Patent Description:
The human eye can suffer a number of maladies causing mild deterioration to complete loss of vision. While contact lenses and eyeglasses can compensate for some ailments, ophthalmic surgery may be required for others. Generally, ophthalmic surgery may be classified into posterior segment procedures, such as vitreoretinal surgery, and anterior segment procedures, such as cataract surgery. Vitreoretinal surgery may address many different eye conditions, including, but not limited to, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic vitreous hemorrhage, macular hole, detached retina, epiretinal membrane, and cytomegalovirus retinitis.

For cataract surgery, a surgical procedure may require incisions and insertion of tools within an eye to replace the clouded lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). An insertion tool can be used for delivery of the IOL into the eye. By way of example, the insertion tool may include a plunger for forcing the IOL out of the nozzle of the insertion tool. In some instances, the IOL may be pre-loaded in the insertion tool. In other instances, a separate bay may be loaded into the insertion tool. The plunger may engage the IOL to advance the IOL from the bay, through the nozzle, and into the eye. The bay (or insertion tool) may include a folding chamber configured to cause the IOL to fold, for example, when the IOL advances through the folding chamber. In some instances, a separate action may cause folding of the IOL.

Delivery of the IOL from the insertion tool can be a multi-step process. For example, the delivery may include two stages, which may be referred to as an advancing stage and a delivery stage. In the advancing stage, the IOL can be advanced from a storage position in the bay to a dwell position. The IOL may be pre-folded or may be folded when advanced from the storage position to the dwell position. At the dwell position, advancement of the IOL may be halted. With the nozzle positioned in the eye, the IOL may then be further advanced from the dwell position, in the delivery stage, which may include advancing the IOL through the nozzle and into the eye. The cited prior art document <CIT> relates to a closing and locking mechanism for an IOL compressor component of an IOL injector device. Said device involves a compressor capable of lateral movement towards the lens. Said compressor is advanced independently of the position of the plunger.

The cited prior art document <CIT> relates to an intraocular lens inserting instrument capable of folding a lens and pressing it by a plunger to discharge it into an eye.

In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for delivery of a lens component into an eye. The apparatus includes a nozzle; a bay adjacent to the nozzle, wherein the bay is configured to contain the lens component and comprises a recess in a shape of a haptic extension; and a cam-actuated mechanism comprising a slider configured to move in a direction toward the nozzle; a side arm moveably disposed within the bay, wherein the side arm is positioned at an end of the slider, the end of the slider comprising a groove aligned with the side arm, wherein the groove extends from an outer edge of the slider into an interior portion of the slider, wherein the groove is angled to receive the side arm as the slider moves.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for delivery of a lens component into an eye. The apparatus includes a nozzle; a bay adjacent to the nozzle, wherein the bay is configured to contain the lens component and comprises a recess in a shape of a haptic extension; and a cam-actuated mechanism comprising a slider configured to move in a direction toward the nozzle; a first side arm moveably disposed within the bay; a second side arm moveably disposed within the bay, wherein the first side arm is positioned opposite to the second side arm, wherein the side arms are positioned at an end of the slider, the end of the slider comprising grooves aligned with the side arms, wherein the grooves extends from outer edges of the slider into an interior portion of the slider, wherein the grooves are angled to receive the side arms as the slider moves.

In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for delivery of a lens component into an eye. The method includes inserting a nozzle of an insertion tool into the eye, wherein the insertion tool further comprises a bay adjacent to the nozzle, wherein the bay contains the lens component and comprises a haptic recess in a shape of a haptic extension; and a cam-actuated mechanism comprising a slider configured to move in a direction toward the nozzle; a side arm moveably disposed within the bay, wherein the side arm is positioned at an end of the slider, the end of the slider comprising a groove aligned with the side arm, wherein the groove extends from an outer edge of the slider into an interior portion of the slider, wherein the groove is angled to receive the side arm as the slider moves. The method further includes moving the slider in a direction toward the nozzle; receiving the side arm within the groove; compressing the lens component in the bay with the side arm; and moving the lens component from the bay, through the nozzle and into the eye.

