Intraocular lens inserter

Abstract

An intraocular lens inserter (1) for inserting an intraocular lens (4) into an eye comprises: a hollow body; a lens setting portion (11) provided inside the hollow body; and a sliding member (6) for advancing the intraocular lens (4) provided on the lens setting portion (11). A space (72) is provided at a portion (α) below the inner periphery of the hollow body and above a portion (α) including a limit position (L) of a forward movable region of a portion of the sliding member (6) abutting against the outer periphery of an optical portion (41) of the intraocular lens (4) so as to allow the rear side of the intraocular lens (4) to partially retreat downward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intraocular lens inserter. Background Art

[0002] Cataract surgery involves the widespread use of phacoemulsification to remove the cloudy lens and subsequent implantation of the lens into the eye. Currently, soft intraocular lenses made of soft materials such as silicone elastomer are inserted into the eye using intraocular lens inserters.

[0003] When a soft intraocular lens is inserted into an eye, the intraocular lens can be folded, thereby reducing incision trauma to the cornea.

[0004] As a method for folding an intraocular lens, the following method is known: within an intraocular lens inserter, a slider is advanced by utilizing the fact that the inner diameter of an insertion tube narrows toward the front, thereby folding the intraocular lens; thereafter, the intraocular lens is advanced by a rod (and then a plunger) to eject the intraocular lens from a nozzle (for example, Patent Document 1 of the present applicant).

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent document 1: Publication No. WO2015 / 141085. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] The present inventors have discovered that the slider may advance while biting the intraocular lens. Furthermore, the present inventors have discovered a new problem: if the intraocular lens is advanced using the rod (and thus the plunger) in this state, the intraocular lens may be damaged. The following references are used in this specification for references identical to those in Patent Document 1.

[0010] In this specification, when describing the relative positional relationships, movement directions, etc. of the various parts of the intraocular lens inserter, one direction of the X-axis direction (X direction) is referred to as the X1 direction, and the other direction is referred to as the X2 direction; one direction of the Y-axis direction (Y direction) is referred to as the Y1 direction, and the other direction is referred to as the Y2 direction; and one direction of the Z-axis direction (Z direction) is referred to as the Z1 direction, and the other direction is referred to as the Z2 direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the X1 direction is defined as the front end side (front, lens travel direction), the X2 direction is defined as the rear end side (rear), the Y1 direction is defined as the left side (left), the Y2 direction is defined as the right side (right), the Z1 direction is defined as the upper side (upper side, the optical axis direction of the intraocular lens when the intraocular lens is set in the lens setting portion), and the Z2 direction is defined as the lower side (lower side).

[0012] The X1 and X2 directions correspond to the length direction of the intraocular lens inserter, the Y1 and Y2 directions correspond to the width direction of the intraocular lens inserter, and the Z1 and Z2 directions correspond to the height direction of the intraocular lens inserter.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the intraocular lens inserter 1 when the slider 6 is used, and shows how the intraocular lens 4 is advanced on the inserter body 5 via the slider 6 .

[0014] Figure 2 It means in Figure 1 In the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the intraocular lens inserter 1, an ascending step is formed forward at any position within the range from the inner circumferential lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5 to the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7, thereby showing a situation in which the rear side 4c of the upper surface of the intraocular lens 4 in the process of advancing is bitten between the ascending step and the slider 6.

[0015] Figure 3 It means in Figure 1 In the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the intraocular lens inserter 1, a descending step is formed forward at any position within the range from the inner circumferential lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5 to the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7, thereby showing a situation in which the rear side 4c of the upper surface of the intraocular lens 4 in the middle of advancing is bitten between the descending step and the slider 6.

[0016] Any portion ranging from the inner circumferential lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5 to the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7 is also referred to simply as the "inner circumferential lower portion (not denoted by a reference numeral)." The ascending step and the descending step are also collectively referred to as "steps."

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, the design allows the hollow body to narrow in diameter from the lens mounting portion 11 to the nozzle portion 7b, but without creating a step at the lower inner circumference. As a result, the intraocular lens 4 can be smoothly pushed forward by the slider 6, allowing the intraocular lens 4 to be properly folded. The folded intraocular lens 4 is then advanced to the ejection hole of the nozzle portion 7b via the rod 10.

[0018] On the other hand, the present inventors have noticed that a step may be generated at the lower portion of the inner periphery due to dimensional errors when manufacturing the inserter body 5 or the insertion tube 7, or alignment errors when combining the inserter body 5 and the insertion tube 7. In this case, the present inventors have noticed that if Figure 2 or Figure 3 As shown, the intraocular lens 4 may be damaged.

[0019] Based on this concern, we conducted an in-depth study and found that even if no step is generated, if there is a gap larger than necessary between the inner periphery of the inserter body 5 to the insertion tube 7 and the slider, the intraocular lens 4 may be bitten in the gap (described later). Figure 11 ).

[0020] Of course, improving the manufacturing accuracy of the inserter body 5 and the insertion tube 7 can resolve this problem. On the other hand, it is unrealistic to discard the entire intraocular lens inserter 1 simply because of the aforementioned step. Consequently, it is necessary to explore methods other than improving manufacturing accuracy.

[0021] A technical object of the present invention is to provide an intraocular lens inserter capable of suppressing damage to the intraocular lens even if strict manufacturing accuracy is not maintained.

