Patent ID: 6336932
Filing Date: 2002-01-08
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A device for inserting a flexible membrane into an eye, said device comprising:a tubular member including a passage for receiving a flexible membrane, said passage having an open distal end for inserting the flexible membrane into an eye; and a plunger movably received within said passage of said tubular member for moving the flexible membrane through said open distal end of said tubular member and into the eye, said plunger including a distal tip with a forwardly opening slot having a fixed, narrow configuration dimensioned to continuously hold said flexible membrane to said plunger as the flexible membrane is pushed through said open distal end and after the flexible membrane is pushed entirely out of said passage, and said open distal end of said tubular member forming an abutment for releasing the continuously held flexible membrane from said slot when said distal tip is retracted into said passage, wherein said tubular member including a staging area along said passage for supporting the flexible membrane in a substantially unstressed state prior to be engaged by said plunger; wherein said flexible membrane is a flexible intraocular lens having an optic portion and a haptic portion, and said staging area includes supporting surfaces for supporting said haptic portion of the lens so that the optic portion of the lens is suspended to avoid any substantial contact with interior portions of said tubular member in said substantially unstressed state; and wherein said supporting surfaces include a pair of distal supports and an open space adjacent each of said distal supports, said open spaces adapted to receive side portions of said lens as the lens is compressed.