Patent Description:
In ophthalmology, eye surgery, or ophthalmic surgery, saves and improves the vision of tens of thousands of patients every year. However, given the sensitivity of vision to even small changes in the eye and the minute and delicate nature of many eye structures, ophthalmic surgery is difficult to perform and the reduction of even minor or uncommon surgical errors or modest improvements in accuracy of surgical techniques can make an enormous difference in the patient's vision after the surgery.

Light enters the human eye through a clear cornea that is located on the outer part of the eye and covers the pupil and iris. The light travels through the pupil and then encounters the lens, located behind the iris. As the light travels through the lens, the lens refracts the light so that it focuses on the retina, located in the back of the eye. Special cells in the retina detect the light and transmit signals based on the light via the optic nerve to the brain, which interprets the signals as vision.

Vision quality is, therefore, influenced by a number of factors, including the transparency and refractive properties of the cornea and the lens. Unfortunately, as people age or due to trauma or disease, the lens may be become less transparent and a cataract develops. Cataracts cause deterioration of vision and are often surgically corrected. During some cataract surgeries, the lens is surgically removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

Many cataractous lenses are removed by a surgical technique called phacoemulsification. During this procedure, an opening is made in the anterior capsule and a phacoemulsification cutting tip is inserted into the diseased lens and vibrated ultrasonically. The vibrating cutting tip liquefies or emulsifies the lens so that the lens may be aspirated out of the eye. The diseased lens, once removed, is replaced by an artificial lens, also referred to as an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL is injected into the eye through a small incision, sometimes the same incision used to remove the diseased lens. An IOL injector is used to deliver an IOL into the eye.

The relevant state of the art is represented by <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. <CIT> discloses an injector device for injecting an IOL into an eye, said injector device comprising: an injector body having a longitudinal passageway and an opening formed in a side wall of said body for placement of an IOL therein; a compressor having a leading surface, a finger push surface, a top wall, a bottom wall and opposite side walls, said compressor adapted to be received in said opening and movable between opened and closed positions with respect to said injector body; and a locking mechanism to prevent said compressor from moving.

The present invention provides an intraocular lens injector as detailed in claim <NUM>. Also provided is a method according to claim <NUM>. Advantageous features are provided in the dependent claims.

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an intraocular lens injector as defined in claim <NUM>. The intraocular lens injector includes an injector body defining a bore; a nozzle coupled to the injector body, the nozzle including an opening in fluid communication with the bore; a plunger receivable into the bore and moveable therein; and an IOL compressor coupled to the injector body. The IOL compressor includes a housing; a compression chamber formed within the housing and adapted to receive an IOL; and a transversely depressible button extending through a slot formed in the housing, the transversely depressible button moveable within the slot. The transversely depressible button includes a pad located outside of the housing of the compression chamber; an internal portion located inside of the compression chamber, the internal portion having a compression surface adapted to compress the IOL disposed in the compression chamber; and a stem connecting the pad and the internal portion. The stem is slideably disposed within the slot.

Another aspect is directed to a method of compressing an intraocular lens according to claim <NUM>. The method includes applying a transverse compression force to an intraocular lens comprising a base, a trailing haptic coupled to the base, and a leading haptic coupled to the base; positioning a trailing haptic of the intraocular lens into a tucked configuration as the intraocular lens is compressed; restraining longitudinal displacement of the leading haptic as the intraocular lens is compressed; positioning the leading haptic into a tucked configuration as the compressed intraocular lens is longitudinally displaced; and maintaining both the leading haptic and the trailing haptic in a tucked configuration as the compressed intraocular lens continues to be longitudinally displaced.

The various aspects may include one or more of the following features. The housing of the compressor may include an exterior surface that defines a seat. The pad of the transversely depressible button may include a seating surface, and the seating surface may be adapted to contact the seat to stop movement of the transversely depressible button in a first trailing haptic in a tucked configuration as the compressed intraocular lens continues to be longitudinally displaced.

