Intraocular lens injector

Abstract

An intraocular lens (IOL) injector and associated methods are described. The IOL injector may include a collapsible portion configured to reduce the length of the IOL injector when the collapsible portion changes from an uncollapsed configuration to a collapsed configuration. In some examples, the IOL can be advanced from a storage position to a rest position when the collapsible portion changes from the uncollapsed configuration to the collapsed configuration. The IOL injector may also include a push and screw drive combination.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 696,078, filed on July 10, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to ophthalmic surgery and, more particularly, to intraocular lens (IOL) injectors and related methods. Background Art

[0004] In ophthalmology, eye surgery, or ophthalmic surgery, saves and improves vision for tens of thousands of patients each year. However, eye surgery is difficult to perform given the sensitivity of vision to even small changes in the eye and the tiny and fragile nature of many of the eye's structures, and even a reduction in small or unusual surgical errors or a small improvement in the accuracy of the surgical technique can make a huge difference in a patient's postoperative vision.

[0005] Light enters the human eye through the transparent cornea, which is located on the outside of the eye and covers the pupil and iris. The light passes through the pupil and then encounters the lens, which is located behind the iris. As the light passes through the lens, the lens refracts the light so that it is focused on the retina, which is located at the back of the eye. Special cells in the retina detect the light and transmit light-based signals via the optic nerve to the brain, which interprets the signals as vision.

[0006] Therefore, the quality of vision is affected by many factors, including the transparency and refractive properties of the cornea and lens. Unfortunately, as people age or due to trauma or disease, the lens may become less transparent and cause cataracts. Cataracts cause worsening vision and are usually corrected by surgery. During some cataract surgeries, the lens is surgically removed and replaced with an artificial lens (IOL).

[0007] Many cataractous lenses are removed through a surgical technique called phacoemulsification. In 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 it can be aspirated out of the eye. Once removed, the diseased lens is replaced with an artificial lens, also known as an intraocular lens (IOL).

[0008] The IOL is injected into the eye through a small incision, sometimes the same incision used to remove the diseased lens. The IOL is delivered into the eye using an IOL injector. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to an intraocular lens (IOL) injector, the injector comprising an injector body and a plunger received in the injector body. The injector body may include a body, and a nozzle is connected to the distal end of the body. The body may include a hole, and an inner wall defined by the hole. The inner wall may include a distal portion and a proximal portion. The nozzle may include a passage in fluid communication with the hole, and a distal opening in fluid communication with the passage. The plunger may include a plunger body, a plunger rod connected to the distal end of the plunger body, and a plunger tip, the plunger tip is formed at the distal end of the plunger rod and is suitable for contacting the IOL. One of the inner wall and the plunger body may include a threaded surface, and the other of the inner wall and the plunger body may include a feature suitable for engaging the threaded surface to produce axial movement of the plunger in response to axial movement or rotation of the plunger body. The inner wall may include a distal portion and a proximal portion, and the threaded surface or the feature adapted to engage the threaded surface may be arranged in the distal portion of the inner wall. The feature adapted to engage the threaded surface is a pin. The feature adapted to engage the threaded surface may be a second threaded surface. A hole may be formed through the inner wall, and the pin may be adapted to be movably received in the hole. The pin, when arranged in the hole, may be adapted to prevent the threaded surface and the feature adapted to engage the threaded surface from engaging with each other to produce axial movement of the plunger in response to axial movement or rotation of the plunger body. The threaded surface may include a pitch that varies along the body. The pitch may be wider at the proximal end of the body and may be narrower at the distal end of the body. The plunger may also include a flange rotatably separated from the plunger body.

[0010] The feature adapted to engage the threaded surface may be a pin; the inner wall may include a distal portion and a proximal portion; the threaded portion may be formed in the distal portion of the inner wall; the plunger may include the pin; and the proximal portion of the inner wall may include a track extending from the proximal end of the body to the proximal end of the threaded portion. The pin may be received in the track and movable along it. The inner wall may include a distal portion and a proximal portion. The plunger may slide along the proximal portion of the inner wall through the hole from a first position, in which the plunger tip is proximally adjacent to a storage position in the mouth, to a second position, in which the plunger tip is proximally adjacent to a rest position. The second position may correspond to initial engagement of the threaded surface with the feature adapted to engage the threaded surface.

[0011] The collapsible portion may be arranged between the body and the mouth, and the collapsible portion may move between a collapsed configuration and an uncollapsed configuration. The collapsible portion may include a first sleeve and a second sleeve telescopically received in the first sleeve. The collapsible portion may move from the uncollapsed configuration to the collapsed configuration, in which the first sleeve is in a first position relative to the second sleeve, and in the collapsed configuration, the first sleeve is in a second position relative to the second sleeve. When the collapsible portion moves from the uncollapsed configuration to the collapsed configuration, the plunger tip may move from a first plunger tip position to a second plunger tip position distal to the first plunger tip position. When the collapsible portion moves from the uncollapsed configuration to the collapsed configuration, the plunger may remain stationary relative to the body. A plunger cap may be removably coupled to the plunger and adapted to prevent engagement of the threaded surface with the feature adapted to engage the threaded surface. The injector body may include one or more tabs adapted to engage with one or more fingers. The tab may be positioned closer to the distal end of the injector body than to the proximal end of the injector body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its associated features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not drawn to scale, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary IOL injector;

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary IOL injector;

[0015] Figure 3 An exemplary one-piece IOL is shown;

[0016] Figure 4 An exemplary two-piece IOL including a base and an optic is shown; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary mouthpiece of an IOL injector;

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary nozzle of an IOL injector is shown;

[0018] Figure 7 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a distal tip of a mouth of an IOL injector;

[0019] Figure 8 is a detailed view of an exemplary mouth;

[0020] Fig. 9 is another detailed view of a cross section of an exemplary mouth showing an IOL in a rest position;

[0021] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary IOL injector having a push and screw drive combination and wherein a threaded surface of a plunger partially engages a threaded surface of an injector body;

[0022] Fig.11A is a cross-sectional view of the body of an exemplary IOL injector having a push and screw drive combination and a hard stop;

[0023] Fig. 11B is a perspective view of an exemplary IOL injector with the mouth omitted;

[0024] Fig.12 An exemplary variable pitch thread is shown;

[0025] Fig.13A An exemplary IOL injector having a push and screw drive combination is shown with the plunger removed from the injector body;

[0026] Fig. 13B Shows Fig.13A An IOL injector, wherein the plunger is inserted into a hole formed in the injector body, and wherein the stop pin is received in the injector body;

[0027] Fig. 13C Shows Fig.13A An IOL injector, wherein the plunger is inserted into a hole formed in the injector body and the stop pin is removed from the hole formed in the injector body;

[0028] Fig.13D Shows Fig.13A The condition of the IOL injector when the plunger has been fully advanced into the hole formed in the injector body;

[0029] Fig.13E yes Fig.13A The IOL injector is along Fig.13D The present invention is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 13E-13E of FIG. 1 and shows the plunger fully advanced into the hole formed in the injector body.

