Intraocular lens insertion instrument

Abstract

To properly insert a plate type intraocular lens made of a flexible material into an eye without damaging the intraocular lens.SOLUTION: An insertion instrument (1) includes: a plunger (5) including a lens abutment member (54) made of a flexible material and abutting on an intraocular lens (7). The lens abutment member (54) includes a protrusion (54a) for regulating the intraocular lens (7) from stretching and deforming in an opposite direction to an extrusion direction of the plunger (5).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an intraocular lens insertion device. [Background technology]

[0002] Intraocular lens insertion devices that eject an intraocular lens held in a lens holder by pushing it out with a plunger are known in the prior art (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). The intraocular lens insertion devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 3 include a nozzle portion that ejects the intraocular lens while folding the intraocular lens held in the lens holder into a concave shape by the pushing action of the plunger. The nozzle portion is configured so that the inner diameter gradually decreases toward the front. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5415452 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 3779819 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5236638 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The intraocular lenses mounted in the conventional intraocular lens insertion devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 include a lens portion, a front support portion, and a rear support portion, and the front support portion and the rear support portion have a loop shape formed so as to extend in a curved shape from the side surface of the lens portion.

[0005] In addition to the lenses having the loop-shaped anterior and posterior support portions described above, commercially available intraocular lenses include plate-type intraocular lenses having a substantially rectangular outer shape. Compared to intraocular lenses having loop-shaped anterior and posterior support portions, plate-type intraocular lenses are often made of a flexible material. Therefore, when a plate-type intraocular lens is inserted into the eye using the intraocular lens insertion devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, there is a risk of the intraocular lens being damaged.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide an intraocular lens insertion device that can properly insert a plate-type intraocular lens made of a flexible material into the eye without damaging it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an intraocular lens insertion device according to one aspect of the present invention is an intraocular lens insertion device to which a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens can be attached, and is characterized in that it comprises a plunger that abuts against the intraocular lens held in the lens holder and pushes out the intraocular lens, and a nozzle portion that folds the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger and releases it to the outside, wherein the plunger has a tip portion that abuts against the intraocular lens and is made of an elastically deformable material, and the tip portion has a stopper that restricts elongation and deformation of the intraocular lens in the direction opposite to the pushing direction of the plunger.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an intraocular lens insertion device according to one aspect of the present invention is an intraocular lens insertion device to which a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens can be attached, and is characterized in that it comprises: a plunger that abuts against the intraocular lens held in the lens holder and pushes out the intraocular lens; and a nozzle portion that folds the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger and releases it to the outside, wherein the nozzle portion comprises a plate-like rib portion provided in the center of the nozzle portion and extending in the extrusion direction of the plunger; and a rotation mechanism that rotates the plate-like rib portion in the extrusion direction by abutment between the plate-like rib portion and the lens surface of the intraocular lens, abutment between the plate-like rib portion and the plunger, or abutment between the plate-like rib portion and both the lens surface of the intraocular lens and the plunger.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an intraocular lens insertion device according to one aspect of the present invention is an intraocular lens insertion device to which a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens can be attached, and is characterized in that it comprises: a plunger that abuts against the intraocular lens held in the lens holder and pushes out the intraocular lens; and a nozzle portion that folds and releases the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger, the nozzle portion comprising: a protrusion that is provided at the center of the nozzle portion and protrudes into the inner cavity of the nozzle portion and extends in the extrusion direction of the plunger; and a rotation mechanism that rotates the protrusion in the extrusion direction by abutment of the protrusion with the lens surface of the intraocular lens, abutment of the protrusion with the plunger, or abutment of the protrusion with both the lens surface of the intraocular lens and the plunger.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an intraocular lens insertion device according to one aspect of the present invention is an intraocular lens insertion device to which a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens can be attached, and is equipped with a plunger that abuts against the intraocular lens held in the lens holder and pushes out the intraocular lens, and a nozzle portion that folds the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger and releases it to the outside, wherein the nozzle portion has a tapered inner wall surface in which the distance between opposing wall surfaces decreases as the nozzle portion approaches the extrusion direction of the plunger, and the tapered inner wall surface is formed with a convex ridge portion that extends in the extrusion direction and restricts rotational movement of the intraocular lens along the tapered inner wall surface.

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention provides an intraocular lens insertion device that includes a cylindrical main body and a lens holder that holds an intraocular lens attached to the end face of the main body, and that includes a plunger that is inserted into the main body so as to be able to move forward and backward in order to abut against the intraocular lens held in the lens holder and push out the intraocular lens, and a nozzle portion that releases the intraocular lens while folding the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger, and the main body is provided with a centering member for centering the plunger. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize an intraocular lens insertion device that can properly insert a plate-type intraocular lens made of a flexible material into the eye without damaging it. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an intraocular lens insertion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a top view showing the configuration of an intraocular lens mounted in an intraocular lens insertion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]3001 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when the lens abutment member of the plunger reaches the rear opening of the storage section in an intraocular lens insertion device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and 3002 is an enlarged view of 3001. [Figure 4] The configuration of the lens contact member is shown, with 4001 being a perspective view, 4002 being a top view, 4003 being a side view, and 4004 being a front view seen from the front side. [Figure 5] 5001 and 5002 are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the lens holding portion within the nozzle portion. [Figure 6] 6001 shows the configuration of the plate-shaped rib portion shown in FIG. 5; 6002 shows an example of the configuration of the protrusion shown in 6001; and 6003 shows yet another example of the configuration of the protrusion shown in 6001. [Figure 7] The lens holder attached to the nozzle unit is shown, with 7001 being a bottom view seen from below, and 7002 being a cross-sectional view showing a cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction. [Figure 8] 8001 to 8005 are diagrams showing the cross-sectional shapes of the tapered inner wall surfaces that form the inner cavity of the nozzle portion. [Figure 9] 9001 to 9005 are diagrams showing other cross-sectional shapes of the tapered inner wall surface that constitutes the inner cavity of the nozzle portion. [Figure 10] 10001 to 10005 are diagrams showing other cross-sectional shapes of the ridges formed on the tapered inner wall surface that constitutes the inner cavity of the nozzle portion. [Figure 11] 11001 shows a perspective view and 11002 shows a cross-sectional view of a centering member attached to an annular enlargement. [Figure 12] Reference numeral 12001 is a front view seen from the front side showing the configuration of the centering member, and reference numeral 12002 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the front-rear direction showing the configuration of the centering member attached to the annular enlarged portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of an intraocular lens insertion device 1 (hereinafter referred to as insertion device 1). As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion device 1 includes a cylindrical device main body 2, a distal tip 3, a lens holder 4 that holds an intraocular lens 7, a plunger 5, a lens retaining portion 6, a centering member 8, and a spring 9. The distal tip 3 has a nozzle portion 32 that is connected to the device main body 2. The lens holder 4 is attachable to the device main body 2. The plunger 5 is rod-shaped and is configured to be inserted into the device main body 2. The lens retaining portion 6 is provided behind the nozzle portion 32 of the distal tip 3. The centering member 8 is a member for positioning the central axis of the plunger 5 and is attached to the device main body 2. The lens holder 4 may be attached to the distal tip 3.