[0022] Means used to solve problems

[0023] The present inventors have conducted intensive research on the above-mentioned problems.

[0024] The inventors have noticed that, whether Figure 2 In the case shown, or in Figure 3 In the illustrated case, since there is no escape space for the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4, the intraocular lens 4 is bitten between the step and the slider 6. The present inventors have noticed that if the intraocular lens 4 is forcibly advanced by the rod 10 while maintaining this state, the intraocular lens 4 may be damaged.

[0025] In view of this, the present inventors discovered that the above-mentioned problem can be solved by releasing the bitten state before the intraocular lens 4 is advanced by the rod 10. As a result, they came up with a method of forming a space in the lower inner circumference to partially avoid the rear side 4c so that the upper portion of the lower inner circumference includes the limit position L of the forward movable range of the slider 6.

[0026] Figure 4 It means in Figure 1 In the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the intraocular lens inserter 1, even if an ascending step is formed at any position within the range from the inner circumferential lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5 to the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7, a space 72 for partially avoiding the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 is formed at that position, so that the rear side 4c of the upper surface of the intraocular lens 4 will not be caught between the ascending step and the slider 6 (right figure), and a figure showing a state in which the intraocular lens is normally pushed out toward the nozzle portion 7b by the rod 10 (left figure).

[0027] Figure 5 It means in Figure 1In the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the intraocular lens inserter 1, even if a descending step is formed at any position within the range from the inner circumferential lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5 to the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7, a space 72 for partially avoiding the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 is formed at that position, so that the rear side 4c of the upper surface of the intraocular lens 4 will not be caught between the descending step and the slider 6 (right figure), and a figure showing a state in which the intraocular lens is normally pushed out toward the nozzle portion 7b by the rod 10 (left figure).

[0028] If the above method is adopted, even if Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the inner circumference lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7 is higher than the inner circumference lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5 by one level. Figure 5 As shown, an error occurs in which the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7 is one level lower than the inner circumferential lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5. When the rod 10 advances, the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 retreats downward due to the space 72, eliminating the state in which the intraocular lens 4 is bitten into the slider 6.

[0029] As a result, even if the rod 10 advances, the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 is not damaged (see the portion indicated by the arrow 72). Furthermore, it is not necessary to strictly enforce the manufacturing accuracy of the inserter body 5 and the insertion tube 7. Specifically, the escape space 72 provided at the lower inner circumference allows for tolerance of manufacturing accuracy errors.

[0030] The structure obtained based on the above findings is as follows.

[0031] A first aspect of the present invention relates to an intraocular lens inserter for inserting an intraocular lens into an eye, comprising:

[0032] hollow body;

[0033] a lens setting portion, arranged inside the hollow body;

[0034] a slider that advances the intraocular lens disposed on the lens setting portion; and

[0035] a rod for further advancing the intraocular lens advanced by the slider,

[0036] When the intraocular lens is set in the lens setting portion, the optical axis direction of the intraocular lens (Z direction) and the direction in contact with the lens setting portion are defined as downward (Z2 direction), the opposite direction thereof is defined as upward (Z1 direction), the advancing direction of the intraocular lens is defined as forward (X1 direction), the opposite direction thereof is defined as backward (X2 direction), and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is defined as the width direction (Y direction),

[0037] A space is provided at a portion α at the lower portion of the inner periphery of the hollow body and above a portion α including the limit position of the forward movable range of the portion of the slider that contacts the outer periphery of the optical portion of the intraocular lens. A space is provided to allow the rear side of the intraocular lens to partially retreat downward.

[0038] The second aspect of the present invention has the following structure in addition to the aspect described in the first aspect:

[0039] The hollow body has:

[0040] an inserter body; and

[0041] The insertion tube is provided at the front end portion of the inserter body.

[0042] The portion α is any portion within the range from the lower inner circumference of the inserter body to the lower inner circumference of the insertion tube.

[0043] The third aspect of the present invention has the following structure in addition to the aspect described in the second aspect:

[0044] The space is provided at a lower portion of an inner periphery of a connection portion connected to the inserter body in the insertion cylinder.

[0045] A fourth aspect of the present invention has the following structure in addition to the aspect described in any one of the first to third aspects:

[0046] The space is the space formed by the removal of the portion α.

[0047] The position in the width direction of the space includes the position in the width direction of a portion of the slider that comes into contact with the outer periphery of the optical portion of the intraocular lens when viewed from the front.

[0048] A fifth aspect of the present invention has the following structure in addition to the aspect described in any one of the first to fourth aspects:

[0049] The space is in a chamfered shape.

[0050] A sixth aspect of the present invention has the following structure in addition to the aspect described in any one of the first to fifth aspects:

[0051] The intraocular lens is pre-installed in the lens installation portion.

[0052] Other aspects of the present invention that can be combined with the above aspects are as follows.

[0053] The rod can also be placed inside the hollow body formed by the inserter body and the insertion tube. The rod is connected to the plunger and plays the role of advancing the intraocular lens. Alternatively, the rod can be integrally formed with the plunger.

[0054] The inclination of the chamfered surface is preferably not too steep, preferably less than 70 degrees from the XY plane, more preferably less than 50 degrees. There is no lower limit, but if the inclination angle is too small, it will have to extend in the X direction of the insertion tube, so for example 30 degrees or 40 degrees can be given.