The various aspects may include one or more of the following features. The housing of the compressor may include an exterior surface that defines a seat. The pad of the transversely depressible button may include a seating surface, and the seating surface may be adapted to contact the seat to stop movement of the transversely depressible button in a first transverse direction. According to the invention, at least one flexible wing extends from the stem. The at least one wing is adapted to flex inwardly when passing through the slot and to expand outwardly when the at least one flexible wing is received into the compression chamber. The compression chamber defines an interior surface. The at least one flexible wing cooperates with the interior surface to form a lock that is adapted to hold the transversely depressible button into a depressed state when the at least one flexible wing is received into the compression chamber. The compression chamber may define a slot adapted to receive a leading haptic of the IOL and to restrain longitudinal movement of the leading haptic as the IOL is compressed within the compression chamber. The compression chamber may include and interior surface that includes a curved portion adapted to guide a trailing haptic of the IOL into a tucked configuration as the IOL is compressed within the compression chamber.

The various aspects may also include one or more of the following features. The compressed intraocular lens may be delivered from an intraocular lens injector. Applying a transverse compression force to an intraocular lens may include depressing a transversely depressible button to compress the intraocular lens between the button and an interior surface of an intraocular lens compressor. Positioning a trailing haptic of the intraocular lens into a tucked configuration as the intraocular lens is compressed may include engaging a tip of the trailing haptic with a curved surface to guide the trailing haptic into an abutting and conforming relationship with a base of the intraocular lens. Restraining longitudinal displacement of the leading haptic as the intraocular lens is compressed may include positioning the leading haptic in a slot that is adapted to define a path of travel of the leading haptic as the intraocular lens is compressed. Positioning the leading haptic into a tucked configuration as the compressed intraocular lens is longitudinally displaced may include longitudinally displacing the compressed intraocular lens while restraining longitudinal movement of the leading haptic such that the leading haptic abuts and conforms to the a shape of the base.

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and the associated features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not to scale, and in which:.

In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter. It should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the disclosed implementations are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible implementations.

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 the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is 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 is fully contemplated that the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to one implementation may be combined with the features, components, and/or steps described with respect to other implementations of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to ophthalmic surgery, and more specifically, to intraocular lens (IOL) compressors adapted for use with an IOL injector and methods of compressing an IOL prior to injection of the IOL into an eye of a patient.

Following removal of a cataractous lens by phacoemulsification or by other surgical procedures, the cataractous lens is replaced by an artificial lens, referred to herein as an IOL. The IOL is typically injected into the eye through the same small incision used to remove the diseased lens. An IOL injector is used to deliver an IOL into the eye.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematics of an exemplary IOL injector <NUM>. The IOL injector <NUM> has an injector body <NUM>. The injector body <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> having a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. The injector body <NUM> includes an IOL storage compartment <NUM> operable to house an IOL <NUM> prior to insertion into an eye. The IOL storage compartment <NUM> has a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>, the proximal end <NUM> of the IOL storage compartment <NUM> coupled to the distal end <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. In some instances, a door <NUM> may be included to provide access to the IOL storage compartment <NUM>. The door <NUM> may include a hinge <NUM> such that the door <NUM> may be pivoted about the hinge <NUM> to open the IOL storage compartment <NUM>. The injector body <NUM> includes an injector nozzle <NUM> having a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> defines a passage <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> is coupled to the distal end of the IOL storage compartment <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> also includes a distal tip <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM> through which the IOL is delivered out of the IOL injector <NUM>. The injector body <NUM> defines a bore <NUM> that joins and is fluid communication with the opening <NUM>. A longitudinal axis <NUM> extends along the bore <NUM>. The injector body <NUM> may also include tabs <NUM>, for example formed at the proximal end <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. Other configurations are possible. For example, in other implementations, the tabs <NUM> may be located at the distal end <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. The tabs <NUM> may be manipulated by fingers of a user, such as an ophthalmologist or other medical professional, to advance the plunger <NUM> through the bore <NUM>.

In some implementations, various manipulations of the IOL injector <NUM>, and various method steps, may be performed by one person, or by a plurality of persons. For example, some steps of methods described herein may be performed by a nurse, while other steps may be performed by an ophthalmic surgeon. For example, compression of an IOL <NUM> may be performed by a nurse, while injection of the IOL <NUM> into an eye may be performed by a surgeon.