These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some of the embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be used to limit or define the disclosure.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure may be intended. Any alterations and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further application of the principles of the present disclosure are fully contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. In particular, it may be fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with reference to one or more implementations may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with reference to other implementations of the present disclosure. For simplicity, in some instances the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

Embodiments may generally relate to eye surgery. More particularly, embodiments may generally relate to systems, methods, and devices for folding or rolling an intraocular lens (IOL) for delivery into a patient's eye.

Any suitable IOL may be used, including, but not limited to, IOLs that include a lens portion and haptic extensions. The haptic extensions may be side struts (or other suitable extensions) that extend from the lens portion to hold the lens portion in place when implanted in the eye. In at least one embodiment, the IOL may be modular. Embodiments of a modular IOL may include a base portion and a lens portion. The base portion may include the haptic extensions. The lens portion may be coupled to the base portion to form the modular IOL.

In certain embodiments, the base portion may be a hollow ring with two protruding haptic arms, which means a center of mass of the base portion is more complex than typical one-piece IOLs. A central axis of the base portion can change when external forces are applied, which increases the difficulty in folding it. This complex geometry requires evenly distributed force application on an optic centroid of the base portion as well as symmetric opposing forces to fold the haptics. Challenges associated with the base portion may include the base portion not retaining its shape/structure as it is advanced, a trailing haptic not folding correctly, as well as the base portion rolling about an axis perpendicular to the optic centroid.

Embodiments of the present disclosure address these challenges by including an insertion tool that compresses (e.g., folds or rolls) the base portion to keep the haptics (or haptic extensions) against the ring's outer edge. The base portion may be positioned in a bay of the insertion tool. The ring may be elongated due to an application of a uniform compressive force across an entire length of the base portion, to allow for a more constant center of mass. A side arm of the insertion tool, which creates this compressive force, may contact the base portion with a wall that may be slanted at an angle ranging, for example, from <NUM>°- <NUM>° (e.g., <NUM>°). This angle may allow for more compression at a trailing haptic extension than at a leading haptic extension. This may allow the trailing haptic extension to fold more consistently. Once the folding is complete, a plunger can be utilized to advance the folded base portion in its compressed state until the base portion is delivered in a patient's eye via a nozzle of the insertion tool.

The insertion tool may include a cam-actuated folding mechanism to fold the IOL. The cam-actuated folding mechanism may be actuated as part of advancing the IOL to the dwell location with a plunger. The mechanism includes the side arm that compresses the IOL upon depression of the plunger of the insertion tool. The side arm and an interior wall of the bay may include surface topography configured to fold and compress the IOL (e.g., according to ISO <NUM>-<NUM> standard) for delivery into a patient's eye. The cam-actuated folding mechanism may also include a slider that moves axially (e.g., via depression of the plunger) causing the side arm to move in a lateral or inward direction (e.g., toward the insertion tool). The cam-actuated folding mechanism may allow for a controlled and consistent force application and may improve speed control during compression of the base portion.

