Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) insertion apparatus for implanting acrylic IOLs through smaller incisions. The insertion apparatus includes an insertion cartridge that receives the IOL and cooperates with a handpiece. The cartridge includes a longitudinal lumen from a loading chamber to an open distal mouth that gradually narrows in dimension so as to fold the acrylic IOL to a dimension of less than about 2.0 mm. The cartridge is made of a polymer, such as polypropylene, that includes a lubricity enhancing component concentrated at surfaces by a blooming process. A push rod in the handpiece enters the loading chamber of the cartridge and urges the IOL therethrough. A distal tip of the push rod has an irregular shape, such as a rounded trapezoidal, and has a maximum dimension slightly less than the inner diameter of the open distal mouth of the cartridge. The distal tip of the push rod may have a relief channel on one side that accommodates a trailing haptic of the IOL.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) insertion apparatus for implanting acrylic IOLs through smaller incisions. The insertion apparatus includes an insertion cartridge that receives the IOL and cooperates with a handpiece. The cartridge includes a longitudinal lumen from a loading chamber to an open distal mouth that gradually narrows in dimension so as to fold the acrylic IOL to a dimension of less than about 2.0 mm. The cartridge is made of a polymer, such as polypropylene, that includes a lubricity enhancing component concentrated at surfaces by a blooming process. A push rod in the handpiece enters the loading chamber of the cartridge and urges the IOL therethrough. A distal tip of the push rod has an irregular shape, such as a rounded trapezoidal, and has a maximum dimension slightly less than the inner diameter of the open distal mouth of the cartridge. The distal tip of the push rod may have a relief channel on one side that accommodates a trailing haptic of the IOL.