Patent ID: 12257145

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described hereafter, with reference to the drawings. In the present specification, “to” refers to a predetermined value or more and a predetermined value or less.

FIG.1is an exploded schematic perspective view of intraocular ring injector with a container20of this embodiment.

FIG.2is a schematic perspective view of the intraocular ring injector with a container20of this embodiment.

FIG.3is a schematic perspective view illustrating an intraocular ring C placed in the intraocular ring injector10of this embodiment.

FIG.4is a schematic perspective view of a part of the intraocular ring injector with a container20of this embodiment.

Further, in this embodiment, in describing a relative positional relationship and a direction of movement and the like of each part of the intraocular ring injector10, one of the X axis directions is defined as X1 direction, the other direction is defined as X2 direction, and one of the Y axis directions is defined as Y1 direction, the other direction is defined as Y2 direction, and one of the Z axis directions is defined as 21 direction and the other direction is defined as Z2 direction, and X1 direction is defined as a tip end side (forward), X2 direction is defined as a rear end side (rearward), Y1 direction is defined as a left side (leftward), and Y2 direction is defined as a right side (rightward), Z1 direction is defined as an upper side (upward), and Z2 direction is defined as a downside (downward). Among them, the X1 direction and X2 direction correspond to length directions of the intraocular ring injector10, and the Y1 direction and Y2 direction correspond to width directions of the intraocular ring injector10, and the Z1 direction and Z2 direction correspond to height directions of the intraocular ring injector10.

The main feature portion in this embodiment is the part involved in the engagement between the intraocular ring injector10and the container4. A known configuration may be used except for the portion involved in the engagement. Therefore, the intraocular ring injector10itself and the container4itself will be hereinafter illustrated in a simplified manner.

An intraocular ring C addressed in this embodiment includes a lens capsule tension ring (CTR) placed in an eye to retain the shape of a lens capsule. The CTR is formed in an open ring shape that is curved in an arc shape as a whole. An open ring shape means that a partially open ring. However, a known CTR can be used. For this reason, the description in its entirety relating to the CTR in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-214494 of the present applicant is considered to be indicated in this specification.

As illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.2, this embodiment relates to intraocular ring injector with a container20configured so that intraocular ring injector10is housed in container4, for injecting intraocular ring C into an eye for retaining a shape of a lens capsule.

Intraocular ring injector10includes:

hollow body1having a hollow part in which intraocular ring C is housed;

plunger2that moves through an inside of the hollow body1in an axial direction of the hollow body1; and

pushing member3that pushes out the intraocular ring C by moving together with the plunger2through the inside of the hollow body1in the axial direction of the hollow body1.

The hollow body1is a main body of the intraocular ring injector10. Nozzle12having opening123is disposed at a tip end of the hollow body1. Flange11is provided at a rear end of the axial direction of the hollow body1.

As the flange21of the plunger2is pushed, the plunger2moves inside the hollow body1in the axial direction to push the intraocular ring C out of the nozzle12of the hollow body1. The plunger2is disposed coaxially with the hollow body1. The plunger2is provided movably in the axial direction of the hollow body1.

Pushing member3is formed in an elongated rod shape. The pushing member3is connected to the tip end part of the plunger2and moves integrally with the plunger2in the axial direction of the hollow body1. The pushing member3may be integrally molded with the plunger2.

As illustrated inFIG.3, protrusion31for eyelet Ch is provided at the tip end part of pushing member3to face downward. When the intraocular ring C is placed on the intraocular ring injector10, the protrusion31is fitted into a hole (eyelet Ch) provided in the intraocular ring C. Since the eyelet Ch is fitted into the downward protrusion31, when the protrusion31of the pushing member3goes out from the opening123of the nozzle12, the protrusion31is quickly released from the engagement with the eyelet Ch so that the intraocular ring C is released into the lens capsule.