[0055] The depth of the space may be increased by the maximum thickness of the optical portion of the intraocular lens in addition to manufacturing errors of components and alignment errors between components, and may be increased by 0.2 to 5.0 mm (preferably 0.5 to 2.0 mm).

[0056] The width of the space in the Y direction may have a margin relative to the width of the lower portion of the slider in the Y direction. As this margin, each space may be set with a margin of 0.1 mm or more (or 0.2 mm or more, with an upper limit of 1 mm, for example) relative to the width of the lower portion of the slider in the Y direction. Alternatively, as a preferred example of expressing this margin in terms other than dimensions, the width of each space in the Y direction may be set to 1.1 to 1.5 times the width of the lower portion of the slider in the Y direction.

[0057] A preferred example of the limit position of the forward movable range of the lower portion of the slider is between half (preferably, between 1 / 4) of the distance in the front-rear direction from the rear end of the space.

[0058] An intraocular lens inserter for inserting an intraocular lens into an eye, comprising:

[0059] The inserter body is a hollow body;

[0060] a lens setting portion, arranged inside the inserter body;

[0061] an advancing member that advances the intraocular lens disposed on the lens setting portion; and

[0062] The insertion tube is a separate insertion tube from the inserter body and is connected to the front end of the inserter body.

[0063] When the intraocular lens is set in the lens setting portion, the optical axis direction of the intraocular lens (Z direction) and the direction in contact with the lens setting portion are defined as downward (Z2 direction), the opposite direction thereof is defined as upward (Z1 direction), the advancing direction of the intraocular lens is defined as forward (X1 direction), the opposite direction thereof is defined as backward (X2 direction), and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is defined as the width direction (Y direction),

[0064] A space is provided at the lower inner portion of the connection portion of the insertion tube connected to the inserter body so as to allow the rear side of the intraocular lens to partially retreat downward when the advancing member advances the intraocular lens.

[0065] The space is formed by cutting away the lower portion of the inner periphery of the connection portion of the insertion tube connected to the inserter body.

[0066] When viewed from the front, the position in the width direction of the space includes the position in the width direction of a portion of the advancing member that abuts against the outer periphery of the optical portion of the intraocular lens.

[0067] The advancing member may be a rod that advances the intraocular lens placed on the lens setting portion.

[0068] Effects of the Invention

[0069] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an intraocular lens inserter capable of suppressing damage to an intraocular lens without increasing manufacturing accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of an intraocular lens inserter manufactured by combining an inserter body and an insertion tube manufactured separately, in which a slider is used, and shows how the intraocular lens is advanced on the connecting portion between the inserter body and the insertion tube via the slider.

[0071] Figure 2 It means in Figure 1 In a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an intraocular lens inserter, an ascending step is formed forward at any position within the range from the lower inner circumference of the inserter body to the lower inner circumference of the insertion tube, thereby causing the rear side of the upper surface of the intraocular lens in the process of advancing to be bitten between the ascending step and the sliding member.

[0072] Figure 3 It means in Figure 1 In a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an intraocular lens inserter, a descending step is formed forward at any position within the range from the lower inner circumference of the inserter body to the lower inner circumference of the insertion tube, thereby causing the rear side of the upper surface of the intraocular lens in the process of advancing to be bitten between the descending step and the sliding member.

[0073] Figure 4 It means in Figure 1 In the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the intraocular lens inserter, even if an ascending step is formed at any position within the range from the lower inner circumference of the inserter body to the lower inner circumference of the insertion tube, a space for partially avoiding the rear side of the intraocular lens is formed at that position, so that the rear side of the upper surface of the intraocular lens will not be caught between the ascending step and the slider (right figure), and in the left figure, a situation in which the intraocular lens is normally pushed out toward the nozzle portion by the rod.

[0074] Figure 5 It means in Figure 1 In the schematic partial cross-sectional view of the intraocular lens inserter, even if a descending step is formed at any position within the range from the lower inner circumference of the inserter body to the lower inner circumference of the insertion tube, a space for partially avoiding the rear side of the intraocular lens is formed at that position, so that the rear side of the upper surface of the intraocular lens will not be caught between the descending step and the slider (right figure), and in the left figure, a situation in which the intraocular lens is normally pushed out toward the nozzle portion by the rod.

[0075] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a structural example of the appearance of the intraocular lens inserter according to the first embodiment.

[0076] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the structure and arrangement of the distal end portion of the inserter body according to the first embodiment.

[0077] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view showing the connection portion between the inserter body and the insertion cylinder of the intraocular lens inserter (preloaded type) according to the first embodiment, and is a view before the slider is advanced.

[0078] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Exploded perspective view of the insertion tube.

[0079] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view showing the connection portion between the inserter body and the insertion cylinder of the intraocular lens inserter (preloaded type) according to the first embodiment, and is a view after the slider has been advanced.

[0080] Figure 11 This figure shows a situation in which the intraocular lens is bitten by the slider when there is a gap larger than necessary between the inner periphery of the inserter body 5 to the insertion tube 7 and the slider. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, "to" means greater than or equal to a predetermined value and less than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0082] As described above, the main characteristic of the embodiment of the present invention lies in the form of the inserter body 5, the slider 6, and the insertion tube 7 described in Patent Document 1 (for example, see Patent Document 1). Figure 2 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 10Therefore, the description of the structures other than those described above in the intraocular lens inserter 1 will be omitted or simplified as described in Patent Document 1. The following descriptions will be omitted as they are based on the structures described in Patent Document 1, and all of the descriptions in Patent Document 1 are incorporated herein.

