Method and device for sterile packaging of a ready-to-use flexible hydrophilic intraocular lens

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for packaging a flexible hydrophilic intraocular lens (1) placed flat on an injection support (4) which is adapted to carry out folding of the lens (1) during its implantation. The lens is immersed in a bath of liquid conserving solution contained in a sealed flask (30) which is itself enclosed in a packaging envelope (48), the assembly being steam-sterilized.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 670,910 filed Aug. 7, 2017, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 580,914, filed on May 30, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,751,649 B2, issued Sep. 5, 2018, which was filed as the National Phase of PCT International Application No. PCT / FR2003 / 003575, filed on Dec. 3, 2003, which claims the benefit of priority to French Application No. 02 / 15294, filed on Dec. 4, 2002, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a method and a device for packaging and conserving in a sterile condition a flexible hydrophilic intraocular lens which is ready to use, i.e. ready to be implanted by injection through an incision formed in the wall of a patient's eye.[0003]Flexible intraocular lenses have the advantage of being able to be folded, allowing them ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Ensures the lens is sterile and maintains its functional shape post-implantation, reducing the risk of contamination and damage, while simplifying the surgical process and maintaining lens integrity.

Problems solved by technology

However, such devices are not compatible with intraocular lenses called hydrophilic lenses, made of hydrophilic material(s) which need to be kept in a hydrated state for conservation.

However, the problem arising with these hydrophilic lenses is precisely that of folding and manipulating them at the moment of the surgical act.

However, this method cannot be used in practice, for two main reasons.

Firstly, a lens which has remained folded for a long period before use necessarily retains a shape memory of the folded state and therefore does not regain its perfect initial functional shape after implantation.

In addition, such packaging cannot be steam-sterilized (autoclave) after production.

The liquid solution in the pocket would cause excess pressure, leading to explosion of the pocket.

The production of such a package is therefore not compatible with the imperative requirements of sterilizing the lens and its packaging.

All these manipulations are relatively complex and delicate, increasing the risk of contamination and damage to the lens.

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