The IOL injector <NUM> also includes a plunger <NUM> received within the bore <NUM> and moveable therein such that the plunger <NUM> is slideable within the bore <NUM>. As the plunger <NUM> is displaced distally within bore <NUM>, the plunger <NUM> engages and advances an IOL, such as IOL <NUM>, contained in the compartment <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the plunger <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM>, a plunger rod <NUM> extending distally from the body portion <NUM>, and a plunger tip <NUM> formed at a distal end <NUM> of the plunger rod <NUM> and adapted to contact an IOL disposed, for example, within the IOL storage compartment <NUM> of the IOL injector <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> may also include a flange <NUM> formed at a proximal end <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> is movable along the longitudinal axis <NUM> within the bore <NUM> in response to an axial force applied to the plunger <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM>. The axial force may be applied to the flange <NUM>, such as by a thumb of a user.

In some implementations, the IOL <NUM> may be a one-piece IOL. That is, in some implementations, the IOL <NUM> may include an optic <NUM> and haptics <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Each of the haptics <NUM> include a tip <NUM>. In some implementations, the optic <NUM> and the haptics <NUM> may be integrally formed out of a single piece of material. In other implementations, the optic <NUM> may be formed out of one piece of material; the haptics <NUM> may be formed out of another piece of material, and the optic <NUM>; and the haptics <NUM> may be coupled together prior to delivery into an eye. In some instances, the optic <NUM> and haptics <NUM> may be fixedly secured to each other prior to insertion into an IOL injector and delivered into an eye.

In other implementations, the IOL <NUM> may be a multi-piece IOL. For example, in some implementations, the IOL <NUM> be include two or more separate components. <FIG> is an example IOL <NUM> that includes two removably attached components. As shown in <FIG>, the IOL <NUM> includes an optic <NUM> and a base <NUM> that includes haptics <NUM>. The optic <NUM> and the base <NUM> are adapted to be coupled together into a unitary IOL and, thereafter, detached from each other into separate components, if desired. In some instances, one or more components of a multi-piece IOL, such as, for example the two-piece IOL <NUM> shown in <FIG>, are separately injectable into a patient's eye. Once in the eye, the components may be assembled into a complete IOL. For example, the two-piece IOL <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the optic <NUM> and the base <NUM> are separately injectable into an eye. Once injected, the optic <NUM> is adapted to be coupled to and to rest on the base <NUM>.

Occasionally, patients may require replacement of an IOL, and a procedure to replace an IOL may result in damage to the eye. With the use of a two-piece IOL, for example, a replacement procedure may involve replacement only of the optic, allowing the base to remain in place within the eye.

As explained above, in some implementations, the IOL <NUM> may be a two-piece IOL wherein the base <NUM> and the optic <NUM> are separately injected into the patient's eye. Accordingly, for two-piece IOLs, the base <NUM> and the optic <NUM> may be contained in separate IOL injectors <NUM> for insertion in the eye. In other implementations, the two components of a two-piece IOL may be inserted into an eye separately using a single IOL injector. For a single piece IOL, the optic <NUM> and haptics <NUM> form a unitary IOL and are inserted into an eye simultaneously with the use of a single IOL injector.

Accordingly, in some implementations, a user may place a one-piece IOL into an IOL injector, for example, by loading an IOL into the IOL storage compartment of the IOL injector, such as the IOL storage compartment <NUM> of the IOL injector described above. As also explained, the storage compartment may be accessed via a door, such as the door <NUM>. In some implementations, the IOL may be manually folded into a compressed or folded configuration.

In the case of a two-piece IOL, in some implementations, a user may load the base (which may be similar to base <NUM>) into an IOL storage compartment of an IOL injector, for example, via a door. The optic (which may be similar to optic <NUM>) of may be introduced into the IOL storage compartment of separate IOL injector, for example, via a door. In some instances, the IOL storage compartment may be accessed through the door similar to door <NUM>. In some implementations, one or both of the base and the optic may be manually folded into a compressed or folded configuration.

In some implementations, the IOL may be pre-loaded into the storage compartment of an IOL injector, for example, during manufacturing or otherwise prior to distribution to an end user. Accordingly, for the one-piece IOL, the one-piece IOL may be pre-loaded into the storage compartment an IOL injector prior to receipt by the end user. For a two-piece IOL, the base may be pre-loaded into a storage compartment of one IOL injector, while the optic may be pre-loaded into the IOL storage compartment of another IOL injector. The term "pre-loaded" as used herein means that an IOL, either in a one-piece or multi-piece configuration (including, for example, a two-piece configuration) is loaded into the IOL injector not by a user, but, rather, the IOL is installed in the IOL injector before and is already contained within the IOL injector when the IOL injector is received by the user. The IOL injector(s) may be packaged within sterile packaging when received by a user.