[0030] Fig.14A is a perspective view of an exemplary IOL injector having a push and screw drive combination and a collapsible portion;

[0031] Fig. 14B Shows Fig.14A A partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary IOL injector;

[0032] Fig. 14C yes Fig.14A A partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary IOL injector of , wherein the collapsible portion is actuated; and

[0033] Fig.14D yes Fig.14A A partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary IOL injector wherein the collapsible portion is actuated and the push and screw drive is actuated;

[0034] Fig.15 is an exemplary method of using an IOL injector;

[0035] Fig.16 is another exemplary method of using an IOL injector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter. However, it is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed implementations are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible implementations.

[0037] For the purpose of promoting understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementations shown in the accompanying drawings, and specific language will be used to describe these implementations. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art of the present disclosure are generally fully able to think of any changes and further modifications to the described devices, instruments, methods, and any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure. Specifically, it is fully conceivable that the features, components, and / or steps described for one implementation can be combined with the features, components, and / or steps described for other implementations of the present disclosure.

[0038] The present disclosure relates to ophthalmic surgery and, more particularly, to an intraocular lens (IOL) injector.

[0039] After the cataractous lens is removed by phacoemulsification, it is replaced with an artificial lens, referred to herein as an IOL. Typically, the IOL is injected into the eye through the same small incision used to remove the diseased lens. The IOL is delivered into the eye using an IOL injector.

[0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2is a schematic diagram of an exemplary IOL injector 10. The IOL injector 10 has an injector body 20. The injector body 20 includes a body 21 having a proximal end 50 and a distal end 22. The injector body 20 includes a nozzle 25 having a proximal end 23 and a distal end 60. The nozzle 25 defines a passage 31. The proximal end 23 of the injector nozzle 25 is coupled to the distal end 22 of the body 21. A proximal portion of the nozzle 25 includes an IOL storage compartment 80, which defines a cavity 81 operable to accommodate an IOL 70 prior to insertion into an eye. The nozzle 25 also includes a distal tip 27, which defines an opening 29 through which the IOL is delivered from the IOL injector 10. In some implementations described herein, the storage compartment 80 defines an IOL storage location 808. The IOL storage compartment 80 has a proximal end 26 and a distal end 24, and the proximal end 26 of the IOL storage compartment 80 is connected to the distal end 22 of the body 21. In some examples, a door 90 can be included to enter the IOL storage compartment 80. The door 90 can include a hinge 100 so that the door 90 can pivot around the hinge 100 to open the IOL storage compartment 80. The injector body 20 defines a hole 40, which is connected to the opening 29 and is in fluid communication with it. The longitudinal axis 75 extends along the hole 40. The hole 40 extends through the body 21 and the mouth 25. The portion of the hole in the body 21 can be referred to as the body hole, and the portion of the hole in the mouth 25 can be referred to as the mouth hole. The injector body 20 can also include a plurality of tabs 110 formed, for example, at the proximal end 50 of the body 21. Other configurations are possible. For example, in other implementations, these tabs 110 can be located at the distal end 22 of the body 21. A user, such as an ophthalmologist or other medical professional, may manipulate tab 110 with a finger to advance plunger 30 (discussed below) through aperture 40 .

[0041] In some implementations, for example, Fig.14A As shown, the length of one of the tabs 110 extends from the injector body 20 (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 75) a shorter distance than the other tab 110, so that the user can comfortably hold the IOL injector body 20 with one hand while rotating the plunger body 200 with the other hand. In some implementations, at least one of the tabs 110 can have a length of less than 2.0 cm.

[0042] In some implementations, various manipulations of the IOL injector 10, as well as various method steps, may be performed by one or more individuals. For example, some steps of the methods described herein may be performed by a nurse, while other steps may be performed by an ophthalmologist. For example, advancing the IOL 70 from the storage position 808 to the rest position 809 (e.g., Fig. 9), and the injection of IOL 70 into the eye can be performed by a surgeon.

[0043] IOL injector 10 also includes a plunger 30 received within bore 40 and movable therein such that plunger 30 can slide within bore 40. As plunger 30 is displaced distally within bore 40, plunger 30 engages an IOL, such as IOL 70, housed in compartment 80 and advances it.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the plunger 30 includes a plunger body 200, a plunger rod 210 extending distally from the plunger body 200, and a plunger tip 220 formed at a distal end 230 of the plunger rod 210 and adapted to contact, for example, an IOL disposed in the IOL storage compartment 80 of the IOL injector 10. The plunger 30 may also include a flange 240 formed at a proximal end 250 of the plunger body 200. The plunger 30 may move along the hole 40 in response to an axial force applied to the plunger 30 in the direction of arrow 78. For example, the user may apply the axial force to the flange 240 with a thumb.

[0045] In some implementations described herein, different portions of the plunger 30 can be physically separated or decoupled from one another within the injector body 20 of the IOL injector 10. For example, in some implementations, the plunger body 200 can be physically separated or decoupled from the plunger rod 210. In different implementations where the portions of the plunger 30 are physically separated or decoupled from one another, additional components of the IOL injector 10 can actuate movement of another portion of the plunger 30 in response to movement of one portion of the plunger 30.

[0046] In some implementations, the IOL 70 can be a one-piece IOL. That is, in some implementations, the IOL 70 can include an optical device 460 and a plurality of haptics 450, such as Figure 3 The haptics 450 each include a tip 452. In some implementations, the optic 460 and the haptics 450 can be integrally formed from a single sheet of material. In other implementations, the optic 460 can be formed from one sheet of material; the haptics 450 can be formed from another sheet of material; and the optic 460 and the haptics 450 can be coupled together prior to delivery into the eye. In some examples, the optic 460 and the haptics 450 can be securely secured to one another prior to insertion into an IOL injector and delivery into the eye. The optic 460 includes a distal edge 462 and a proximal edge 463.