The intraocular ring injector10of this embodiment may be a so-called preload type intraocular ring injector10in which the eyelet Ch of the intraocular ring C and the protrusion31of the pushing member3are engaged in advance. Of course, the eyelet Ch of the intraocular ring C and the protrusion31of the pushing member3may be engaged afterwards. However, the preload type does not require an engagement process by an operator, and therefore the intraocular ring C can be stably housed in the intraocular ring injector10.

The container4housing the intraocular ring injector10includes a moving mechanism (or “movement control mechanism”) that allows the hollow body1and the plunger2to move relatively in the axial direction, while housing the intraocular ring injector10in the container4.

This moving mechanism (or “movement control mechanism”) is not particularly limited so long as it can allow the hollow body1and the plunger2to move relatively in the axial direction, while housing the intraocular ring injector10in the container4. For example, a sliding mechanism capable of sliding allowing at least one of the hollow body1and the plunger2to slide in the axial direction while housing the intraocular ring injector10in the container4may be used in at least one of the intraocular ring injector10and the container4.

The expression “move the hollow body1and the plunger2relatively in the axial direction” means that at least one of the hollow body1and the plunger2are moved in the axial direction so that the rear end of the hollow body1is distanced from the rear end of the plunger2(for example, the flange11of the hollow body1is distanced from the flange21of the plunger2). Of the hollow body1and the plunger2, it may be the hollow body1, as mainly described in this embodiment, or the plunger2, as described in the modified example, that is to be moved. Alternatively, the hollow body1and the plunger2may be moved together.

Examples of the moving mechanism other than the above-described sliding mechanism include a movement restricting portion that restricts a movement of the intraocular ring injector10while being housed in the container4, in a direction other than the axial direction. The phrase “restricts a movement of the intraocular ring injector10in a direction other than the axial direction” means that the intraocular ring injector10itself does not come out of the container4. This state will be described.

In this embodiment, the following examples are mainly described.

The movement restricting portion includes the plunger movement restricting portion5and the hollow body movement restricting portion6. In the container4, the plunger2is fit in a vertical groove, which is the plunger movement restricting portion5, downward from above and fixed, as illustrated inFIG.4. On the other hand, the hollow body movement restricting portion6(protrusion1pof the hollow body1and first protrusion61of the container, and cutout11nof the flange of the hollow body and second protrusion62of the container) makes the hollow body1slide only in the axial direction.

In this embodiment, the plunger2may be movable upward when the flange21at the rear end of the plunger2is simply fit into the groove. On the other hand, the presence of the hollow body movement restricting portion6restricts the movement of the hollow body1, and thus the intraocular ring injector10as a whole, in the direction other than the axial direction unless the hollow body1is moved forward by a predetermined distance.

As described above, a state where at least one of the members forming the intraocular ring injector10engages with the container4so that the intraocular ring injector10is prevented from moving in a direction other than the axial direction is referred to as “the movement of the intraocular ring injector in a direction other than the axial direction is restricted”.

The main examples of the container4of this embodiment are as follows.

The container4housing the intraocular lens injector10includes:

plunger movement restricting portion5that restricts a movement of the plunger2in the axial direction (forward and backward), while housing the intraocular ring injector10in the container4; and

hollow body movement restricting portion6that restricts the movement of the hollow body1in a direction other than the axial direction, while permitting the movement of the hollow body1in the axial direction (forward and backward), while housing the intraocular ring injector10in the container4.

An aspect of the plunger movement restricting portion5is not particularly limited so long as it can restrict a movement of the plunger2in the axial direction (forward and backward). For example, the plunger movement restricting portion may be a groove that engages with the flange21at the rear end of the plunger2. Such a groove may be provided at one position, or two positions of right and left sides. A groove that engages with the tip end part (rod-like portion), rather than the flange21at the rear end of the plunger2may be further provided. Moreover, a ring-shaped member capable of completely fixing the plunger2may be used.

