Abstract: A lens and cartridge packaging system and method of use which simplify the removal and transfer of an IOL to an IOL insertion device is disclosed. The packaging system enables a user to easily load an IOL into a cartridge without the use of forceps. In addition, the packaging system also allows a user to fold and insert the IOL into a cartridge without damaging the IOL and/or compromising IOL sterility. In addition, the related methods of use minimize and/or eliminate damage to the IOL during unpackaging, folding, transfer and loading procedures.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the saddle during insertion.

Abstract: A lens and cartridge packaging system and method of use which simplify the removal and transfer of an IOL to an IOL insertion device is disclosed. The packaging system enables a user to easily load an IOL into a cartridge without the use of forceps. In addition, the packaging system also allows a user to fold and insert the IOL into a cartridge without damaging the IOL and/or compromising IOL sterility. In addition, the related methods of use minimize and/or eliminate damage to the IOL during unpackaging, folding, transfer and loading procedures.

Abstract: A lens and cartridge packaging system and method of use which simplify the removal and transfer of an IOL to an IOL insertion device is disclosed. The packaging system enables a user to easily load an IOL into a cartridge without the use of forceps. In addition, the packaging system also allows a user to fold and insert the IOL into a cartridge without damaging the IOL and/or compromising IOL sterility. In addition, the related methods of use minimize and/or eliminate damage to the IOL during unpackaging, folding, transfer and loading procedures.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the saddle during insertion.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the saddle during insertion.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the saddle during insertion.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the saddle during insertion.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the saddle during insertion.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the saddle during insertion.

Abstract: A lens and cartridge packaging system and method of use which simplify the removal and transfer of an IOL to an IOL insertion device is disclosed. The packaging system enables a user to easily load an IOL into a cartridge without the use of forceps. In addition, the packaging system also allows a user to fold and insert the IOL into a cartridge without damaging the IOL and/or compromising IOL sterility. In addition, the related methods of use minimize and/or eliminate damage to the IOL during unpackaging, folding, transfer and loading procedures.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) into eyes are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an insertion tube, and an injector rod having a distal tip capable of engaging an intraocular lens. A guide assembly is provided to direct the distal tip of the rod radially outwardly as it moves distally through the insertion tube. The radial movement of the tip is controlled such that the tip contacts a proximal edge, rather than a fold, of the IOL. The tip exerts little or no pressure on the bottom wall of the IOL cartridge, with any incidental pressure varying as the tip moves distally. In one embodiment, the guide assembly also includes a component for allowing the tip to return upward after contacting the IOL, thus decreasing or eliminating the pressure on the wall as the rod tip continues through a narrower diameter exit portion of the cartridge. Methods for inserting an IOL into an eye using such apparatus are also disclosed and are within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting intraocular lenses (IOLs) into eyes are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an insertion tube, and an injector rod having a distal tip capable of engaging an intraocular lens. A guide assembly is provided to direct the distal tip of the rod radially outwardly as it moves distally through the insertion tube. The radial movement of the tip is controlled such that the tip contacts a proximal edge, rather than a fold, of the IOL. The tip exerts little or no pressure on the bottom wall of the IOL cartridge, with any incidental pressure varying as the tip moves distally. In one embodiment, the guide assembly also includes a component for allowing the tip to return upward after contacting the IOL, thus decreasing or eliminating the pressure on the wall as the rod tip continues through a narrower diameter exit portion of the cartridge. Methods for inserting an IOL into an eye using such apparatus are also disclosed and are within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: An IOL insertion apparatus including a cartridge with an IOL-receiving chamber, a handpiece into which the cartridge is loaded, and a plunger rod that extends through a lumen in the cartridge to reliably engage the IOL therein. The chamber has a recess in one wall that creates a space adjacent the proximal edge of the IOL positioned therein. A lip or projection on the plunger rod is aligned with the space to extend underneath the proximal edge of the IOL. The plunger rod may define a forked end with a groove into which the proximal edge of the IOL is captured. The cartridge may be of the type that folds the IOL therein. The recess may continue the entire length of the cartridge to guide the plunger rod therethrough. The cartridge lumen may converge so that the IOL is further compressed therealong. An inwardly-directed wall portion in the cartridge may help guide the lip of the plunger rod into the recess.

Abstract: An IOL insertion apparatus including a cartridge with an IOL-receiving chamber, a handpiece into which the cartridge is loaded, and a plunger rod that extends through a lumen in the cartridge to reliably engage the IOL therein. The chamber has a recess in one wall that creates a space adjacent the proximal edge of the IOL positioned therein. A lip or projection on the plunger rod is aligned with the space to extend underneath the proximal edge of the IOL. The plunger rod may define a forked end with a groove into which the proximal edge of the IOL is captured. The cartridge may be of the type that folds the IOL therein. The recess may continue the entire length of the cartridge to guide the plunger rod therethrough. The cartridge lumen may converge so that the IOL is further compressed therealong. An inwardly-directed wall portion in the cartridge may help guide the lip of the plunger rod into the recess.

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. The interior wall is configured, for example, roughened, so that a portion of the interior wall remains out of contact with the deformable optic of the IOL as the IOL passes through the hollow space. Advantageously reduced amounts of force are required to pass the IOL through the hollow space.