[0047] In other implementations, IOL 70 can be a multi-piece IOL. For example, in some implementations, IOL 70 includes two or more separate components. Figure 4is an exemplary IOL 70 that includes two removably attached components. Figure 4 As shown, IOL 70 includes an optical device 460 and a base 461 having a haptic 450. Optic device 460 and base 461 are suitable for being coupled together to form an integral IOL and then being separated from each other into separate components when desired. In some examples, a multi-piece IOL, such as Figure 4 One or more components of the two-piece IOL 70 shown can be separately injected into the patient's eye. Once in the eye, the components can be assembled into a complete IOL. For example, Figure 4 The two-piece IOL 70 shown, namely the optical device 460 and the base 461, can be injected into the eye separately. Once injected, the optical device 460 is adapted to be connected to the base 461 and rest on it. The base 461 includes a distal edge 464 and a proximal edge 465. The optical device 460 includes a distal edge 467 and a proximal edge 468.

[0048] Occasionally, a patient may need to have an IOL replaced, and the process of replacing an IOL may cause damage to the eye. For example, in the case of a two-piece IOL, the replacement process may involve only replacing the optic, while allowing the base to remain in place within the eye.

[0049] As explained above, in some implementations, IOL 70 can be a two-piece IOL, in which base 461 and optical device 460 are injected into the patient's eye separately. Therefore, for a two-piece IOL, base 461 and optical device 460 can be housed in a separate IOL injector 10 for insertion into the eye. In other implementations, the two components of the two-piece IOL can be inserted into the eye using a single IOL injector. For a single-piece IOL, optical device 460 and haptic 450 form an integral IOL and are simultaneously inserted into the eye using a single IOL injector.

[0050] Thus, in some implementations, a user may place a one-piece IOL into an IOL injector, for example, by loading the IOL into an IOL storage compartment of the IOL injector, such as the IOL storage compartment 80 of the IOL injector described above. Also as explained above, the storage compartment may be accessed via a door, such as the door 90. In some implementations, the IOL may be manually folded into a compressed configuration or a folded configuration and then installed into the IOL injector.

[0051] In the case of a two-piece IOL, in some implementations, a user can load a base (which can be similar to base 461), for example, via a door, into an IOL storage compartment of an IOL injector. An optic (which can be similar to optic 460), for example, can be introduced into an IOL storage compartment of a separate IOL injector via a door. In some examples, the IOL storage compartment can be accessed through a door similar to door 90. In some implementations, one or both of the base and the optic can be manually folded into a compressed configuration or a folded configuration and then installed into the IOL injector.

[0052] In some implementations, the IOL can be preloaded into the storage compartment of the IOL injector, for example, during manufacture or before being distributed to an end user. Therefore, for a one-piece IOL, the one-piece IOL can be preloaded into the storage compartment of the IOL injector before the end user receives it. For a two-piece IOL, the base can be preloaded into the storage compartment of an IOL injector, and the optical device can be preloaded into the IOL storage compartment of another IOL injector. The term "preload" as used herein refers to not loading an IOL of a one-piece or multi-piece configuration (including, for example, a two-piece configuration) into the IOL injector by the user, but when the user receives the IOL injector, the IOL is installed and has been contained in the IOL injector. For example, the IOL can be installed during manufacture and before the IOL injector is transported to the end user. One or more IOL injectors can be packaged in a sterile packaging when received by the user.

[0053] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, preloading the IOL into the IOL injector has advantages over manually installing and folding the IOL into the IOL injector by the user. For example, manually installing and folding the IOL may have more opportunities for errors, which may result in unnecessary secondary operations or corrections during an already complex process. Manually installing and folding the IOL may also give rise to the possibility of contamination of the IOL, such as human error or poor aseptic technique. Contamination of the IOL may compromise the patient's sterile environment and cause infection or other harm to the patient.

[0054] Figures 5 to 7 Details of an exemplary nozzle 25 are shown. In some examples, the nozzle 25 has a tapered outer surface. In addition, the passage 31 of the nozzle 25 can form a portion of the hole 40. The passage 31 tapers toward the opening 29. The distal tip 27 is adapted to be inserted into the eye so that an IOL can be implanted. The IOL is discharged from the opening 29 formed in the distal tip 27. Figure 7, the distal tip 27 can have an elliptical cross-section. In addition, the distal tip 27 can include a beveled tip 130. The cavity 81 of the storage compartment 80, the passage 31, and the opening 29 can define a delivery passage 127. The size of the delivery passage 127 can vary along its length. That is, in some examples, the height H1 of the delivery passage 127 can vary along its length. The variation in the size of the delivery passage 127 can help to fold the IOL as it is advanced along it.

[0055] In some examples, the injector body 20 can include an insertion depth guard 140. The insertion depth guard 140 can form a flange surface 150 that is adapted to abut the outer surface of the eye. The insertion depth guard 140 abuts the surface of the eye and thereby limits the amount that the distal tip 27 is permitted to extend into the eye, as described in U.S. Application 15 / 049,315, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0056] Figure 8 Detailed view of a portion of an exemplary nozzle 25. The nozzle 25 may include a tapered portion 62 and an insertion depth guard 140. The distal tip 27 may include a demarcation line 1900 that provides a resting position 809 for a folded or partially folded IOL 70 (e.g., Fig. 9 As used herein, the term "dwelling position" refers to the position adjacent to the distal end 60 of the nozzle 25 where the IOL rests before being ejected from the IOL injector. For example, in some implementations, the dwelling position 809 can be a position between 2 mm and 10 mm from the distal end 60. The IOL can be placed in the dwelling position prior to surgery. The IOL can be placed in the dwelling position, for example, by a nurse or other medical professional who prepares the IOL injector for use. Placing the IOL in the dwelling position provides for partial or complete folding of the IOL and a reduced distance the IOL travels when the physician retrieves the IOL to implant the IOL into the patient's eye. Therefore, placing the IOL in the dwelling position can be a preparatory step performed by a surgical assistant to allow the physician to perform the surgical procedure more quickly after retrieving the IOL injector. For example, in Figure 8In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the demarcation line 1900 is a narrow ridge or line surrounding all or a portion of the nozzle 25. In some examples, the demarcation line 1900 can be formed in the nozzle 25, such as by a depression or groove or a protruding ridge. In other implementations, the demarcation line 1900 can be formed by a paint or other coating or additive or insert applied to the material forming the nozzle 25, such as at some time during or after manufacturing. In some examples, the demarcation line 1900 can be arranged between the tapered portion 62 and the insertion depth protection portion 140. In an implementation in which the depth protection portion 140 is omitted, the demarcation line 1900 can be positioned between the distal tip 27 and the tapered portion 62. At least a portion of the injector body 20 can be formed of a transparent material or a translucent material, thereby allowing the user to see the IOL within the injector body 20. Specifically, the nozzle 25 of the injector body 20 can be formed of a transparent material, thereby permitting the IOL to be observed when the IOL is moved through the nozzle by the plunger 30.