There is no particular limitation on an aspect of the hollow body movement restricting portion6. For example, it may be a member having a substantially C shape which can be held by fitting the hollow body1through the substantially C-shaped opening portion. It is preferably configured to be able to engage with the outer circumference of the hollow body1in the axial direction.

In this configuration, as illustrated inFIG.4, a protrusion1pextending in the axial direction, that is, in the forward and backward direction, of the hollow body1is provided on the outer circumference of the hollow body1, and first protrusion61that engages with this protrusion1pin the axial direction may be provided on the container4. This configuration can restrict the hollow body1from moving in a direction other than the axial direction.

The position where the hollow body movement restricting portion6is provided is not particularly limited as long as it is on the outer circumference of the hollow body1. For example, the protrusion1pand the first protrusion61may be provided at positions corresponding to the outer circumference of the main body portion before the flange11of the hollow body1.

Further, the hollow body movement restricting portion6may be provided with respect to the flange11of the hollow body1. For example, as illustrated inFIG.4, a cutout11nmay be provided on the lower portion of the flange11of the hollow body1, the cutout being tapered (wider toward the center of the hollow body1, and narrower toward the lower edge of the flange11of the hollow body1) as viewed in the forward and backward direction. In addition, a second protrusion62having a shape corresponding to the tapered cutout11n, that is, a shape having a wider upper portion and a narrower lower portion, and extending in the forward and backward direction, may be provided on the container4.

Further, a plurality of hollow body movement restricting portions6may be provided. For example, both of the protrusions61and62of the above two examples may be provided.

This embodiment will be hereinafter described based on specific usage aspects.

FIG.5(a)is a schematic plan view of the intraocular ring injector with a container20of this embodiment, with lid8of the container4closed, andFIG.5(b)is a side view thereof.

FIG.6(a)is a schematic plan view of the intraocular ring injector with a container20of this embodiment, with lid8of the container4opened, andFIG.6(b)is a side view thereof.

First, the lid8of the container4of the intraocular ring injector10of this embodiment is opened. That is, a state as illustrated inFIG.5is changed to a state as illustrated inFIG.6. The lid8is provided so as to cover the tip end side of the hollow body1, and a hinge is provided at the tip end of the container4. When this lid8is opened, an operator can notice an arrow provided on the bottom of the container4. This arrow indicates the direction in which the hollow body1is to be moved.

As illustrated inFIG.2, this embodiment is of a preload type, which does not require an operation to engage the protrusion31of the pushing member3with the eyelet Ch (opening) of the intraocular ring C. Even when it is not a preload type, such engagement can be made stably while the intraocular ring injector10is housed in the container4. Moreover, since the hook9is provided for hooking the intraocular ring C, such engagement can be made more stably. The rest of the intraocular ring C, excluding the vicinity of the eyelet Ch, is then disposed outside of the nozzle12.

FIG.7is a schematic perspective view of the intraocular ring injector with a container20of this embodiment (a part of the hollow body1where the intraocular ring C and the pushing member3are present is illustrated as a transparent view), after moving the hollow body1.

Next, only the hollow body1is moved forward. Since the flange21of the plunger2is fitted in the groove (i.e., the plunger movement restricting portion5), the movement in the forward and backward direction is restricted. It means that the intraocular ring C having eyelet Ch engaging with the pushing member3, and thus its protrusion31, remains fixed, with the pushing member being connected to the plunger2.

Thanks to the hollow body movement restricting portion6, the hollow body1can be moved forward without the hollow body1being disengaged from the container4. As a result, the intraocular ring C, which has been protruding out of the nozzle12, can be stably and normally housed inside the hollow body1as illustrated inFIG.7. Moreover, such housing can be done while the intraocular ring injector10is housed in container4.

For example, in the case where the hollow body movement restricting portion6is an approximately C-shaped member, the operator may remove the hollow body1from the approximately C-shaped member to cancel the restrictions on the movement of the hollow body1by the hollow body movement restricting portion6. However, it is preferred to employ a configuration of the hollow body movement restricting portion6where the restriction of the movement of the hollow body1is automatically canceled, when the hollow body1moves forward by the distance for housing the intraocular ring C in the hollow body1, the intraocular ring C engaging with an axial end of the pushing member3. It is because such a configuration can save operator's labor.