[0083] Implementation Method 1

[0084] In the first embodiment, similarly to the intraocular lens inserter described in Patent Document 1, the intraocular lens 4 is folded by the slider 6 and then released from the nozzle portion 7b by the plunger 9 (and further the rod 10).

[0085] <Structure of Intraocular Lens Inserter>

[0086] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a structural example of the appearance of the intraocular lens inserter according to the first embodiment.

[0087] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the structure and arrangement of the distal end portion of the inserter body according to the first embodiment.

[0088] In addition, this application Figure 6 、 Figure 7 Compared with Patent Document 1 Figure 3 、 Figure 6 Therefore, this application Figure 6 、 Figure 7 Among the symbols described, those not described in this specification are as described in Patent Document 1.

[0089] The intraocular lens inserter 1 is used when inserting the intraocular lens 4 into the eye.

[0090] <Intraocular lenses>

[0091] In an embodiment of the present invention, a one-piece intraocular lens 4 made of a soft material such as silicone elastomer or soft acrylic is used as an example of an intraocular lens. The intraocular lens 4 includes a circular optical portion 4a that performs an optical function and two support portions 4b that are curved and extend outward from two locations on the outer periphery of the optical portion 4a.

[0092] The example shows a case where the base end of the optical portion 4a and the supporting portion 4b connected to the optical portion 4a of the intraocular lens 4 are made of a soft material. This structure facilitates folding of the intraocular lens 4. Furthermore, the distal end of the supporting portion 4b can also be made of a soft material or a hard material (e.g., polyethylene, PMMA, etc.).

[0093] In the first embodiment, the intraocular lens 4 is advanced by the slider 6. More precisely, the intraocular lens 4 is advanced by pushing out the outer periphery of the optical portion 4a by the slider 6. In this specification, this is simply referred to as "pushing out the intraocular lens 4" for convenience.

[0094] <Intraocular lens inserter>

[0095] The intraocular lens inserter 1 includes an inserter body 5, a slider 6, an insertion cylinder 7, a rotating member 8, a plunger 9, and a rod 10. These components are preferably each formed of a resin molded article.

[0096] The inserter body 5 and the insertion tube 7 each have a hollow structure, and are connected to each other to form a hollow body.

[0097] The slider 6 is attached to the inserter body 5 .

[0098] The insertion tube 7 is configured in a manner that is connected to the top end portion of the inserter body 5. The insertion tube 7 and the top end portion of the inserter body 5 can be formed as one piece, or they can be formed separately and the insertion tube 7 is installed at the top end portion. The insertion tube 7 has a hollow insertion tube body 7a and a thin tubular nozzle portion 7b. At this time, the lens setting portion 11 of the inserter body 5 is accommodated and configured in the insertion tube body 7a of the insertion tube 7 together with the intraocular lens 4 set therein. An injection hole 7c is formed on the upper surface of the insertion tube body 7a. The injection hole 7c is used to inject viscoelastic substances (such as sodium hyaluronate, etc.). The viscoelastic substance injected from the injection hole 7c is supplied to the intraocular lens 4 set in the lens setting portion 11.

[0099] The rotating member 8 is rotatably connected to the rear end portion of the inserter body 5 .

[0100] The plunger 9 is arranged coaxially with the inserter body 5. A portion of the plunger 9 is arranged inside the inserter body 5 via the rotating member 8. Alternatively, another portion of the plunger 9 may be arranged so as to protrude rearward from the rotating member 8.

[0101] The rod 10 is disposed inside the hollow body formed by the inserter body 5 and the insertion tube 7. The rod 10 is connected to the plunger 9 and plays a role in advancing the intraocular lens 4. Alternatively, the rod 10 may be integrally formed with the plunger 9.

[0102] like Figure 7 As shown, the lens setting portion 11 includes a bottom portion 11a, a lens receiving portion 11b, and a lens guide portion 11c. The lens receiving portion 11b receives and supports the intraocular lens 4 from below. The intraocular lens inserter 1 is a preloaded type, with the intraocular lens 4 pre-set to the lens setting portion 11 of the inserter body 5. Therefore, the intraocular lens 4 is one of the components of the intraocular lens inserter 1. However, the preloaded type is not necessarily required when implementing the present invention.

[0103] Hereinafter, an example of the structure of the intraocular lens inserter 1 excluding the space 72 for escaping the rear side 4 c of the intraocular lens 4 , which is one of the characteristics of the present invention, will be described.

[0104] “An intraocular lens inserter 1, comprising:

[0105] The inserter body 5 is a hollow body;

[0106] The lens setting portion 11 is provided inside the inserter body 5;

[0107] The slider 6 advances the intraocular lens 4 disposed on the lens setting portion 11;

[0108] a rod 10 for further advancing the intraocular lens 4 advanced by the slider 6; and

[0109] The insertion tube 7 is a separate body from the inserter body 5 and is connected to the top end of the inserter body 5.

[0110] The insertion tube 7 has a hollow insertion tube body 7a and a tubular nozzle portion 7b.