[0057] Fig. 9 8 shows a view of an exemplary nozzle 25 with an IOL 70 in a rest position 809 in the nozzle. The plunger 220 is shown contacting the proximal edge 463, 465, or 468. Fig. 9 As shown in , the rest position 809 of the IOL 70 can be defined as the position where the distal edge 462 of the optic 460 of the IOL 70 is aligned with the boundary line 1900. In a two-piece IOL, such as Figure 4 In the case of the illustrated IOL 70 in which the base 461 and the optic 460 are implanted separately in the eye, the rest position 809 of the two-piece IOL 70 can be defined as a position where the distal edge 467 of the optic 460 or the distal edge 464 of the base 461 is aligned with the demarcation line 1900. The haptic 450 or a portion thereof can extend beyond the demarcation line 1900. In addition, although Fig. 9 IOL 70 is shown as including haptics 450, but it should be understood that Fig. 9 The IOL 70 shown may also be presented as a two-piece IOL, such as Figure 4 The two-piece IOL 70 is shown with the optic 460 omitting the haptics.

[0058] Due to the sensitivity and delicacy of ocular tissues and structures, it is important that the user be able to advance the IOL 70 through the IOL injector at an acceptable peak or maximum speed and force. In some existing IOL injectors, when the IOL is folded and advanced into the eye, the user typically must apply a high peak axial force, for example, just before the IOL is ejected from the IOL injector. However, as the IOL begins to exit the IOL injector, the force required to continue advancing the IOL decreases rapidly. Therefore, in some cases, the large force changes required to advance the IOL may cause the IOL 70 to be pushed out at high speed in a less controllable manner. For example, the user may not be able to react quickly enough to the resistance changes associated with the advancement of the IOL. The changes in the advancement resistance experienced by the IOL before the IOL is about to be ejected from the IOL injector, and the difficulty experienced by the user in reacting quickly to these resistance changes in order to avoid the IOL from the IOL injector quickly, may reduce the user's control over the IOL injector and ultimately the control of the IOL delivery. The challenges of delivering an IOL include ensuring that the magnitude of the force applied by the user interaction is consistent, repeatable, and at a desired level. It is also important to make the IOL injector intuitive and capable of being utilized by users of varying skill and technical levels.

[0059] The present disclosure describes an IOL injector having a push and screw drive combination operable to advance an IOL through the IOL injector. The present disclosure has an IOL injector having a push and screw drive combination having a threaded portion adapted to advance the IOL in response to an axial push on a flange of a plunger or a rotation of a plunger body of the plunger.

[0060] Fig.10 A partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary IOL injector 10 having a push and screw drive combination is shown. The IOL injector includes an injector body 20. The injector body 20 includes: a body 21 having a proximal end 50 and a distal end 22; a nozzle 25 having a proximal end 23 and a distal end 60, the proximal end 23 of the nozzle 25 being coupled to the distal end 22 of the body 21; and a bore 40 extending through the injector body 20. A longitudinal axis 75 extends along the bore 40. Although Fig.10 Not shown, but IOL injector 10 may also include a storage compartment (similar to storage compartment 80 described above), and may also include a door (which may be similar to door 90) to access the storage compartment, such as to install an IOL in or remove it from a cavity in the storage compartment.

[0061] The body 21 includes an inner wall 1203 having a proximal non-threaded portion 1401 and a distal threaded portion 1402. The threaded portion 1402 includes a threaded surface, hereinafter referred to as a hole thread 1403, which is adapted to engage with a threaded surface formed on the plunger (hereinafter referred to as a plunger thread 1404 and described in more detail below). This threaded engagement provides axial displacement of the plunger in response to rotation of the plunger.

[0062] The IOL injector 10 also includes a plunger 30 movable within the bore 40. In some examples, the bore 40, and therefore the plunger 30, may be concentrically disposed within the injector body 20. The plunger 30 includes: a plunger body 200; a plunger rod 210 extending from a distal end 202 of the plunger body 200; a plunger tip 220 formed at a distal end 222 of the plunger rod 210 and adapted to contact the IOL; and a flange 240 disposed at a proximal end 250 of the injector body 200. A plunger thread 1404 is formed along at least a portion of the injector body 200. The plunger thread 1404 is adapted to cooperatively engage a bore thread 1403 formed on an inner wall 1203 of the body 21, so that the injector 30 is axially advanced in response to rotation of the plunger 30 relative to the body 21. The plunger rod 210 is rotatably decoupled from the plunger body 200, such as by the shaft 1405, so that rotation of the plunger body 200 does not cause rotation of the plunger rod 210. Other types of linkages that permit rotation of the plunger body 200 relative to the plunger body 210 may also be used.

[0063] The plunger body 200 can be slidably moved in the non-threaded portion 1401 of the hole 40 in response to an axial force applied to the plunger 30, such as the flange 240, in the direction of arrow 78, until the plunger threads 1404 of the injector body 200 are engaged with the hole threads 1403 of the main body 21. With these threaded surfaces engaged, the plunger body 200 can be rotatably and axially moved in the threaded portion 1402 of the hole 40 in response to an axial force applied to the plunger 30, such as the flange 240, in the direction of arrow 78, or in response to rotation of the plunger body 200, such as rotation in the direction of arrow 75.