Some embodiments may include a side arm that includes a floor, wall, or contact side that may be completely flat (e.g., no bumps) to reduce pinch points that may cause the base portion to become stuck during advancement or folding. The side arm may be thickened to provide a more uniform force distribution during the folding action. Also, the side arm may be configured to compress a trailing haptic extension of the base portion more than a leading haptic extension of the base portion. Embodiments may also include a cover to the bay that may include longer and stronger snaps and may be constrained at three rather than two points for improved stability.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a modular IOL <NUM>. The modular IOL <NUM> may be any suitable modular interocular lens. As illustrated, the modular IOL <NUM> may include a base portion <NUM> and a lens portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens portion <NUM> is positioned in the base portion <NUM>. In operation, the modular IOL <NUM> can allow for the lens portion <NUM> to be modified or adjusted while leaving the base portion <NUM> in place, either intraoperatively or post-operatively. By way of example, the modular IOL <NUM> may be implanted into an eye. After implantation, the lens portion <NUM> may be modified, adjusted, and/or replaced while leaving the base portion <NUM> positioned in the eye. In at least one embodiment, the modular IOL <NUM> may be assembled in the eye. For example, the base portion <NUM> may first be implanted in the eye. The lens portion <NUM> may then be delivered into the eye and attached to the base portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the base portion <NUM> of the modular IOL <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and haptic extensions <NUM>. The haptic extensions <NUM> may be side struts (or other suitable extensions) extending from the base <NUM> that may stabilize the base portion <NUM> when it may be disposed within the patient's eye. In the illustrated embodiment, the base <NUM> may define a hole <NUM>, which may be centrally located in the base <NUM> as shown on <FIG>. While the hole <NUM> is shown as a through hole extending through the base <NUM>, embodiments also contemplate hole <NUM> being a blind hole that does not extend through the base <NUM>. For example, the base <NUM> may be a solid disc with the hole <NUM> being a blind hold that does not extend through the base <NUM>, rather than an annular ring with the hole <NUM> extending through the base <NUM>. Hole <NUM> may be defined by inner perimeter surface <NUM> of the base <NUM>. In at least one embodiment, a recessed groove <NUM> is formed in inner perimeter surface <NUM>. Recessed groove <NUM> may include a lower rim <NUM> and an upper rim <NUM>. The upper rim <NUM> may have an insider diameter that is the same as or greater than the outside diameter of the lens portion <NUM> (excluding tabs <NUM> shown on <FIG>) such that the lens portion <NUM> can rest inside the hole <NUM> of the base <NUM>. All or a portion of the lower rim <NUM> can have an inside diameter that is less than the outside diameter of the lens portion <NUM> (excluding tabs <NUM> shown on <FIG>) such that the lower rim <NUM> can act as a ledge or backstop for the lens portion <NUM> when placed in the hole <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> may be unitary or may be formed from component parts that are combined or attached in any suitable manner.

With reference to <FIG>, the lens portion <NUM> of the modular IOL <NUM> of <FIG> is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiments, the lens portion <NUM> includes an optic portion <NUM> and one or more tabs <NUM>. While <FIG> illustrates two of the tabs <NUM>, embodiments may include only one of the tabs <NUM> or alternatively three, four, or more of the tabs <NUM>. In addition, the tabs <NUM> on the lens portion <NUM> may be the same or different from one another. The tabs <NUM> are shown as being fixed to the optic portion <NUM>; however, it should be understood that one or more of the tabs <NUM> may be actuated to move from a compressed position for delivery into the hole <NUM> of the base <NUM> (e.g., shown on <FIG>) to an uncompressed extended position for deployment into the recessed groove <NUM> of the base <NUM> (e.g., shown on <FIG>), thus forming an interlocking connection between the base portion <NUM> and the lens portion <NUM>. The outside curvature of the tabs <NUM> may have a radius conforming to the inside radius of the recessed groove <NUM>. This arrangement should limit relative movement between the base portion <NUM> and the lens portion <NUM> once connected. In embodiments, a suitable optic portion <NUM> may be in a shape similar to that of a natural lens within the eye and made from a suitable material such as silicone, acrylic, and/or combinations thereof. While the optic portion <NUM> is shown as being circular, the optic portion <NUM> may be any suitable shape, such as oval or ellipsoidal, for example, with the tabs <NUM> positioned adjacent the long axis. This arrangement would thus define a gap between the edge of the optic portion <NUM> along its short axis and the inner perimeter surface <NUM> in the base <NUM>. The gap may enable access for a probe or similar device to pry apart the lens portion <NUM> from the base portion <NUM> if separation were needed.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of an insertion tool <NUM> in accordance with exemplary embodiments. The insertion tool <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a plunger <NUM> at least partially disposed axially within the housing <NUM>, and a nozzle <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> is slidably disposed within the housing <NUM> and may move axially along a longitudinal axis of the housing <NUM>. A plunger head <NUM> may be coupled to the plunger <NUM> and may be positioned exterior to the housing <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> may be disposed on end of the insertion tool <NUM> that is opposite to the plunger head <NUM>, as shown. In other words, the plunger <NUM> and the plunger head <NUM> may extend from a first end of the housing <NUM>, and the nozzle <NUM> may extend from a second opposite end of the housing <NUM>, as shown. A user may depress the plunger head <NUM> to move the plunger <NUM> axially (toward the nozzle <NUM>) within the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be configured to receive the nozzle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the nozzle <NUM> may be attachable the housing <NUM> so that the nozzle <NUM> can be coupled and decoupled from the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate views of a front portion <NUM> of an insertion tool that is similar to the insertion tool <NUM> of <FIG> in accordance with ex. The front portion <NUM> may include a bay <NUM>. The bay <NUM> may be a compartment that holds a lens component <NUM>. The bay <NUM> may also be filled with a viscoelastic lubricant. The lens component <NUM> may include at least one component of the modular IOL <NUM> shown on <FIG>, such as the base portion <NUM> or the lens portion <NUM>. The lens component <NUM> may be positioned within the bay <NUM> of the insertion tool <NUM>, as shown on <FIG> and <FIG>.

