Patent ID: 7276071

Claim:
A device for inserting an intraocular lens into a mammalian recipient's eye, comprising: (a) a removable lens carrier comprising an encasement chamber having a distal end and a proximal end, and a pair of guides for holding the intraocular lens; (b) an insertion tube comprising a loading port having first and second chambers adapted to communicate with each other, and to converge to form an ejection port having a guide ridge; (c) a loading carriage comprising a docking platform and a removable loading carriage cover having a lens depressor; wherein the size and shape of said docking platform are adapted to complement those of said removable lens carrier, such that said removable lens carrier may be securely fastened onto said docking platform with said proximal end of said encasement chamber positioned adjacent to said loading port; wherein said lens depressor and said guides are sized and shaped to allow for said lens depressor to press the intraocular lens between said guides to align the intraocular lens with said first and second chambers; and (d) a plunger comprising a handle, a plunger support, and a rod having a tip adapted to advance the intraocular lens towards said ejection port to allow for said guide ridge to controllably orient the intraocular lens and guide the lens into the eye.