For example, the hollow body movement restricting portion6may be eliminated, when the hollow body1moves a distance such that the rest of the intraocular ring C excluding the vicinity of the eyelet Ch is housed in the hollow body1.

Specifically, for example, the length in the forward and backward direction of the protrusion1pprovided on the outer circumference of the hollow body1and the length in the forward and backward direction of the protrusions61and62provided in the container4are set to the value equal to or close to that distance.

The same applies to the case where the hollow body movement restricting portion6is provided on the flange11of the hollow body1. In such a case, for example, the length of the protrusions61and62provided in the container4is set to the value equal to or close to that distance.

The above-described distance may be set to, for example, 20 to 50 mm (preferably 25 to 45 mm) in consideration of the circumference of the known intraocular ring C.

By moving the hollow body1until the hollow body1hits the stopper4s, the hollow body movement restricting portion6cancels the restriction on the movement of the hollow body1. Then, the intraocular ring injector10can be taken out from the container4with the intraocular ring injector10facing upward (white arrow inFIG.7).

In the case where the plunger movement restricting portion5is a groove and the plunger2(rod-shaped part, flange21of plunger2) is fitted downward from above, the intraocular ring injector10can be easily taken out from the container4with the intraocular ring injector facing upward (white arrow inFIG.7).

Otherwise, that is, even when the plunger movement restricting portion5is a ring-shaped member and fixes the plunger2itself, the intraocular ring injector10can be taken out from the container4with the intraocular ring injector facing upwards by separately releasing the fixation. However, the plunger movement restricting portion5that is a groove is more preferable because it does not require such a fixation-releasing operation.

It is preferred that the hollow body movement restricting portion6further has a return restricting portion7that restricts the hollow body1from moving rearward in the axial direction.

By way of a specific example, a leaf spring is provided on the left side or on the right side of the hollow body movement restricting portion6for the flange21of the plunger2, the leaf spring having a length in an axial direction equivalent to the length of the second protrusion62. This leaf spring is tapered so that the width in the vertical direction increases toward the front, for example. At the beginning of moving the hollow body1forward, the force pushing the hollow body1forward causes the hollow body1to move forward while the flange11of the hollow body pushes the leaf spring downward. Then, when the hollow body1is moved forward to the extent that the restriction of movement of the hollow body1is canceled, the flange11of the hollow body passes the tip end of the leaf spring, thereby eliminating the pressure on the leaf spring. As a result, the leaf spring is restored upwards and thus the flange11of the hollow body1cannot move rearward any longer.

In addition, the return restricting portion7having a configuration other than those described above may be adopted.

FIG.8(a)is a schematic side view of an example of this embodiment in which a return restricting portion7is distinct from a stopper4s, andFIG.8(b)is a schematic side view of an example of modified embodiment in which a return restricting portion7is integrated with a stopper4s.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.8(b), the return restricting portion7and the stopper4smay be integrated. In this case, the portion connecting the return restricting portion7to the stopper4sforms groove71. Therefore, as the hollow body1moves forward, the resistance increases. When the hollow body1moves forward to the extent that it contacts the stopper4s, the cutout11nof the flange11of the hollow body1engages with the groove71, thereby fixing the hollow body1and restricting the hollow body1from returning rearward.

For example, in a configuration of the return restricting portion7other than those described above, one or more protrusions may be provided on the second protrusion62, so that resistance is created when moving the hollow body1(and thus the flange11of the hollow body1). This configuration can restrict the hollow body1from moving backward even when an unintended force is applied to the hollow body1that causes the hollow body1to move rearward.

FIG.9is a schematic side view of the nozzle12of the intraocular ring injector10of this embodiment.