The bay <NUM> may include a haptic recess <NUM> (e.g., an elongated recess conformed to a shape of a haptic extension) for holding and stabilizing a leading haptic extension 18a. The haptic recess <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to intake <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. An intake <NUM> is in fluid communication with an aperture <NUM> (exit) of the nozzle <NUM>. The lens component <NUM> (e.g., folded) may be delivered into a patient's eye from the bay <NUM> via the intake <NUM> and out the aperture <NUM>. The bay <NUM> may also include a channel <NUM> to receive the plunger <NUM> or a shaft that receives an axial force from the plunger <NUM>. An axial push of the plunger <NUM> allows compression and transfer of the lens component <NUM> from the bay <NUM> via the intake <NUM> and out the aperture <NUM> into a patient's eye. That is, actuation of the plunger <NUM> causes the plunger <NUM> (or a shaft that receives the axial force from the plunger) to pass through the channel <NUM> and contact and push the lens component <NUM> (in a compressed state) that is positioned in the bay <NUM>, through the intake <NUM>, through the nozzle <NUM> and out the aperture <NUM> and into the patient's eye.

The bay <NUM> may also include an interior wall <NUM> configured to compress the lens component <NUM>. The interior wall <NUM> may extend from the channel <NUM> to the intake <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> and may extend in a direction along a longitudinal axis L of the front portion <NUM>. The interior wall <NUM> may slant (e.g., an angle ranging from <NUM>°- <NUM>° (e.g., <NUM>°)) or curve to assist with folding the lens component <NUM> in the bay <NUM>.

Additionally, a cover <NUM> may be removably attached to the bay <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may removably attach to at least <NUM> portions (e.g., p<NUM>, p<NUM>, p<NUM>, shown on <FIG>) of the bay <NUM>, as shown. The cover <NUM> may attach to the bay <NUM> via a friction fit or (e.g., fitted into place via tabs and/or recesses). The bay <NUM> may also include rails <NUM> to receive portions <NUM> of a side arm <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be removed to allow placement of the lens component <NUM> into the bay <NUM> and to also allow the viscoelastic lubricant to be placed in the bay <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be repositioned on the bay <NUM> to secure the lens component <NUM> and the viscoelastic lubricant in the bay <NUM>.

The side arm <NUM> may be a rigid member positioned opposite to the interior wall <NUM>. The side arm <NUM> may be configured to move toward the interior wall <NUM> along the rails <NUM> (see arrow <NUM>), as the plunger <NUM> is depressed, and compress the lens component <NUM> such that the lens component <NUM> rotates (indicated by arrow <NUM>). The lens component <NUM> may be compressed into an ellipse or hemisphere type shape, wherein a major axis of the ellipse generally extends in a direction of travel of the plunger <NUM> and the lens component <NUM> (e.g., in a direction along a longitudinal axis, L, of the front portion <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM>).

The side arm <NUM> may include a wall <NUM> including a slant or curve similar to that of the interior wall <NUM> to also assist with folding the lens component <NUM> in the bay <NUM>. That is, the slant facilitates tucking of a trailing haptic extension 18b. The lens component <NUM> is compressed between the wall <NUM> of the side arm <NUM> and the interior wall <NUM> of the bay <NUM>.

As shown on <FIG>, the side arm <NUM> may include a raised portion <NUM> (e.g., a button) including a ramp configured to slide along an interior portion of the cover <NUM> (see arrow) and extend into an aperture <NUM> of the cover <NUM>, as the side arm <NUM> slides toward the interior wall <NUM>, upon depression of the plunger <NUM>. The positioning of the raised portion <NUM> within the aperture <NUM> locks the side arm <NUM> in place thereby maintaining the lens component <NUM> in the compressed or elliptical shape.