[0111] <Position and shape of the space and the forward limit position of the slider>

[0112] In the first embodiment, the forward limit position L of the lower portion 64 of the slider is shown as being near the connection portions 51 and 71. In this example, the technical concept of the present invention is reflected in the shape of the connection portion 71 (corresponding to portion α) between the inserter body 5 and the insertion tube 7 within the insertion tube 7. While the above description is accurately expressed as "the connection portion between the inserter body 5 and the insertion tube body 7a," for ease of explanation, only the insertion tube 7 is shown.

[0113] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view showing the connection portion between the inserter body and the insertion cylinder of the intraocular lens inserter (preloaded type) according to the first embodiment, and is a view before the slider is advanced.

[0114] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Exploded perspective view of the insertion tube.

[0115] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view showing the connection portion between the inserter body and the insertion cylinder of the intraocular lens inserter (preloaded type) according to the first embodiment, and is a view after the slider has been advanced.

[0116] One of the features of the present invention is that the limit position L of the forward movable range of the slider lower portion 64 is located in the region above the space 72. The rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 is retracted downward due to the space 72, and the intraocular lens 4 is no longer bitten into the slider 6 when the slider 6 completes its forward movement, i.e., when the rod 10 begins its forward movement. Figure 10 This is a diagram when the slide 6 is moved to the forward limit position L ( Figure 4 Right picture and Figure 5 Same as the right picture).

[0117] The purpose of this structure is as follows. Figure 4 Right picture and Figure 5 As shown in the right figure, if an error occurs where the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7 is one step lower than the inner circumferential lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5, the intraocular lens 4 may become stuck. On the other hand, if the stuck condition is eliminated at the end of the forward movement of the slider 6, the intraocular lens 4 will not be damaged by the forward movement of the rod 10. Based on this perspective, the above-mentioned structure defines the positional relationship between the limit position L of the movable range of the slider lower portion 64 in the X direction and the space 72 in the X direction.

[0118] As a result, even if the rod 10 advances, the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 is not damaged (see the portion indicated by the arrow 72). Furthermore, it is not necessary to strictly enforce the manufacturing accuracy of the inserter body 5 and the insertion tube 7. Specifically, the escape space 72 provided at the lower inner circumference allows for tolerance of manufacturing accuracy errors.

[0119] As a preferred example of the limit position L of the forward movable area of the lower portion 64 of the slide, there can be listed a position between half (preferably to 1 / 4) of the distance in the front-to-back direction of the space 72 from the connecting portion 71 which is the rear end of the space 72 and is connected to the inserter body 5.

[0120] Preferably, a space 72 is provided in the inner peripheral lower portion 74 of the connection portion 71 of the insertion tube 7 connected to the inserter body 5 so that the rear side 4 c of the intraocular lens 4 can partially retreat downward when the slider 6 advances the intraocular lens 4 .

[0121] The "space 72 that allows the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 to be partially retracted" can be provided at the lower portion 74 of the inner periphery of the connection portion 71 connected to the inserter body 5 in the insertion tube 7 when the intraocular lens 4 is advanced by the slider 6, and the shape is not limited. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As described above, there is no limitation as long as a part of the rear side 4 c of the intraocular lens 4 can be temporarily accommodated when the intraocular lens 4 is completely advanced by the slider 6 .

[0122] As an example of the space 72, a space formed by cutting out the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the connecting portion 71 of the insertion tube 7 connected to the inserter body 5 can also be used. Instead of a cutout, the space 72 can be formed by bending the connecting portion 71 of the insertion tube 7 itself (the entire inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7) downward. However, in this case, the volume within the intraocular lens inserter 1 must be designed to be large. Therefore, the cutout 73 is preferably used.

[0123] The shape of the cutout 73 is preferably a chamfered shape with an inclined surface. If the shape is a chamfered shape, the height in the Z direction of the connecting portion 71 (more specifically, the inner peripheral lower portion 74) inserted into the cylinder 7 is reduced by the maximum thickness of the optical portion 4a of the intraocular lens 4, and the shape is set so that the intraocular lens 4 does not move forward when the slider 6 is used. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The chamfered surface of the insert can be tilted at an angle as shown. The inclination of the chamfered surface should preferably not be too steep, preferably being 70 degrees or less, and more preferably 50 degrees or less, from the XY plane. There is no lower limit, but if the inclination angle is too small, it will inevitably extend in the X direction of the insertion tube 7. Therefore, for example, 30 degrees or 40 degrees can be used.

[0124] In addition, if Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the entire cutout 73 may be chamfered, or only the front side of the cutout 73 may be chamfered, and the rear side, i.e., the connecting portion 71, may be a step lowered by a certain amount from the height of the inserter body 5. In other words, it is preferable that at least the front side of the cutout 73 be chamfered.

[0125] The depth of the space 72 in the Z2 direction may be increased by the maximum thickness of the optical portion 4a of the intraocular lens 4 in addition to manufacturing errors of components and alignment errors between components, and may be increased by 0.2 to 5.0 mm (preferably 0.5 to 2.0 mm).

[0126] In addition, when a chamfered shape is adopted, the above-mentioned dimensions may be set according to the inclination angle of the chamfered surface.

[0127] From the perspective of reliably retracting the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 when the intraocular lens 4 is advanced by the slider 6, the following configuration is preferably employed. Specifically, in the first embodiment, when viewed from the front, the position of the space 72 in the width direction (Y direction) preferably includes the position of the portion of the slider 6 in the width direction (Y direction) that contacts the inner circumferential lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5.