As would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art, an IOL that is pre-loaded into an IOL injector has advantages over manual installation and folding of an IOL into the IOL injector that is performed by a user. For example, manual installation and folding of an IOL may allow more opportunity for errors, which have the potential to cause unnecessary secondary manipulation or correction during an already complex procedure. Manual installation and folding of an IOL may also introduce the possibility of contamination of the IOL, such as by human error or poor sterile technique. Contamination of the IOL may compromise the sterile environment for the patient and risk infection or other harm to the patient.

As would be understood by skilled persons, it is important for IOLs to be stored unfolded so as not to become permanently deformed over time. Accordingly, IOLs are not held in a folded condition over a long period of time e.g., in storage.

<FIG> show an IOL compressor <NUM> that may be incorporated into an IOL injector. In some instances, the IOL compressor <NUM> may form an integral part of the IOL injector. In other instances, the IOL compressor <NUM> may be a separate component, such as a detachable component that may be removably connected to an IOL injector.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the IOL compressor <NUM> forms an integral part of an IOL injector <NUM>. The IOL compressor <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and a compression chamber <NUM> formed within the housing <NUM>. When the IOL compressor <NUM> is in an unactuated condition, the compression chamber <NUM> serves as a storage compartment in which an IOL (or component thereof) resides in an unstressed condition. The IOL compressor <NUM> may be used compress a one-piece IOL or one or more components of a multi-piece IOL. The IOL (or one or more components thereof) may be manually loaded into the compression chamber <NUM> of the compressor <NUM> by a user or the IOL (or one or more components thereof) may be pre-loaded during manufacturing or at some other time prior to delivery to a user.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the IOL compressor <NUM> includes a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> of the IOL compressor <NUM> is coupled to a distal end <NUM> of a main body <NUM> of the IOL injector <NUM>, and the distal end <NUM> of the IOL compressor <NUM> is coupled to a proximal end <NUM> of a nozzle <NUM> of the IOL injector <NUM>.

As indicated above, the IOL compressor <NUM> includes the compression chamber <NUM> that is adapted to receive an IOL or component thereof (hereinafter collectively referred to as "IOL"). The compression chamber <NUM> is adapted to house the IOL <NUM> in an unfolded state before compression of the IOL <NUM> occurs. The compression chamber <NUM> includes an interior surface <NUM> adapted to contact the IOL <NUM>, an exterior surface <NUM>, a first side <NUM>, and a second side <NUM>. A distance between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> defines an interior width of the compression chamber <NUM>. The interior width may be typically configured to accommodate the transverse width of an unfolded IOL. Referring to <FIG>, the IOL compression chamber <NUM> also includes a third side <NUM> and fourth side <NUM>. A distance between the third side <NUM> and the fourth side <NUM> defines an interior height of the compression chamber <NUM>. Referring again to <FIG>, a distance between the proximal end <NUM> of the IOL compressor <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the IOL compressor <NUM> defines a length of the compression chamber <NUM>. A plunger (which may be similar to plunger <NUM> described above) is slideable within a bore defined by the main body <NUM> of the IOL injector <NUM> (which may be similar to the bore <NUM> described above). As the plunger is advanced, a plunger rod of the plunger passes through the compression chamber <NUM> from the proximal end <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, and, as the plunger continues to advance, the plunger rod is made to pass through the distal tip <NUM> and, ultimately, an opening <NUM> formed in the nozzle <NUM>. Accordingly, the IOL compression chamber <NUM> is coupled with the main body <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> such that the bore defined by the main body <NUM>, the compression chamber defined by the IOL compressor <NUM>, and a passage defined by the nozzle <NUM> (which may be similar to the passage <NUM>, described above) are aligned and communicate with each other, allowing passage of the injector rod of the plunger through the main body <NUM>, the compression chamber <NUM>, and the nozzle <NUM>.