<FIG> is a cross sectional view of the top view (entire length) of an insertion tool <NUM> that is similar to the insertional tool <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown on <FIG>, the insertion tool <NUM> further includes a slider <NUM> that may be a rigid structure (e.g., an elongated member). The side arm <NUM> may be positioned at a distal end of the slider <NUM>. The slider <NUM> may be coupled to a member <NUM> that extends from a plunger assembly <NUM> of the insertion tool <NUM>. The plunger assembly <NUM> may be movably disposed within the insertion tool <NUM> and may include a first cylinder <NUM> in fluid communication with a second cylinder <NUM> via an orifice <NUM>. The plunger assembly <NUM> may further include a shaft <NUM> movably disposed within the second cylinder that is downstream to the first cylinder <NUM>. For example, the plunger <NUM> may be depressed in a direction toward the nozzle <NUM> (see arrow <NUM>) to force a hydraulic fluid <NUM> from the first cylinder <NUM> into the second cylinder <NUM> via the orifice <NUM>, as shown. This causes the hydraulic fluid <NUM> to propel the shaft <NUM> (the shaft <NUM> may be positioned within the second cylinder <NUM>) toward the nozzle <NUM> (and through the bay <NUM> to contact and push the lens component <NUM> through the nozzle <NUM>). The depression of the plunger <NUM> may also cause the plunger assembly <NUM> (unlocked) to move axially (e.g., forward).

A tab <NUM> may be a locking mechanism that can be pulled away from the plunger assembly <NUM>. The tab <NUM> may be slidably positioned within a recess <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. When in an unlocked position (as shown), the tab <NUM> is pulled away (see arrow) from the member <NUM> thereby allowing axial movement of the plunger assembly <NUM> when the plunger <NUM> is depressed. In a locked position, the tab <NUM> prevents axial movement of the plunger assembly <NUM> by abutting the member <NUM>.

The tab <NUM> may move in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L. The tab <NUM> may be confined to the recess <NUM> by edges or grooves within the recess <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the tab <NUM> cannot be pulled out completely away from the insertion tool <NUM>. The lack of a completely removable lock provides a benefit of one less part to discard in a sterile field during a procedure.

<FIG> illustrate a top view and a side perspective view, respectively, of the slider <NUM> and the side arm <NUM> in accordance with exemplary embodiments. When unlocked, the slider <NUM> may move axially (see arrow <NUM>) upon depression of the plunger <NUM> (and the shaft <NUM>). The slider <NUM> may include tracks <NUM> that contact and correspond with projections (or rails) of an interior portion of the housing <NUM> to guide axial movement of the slider <NUM> within the tracks <NUM>. The tracks <NUM> may extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the rails <NUM>.

As the plunger <NUM> is depressed, the shaft <NUM> and the slider <NUM> move axially (toward the nozzle <NUM>). The slider <NUM> contacts the side arm <NUM>, and the side arm <NUM> moves along a groove <NUM> of the slider <NUM>. The groove <NUM> may be positioned at a distal end of the slider <NUM>, as shown. The side arm <NUM> slides from an outer edge <NUM> of the slider <NUM> inward (e.g., toward an inner portion <NUM> of the slider <NUM> and/or toward the interior wall <NUM> of the bay <NUM>), thereby compressing the lens component <NUM> between the wall <NUM> of the side arm <NUM> and the interior wall <NUM> of the bay <NUM>.

Groove <NUM> may be angled (e.g., <NUM>° to <NUM>° relative to the longitudinal axis L) to facilitate inward movement of the side arm <NUM>, as shown. As the plunger <NUM> is depressed, the side arm <NUM> moves inward and compresses the lens component <NUM> with the wall <NUM> of the side arm <NUM> and the interior wall <NUM> of the bay <NUM>. The side arm <NUM> moves toward the inner portion <NUM> of the slider <NUM> and the raised portion <NUM> of the side arm <NUM> mates with the aperture <NUM> of the cover <NUM>, thereby locking the side arm <NUM> in place to maintain compression of the lens component <NUM> (e.g., the elliptical shape). The plunger <NUM> may then be pushed further so the shaft <NUM> delivers the lens component <NUM> through the nozzle <NUM> and into the patient's eye.

