Device for inserting a flexible intraocular lens

Abstract

A device for inserting a flexible intraocular lens into an eye including a tubular member and a plunger. The tubular member includes a staging area, a lumen, and an open distal end. The staging area supports the lens in an unstressed state prior to engagement by the plunger. In the unstressed state, the optic of the lens is suspended in a pocket to avoid any substantial contact with interior portions of the tubular member. The plunger includes a slot in its distal tip for receiving and gripping the lens. With this construction, the lens can be inserted into the eye in one continuous motion. Further, the plunger holds the lens when the lens is moved out of the tubular member.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for storing, shipping, and inserting an intraocular lens having an optic portion into an eye, said device comprising: 
 an inserter body having a passage adapted to hold the intraocular lens in an unstressed state with said optic portion suspended to avoid contact thereof with the interior portions of said inserter.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  and further comprising a cannula for attaching to said inserter.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the cannula is attached to the inserter prior to shipping said device.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the cannula is attached to the device after shipping and prior to inserting the intraocular lens into an eye.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said storage of the intraocular lens in said device is up to and including ten years.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said passage comprises a staging area compartment having a shelf segment and a removable cover, movable between open and closed positions with respect to said shelf segment.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6  and further comprising a cannula having opposite, open, proximal and distal ends, said proximal end defining an inner cavity adapted to matingly receive said shelf segment and said cover when said cover is in the closed position.