It is also preferable that the shape of the nozzle12when viewed from the right-left direction (in a side view which is a direction perpendicular to the direction of releasing the intraocular ring C) is as follows. For example, the nozzle12may have a shape in which the upper part of the nozzle12has a long end121and the lower part of the nozzle12has the same or short end122, and further the nozzle12may have a shape in which the same or short end122side of the opening123of the nozzle12is cut out (numeral reference,123n).

By cutting out the opening123of the nozzle12as illustrated by the broken line inFIG.9, the release direction of the intraocular ring C can be controlled.

More specifically, the intraocular ring C is first exposed to the outside of the opening123at the cutout portion123nof the opening123of the nozzle12. Since the intraocular ring C is curved, the intraocular ring C is easily discharged to the outside of the opening123while contacting the cutout portion123n, as illustrated inFIG.9.

In addition, the portion of the opening123pointed by the arrow123ninFIG.9may be further cut out rearward. That is, an additional cutout may be provided rearward with respect to the cutout indicated by the broken line. The position of the additional cutout is preferably closer to the short end122, compared to the midpoint between the upper long end121and the lower short end122of the nozzle12.

The additional cutout can increase the area of the intraocular ring C contacting the opening during release of the intraocular ring C.

As a result, the intraocular ring C is easily released while the intraocular ring C is fitted in the cutout portion123n. It means that the direction to which the intraocular ring C is released tends to be constant. Moreover, such tendency becomes remarkable by cutting out the short end122side of the opening123of the nozzle12when the nozzle12has a tapered shape in which the upper part of the nozzle12is long and the lower part is short.

FIG.10is a schematic perspective view illustrating overhanging portion32provided in the pushing member3of the intraocular ring injector10of this embodiment. Note that the nozzle12is illustrated as transparent.

As illustrated inFIG.10, it is preferred to provide overhanging portion32in the pushing member3of the intraocular ring injector10. This configuration can prevent the aqueous humor in the eye from flowing back into the nozzle12during the surgical procedure. The circumstances leading to the provision of this configuration will be hereinafter explained.

In the case of the intraocular ring injector10in which the intraocular ring C is housed in the nozzle12, the intraocular ring C is not folded, unlike the intraocular lens. In the case of an intraocular “lens” injector, the intraocular lens is folded compactly and compressed, when it passes through the nozzle. Accordingly, there is almost no space through which the aqueous humor can flow back from the nozzle of the intraocular “lens” injector, so that the aqueous humor does not flow back.

Further, in a conventional intraocular ring injector, there is provided a gap (clearance) between a pushing member and an inner wall of a nozzle. That is, the present inventor has focused on the fact that the aqueous humor may possibly flow back into the nozzle during the surgical procedure in the conventional case. As a result, with the intention of preventing the backflow of the aqueous humor, the present inventor has devised a configuration in which at least a part of the pushing member3in the axial direction is provided with a flange, that is, overhanging portion32, which overhangs in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Examples of such a configuration include a configuration in which overhanging portion32for preventing backflow of the aqueous humor from the opening123of the nozzle12is provided only for a part of the pushing member3in the axial direction. Examples of such overhanging portion32include a flange which enables the pushing member3to have a diameter equal to the inner diameter of the nozzle12. In other words, there may be a gap formed between the inner wall of the nozzle12and a portion in the axial direction other than the overhanging portion32of the pushing member3, as in the conventional case. The gap is filled with the overhanging portion32.

The overhanging portion32may be provided so that the pushing member3corresponds to the inner diameter of the nozzle12. On the other hand, there may be a small gap between the pushing member and the inner wall of the nozzle12, provided that backflow of the aqueous humor can be prevented.

The overhanging portion32may be provided on all the portions in the axial direction other than a part provided with the protrusion31. However, as illustrated inFIG.10, it may be provided on some of the portions, so as to reduce the weight of the pushing member3, and thus the weight of the whole intraocular ring injector10.