[0128] The purpose of this structure is as follows. Figure 2 and Figure 3The reason for the bite shown is that when a part of the slider 6 (for example, the slider lower portion 64) abuts against the outer periphery of the optical portion 4a of the intraocular lens 4 while pressing the intraocular lens 4, the slider lower portion 64 passes through the inner periphery lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0129] If the concept is changed to address the cause of damage to the intraocular lens 4, a space 72 may be provided at least in the connecting portion 71 of the insertion tube 7 (specifically, the inner peripheral lower portion 74) corresponding to the width direction of the portion where the slider lower portion 64 is located when viewed from the front.

[0130] Figure 9 The structure that reflects this idea is recorded in Figure 9 In the embodiment, a chamfered cutout 73 (inclined at a 45-degree angle) is provided in the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the connecting portion 71 of the insertion tube 7 disposed in front of the slider lower portion 64. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the forward limit position L of the slider lower portion 64 is located above the cutout 73.

[0131] The width of the spaces 72 in the Y direction may have a margin relative to the width of the slider lower portion 64 in the Y direction. As this margin, each space 72 may be provided with a margin of 0.1 mm or more (or 0.2 mm or more, with an upper limit of 1 mm, for example) relative to the width of the slider lower portion 64 in the Y direction. Alternatively, as a preferred example of expressing this margin in terms other than dimensions, the width of each space 72 in the Y direction may be set to 1.1 to 1.5 times the width of the slider lower portion 64 in the Y direction. Alternatively, the spaces 72 may be provided throughout the entire inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the connecting portion 71 of the insertion tube 7.

[0132] However, when the space 72 is provided throughout the entire structure, the shape and size of the space 72 are set so that the slider lower portion 64 does not become unable to contact the intraocular lens 4 due to the intraocular lens 4 falling entirely into the space 72. The phrase "the rear side 4 c of the intraocular lens 4 can partially retreat downward" excludes the situation where the slider lower portion 64 becomes unable to contact the intraocular lens 4 due to the rear side 4 c of the intraocular lens 4 falling entirely into the space 72.

[0133] By setting the inclination angle of the chamfered surface within the above-mentioned range and / or providing each space 72 only in the connecting portion 71 of the insertion tube 7 (specifically, the inner circumferential lower portion 74) corresponding to the width direction of the portion where the slider lower portion 64 is located, the majority of the intraocular lens 4 rests on the horizontal inner circumferential lower portion 74 in front of the space 72. For example, even if the maximum thickness height of the intraocular lens 4 is reduced, the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 is only slightly displaced downward. On the other hand, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The biting described in the foregoing is caused by the lack of a retreat space for the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 when the intraocular lens 4 is moved forward by the slider 6. Even if the intraocular lens 4 is slightly displaced downward as in this example, the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 can be sufficiently prevented from being bitten.

[0134] As a result, when the intraocular lens 4 is completely advanced by the slider 6 , the intraocular lens 4 can be prevented from being caught between the slider 6 and the insertion tube 7 .

[0135] When the space 72 is provided only in the connection portion 71 of the insertion tube 7 (specifically, the inner circumferential lower portion 74) corresponding to the width direction of the portion where the slider lower portion 64 is located (that is, when the space 72 is provided only in a portion of the width in the Y direction of the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7), even if a portion of the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 falls into the space 72, the other portion of the intraocular lens 4 still rests on the portion outside the space 72, that is, the horizontal inner circumferential lower portion 74 in the insertion tube 7, thereby preventing the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 from falling excessively into the space 72.

[0136] The expression including these cases is “the widthwise position of the space 72 includes the widthwise position of the portion of the slider 6 (eg, the slider lower portion 64 ) that contacts the inner peripheral lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5 ”.

[0137] other

[0138] The present invention is not limited to the above-described first embodiment, and includes various modifications and improvements within a range in which specific effects can be derived from the constituent elements of the invention or combinations thereof.

[0139] While the inserter body 5 and the insertion tube 7 are separate bodies as illustrated in Embodiment 1, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the two bodies may be integrally formed. In this case, the insertion tube 7 is the portion having the nozzle portion 7b, which has an appearance of tapering toward the front. Furthermore, the inserter body 5 and the insertion tube 7 are collectively referred to as a "hollow body."

[0140] In addition, in Embodiment 1, a case where a notch 73 is provided in the connection portion 71 (specifically, the inner circumferential lower portion 74) of the connection portions 51 and 71 between the inserter body 5 and the insertion tube 7 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Furthermore, a case where the forward limit position L of the slider lower portion 64 is located near the connection portions 51 and 71 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. The space 72 may be provided at any position α within the inner circumferential lower portion of the hollow body, that is, within the range from the inner circumferential lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5 to the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7, that is, at a position α at the limit position of the forward movable area above the portion of the slider that contacts the outer periphery of the optical portion of the intraocular lens.

[0141] One of the factors that led to the present invention was the unintentional formation of a step at the lower portion of the inner circumference. However, this was merely a factor; the step is not a necessary condition for the intraocular lens inserter 1 of the present invention. Furthermore, in addition to the step, there are various other factors that can cause the intraocular lens 4 to be bitten by the slider 6. For example, as described in the "Problems of the Present Invention" section, even if a step is not formed, if there is a gap larger than necessary between the inner circumference of the inserter body 5 to the insertion tube 7 and the slider, the intraocular lens 4 may be bitten.

