receive an intraocular lens in an unfolded state at the distally extending opening and to fold the intraocular lens and maintain the intraocular lens folded as the intraocular lens is placed in the first lumen. The injection portion defines a second lumen aligned with the first lumen and is adapted to receive the folded intraocular lens from the first lumen in the second lumen. The injection portion has an open distal end through which the folded intraocular lens from the second lumen passes to be inserted into an eye.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) into eyes comprises a tube, a rod having a distal end portion, and a tip carried by the distal end portion. The tip is softer than the distal end portion of the rod. Methods for inserting an IOL into an eye using such apparatus are within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) into eyes include a hollow tube including a material and having an interior wall defining a hollow space through which an IOL is passed and an outlet through which the IOL is passed from the hollow space into an eye, and a lubricity enhancing component physically secured to said hollow tube and concentrated at or near the interior wall in an amount effective to facilitate the passage of the IOL through the hollow space.

Abstract: A method of inserting a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) into the eye of a patient comprising holding a foldable IOL with forceps with the IOL being in a first folded condition in which the IOL has at least one fold and folding the IOL into a second folded condition in which the IOL has at least the first fold and a second fold. The IOL is retained in the second folded condition in a tubular member. The IOL is then transferred in substantially the second folded condition into the eye of the patient.

Abstract: A method of inserting a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) into the eye of a patient comprising holding a foldable IOL with forceps with the IOL being in a first folded condition in which the IOL has at least one fold and folding the IOL into a second folded condition in which the IOL has at least the first fold and a second fold. The IOL is retained in the second folded condition in a tubular member. The IOL is then transferred in substantially the second folded condition into the eye of the patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inserting foldable IOL's into the eye are disclosed. The present methods include holding a foldable IOL with a forceps; passing the IOL through the bore of a tubular member; placing the distal end portion of the tubular member in proximity to or in the eye; causing at least a portion of the IOL to pass through the open distal end of the tubular member; and releasing the IOL from the forceps in the eye. Apparatus including tubular members and forceps, particularly useful in practicing the present methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting foldable IOL's into the eye are disclosed. The present apparatus include a load chamber and an injection tube. A hand piece may be included which is structured to reinforce the injection tube, in particular the proximal end portion of the injection tube. The open distal end of the injection tube may be beveled, preferably so that the open distal end faces generally toward the right, so that the IOL can be inserted into the eye through a smaller incision in a controlled manner, for example, to reduce the need for post-surgical manipulation of the IOL in the eye. Methods for inserting IOL's into eyes of patients, particularly using the present apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of intraocular lenses into the eye. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a loading chamber and an injection portion. The loading chamber has a proximal end and a distally extending opening. The loading chamber defines a first lumen and is adapted to receive an intraocular lens in an unfolded state at the distally extending opening and to fold the intraocular lens and maintain the intraocular lens folded as the intraocular lens is placed in the first lumen. The injection portion defines a second lumen aligned with the first lumen and is adapted to receive the folded intraocular lens from the first lumen in the second lumen. The injection portion has an open distal end through which the folded intraocular lens from the second lumen passes to be inserted into an eye. The intraocular lens may be either pushed out, or pulled through the distal end into the eye.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implantation in an eye comprising an optic configured so that the optic can be deformed to permit the intraocular lens to be passed through an incision into the eye. A peripheral zone circumscribes the optical zone of the optic and one or more fixation members coupled to the peripheral zone and extending outwardly from the peripheral zone to retain the optic in the eye are provided. In one embodiment the fixation member or members are located so that the optical zone is free of such member or members. The peripheral zone preferably has a maximum axial thickness which is larger than the maximum axial thickness of the periphery of the optical zone.

Abstract: An intraocular lens comprising at least one fixation member and an optic. The fixation member has an attachment region with a roughened outer surface. The attachment region is received within the optic to attach the fixation member to the optic. The roughened outer surface improves the adhesion of the fixation member to the optic.