Further, a set of two plate-shaped protrusions13aand13bmay be provided between the flange11on the outer circumference of the hollow body and the nozzle12in each of the right-left and up-down directions. With these plate-shaped protrusions13aand13b, an operator can easily grasp the orientation of the intraocular ring injector10when the operator grips the hollow body1. Further, the plate-shaped protrusions13aand13bmay be configured to become wider from the tip end toward the rear end. This makes it easier for the operator to grip the hollow body1.

When viewed from the back to the front, the long end of the nozzle12is disposed at the position sandwiched between the upper set of two plate-shaped protrusions13aand13b. In other words, the opening123of the nozzle12is oriented forward and downward, and placed at the position between a lower set of two plate-shaped protrusions13aand13b. Thus, the operator can grasp the approximate position of the opening123of the nozzle12by reference to the upper set of two plate-shaped protrusions13aand13b.

Further, when viewed from the back to the front, another set of two plate-shaped protrusions14aand14bmay be provided at the position sandwiched between the upper set of two plate-shaped protrusions13aand13b, and between the nozzle12and the plate-shaped protrusions13aand13b.

FIG.11(a)is a schematic side view illustrating a pushing member of a conventional intraocular ring injector, andFIG.11(b)is a schematic side view illustrating the vicinity of a nozzle of the conventional intraocular ring injector. Note that the nozzle is illustrated as transparent.

FIG.12(a)is a schematic side view illustrating a pushing member3of the intraocular ring injector10of this embodiment, andFIG.12(b)is a schematic side view illustrating the vicinity of a nozzle12of the intraocular ring injector10of this embodiment. Note that the nozzle12is illustrated as transparent.

As illustrated inFIG.12, it is preferred to displace downward at least the tip end (front) part of the pushing member3of the intraocular ring injector10on the inner circumference of the nozzle12, the tip end part having a protrusion31provided thereon. Focusing on the pushing member3alone, it is preferable to displace at least the above-described tip end part from the axial direction of the plunger2to the direction in which the protrusion31is protruded. This configuration can prevent the intraocular ring C from falling out of the protrusion31when pulling the intraocular ring C into the nozzle12and, in turn, making the intraocular ring C be housed in the hollow body1. The circumstances leading to the provision of this configuration will be hereinafter explained.

The inner circumference of the nozzle12in this embodiment has a tapered shape with the thinner tip end side and the thicker rear end side. This embodiment is envisaged that this nozzle12is basically adopted, and the pushing member3and the plunger2are coaxially designed as illustrated inFIG.11(a). In that case, as illustrated inFIG.11(b), the more the intraocular ring C is pulled into the nozzle12and thus more into the hollow body1(hereinafter, description will be made for the nozzle12), the larger the clearance (black arrow inFIG.11(b)) between the protrusion31of the tip end part of the pushing member3and the inner circumference of the nozzle12. As a result, while pulling the intraocular ring C into the inside of the nozzle12, the intraocular ring C may be possibly disengaged from the protrusion31of the tip end part of the pushing member3.

In this embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.12(a), the tip end part of the pushing member3is designed to be located below the central axis of the plunger2(circled inFIG.12(a)). In this configuration, as illustrated inFIG.12(b), the clearance between the protrusion31of the tip end part of the pushing member3and the inner circumference of the nozzle12can be reduced (circled inFIG.12(b)), the intraocular ring C being pulled into the inside of the nozzle12. As a result, the intraocular ring C can be prevented from being disengaged from the protrusion31of the tip end part of the pushing member3.

Specific aspects of the displacement are as follows.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.12, the entire pushing member3attached to the plunger2or the entire rod-shaped part on the tip end side from the part engaged with the plunger2is tilted from the axial direction of the plunger2to the direction in which the protrusion31is protruded. Thereby, the tip end part of the pushing member3of the intraocular ring injector10can be displaced downward on the inner circumference of the nozzle12, the tip end part having the protrusion31provided thereon. At this time, in the initial state where the protrusion31is fitted in the eyelet Ch of the intraocular ring C, the protrusion31may be displaced to the extent that it contacts the inner circumference of the nozzle12. Further, the protrusion31may be displaced to the extent that it contacts the circumference of the nozzle12until it reaches the position where the intraocular ring C is pulled into the inside of the nozzle12.