The IOL compressor <NUM> also includes a transversely depressible button <NUM>. The button <NUM> includes a pad <NUM> located outside the compression chamber <NUM>; an internal portion <NUM> located inside of the compression chamber <NUM> and defining a compression surface <NUM>; and a stem <NUM> connecting the pad <NUM> and the internal portion <NUM>. The pad <NUM> includes a contact surface <NUM> accessible to a user. In some implementations, the contact surface <NUM> may have surface features, such as raised dots <NUM>, to define a textured surface, that provides grip for the user's finger on the contact surface <NUM>. The pad <NUM> is adapted to be depressible by a user, e.g., by a finger of the user. When depressed, the button moves into and transversely across the compression chamber <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM>. The internal portion <NUM> includes a protrusion <NUM> located at a proximal end of the internal portion <NUM> and extending inwardly towards the longitudinal axis <NUM>.

The compression surface <NUM> of the internal portion <NUM> is adapted to contact the IOL, such as, for example, a base of a two-piece IOL (which may be similar to the base <NUM> shown in <FIG>). The compression surface <NUM> has a length. The length of the compression surface <NUM> may conform to a dimension of the IOL <NUM> in either a compressed or uncompressed condition. As the button <NUM> is depressed, the contact surface <NUM> compresses the IOL <NUM> between the compression surface <NUM> and the internal surface <NUM>.

The stem <NUM> is slideably disposed within a slot <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM> of the compression chamber <NUM> and which defines an opening <NUM> in the housing <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is adapted to allow smooth movement of the button <NUM> as the button <NUM> is depressed. As shown in <FIG>, the stem <NUM> includes flexible wings <NUM>. As the button <NUM> is depressed, the wings <NUM> fold inwardly towards each other as the stem <NUM> passes through the slot <NUM>. When ends <NUM> of the wings <NUM> advance past an end <NUM> of the slot <NUM> interior of the compression chamber <NUM>, the wings <NUM> expand, locking the depressed button <NUM> into position. With the wings <NUM> expanded, the ends <NUM> contact interior surfaces <NUM> of the compression chamber <NUM>, thereby capturing the button <NUM> and preventing withdrawal thereof from the compression chamber <NUM>, i.e., movement of the button <NUM> in a direction opposite that of arrow <NUM>. With the button <NUM> prevented from being withdrawn from the compression chamber <NUM>, the internal portion <NUM> of the button maintains the IOL <NUM> in a compressed state. In other implementations, the wings <NUM> may be omitted. In some implementations, the wings <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material, such as a bendable plastic material. With the button <NUM> locked into a depressed state by the wings <NUM>, a user is able to release the button <NUM>, freeing up a hand, and allowing the user to focus on delivering the IOL <NUM> into an eye.

In some implementations, the IOL compressor <NUM> may include a door, similar to the door <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, to provide access to introduce the IOL disposed in the IOL compression chamber <NUM>. In other implementations, the compressor <NUM> may omit a door.

In some implementations, the exterior surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the compression chamber <NUM> may include a seat <NUM>, and the pad <NUM> may include a seating surface <NUM> opposite the contact surface <NUM>. The seating surface <NUM> is operable to contact with the seat <NUM> of the compression chamber <NUM> to limit an amount by which the button <NUM> may be depressed by a user. A distance between the seating surface <NUM> and the seat <NUM> when the button <NUM> is in an initial, unactuated position (as shown in <FIG>) defines an amount by which the button <NUM> may be depressed when actuated. This distance may be selected to allow a user to compress an IOL into a compressed state having a selected, predetermined width.

Referring to <FIG> The button <NUM> in shown in a fully transversely depressed configuration. In this configuration, the seating surface <NUM> of the button <NUM> is in contact with the seat <NUM> of the compression chamber <NUM>, and ends <NUM> of the wings <NUM> are engaged with the interior surface <NUM> of the compression chamber <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the IOL <NUM> may be a base of a multi-piece IOL (e.g., a two-piece IOL) and may include haptics. For example, the base may be similar to base <NUM>, and the haptics may be similar to haptic <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. In other instances, the IOL <NUM> may be a single-piece IOL, similar to the IOL <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The single-piece IOL may include an optic and haptics, which may be similar to the optic <NUM> and haptics <NUM> show in <FIG>.

