Patent ID: 9095425
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for inserting an intraocular lens into an eye, comprising: a main body having a barrel portion defining a passage extending along a longitudinal axis; and a plunger movably received in said passage, the plunger having a distal end and having a proximal end configured so that a user can directly apply an axial force to press the plunger forward in the main body along the longitudinal axis; and a guide element at the distal end of said plunger, the guide element guiding the plunger in the barrel portion during movement along the longitudinal axis, the guide element having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plunger needle at the distal end of said guide element, wherein the barrel portion of the main body is provided with a substantially longitudinal internal groove or with a substantially longitudinal slot, and wherein the guide element carries a stop element extending radially into said groove or slot so as to prevent twisting of the plunger relative to the main body, the stop element moving guidingly longitudinally within the groove or slot as the plunger and main body are moved axially relative to each other, wherein the plunger has, on its perimeter, an elongate running surface with a length that extends axially and having a radial distance from the longitudinal axis which varies along the longitudinal axis, the apparatus further comprising a retaining element which is radially movable and biased radially inwardly towards said running surface so as to exert a force on said running surface, causing a resistance force against axial movement of the plunger which depends on the axial position of the plunger relative to the main body.