[0064] The mouth 25 includes an IOL storage location 808 and an IOL dwelling location 809 distal to the IOL storage location 808. The hole thread 1403 has a proximal end 1501 and a distal end 1502, and the plunger thread 1404 has a proximal end 1503 and a distal end 1504. In some implementations, the plunger tip 220 can move from a first position proximally adjacent to the IOL storage location 808 to a second position proximally adjacent to the IOL dwelling location 809 in response to an axial force applied to the plunger 30, such as the flange 240, in the direction of arrow 78. The first position can correspond to the position of the plunger 30 when initially inserted into the hole 40. The second position can correspond to the position of the plunger 30 when the distal end 1504 of the plunger thread 1404 initially engages the proximal end 1501 of the hole thread 1403, such as when the plunger thread 1404 of the plunger body 200 begins to engage the hole thread 1403 of the body 21. In some embodiments, the plunger tip 220 can move from a second position proximally adjacent to the IOL dwell position 809 to the distal end 60 of the mouth 25 in response to an axial force applied to the plunger 30, such as the flange 240, in the direction of arrow 78, or in response to rotation of the plunger body 200, such as rotation in the direction of arrow 75.

[0065] In some implementations, when positioned in the first position, the plunger tip 220 can be positioned 5 mm to 20 mm proximal to the IOL disposed in the storage position 808, and when positioned in the second position, the plunger tip 200 can be positioned proximate to and in contact with the ring or optic of a single-piece IOL, or a multi-piece IOL (e.g., a two-piece IOL), wherein the components of the single-piece IOL, or the multi-piece IOL, are relative to the storage position 808 as described above. Fig. 9 The dwell position 809 is described as being positioned. For example, the dwell position 809 can be indicated by the positioning of the IOL 70 or a portion thereof relative to the boundary line 1900 as described herein.

[0066] Fig.11A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary body 21 of an IOL injector 10 is shown. Fig. 11B A perspective view of an IOL injector 10 is shown, the injector comprising Fig.11AThe body 21 shown, wherein the mouth is omitted. The body 21 includes a removable pin 1407, which is received in a hole 1406 formed in the body 21 and extends between the inner wall 1203 and the outer surface 1408 of the body 21. When installed in the body 21, the pin 1407 is operable to engage a portion of the plunger 30, such as the distal end 1504 of the plunger thread 1404, and acts as a hard stop to prevent additional axial movement of the plunger 30 when the plunger 30 reaches the second position. With the removable pin 1407 installed in the hole 1406, the removable pin 1407 prevents the engagement or unintentional engagement of the plunger thread 1404 with the hole thread 1403. With the removable pin 1407 removed from the hole 1406, the plunger thread 1404 is able to engage the hole thread 1403. In some implementations, placing the IOL in the dwell position 809 can correspond to engagement of the distal end 1504 of the plunger threads 1404 with the removable pin 1407 .

[0067] In some implementations, the hole threads 1403 can have a pitch that varies along the length of the hole 40. In some implementations, the plunger threads 1404 can have a pitch that varies along the length of the body 21 of the plunger 30. The pitch of a thread is the distance measured between corresponding points on adjacent surfaces in the same axial plane parallel to the axis of the thread. Therefore, the pitch can be considered the distance between adjacent crests of the thread. Fig.12 A schematic diagram of an exemplary variable pitch thread 1200 is shown, which may be referred to herein as a hole thread or a plunger thread. For example, 1409 represents a relatively narrow pitch, while 1410 represents a relatively wide pitch. In order to utilize the variable pitch thread surface formed on the inner surface of the IOL injector, the plunger requires a thread mating portion opposite the thread surface, such as with respect to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B As shown and discussed in more detail below, the threaded mating portion may be in the form of a pin or protrusion extending from a surface of the plunger.

[0068] In some implementations, the pitch of the bore threads can be wider at the proximal end of the threads than at the distal end of the threads. Due to the variable pitch threads, for a given rotational speed, the axial speed of the plunger through the injector body will vary. Thus, if Fig.12If the arrow direction 78 indicates the distal direction, then for a given rotational speed, the axial movement of the plunger engaged with the thread 1200 has a faster axial speed when the plunger initially engages the thread 1200, but slows down during the process of the IOL being finally pushed out of the injector and pushed into the eye. Since the variable pitch thread with a narrower pitch at the distal end slows down the axial movement for a given rotational speed, more rotations of the plunger around the axis of rotation are required to axially advance the plunger toward the distal end of the mouth. For example, the variable pitch thread can have a pitch of from or about from 5mm to 10mm at the distal end, and can have a pitch of from or about from 15mm to 30mm at the proximal end.

[0069] In some implementations, the hole 40 may not have a non-threaded portion 1401. In these implementations, the hole thread 1403 may extend to the proximal end 50 of the body, and the plunger body 200 of the plunger 30 may also have a plunger thread 1404 extending to the distal end 202 of the plunger body 200. Therefore, in some implementations, the IOL plunger thread 1404 and the hole thread 1403 are tightly engaged when the plunger 30 is inserted into the body 21 of the injector 10. In such an implementation, the plunger body 200 can be rotatably and axially moved within the threaded portion 1402 of the hole 40 in response to an axial force applied to the plunger 30 in the direction of arrow 78, such as applied to the flange 240, or in response to a rotation of the plunger body 200, such as rotation in the direction of arrow 75. In these implementations, the plunger tip 220 can move from the second position proximally adjacent to the IOL dwelling position 809 to the distal end 60 of the mouth 25 in response to an axial force applied to the flange 240 in the direction of arrow 78, or in response to rotation of the plunger body 200, such as in the direction of arrow 75. In addition, in some implementations, the hole threads 1403 can have a variable pitch, wherein the pitch of the hole threads 1403 is wider at the proximal end 1501 than at the distal end 1502. In such an implementation, for a given rotational speed of the plunger body 200, the axial movement of the plunger 30 is faster in advancing the IOL 70 storage position 808 to the IOL dwelling position 809, and is slower in the process of finally advancing the IOL 70 from the IOL dwelling position 809 into the eye.

[0070] In some implementations, the flange 240 can be fixed to the plunger body 200, but rotatably separated therefrom. Thus, rotatably separating the flange 240 from the plunger body 200 allows an axial force to be applied to the flange 240 when the plunger threads 1404 engage the hole threads 1403 without rotating the flange 240 itself. For example, in some implementations, the flange 240 can be a disk on the distal end 250 of the plunger body 200 that is rotatably coupled to the plunger 30, for example, via a shaft coupling.