<FIG> further shows the IOL <NUM> is disposed in the compression chamber <NUM>. As shown, the IOL <NUM> includes a leading haptic <NUM> having a tip <NUM> and the leading haptic <NUM> disposed in a slot <NUM> formed in the compression chamber <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is adapted to receive the leading haptic <NUM> and temporarily restrain the leading haptic <NUM> as the IOL <NUM> is advanced toward the distal end <NUM> of the compression chamber <NUM>. The term "leading haptic" as used herein refers to a haptic of an IOL or IOL that is more distally positioned and located adjacent to the distal end <NUM> of the compression chamber <NUM>, as contrasted with a trailing haptic. A trailing haptic, as used herein, refers to a haptic of an IOL or IOL that is more proximally positioned and located adjacent to the proximal end <NUM> of the compression chamber <NUM>.

Upon compression of the IOL <NUM> by the button <NUM>, the slot <NUM> maintains a position and orientation of the leading haptic <NUM>. While the IOL <NUM> remains compressed, the slot <NUM> substantially maintains a longitudinal position of the tip <NUM> of the leading haptic <NUM> as the IOL <NUM> is subsequent advanced towards the distal end <NUM> in response to a longitudinal axial force applied to the compressed IOL <NUM> by the plunger in the direction of arrow <NUM>. The position of the tip <NUM> of the leading haptic <NUM> is substantially maintained because, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the slot <NUM> defines an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM>. Thus, as the compressed IOL <NUM> is advanced in the direction of arrow <NUM>, a position of the tip <NUM> of the leading haptic <NUM> continues to move along the slot <NUM> inwardly towards the base <NUM> and longitudinal axis <NUM>. Because of the oblique angle of the slot <NUM>, as the tip <NUM> moves inwardly, the longitudinal position of the tip <NUM> moves slightly proximally. An angle of the slot <NUM> relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM> may be selected such that, when the IOL <NUM> is loaded into the compression chamber <NUM>, the slot <NUM> corresponds to an unstressed shape of the leading haptic <NUM>. In other implementations, the angle of the slot <NUM> relative to the longitudinal axis <NUM> may be any desired angle.

By containing the leading haptic <NUM> within the slot <NUM> as the compressed IOL <NUM> is advanced by the plunger, the leading haptic <NUM> is prevented from extending distally beyond a distal end of the compressed base or optic of the IOL <NUM>. The slot <NUM> guides the leading haptic <NUM> and controls how the leading haptic <NUM> folds relative to the base or optic of the IOL <NUM>. As the IOL <NUM> is advanced by the plunger, the interaction between the leading haptic <NUM> and the slot <NUM> results in the leading haptic <NUM> being folded about the optic or base of the IOL <NUM> and abutting an outer surface of the base or optic of the IOL <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example IOL <NUM> in the form of a base of a two-piece IOL. The example IOL <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, a leading haptic <NUM> and a trailing haptic <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, once the IOL <NUM> is advanced sufficiently such that the leading haptic <NUM> is removed from the slot <NUM>, the leading haptic <NUM> conforms to an exterior perimeter <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

By avoiding an untuck configuration of the leading haptic <NUM>, i.e., a configuration in which the leading haptic <NUM> does not abut and conform to the exterior perimeter <NUM> of the base <NUM>, a surgeon avoids additional interaction with the IOL <NUM> in an effort to insert successfully the IOL into a patient's eye, thereby reducing the time required for the surgical procedures; reducing the risk of injury to the patient's eye; and reducing or eliminating the risk of damage to the leading haptic <NUM> or other part of the IOL <NUM>. With reduced risk of damage to the IOL <NUM>, a surgeon also reduces or eliminates the need to remove and replace a damaged IOL 70The leading haptic <NUM> maintains this orientation relative to the base <NUM> as the IOL <NUM> advances axially through the IOL injector <NUM> and is expelled from the opening <NUM> of the nozzle <NUM> of the IOL injector <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG> and <FIG>, as the button <NUM> is depress and the interior portion <NUM> of the button <NUM> compresses the IOL <NUM>, a tip <NUM> of the trailing haptic <NUM> is displaced towards a curved portion <NUM> of the interior surface <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> of the internal portion <NUM> is adapted to contact the trailing haptic <NUM> and prevent the trailing haptic <NUM> from moving proximally as the IOL <NUM> is compressed. As IOL <NUM> continues to be compressed, the tip <NUM> engages the curved portion <NUM>, and the tip <NUM> travels along the curved portion <NUM>, causing the trailing haptic <NUM> to pivot about a shoulder <NUM> where the trailing haptic <NUM> joins the base <NUM>. By following the curved portion <NUM>, the tip <NUM> of the trailing haptic <NUM> moves distally, ultimately resulting in the trailing haptic <NUM> taking on a tucked configuration, i.e., abutting and conforming to the exterior perimeter <NUM> of the base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Thus, the curved portion <NUM> of the interior surface <NUM> controls the orientation of the trailing haptic <NUM> as the IOL <NUM> is compressed by the button <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> operates to maintain the trailing haptic <NUM> in the tucked configuration, Thus, when the IOL <NUM> is fully compressed by the button <NUM>, the trailing haptic <NUM> is tucked close to the base <NUM>.