[0142] Figure 11 This figure shows a situation in which the intraocular lens is bitten by the slider when there is a gap larger than necessary between the inner periphery of the inserter body 5 to the insertion tube 7 and the slider.

[0143] like Figure 11 As shown in the upper left figure, when the above-mentioned gap exists in the upper part of the inner periphery, the slider 6 is tilted upward inside the inserter body 5 to the insertion tube 7, and the lower part 64 of the slider rests on the intraocular lens 4, resulting in the intraocular lens being bitten by the slider.

[0144] like Figure 11 As shown in the lower left figure, when the above-mentioned gap exists in the lower part of the inner periphery, the slider 6 floats upward inside the inserter body 5 to the insertion tube 7, and the lower part 64 of the slider rests on the intraocular lens 4, resulting in the intraocular lens being bitten by the slider.

[0145] The present invention is characterized in that, even if this step exists as a result of manufacturing error or the aforementioned factors (e.g., clearance) exist, a space 72 (e.g., a notch 73 (chamfered shape, recessed groove), etc.) is provided in advance at the lower portion of the inner periphery to encompass the upper portion of the forward limit position L of the portion of the slider 6 (e.g., the slider lower portion 64) that contacts the outer periphery of the optical portion 41 of the intraocular lens 4. The provision of this space 72 prevents the intraocular lens 4 from being bitten, thereby preventing damage to the intraocular lens 4, even without stricter manufacturing accuracy (specifically, with respect to the inserter body and the insertion tube).

[0146] Even without this manufacturing error, the lower inner portion (i.e., the lower inner portion 54 of the inserter body 5 to the lower inner portion 74 of the insertion tube 7) will be in the same plane. Moreover, even if the above gap is not necessary, as long as a space 72 for the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 to retreat is pre-set below the forward limit position L of the portion of the slider 6 that abuts the outer periphery of the optical portion 41 of the intraocular lens 4, a beneficial effect will be achieved.

[0147] That is, if the space 72 is provided, even if the intraocular lens inserter 1 has such manufacturing errors or such gaps, the manufacturing errors or such gaps can be accommodated by the space 72, thereby making it possible to use the intraocular lens inserter 1 that would have been discarded in the past. This is a great practical advantage.

[0148] In another embodiment (hereinafter referred to as Embodiment 2), a case is described in which the slider 6 is not provided, and the plunger 9 (and furthermore, the rod 10) is used to fold the intraocular lens 4 and release it from the nozzle portion 7b. Specifically, the plunger 9 is used as the advancing member (and the rod 10 is used as the member in direct contact with the intraocular lens 4). The description of Embodiment 1 is used for reference in the following unrelated matters.

[0149] In the second embodiment, the rod 10 advances to the vicinity of the discharge hole of the nozzle portion 7b. In this relationship, the rod 10 (and thus the lower portion of the rod 10) is located only at the center of the width direction of the connection portion 71 connected to the inserter body 5 in the insertion tube 7. Therefore, it is sufficient to provide a space 72 for the rear side 4c of the intraocular lens 4 to escape at least in the center of the width direction (Y direction) of the connection portion 71 in the insertion tube 7. This structure is similar to Figure 9 The opposite structure is that no space 72 is provided in the center of the width direction (Y direction) of the connecting portion 71 inserted into the cylinder 7 and the portion through which the rod 10 passes, and chamfered cutouts 73 corresponding to the lower portion 64 of the slider are provided on both sides of the Y direction.

[0150] Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment in which the limit position L of the movable range of the slider lower portion 64 in the X direction is defined, in the second embodiment, the rod 10 has to move forward to the vicinity of the discharge hole of the nozzle portion 7b. Figure 3 As shown, it can be seen that the rear side 4 c of the intraocular lens 4 is caught between the rod 10 and the insertion tube 7 .

[0151] On the other hand, by making at least the front part of the space 72 into a chamfered shape, i.e., an inclined surface (preferably the cutout 73), the intraocular lens 4 can be easily pressed continuously along the inclined surface by the lower part of the rod 10. As a result, the lower part of the rod 10 is less likely to rest on the intraocular lens 4.

[0152] If the chamfered shape is used, the height of the connecting portion 71 in the insertion tube 7 is reduced by the maximum thickness of the optical portion 4a of the intraocular lens 4, and the shape is set so that the intraocular lens 4 does not move forward with the slider 6. Figure 2 The cut shown, Figure 3 The chamfered surface may be tilted at an angle such as shown.

[0153] As a result, the rod 10 can advance together with the intraocular lens 4 (ie, in a normal state) without the lower portion of the rod 10 cutting off the upper portion of the intraocular lens 4. The chamfered shape of the space 72 also has this advantage.

[0154] In the second embodiment, the phrase “the rear side 4 c of the intraocular lens 4 can partially retreat downward” excludes the situation where the rear side 4 c of the intraocular lens 4 falls entirely into the space 72 , preventing the lower portion of the rod 10 from contacting the intraocular lens 4 .

[0155] One of the factors that led to the invention according to the second embodiment is the height difference between the inner circumferential lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5 and the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7. However, this is merely a factor, and the height difference is not essential for the intraocular lens inserter 1 according to the invention according to the second embodiment.