[0071] See also FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C In some implementations, as explained above, the plunger threads 1404 may be replaced with pins 1300 formed on or otherwise disposed on the outer surface 1302 of the plunger body 200. The cross-sectional shape of the pins 1300 may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the hole threads 1403. The pins 1300 are adapted to engage with and move within the hole threads 1403.

[0072] The pin 1300 is sized to fit within the dimensions of the hole threads 1403. For example, in some implementations, the pin 1300 can have a length and / or width of about 1 mm to 2 mm. In some implementations, the hole threads 1403 can have a variable pitch. The pin 1300 can be sized to move with the variable pitch hole threads 1403.

[0073] In addition, in some implementations, the non-threaded portion 1401 of the body 21 can have a linear track 1409 extending from the proximal end 50 of the body 21 to the proximal end 1501 of the threaded portion 1402 (which can correspond to the proximal end 1501 of the hole thread 1403). The track 1409 can be aligned with the longitudinal axis 75 of the hole 40. The track 1409 is adapted to receive the pin 1300 and allow the pin 1300, and accordingly the plunger body 200, to move linearly in the non-threaded portion 1401. The track 1409 is coupled to the hole thread 1403 at the coupling 1304, thereby allowing the plunger body 200 to follow the hole thread 1403.

[0074] Fig. 13B and Fig. 13C An exemplary IOL injector 10 is shown (with the mouth omitted) comprising a push and screw drive combination. The IOL injector 10 comprises both a plunger thread 1404 and an adjacent track 1409 formed in the body 21; a pin 1300 disposed on the plunger body 200 and adapted to follow the track 1409 and the hole thread 1403; and a removable pin 1407 adapted to be removably received in a hole 1406 formed in the body 21. The track 1409 may be linear. The hole 1406 is positioned at the proximal end of the threaded portion 1402 (corresponding to the proximal end 1501 of the hole thread 1403). The pin 1407 defines a hard stop that prevents the plunger body 200 from advancing along the threaded portion 1402 of the body 21 when inserted into the hole 1406.

[0075] Fig. 13C The plunger 30 is shown inserted into the body 21 and the pin 1407 is removed from the hole 1406. Fig.13D The plunger 30 is shown fully advanced into the body 21. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of Fig.13DA cross-sectional view taken along line 13E-13E.

[0076] Although FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D Examples are shown in which threads are formed on the inner surface of the body of the injector body and a pin is formed on the plunger body, but the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited. In other implementations, a pin operable to engage a threaded surface may be formed on the inner surface of the injector body, and a threaded surface suitable for engaging the pin may be formed on the outer surface of the plunger. When an axial force is applied to the plunger or when the plunger is rotated, the pin and the threaded surface cooperate to advance the plunger axially.

[0077] The present disclosure also relates to a method for dispensing an IOL from an IOL injector.The IOL can be dispensed from the IOL injector into an eye. Fig.15 An exemplary method is shown. At 1502, the method includes axially pushing the plunger to move the plunger tip from a first position to a second position. At 1504, the method includes further axially pushing the plunger or rotating the plunger body of the plunger 30 to further advance the plunger tip from the second position to a distal end of an IOL injector, such as a distal end of a mouth 25 of an IOL injector, until the IOL is pushed out of the IOL injector. The first position may correspond to a position when the plunger tip is initially inserted into a hole of the IOL injector. The second position may correspond to a position of the plunger tip when the distal end of the plunger thread initially engages the proximal end of the hole thread formed in the IOL injector, such as when the plunger thread begins to engage the hole thread. The first position may correspond to a plunger tip position adjacent to a storage position of the IOL, and the second position may correspond to a plunger tip position that places the IOL in a rest position.

[0078] In some embodiments, the method can also include removing the removable pin after axially pushing the plunger tip 220 from the first position to the second position and before axially pushing the plunger or rotating the plunger body of the plunger to further advance the plunger tip from the second position to the distal end of the IOL injector.

[0079] In some implementations, the IOL injector 10 may have one or more tabs 110, such as Fig.10 As shown. The user can place one or more fingers on the tab 110 to hold the IOL injector during use. In some embodiments, as Fig.10 As shown, the tab 110 can be positioned closer to the distal end 60 of the injector body 20 than to the proximal end 50 of the IOL injector body 20 .

[0080] Reference FIG. 14A to FIG. 14D, shows an exemplary IOL injector 10 including an injector 20 having a collapsible portion 800 configured to reduce the length of the IOL injector 10 when advancing the IOL from a storage position 808 to a rest position 809. The collapsible portion 800 forms a telescoping arrangement having sleeves telescopically arranged relative to each other.

[0081] The term "telescopic" generally refers to the movement of a first part sliding out or sliding into a second part, wherein the two parts are coupled and have an extended configuration or an uncollapsed configuration, and a shortened or collapsed configuration. The collapsible portion may include a first portion and a second portion, which may be in the form of sleeves having different cross-sectional sizes and telescopically arranged. These sleeves may be cylindrical. In some examples, these sleeves may be in the form of a cylinder or tube having a circular cross-sectional shape, and these sleeves may have different diameters, so that one sleeve may be slidably received in another sleeve. In other implementations, these sleeves may be a cylinder or tube having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, but the size may be such that one sleeve may be slidably received in another sleeve. These sleeves may have a concentric arrangement or a nested arrangement, wherein a sleeve having a smaller cross-sectional size (i.e., an "inner sleeve") is received in a sleeve having a larger cross-sectional size (i.e., an "outer sleeve") and arranged coaxially therewith. Two or more concentrically coupled telescopic sleeves may be used in the collapsible portion. The movement of one sleeve sliding out or into the other sleeve allows corresponding extension or shortening of the collapsible portion. The extended or extended configuration can be referred to as "uncollapsed", and the shortened configuration (e.g., wherein the length of the inner sleeve is completely or mostly contained within the outer sleeve) can be referred to as "collapsed". Fig.14A and Fig. 14B An IOL injector 10 is shown having a collapsible portion 800 in an uncollapsed configuration, Fig. 14C and Fig.14D The IOL injector 10 is shown having the collapsible portion 800 in a collapsed configuration.