With the trailing haptic <NUM> oriented as described above, the risk of the trailing haptic <NUM> being displaced from an abutting relationship with the base <NUM> and trailing behind the tip of the plunger (i.e., being disposed proximally relative to the tip of the plunger) as the plunger advances the compressed IOL <NUM> through the IOL injector <NUM> is eliminated or substantially reduced. As a result, a surgeon avoids additional interaction with the IOL <NUM> in an effort to insert successfully the IOL <NUM> into a patient's eye, reducing the time required for the surgical procedures; reducing the risk of injury to the patient's eye; and reducing or eliminating the risk of damage to the trailing haptic. With reduced risk of damage to the IOL, a surgeon also reduces or eliminates the need to remove and replace a damaged IOL.

<FIG> show an IOL <NUM> (in this instance, a base of a two-piece IOL) in an uncompressed state and a compressed state, respectively. As shown in <FIG>, the tip <NUM> of the leading haptic <NUM> is disposed within the slot <NUM>. The tip <NUM> of the trailing haptic <NUM> is shown adjacent to a proximal end of the curved portion <NUM> of the interior surface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the IOL <NUM> is in a compressed stated with the tip <NUM> still located within the slot <NUM> and the trailing haptic <NUM> abutted against and conforming to the compressed shape of the base <NUM>. In <FIG>, the internal portion <NUM> of the button <NUM> is shown in contact with the IOL <NUM>, transversely compressing the IOL <NUM>.

Compression of the IOL <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> (i.e., a base of a two-piece IOL) results in the IOL <NUM> maintaining a height dimension that is essentially unchanged. That is, while the IOL <NUM> is compressed laterally, the IOL <NUM> is prevented from bowing or otherwise becoming distorted in a direction defined by vertical axis <NUM>. Thus, the compression chamber <NUM> operates to maintain the compressed IOL <NUM> in an essentially planar configuration between the third side <NUM> and the fourth side <NUM> of the compression chamber <NUM>, shown in <FIG>.

The present disclosure also relates to methods of compressing an IOL or component thereof. An example method <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. At <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes applying a transverse compression force to an IOL. With application of the transverse compression force to the IOL, a base of the IOL is placed into a compressed state. At <NUM>, a trailing haptic of the IOL is placed into a tucked configuration in which the trailing haptic is made to abut against and conform to a shape of a base of the IOL. With the base compressed by the transverse compression force, the trailing haptic abuts and conforms to the base in the compressed state. At <NUM>, a longitudinal displacement of leading haptic of the IOL is restrained so as to maintain a longitudinal position of the leading haptic relative to the base. The longitudinal position of the leading haptic may be restrained by defining a path along which the leading haptic is permitted to travel as the IOL is compressed and longitudinally displaced. At <NUM>, both the leading haptic and trailing haptic are maintained in a tucked configuration as the compressed IOL is longitudinally displaced. At <NUM>, the compressed IOL is delivered into an eye of a patient.