[0156] The invention according to Embodiment 2 is characterized in that, even if this height difference exists as a manufacturing error, the provision of a clearance space 72 allows for this manufacturing error to be accommodated. Even without this manufacturing error, the inner circumferential lower portion 54 of the inserter body 5 and the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the insertion tube 7 are ultimately flush with each other. By providing the clearance space 72, even if this manufacturing error occurs in the intraocular lens inserter 1, this manufacturing error can be accommodated by the clearance space 72, allowing the use of an intraocular lens inserter 1 that would have previously been discarded. This is a significant practical advantage.

[0157] According to the invention according to the second embodiment, it is possible to provide the intraocular lens inserter 1 capable of suppressing the breakage of the intraocular lens 4 even without increasing the manufacturing accuracy of the inserter body 5 and the insertion tube 7 .

[0158] The structure of the second embodiment is summarized as follows.

[0159] An intraocular lens inserter 1, for inserting an intraocular lens 4 into an eye, comprising:

[0160] The inserter body 5 is a hollow body;

[0161] A lens setting portion 11 is provided inside the inserter body 5;

[0162] an advancing member for advancing the intraocular lens 4 disposed on the lens setting portion 11; and

[0163] The insertion tube 7 is a separate body from the inserter body 5 and is connected to the front end of the inserter body 5.

[0164] When the intraocular lens 4 is set in the lens setting portion 11, the optical axis direction (Z direction) of the intraocular lens 4 and the direction in contact with the lens setting portion 11 are set as downward (Z2 direction), the opposite direction is set as upward (Z1 direction), the forward direction of the intraocular lens 4 is set as forward (X1 direction), the opposite direction is set as backward (X2 direction), and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is set as the width direction (Y direction),

[0165] A space 72 is provided in the inner peripheral lower portion 74 of the connection portion 71 of the insertion tube 7 connected to the inserter body 5 so that the rear side of the intraocular lens 4 can partially retreat downward when the advancing member advances the intraocular lens 4 .

[0166] The space 72 is formed by cutting away the inner circumferential lower portion 74 of the connection portion 71 of the insertion tube 7 connected to the inserter body 5.

[0167] The position of the space 72 in the width direction includes the position of the portion of the advancing member that comes into contact with the outer periphery of the optical portion 4 a of the intraocular lens 4 in the width direction when viewed from the front.

[0168] The advancing member may be a rod 10 that advances the intraocular lens 4 placed on the lens setting portion 11 .

[0169] Explanation of symbols

[0170] 1…Intraocular lens inserter

[0171] 4…Intraocular lenses

[0172] 4a…Optical Department

[0173] 4b…Support

[0174] 4c…posterior side (of the intraocular lens)

[0175] 5…Insert body

[0176] 51 ... connection portion (in the inserter body and the insertion tube body)

[0177] 54 ... lower inner circumference (of the inserter body)

[0178] 6…Sliding parts

[0179] 64…Slider lower part

[0180] 7…Insert tube

[0181] 71 ...Connection portion (into the inserter body)

[0182] 72…Space

[0183] 73…Chamfered surface

[0184] 74…lower inner circumference (of the insertion tube)

[0185] 7a…Insert the cartridge body

[0186] 7b…Nozzle

[0187] 7c…Injection hole

[0188] 8…Rotating parts

[0189] 9… plunger

[0190] 10…rods

[0191] 11…Lens installation part

[0192] 11a… bottom part

[0193] 11b…Lens receiving portion

[0194] 11c...Lens guide

[0195] L…Forward limit position of the lower part of the slide

Claims

1. An intraocular lens inserter for inserting an intraocular lens into an eye, comprising: a hollow body divided into an inner circumference lower portion and an inner circumference upper portion; a lens setting portion, arranged inside the hollow body; a slider for advancing the intraocular lens disposed in the lens disposing portion; as well as a rod for further advancing the intraocular lens advanced by the slider, When the intraocular lens is set in the lens setting portion, the optical axis direction of the intraocular lens is in the Z direction and the direction in contact with the lens setting portion is defined as the downward Z2 direction, the opposite direction thereof is defined as the upward Z1 direction, the forward direction of the intraocular lens is defined as the forward X1 direction, the opposite direction thereof is defined as the backward X2 direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the X direction is defined as the width direction Y direction. A space is provided at a portion α above the lower portion of the inner periphery of the hollow body, where the limit position of the forward movable range of the portion of the slider that contacts the outer periphery of the optical portion of the intraocular lens is provided. The space extends downward from the lower portion of the inner periphery and allows the rear side of the intraocular lens to partially retreat downward.

2. The intraocular lens inserter according to claim 1, wherein The hollow body has: an inserter body; as well as The insertion tube is provided at the front end portion of the inserter body. The portion α is any portion within the range from the lower inner circumference of the inserter body to the lower inner circumference of the insertion tube.

3. The intraocular lens inserter according to claim 2, wherein The space is provided at a lower portion of an inner periphery of a connection portion of the insertion cylinder connected to the inserter body.

4. The intraocular lens inserter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The space is the space formed by the removal of the portion α. The position in the width direction of the space includes the position in the width direction of a portion of the slider that comes into contact with the outer periphery of the optical portion of the intraocular lens when viewed from the front.

5. The intraocular lens inserter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The space is in a chamfered shape.

6. The intraocular lens inserter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The intraocular lens inserter is a preloaded type, and the intraocular lens is set in advance in the lens setting portion.

Images