[0082] For example, FIG. 14A to FIG. 14DAs shown, the collapsible portion 800 has a first sleeve 801 and a second sleeve 804, wherein the first sleeve has a proximal end 802 and a distal end 803. The second sleeve 804 is received in the proximal end 802 of the first sleeve 801. The second sleeve 804 includes a proximal end 805 and a distal end 22. In this example, the distal portion of the body 21 forms the second sleeve 804. In other implementations, the second sleeve 804 can be separated from the body 21. The proximal end 802 of the first sleeve 801 can be slidably coupled to the distal end 22 of the second sleeve 804. In some implementations, the first sleeve 801 forms an outer sleeve; the second sleeve 804 forms an inner sleeve; and the second sleeve 804 is concentrically arranged in the first sleeve 801 and can slide therein, so that the distal portion 810 of the body 21 slides concentrically in the first sleeve 801. In other implementations, the first sleeve 801 forms an inner sleeve; the second sleeve 804 forms an outer sleeve; and the first sleeve 801 is concentrically arranged within the second sleeve 804 and slidable therein, so that the first sleeve 801 slides concentrically within the distal portion of the body 21. Other configurations of the collapsible portion are possible. For example, in other implementations, the collapsible portion can include more than two sleeves in a telescopic arrangement.

[0083] See again Fig. 14B , the first sleeve 801 is concentrically arranged in the second sleeve 804 and can slide therein. The first sleeve 801 and the second sleeve 804 can be coupled so that when the second sleeve 804 is fully extended from the uncollapsed configuration or is in the uncollapsed configuration with the first sleeve 801, the second sleeve 804 is retained in the first sleeve 801. For example, the first sleeve 801 and the second sleeve 804 can be slidably coupled by a sliding joint. In the uncollapsed configuration, the distal end 22 of the second sleeve 804 is adjacent to the proximal end 802 of the first sleeve 801. In the collapsed configuration, the distal end 22 of the second sleeve 804 is adjacent to the distal end 803 of the first sleeve 801.

[0084] The IOL injector 10 includes a removable plunger cap 2100. When the collapsible portion 800 is in the collapsed configuration, the distal end 2101 of the plunger cap 2100 is adapted to contact the proximal end 802 of the first sleeve 801. When attached, the plunger cap 2100 also prevents the user from accessing the plunger 30, thereby preventing the user from inadvertently advancing the plunger 30 axially by pressing or rotating the plunger body 200 of the plunger 30. Fig. 14CAs shown, placing the collapsible portion 800 from the uncollapsed configuration to the collapsed configuration advances the plunger 30 from the first position, in which the plunger tip 220 of the plunger rod 210 is proximally adjacent to the IOL storage position 808, to a position proximally adjacent to the IOL rest position 809. Actuating the collapsible portion 800 to the collapsed configuration is operable to cause the plunger tip 220 to advance the IOL located in the storage position 808 to the rest position 809. The plunger cap 2100 is removable and is intended to be removed after placing the collapsible portion 800 of the IOL injector 10 in the collapsed configuration. Thus, with the plunger cap 2100 removed, the plunger 30 can be advanced to fully withdraw the IOL from the IOL injector, such as into the patient's eye. Thus, in some implementations, before the plunger tip 220 can be axially advanced from the second position toward the distal end 60 of the mouthpiece 25 by axially pushing or rotating the plunger body 200 of the plunger 30 , the plunger cap 2100 needs to be removed.

[0085] The proximal end 23 of the nozzle 25 is coupled to the distal end 803 of the first sleeve 801. In some implementations, the plunger tip 220 can be 5 mm to 20 mm proximal to the IOL in the storage position 808 when the collapsible portion 800 is in the uncollapsed configuration, and the plunger tip 220 can be proximally adjacent to and in contact with the tail or proximally oriented haptic (or the proximal edge of the optic of a two-piece IOL) of the IOL in the rest position 809 when the collapsible portion 800 is in the collapsed configuration.

[0086] As described herein, for example, the positioning of the dwell position 809 can be indicated by the positioning of the IOL 70 or a portion thereof relative to a demarcation line formed on the mouth 25, such as the demarcation line 1900 described above. In addition, placing the IOL in the dwell position 809 can correspond to the distal end 2101 of the plunger cap 2100 engaging the proximal end 802 of the first sleeve 801 (corresponding to the collapsed configuration of the collapsible portion 800) prior to application of an axial force or a rotational force to the plunger body 200 of the plunger 30. In other implementations, relative movement of the first sleeve 801 and the second sleeve 804 corresponding to a less than collapsed configuration can position the IOL in the dwell position 809.

[0087] In some implementations, the length of the IOL injector 10 in the collapsed configuration can be 10% to 20% shorter than the length of the IOL injector in the uncollapsed configuration. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited. Rather, the percentage values ​​are provided only as examples. In other implementations, the relative length of an IOL injector within the scope of the present disclosure can be less than 10% or greater than 20%; Fig. 14CThe IOL injector 10 is shown with the second sleeve 804 slid into the first sleeve 801 so that the collapsible portion 800 is in a collapsed configuration. When the collapsible portion 800 is in the collapsed configuration, the distal end 22 of the second sleeve 804 is adjacent to the distal end 803 of the first sleeve 801; the distal end 2101 of the plunger cap 2100 is in contact with the proximal end 802 of the first sleeve 801; and the plunger tip 220 is in a second position proximally adjacent to the rest position 809.

[0088] Fig.14D The IOL injector 10 is shown after the plunger cap 2100 is removed and the body 200 of the plunger 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow 75. As the plunger 30 is axially advanced due to the rotation in the direction of arrow 75, the plunger tip 220 is advanced from the rest position 809 toward the distal end 60 of the mouth 25. As the body 200 of the plunger 30 continues to rotate, the IOL contained in the IOL injector 10 continues to be advanced and eventually pushed out of the IOL injector, such as into the patient's eye. Therefore, removing the plunger cap 2100 will unlock the plunger body 200 of the plunger 30, thereby allowing the IOL to be advanced from the rest position 809 and pushed out of the IOL injector 10.

[0089] like Fig.14D As shown, the plunger body 200 includes a plunger thread 1404. The plunger thread 1404 may engage a pin formed on the inner wall of the body 21, or a threaded surface formed on the inner wall of the body 21.