Other methods may include additional, fewer, or different steps. For example, in other implementations, the IOL may be contained in an IOL compression chamber (which may be similar to IOL compression chamber <NUM>, described above) when the IOL is compressed. The transverse compression force may be applied to the IOL by a button (which may be similar to button <NUM>, described above). The button may be displaced transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the compression chamber, thereby decreasing a transverse width of the IOL. In some implementations, the button may include a stem that slideable within a slot formed in the compression chamber. In some implementations, the button <NUM> may also include an internal portion having a compression surface operable to compress the IOL between the compression surface and an interior surface of compression chamber. In some implementations, depression of the button may be limited by contact between a portion of the button and a surface of the compression chamber, such as, for example, an exterior surface.

In some implementations, the method <NUM> may include locking the IOL compression chamber in a compressed configuration. For example, locking the IOL compression chamber in a compressed configuration may include preventing withdrawal of the button from a fully depressed position. Preventing withdrawal of the button from a fully depressed position may include generating interference between flexible wings of the button and a surface of the compression chamber, such as, for example, an interior of the compression chamber.

The transverse compression force applied in the direction of arrow <NUM> (shown, for example, in <FIG>) is typically perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the axial force applied to the IOL by the plunger in the direction of arrow <NUM> (also shown in <FIG>). In some implementations, the transverse compression force may be applied prior to the IOL application of the longitudinal axial force by the plunger.

In some implementations, the application of the transverse compression force may decrease a transverse width of the IOL. In some instances, compression of the IOL may reduce a width of the IOL to less than <NUM>% of the uncompressed width of the IOL. The uncompressed width of the IOL may be a width dimension in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of an IOL injector. In some implementations, compression of the IOL results in changing a shape of the IOL from an approximately circular shape into an approximately oval shape, as shown, for example, in <FIG>.

Application of a transverse compression force to the IOL may decrease the risk of buckling of the IOL upon the application of the longitudinal axial force to the IOL by a plunger. Buckling may occur as a result of axial loading of an IOL by a plunger when the IOL is in an uncompressed condition. Accordingly, compression applied to an IOL, e.g., by a compressor similar to compressor <NUM>, described above, provides increased stability when applying axial loading to the compressed IOL along a longitudinal axis of an IOL injector by a plunger during delivery of the IOL into an eye of a patient. Consequently, compressing an IOL prior to axial loading by a plunger decreases the possibility that the axial loading will result in buckling of the IOL.

Various implementations of an IOL compressor and methods of compressing an IOL described herein and within the scope of the present disclosure may be used in or otherwise applicable to an IOL injector configured to inject an IOL base and/or an IOL optic of a multi-piece IOL. Various implementations of an IOL compressor and associated methods of compressing an IOL described herein may be used with an IOL base and/or the IOL optic that are manually loaded into a compression chamber by a user or preloaded thereinto prior to delivery to a user.

Non-limiting examples of IOL injectors that may be adapted for use with the IOL compressor as described herein include those described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Advantages of the IOL compressors s described herein include the ability easily and reliably to compress a single-piece IOL or the separate components of a multi-piece IOL into a compressed state prior to advancement by a plunger and delivery into an eye.

Claim 1:
An intraocular lens (<NUM>) injector (<NUM>) comprising:
an injector body (<NUM>) defining a bore (<NUM>);
a nozzle (<NUM>) coupled to the injector body, the nozzle comprising an opening (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the bore;
a plunger (<NUM>) receivable into the bore and moveable therein; and
an IOL compressor (<NUM>) coupled to the injector body, the IOL compressor comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a compression chamber (<NUM>) formed within the housing and adapted to receive an IOL;
a transversely depressible button (<NUM>) extending through a slot (<NUM>) formed in the housing, the transversely depressible button moveable within the slot, the transversely depressible button comprising:
a pad (<NUM>) located outside of the housing of the compression chamber;
an internal portion (<NUM>) located inside of the compression chamber, the internal portion having a compression surface (<NUM>) adapted to compress the IOL disposed in the compression chamber;
a stem (<NUM>) connecting the pad and the internal portion, the stem slideably disposed within the slot; and
at least one flexible wing (<NUM>) extending from the stem, the at least one wing is adapted to flex inwardly when passing through the slot and to expand outwardly when the at least one flexible wing is received into the compression chamber;
wherein the compression chamber defines an interior surface (<NUM>), and wherein the at least one flexible wing cooperates with the interior surface to form a lock that is adapted to hold the transversely depressible button in a depressed state when the at least one flexible wing is received in the compression chamber.