As another example, on the way from the rear end to the tip end of the pushing member3, the pushing member3may be displaced in the direction in which the protrusion31is protruded, the pushing member3may extend as it is, and the tip end part provided with the protrusion31may be displaced downward on the inner circumference of the nozzle12.

As still another example, only the tip end part of the pushing member3may be displaced downward on the inner circumference of the nozzle12, the tip end part having the protrusion31provided thereon.

Each of the above configurations makes it possible to move forward the hollow body1, which is a main body of the intraocular ring injector10, while restricting the movement of the plunger2in the forward and backward direction in the state where the intraocular ring injector10is housed in the container4. Thereby, the operation of making the intraocular ring C be housed in the intraocular ring injector10can be completed in the container4.

In other words, the intraocular ring C can be stably housed in the hollow body1while stably maintaining the engagement between the pushing member3of the intraocular ring injector10and the eyelet Ch of the intraocular ring C. In addition, the operator can normally make the intraocular ring C be housed in the hollow body1while being conscious of the intraocular ring C and not being distracted by the movement of the plunger2as in the conventional case. In addition, since the operation is completed within the container4, there is no risk of hitting the intraocular ring injector10against an obstacle outside the container4during the operation of making the intraocular ring C be in housed.

As a result, the operator can make the intraocular ring C be stably and normally housed in the intraocular ring injector10.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but includes various modes and modifications as far as the specific effects obtained by the constituent features of the invention and combinations thereof can be derived.

For example, the intraocular ring injector10of this embodiment may be, for example, a disposable type made of resin, or it may be a repeatedly usable type. However, the disposable type is preferable because it does not need to be cleaned and disinfected each time, which saves time and labor.

This embodiment has been illustrated mainly referring to an example in which the movement of the plunger2in the axial direction is mainly restricted, while the hollow body1is allowed to move only in the axial direction. However, the above relationship may be reversed. For example, the movement of the hollow body1in the axial direction is restricted, while the movement of plunger2is allowed only in the axial direction. The “moving mechanism of moving the hollow body1and the plunger2relatively in the axial direction, while housing the intraocular ring injector10in the container4” described previously in this embodiment includes this configuration.

In this modified example, similar to this embodiment, it is preferable to have a sliding mechanism capable of sliding at least one of the hollow body1and the plunger2in the axial direction while housing the intraocular ring injector10in the container4. Then, it is more preferred to have a movement restricting portion that restricts the movement of the intraocular ring injector10while being housed in the container4in a direction other than the axial direction.

In this modified example, it is preferable that the movement restricting portion cancels restriction on the movement of the intraocular ring injector10, when the hollow body1and the plunger2are relatively moved, that is, the hollow body1is fixed and then the plunger2is moved by a distance for housing the intraocular ring C in the hollow body1, the intraocular ring being engaged with an axial end of the pushing member.

As a specific configuration, for example, a vertical groove into which the flange11of the hollow body1can be fitted downward from above may be provided in the container4. Then, an engagement mechanism similar to the protrusion1pof the hollow body1and the first protrusion61of the container may be provided in the rod-shaped portion of the plunger2and in the container4. Alternatively, an engagement mechanism similar to the cutout11nof the flange11of the hollow body1and the second protrusion62of the container may be provided for the flange21of the plunger2.

Alternatively, the hollow body1and the plunger2may be moved together. In this case, an engagement mechanism similar to the protrusion1pof the hollow body1and the first protrusion61of the container, or an engagement mechanism similar to the cutout11nof the flange11of the hollow body1and the second protrusion62of the container may be provided for the plunger2, the hollow body1, and the container4.