[0090] Thus, the present disclosure also relates to methods for advancing an IOL from a storage position to a rest position and pushing the IOL out of an IOL injector, for example, into an eye of a patient. Fig.16 The exemplary method 1600 shown includes collapsing a collapsible portion of an IOL injector by axially sliding a first sleeve relative to a second sleeve at step 1602. Collapsing the collapsible portion positions a plunger tip of the plunger from a first position adjacent to a storage position to a second position adjacent to a rest position. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14D As shown in the example of FIG. 1 , the collapse of the collapsible portion 800 is performed in the direction of arrow 78. It should be understood that the method step of collapsing the collapsible portion does not involve sliding the plunger relative to the injector body. In addition, collapsing the collapsible portion in this manner provides a shorter IOL injector for pushing the IOL 70 out of the IOL injector, such as into the patient's eye. Therefore, collapsing the collapsible portion improves ergonomics by reducing the overall length of the IOL injector 10. By collapsing the collapsible portion, the plunger tip of the plunger is pushed from a first position adjacent to a storage position in the IOL injector to a rest position in the IOL injector.

[0091] The plunger may be further advanced distally by pushing the plunger axially or rotating the plunger at step 1604. Further advancement of the plunger may operate to cause the IOL in the dwell position to pass through the dwell position and ultimately be pushed out of the IOL injector, such as into the patient's eye.

[0092] Various implementations of the IOL injectors described herein and within the scope of the present disclosure may be configured to deliver an IOL base and / or an IOL optic of a multi-piece IOL, or may be configured to deliver a single-piece IOL. Various implementations of the IOL injectors and their associated methods described herein may be used with an IOL base and / or optic that is manually loaded into the IOL injector by a user or preloaded therein prior to delivery by a user.

[0093] The advantages of the IOL injector described herein include, but are not limited to, the following. The IOL injector described herein includes a push and screw drive combination that can be operated to advance the plunger by pushing and rotating the plunger. This combination realizes the benefit of threaded engagement, because the force is mechanically transmitted by the thread, which enhances stability and controlled motion during the delivery of the IOL from the IOL injector. The IOL injector with threaded engagement typically requires the use of two hands during the process, which may allow the user to have more control during the process. The IOL injector described herein is also compatible with single-handed and two-handed operations because it can advance the plunger by applying an axial force to the plunger.

[0094] The push and screw drive combination described herein provides a solution to produce axial forward motion of an IOL in a smooth and controlled manner. The threads provide built-in damping because the threads limit the speed at which the IOL can be advanced.

[0095] The IOL injector described herein provides flexibility to the user, enabling the user to choose whether to use axial push to advance the IOL to a rest position, and then use axial push or rotation applied to the plunger to advance the IOL to be ejected from the IOL injector. Such an IOL injector described herein provides flexibility and is compatible with users utilizing different techniques and skills in operating the IOL injector.

[0096] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other implementations that fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents and shall not be restricted or limited to the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. An intraocular lens injector, comprising: An injector body, the injector body comprising a main body and a mouth connected to the distal end of the main body, the main body comprising: a hole and an inner wall defined by the hole, the inner wall comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion; the mouth comprising: a passage in fluid communication with the hole and a distal opening in fluid communication with the passage; a plunger received in the bore and comprising: a plunger body; a plunger rod coupled to a distal end of the plunger body; and a plunger tip formed at the distal end of the plunger rod and adapted to contact an intraocular lens, one of the inner wall and the plunger body comprising a threaded surface, and the other of the inner wall and the plunger body comprising a feature adapted to engage the threaded surface to produce axial movement of the plunger in response to axial movement or rotation of the plunger body; a plunger cap removably coupled to the plunger and adapted to prevent engagement of the threaded surface with the feature adapted to engage the threaded surface by preventing rotation of the plunger body; and A collapsible portion is arranged between the main body and the mouth, and the collapsible portion is capable of moving between a collapsed configuration and an uncollapsed configuration. The collapsible portion includes: a first sleeve and a second sleeve telescopically received in the first sleeve, the collapsible portion is capable of moving from the uncollapsed configuration to the collapsed configuration, in the uncollapsed configuration, the first sleeve is in a first position relative to the second sleeve, in the collapsed configuration, the first sleeve is in a second position relative to the second sleeve, and when the collapsible portion moves from the uncollapsed configuration to the collapsed configuration, the plunger tip is capable of moving from a first plunger tip position to a second plunger tip position distal to the first plunger tip position, and wherein, when the collapsible portion moves from the uncollapsed configuration to the collapsed configuration, the plunger remains stationary relative to the main body.

2. The intraocular lens injector according to claim 1, wherein: The inner wall comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion, and wherein the threaded surface or the feature adapted to engage the threaded surface is arranged in the distal portion of the inner wall.

3. The intraocular lens injector according to claim 1, wherein: The feature adapted to engage the threaded surface is a pin.

4. The intraocular lens injector according to claim 1, wherein: The feature adapted to engage the threaded surface is a second threaded surface.

5. The intraocular lens injector as described in claim 1 further includes a hole formed through the inner wall, and a pin suitable for being removably received in the hole, and the pin is suitable for preventing the threaded surface and the feature portion suitable for engaging the threaded surface from engaging with each other when arranged in the hole, thereby generating axial movement of the plunger in response to axial movement or rotation of the plunger body.

6. The intraocular lens injector according to claim 1, wherein: The threaded surface includes a pitch that varies along the body.

7. The intraocular lens injector according to claim 6, wherein: The pitch is wider at the proximal end of the body and narrower at the distal end of the body.

8. The intraocular lens injector according to claim 1, wherein: The plunger further includes a flange rotatably separate from the plunger body.

9. The intraocular lens injector according to claim 8, wherein: The feature adapted to engage the threaded surface is a pin, wherein the inner wall includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the threaded portion is formed in the distal portion of the inner wall, wherein the plunger includes the pin, and wherein the proximal portion of the inner wall includes a track extending from a proximal end of the body to a proximal end of the threaded portion, the pin being receivable in the track and movable along the track.

10. The intraocular lens injector according to claim 1, wherein: The inner wall includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, wherein the plunger is capable of sliding through the hole along the proximal portion of the inner wall from a first position, in which the plunger tip is proximally adjacent to a storage position in the mouth, to a second position, in which the plunger tip is proximally adjacent to a rest position, the second position corresponding to initial engagement of the threaded surface with the feature portion adapted to engage the threaded surface.

11. The intraocular lens injector according to claim 1, wherein: The injector body further includes one or more tabs adapted to engage one or more fingers.

12. The intraocular lens injector according to claim 11, wherein: The tab is positioned closer to the distal end of the injector body than to the proximal end of the injector body.

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