A lumen <NUM> may be aligned with a deployment channel <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. The deployment channel <NUM> may receive the lens component <NUM> from the bay <NUM> during depression of the plunger <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> may provide an exit for the deployment channel <NUM> so that the lens component <NUM> can be delivered through the nozzle <NUM> into the eye. The nozzle <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to the bay <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the nozzle <NUM> (or a portion thereof) may be integrally formed in or a permanent part of the housing <NUM> and/or the bay <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment including an insertion tool <NUM>. The insertion tool <NUM> may be similar to the insertion tool <NUM> and/or the insertion tool <NUM>. However, the insertion tool <NUM> includes two side arms <NUM>. A first side arm <NUM> may be positioned opposite to a second side arm <NUM>, as shown. Also, a bay 42a may be similar to the bay <NUM>, however, the bay 42a does not include the interior wall <NUM>. Instead, the interior wall <NUM> is replaced with a second side arm <NUM> (and accompanying functional features, such as the rails <NUM>, and the portions <NUM>). Upon depression of the plunger <NUM>, both of the side arms <NUM> move inward (toward each other, as indicated by arrows <NUM>) to compress the lens component <NUM> due to a slider 66a. The slider 66a may be similar to the slider <NUM>, however, the slider 66a may include multiple tracks <NUM>, multiple grooves <NUM>, and multiple inner portions <NUM>, for example as shown on <FIG>.

As the side arms <NUM> move inward, the shaft <NUM> moves axially through the channel <NUM>, into the bay <NUM> to recover the lens component <NUM> (in a compressed state) from the bay <NUM>. From the bay <NUM>, the shaft <NUM> delivers the lens component <NUM> through the intake <NUM> and out the nozzle <NUM> via the aperture <NUM>, into the patient's eye.

Axial movement of the slider 66a, the shaft <NUM> (see arrow <NUM>), and the plunger <NUM> may be simultaneous with inward movements by the side arms <NUM>. That is, depression of the plunger <NUM> compresses the lens component <NUM> and may axially move the lens component <NUM> through the nozzle <NUM>. The inward movements of the side arms(s) <NUM> may be perpendicular to the axial movement of the plunger <NUM> and/or the slider 66a.

In certain embodiments, the walls <NUM> of the side arms <NUM> may include protrusions <NUM> to facilitate compressing of the lens component <NUM> (e.g., to push the leading haptic extension 18a toward a tucking groove <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>), as shown. The tucking groove <NUM> may be positioned at the intake <NUM>. The tucking groove <NUM> may be configured to tuck the leading haptic extension 18a during compressing.

In some embodiments, at least one of the side arms <NUM> may be depressed by a user instead of the user depressing the plunger <NUM>. This may axially pull the plunger <NUM> and/or the slider <NUM> (or slider 66a) forward.

In certain embodiments, the insertion tool <NUM> may be preloaded. That is, when provided to an end-user, the insertion tool <NUM> may have the lens component <NUM> (e.g., modular IOL <NUM>, base portion <NUM>, and/or lens portion <NUM>) in an unfolded state already present there within and ready to deliver. Having the insertion tool <NUM> preloaded with the lens component <NUM> should reduce the number of steps a user may be required to accomplish before delivering the lens component <NUM> into a patient's eye. With a reduced number of steps, error and risk associated with delivery of the lens component <NUM> may be reduced. Further, an amount of time required to deliver the lens component <NUM> may also be reduced. In some embodiments, the lens component <NUM> may be pre-loaded into the bay <NUM>.

In an initial position, the lens component <NUM> may be positioned in the bay <NUM> prior to the advancement stage. The lens component <NUM> may be folded (compressed) in the bay <NUM> as described herein. The lens component <NUM> may be rolled or folded to reduce a size of the lens component <NUM>. This reduction in size allows delivery of the lens component <NUM> through a minimally sized incision in the eye.

In the advancement stage, the plunger <NUM> may advance (via the shaft <NUM>, as shown on <FIG>) the lens component <NUM> from the bay <NUM> to a dwell position in the deployment channel <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lens component <NUM> may be folded in the advancement stage. The dwell position may be in the nozzle <NUM>, or may be otherwise situated, for example, in the bay <NUM>.

In the deployment stage, the plunger <NUM> may advance the lens component <NUM> from the dwell position and out the aperture <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> into a patient's eye.

