Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) inserter and method of use ensure that an artificial intraocular lens is controllably ejected from a cartridge and into a patient's eye by using successive, predefined detent positions. One embodiment has a distal pivotal portion that can be pivoted to a desired angle as a mover advances the IOL into the eye. A detent controls the motion of the mover. In one embodiment, the detent includes a longitudinally extending component with a plurality of stair steps, so that a face of each stair step engages the housing at each different predefined detent position. Other embodiments include at least one orifice in the housing, so that when the orifice is aligned with a pin or protrusion, it engages the orifice to define a detent step. Another embodiment includes a spring-loaded collar that biases a pin into a predefined detent step.

Abstract: Elongated generally horizontal blades are spaced apart vertically and have proximate handle end portions and distal grasping end portions. By manipulation of the handle end portions, the grasping end portions can be brought together into clamping engagement. The lower grasping end portion is return bent and includes a marginal portion offset laterally from the remainder of the lower blade. The upper grasping end portion is movable downward alongside the lower blade so as to engage against such laterally offset marginal portion of the lower grasping end portion. The composite forceps-type instrument is useful for implanting intraocular lenses during cataract surgery, particularly for positioning the superior haptic of an intraocular lens in a lens capsule.