In any case, the moving distance is preferably 20 to 50 mm (preferably 25 to 45 mm), as in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the lens capsule tension ring (CTR) is exemplified as the intraocular ring C. On the other hand, the technical idea of the present invention can also be applied to the intraocular ring injector10which utilizes the intracorneal ring as the intraocular ring C.

Further, the above embodiment in which the nozzle12is cut out can be an invention by itself, by setting the release direction of the intraocular ring C tending to be constant as the problem and effect of the invention. Moreover, the problem and effect can be applied not only to the intraocular ring C but also to the intraocular lens. In view of the foregoing, one configuration of the present invention is as follows.

“An injector for injecting an intraocular ring C for retaining a shape of a lens capsule, or an intraocular lens into an eye, including nozzle12for releasing the intraocular ring C or intraocular lens, wherein the nozzle12has a shape in which one end121is long and the other end122is the same or short, and the same or short one end122side of the opening123of the nozzle12is cut out, in a side view which is a direction perpendicular to the releasing direction”.

Preferably, with respect to a cutout on the same or short end122side, an additional cutout is provided rearward at the position closer to the short end122relative to a midpoint between an upper long end121and a lower short end122of the nozzle12.

The overhanging portion32provided in the pushing member3described above can be an invention by itself, by setting the prevention of the backflow of the aqueous humor as the problem and effect. In view of the foregoing, one configuration of the present invention is as follows.

“An intraocular ring injector10for injecting an intraocular ring C into an eye for retaining a shape of a lens capsule, the intraocular lens injector10including:

hollow body1having a hollow part in which the intraocular ring C is housed;

plunger2that moves through an inside of the hollow body1in an axial direction of the hollow body; and

pushing member3that pushes out the intraocular ring C by moving forward together with the plunger2through the inside of the hollow body1in the axial direction of the hollow body1,

wherein the hollow body1includes the nozzle12releasing the intraocular ring C through the opening123, and overhanging portion32is provided to at least a part of the pushing member3in the axial direction, for preventing backflow of the aqueous humor from the opening123of the nozzle12”.

The above-described displacement of the pushing member3can be an invention by itself, by setting the intraocular ring C being possibly disengaged from the protrusion31of the tip end part of the pushing member3while pulling the intraocular ring C into the inside of the nozzle12, as a problem and to solve the above problem is envisaged as an effect. In view of the foregoing, one configuration of the present invention is as follows.

“An intraocular ring injector10for injecting an intraocular ring C into an eye for retaining a shape of a lens capsule,

the intraocular lens injector10including:

hollow body1having a hollow part in which the intraocular ring C is housed;

plunger2that moves through an inside of the hollow body1in an axial direction of the hollow body; and

pushing member3that pushes out the intraocular ring C by moving forward together with the plunger2through the inside of the hollow body1in the axial direction of the hollow body1,

wherein at least a front portion of the pushing member3on which a protrusion31for engagement with the intraocular ring C is provided, is displaced from the axial direction of the plunger2to a direction in which the protrusion31is protruded”.

DESCRIPTION OF SIGNS AND NUMERALS

1Hollow body1pProtrusion (for groove formation)11Flange of hollow body11nCutout (of flange of hollow body)12Nozzle121Long end122Same or short end123Opening of nozzle123nCutout (of opening of nozzle)13a,13bPlate-shaped protrusion14a,14bAnother plate-shaped protrusion2Plunger21Flange of plunger3Pushing member31Protrusion (for eyelet)32Overhanging portion (for preventing backflow of aqueous humor)4Container4sStopper5Plunger movement restricting portion6Hollow body movement restricting portion61,62First protrusion, second protrusion (as hollow body movement restricting portion)7Return restricting portion71Groove (engaging with cutout of flange of hollow body)8Lid9Hook10Intraocular ring injector20Intraocular ring injector with containerC Intraocular ringCh Eyelet