An exemplary technique for implantation of the modular IOL <NUM> into an eye <NUM> of a patient will now be described with respect to <FIG>.

As illustrated on <FIG>, an insertion tool <NUM> (e.g., the insertion tool <NUM> or the insertion tool <NUM> or the insertion tool <NUM>) may first dispense the base portion <NUM> into the eye <NUM> of a patient. In embodiments, an incision <NUM> may be made in the eye <NUM> by a surgeon. For example, the incision <NUM> may be made through the sclera <NUM> of the eye <NUM>. The incision <NUM> may be a suitable width or length. Without limitation, the suitable width and/or length may be less than about <NUM> microns (<NUM> millimeters). For example, the incision <NUM> may have a suitable width and/or length of from about <NUM> microns to about <NUM> microns, from about <NUM> microns to about <NUM> microns, from about <NUM> microns to about <NUM> microns, or from about <NUM> microns to about <NUM> microns. After the incision <NUM> is made, the nozzle <NUM> of the insertion tool <NUM> may be inserted through the incision <NUM> into an interior portion <NUM> of the eye <NUM>. The insertion tool <NUM> may be actuated to dispense the base portion <NUM> into a capsular bag <NUM> of the eye <NUM>. This initial movement of the base portion <NUM> may be performed at any suitable time, for example, before the incision <NUM> is made. Once the insertion tool <NUM> is positioned with the nozzle <NUM> in the eye <NUM>, the insertion tool <NUM> may then drive the base portion <NUM> (in a folded or rolled configuration) through the nozzle <NUM> and into the interior portion <NUM> of the eye <NUM>. Upon dispensation, the base portion <NUM> should unfurl and settle within the capsular bag <NUM> of the eye <NUM>, as shown on <FIG>. The haptic extensions <NUM> may be manipulated, for example, to engage the inside equator <NUM> of the capsular bag <NUM>. The haptic extensions <NUM> may engage the capsular bag <NUM> to secure the base portion <NUM> in the capsular bag <NUM>.

As illustrated on <FIG>, the lens portion <NUM> may be positioned in the interior portion <NUM> of the eye <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the lens portion <NUM> is shown positioned in the base <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>. The lens portion <NUM> may be delivered in a folded (or rolled configuration) and allowed to unfurl after ejection from the inserter. The lens portion <NUM> may be positioned in the base <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> and secured to the base portion <NUM>, for example, by use of the tabs <NUM> shown on <FIG>, to form the modular IOL <NUM>. However, embodiments should not be limited to use of the tabs <NUM> for interlocking the lens portion <NUM> and the base portion <NUM> and other suitable locking mechanisms may be used for securing lens portion <NUM> to the base portion <NUM> for forming the modular IOL <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> may hold the lens portion <NUM> within the eye <NUM> so that the lens portion <NUM> may refract light to be focused on the retina.

Use of the methods and systems described herein may provide numerous benefits and advantages over other IOL delivery systems. For example, the insertion tools including the preloaded IOL, as described herein, improve sterility due to decreased handling by users. Additionally, the insertion tools may allow folding of the IOL and delivery of a folded IOL with a single axial push against a plunger by a user. This reduces a separate folding step. Also, the side arms <NUM> and the bay <NUM> include contours that allow for improved folding of the IOL. Further, the cover <NUM> may include longer and stronger snaps and may be constrained at <NUM> rather than <NUM> points for improved stability.

Claim 1:
An apparatus for delivery of a lens component (<NUM>) into an eye (<NUM>), comprising:
a nozzle (<NUM>);
a bay (<NUM>, 42a) adjacent to the nozzle, wherein the bay is configured to contain the lens component and comprises a recess (<NUM>) in a shape of a haptic extension (<NUM>, 18a, 18b); and
a cam-actuated mechanism comprising:
a slider (<NUM>, 66a) configured to move in a direction toward the nozzle; and
a side arm (<NUM>) moveably disposed within the bay, wherein the side arm is positioned at an end of the slider, the end of the slider comprising a groove (<NUM>) aligned with the side arm, wherein the groove extends from an outer edge (<NUM>) of the slider into an interior portion of the slider, and wherein the groove is angled to receive the side arm as the slider moves.