[0015] Here, the axial direction of the plunger 5 is defined as the front-to-rear direction. The thickness direction of the intraocular lens 7 held in the lens holder 4 is defined as the up-to-down direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the front-to-rear and up-to-down directions is defined as the left-to-right direction. The distal tip 3 side of the insertion instrument 1 is defined as the front side, and the opposite side is defined as the rear side. The lens holding portion 6 side of the distal tip 3 is defined as the upper side, and the opposite side is defined as the lower side.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the configuration of the intraocular lens 7 mounted on the lens holder 4 of the insertion device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the intraocular lens 7 includes a lens portion 7a, a front support portion 7b, and a rear support portion 7c. The lens portion 7a is a lens portion that functions as a crystalline lens after insertion into the eye. The front support portion 7b and the rear support portion 7c function to support the lens portion 7a within the eye after insertion into the eye. The front support portion 7b and the rear support portion 7c are arranged symmetrically with respect to the lens portion 7a and have a flat plate shape. The front support portion 7b is formed to cover the front side surface of the lens portion 7a. The rear support portion 7c is formed to cover the rear side surface of the lens portion 7a. The intraocular lens 7 is a plate-type intraocular lens with a substantially rectangular outer shape, and the rectangle is formed by the lens portion 7a, the front support portion 7b, and the rear support portion 7c. The lens portion 7a, the front support portion 7b, and the rear support portion 7c are made of a flexible material and are formed to be flexible and deformable. In this embodiment, a single-piece type in which the lens portion 7a, the front support portion 7b, and the rear support portion 7c are integrally molded will be described as an example.

[0017] The device body 2 is configured to engage the distal tip 3 at the front, and has an annular expansion portion 22 on the outer surface of the front end that can be grasped by the surgeon, and a flange-shaped holding portion 23 on the outer surface of the rear end that the surgeon can hold by hooking their fingers. The device body 2 is made of impact-resistant resin such as polycarbonate. The annular expansion portion 22 is composed of, for example, multiple annular protrusions.

[0018] The annular expansion portion 22 and the holding portion 23 may have any shape as long as they can perform the required functions. For example, the holding portion 23 may be configured as a protrusion or the like that can be hooked with a finger, rather than a flange-shaped one.

[0019] The surgeon pushes in the plunger 5 with one hand while grasping the annular expansion portion 22 with the other hand, and releases the intraocular lens 7 into the patient's eye in the order of the front support portion 7b, the lens portion 7a, and the rear support portion 7c. Providing the annular expansion portion 22 makes it easier for the surgeon to grasp the insertion device 1, thereby improving the operability of the insertion device 1.

[0020] The distal tip 3 has a release section 31 from which the intraocular lens 7 is released, a nozzle section 32 whose inner diameter gradually decreases toward the front, and a rectangular section 33 having a rectangular outer periphery with an open side. The distal tip 3 is connected to the device main body 2 by engaging the rectangular section 33 with the device main body 2. A lens retaining section 6 is attached to the upper side near the entrance of the nozzle section 32. The distal tip 3 and the device main body 2 may be engaged by any configuration, such as by a locking claw and a locking hole. The distal tip 3 is formed from a chemically resistant and flexible resin such as polypropylene or polyamide.

[0021] The insertion device 1 is configured to be able to attach a lens holder 4 that holds an intraocular lens 7. The insertion device 1 according to this embodiment may be in a form in which the lens holder 4 is detached, or in a form in which the lens holder 4 is attached. When using the insertion device 1, the surgeon inserts the lens holder 4 into an opening formed on the side of the rectangular portion 33. The rectangular portion 33 can be considered to be an installation portion where the lens holder 4 is installed. The lens holder 4 may be inserted into the opening of the rectangular portion 33 in advance before using the insertion device 1, or may be inserted into the opening of the rectangular portion 33 when using the insertion device 1.

[0022] The lens holder 4 has a storage section 41 that forms a storage space for storing the intraocular lens 7, and a gripping section 42 that protrudes laterally from the storage section 41. The storage section 41 has openings on both the front and rear sides. The space inside the storage section 41 communicates with the space inside the nozzle section 32 via the opening formed on the rear side of the storage section 41. After storing the intraocular lens 7 in the storage section 41, the surgeon grips the gripping section 42 and inserts the lens holder 4 into the opening formed on the side of the rectangular section 33, thereby attaching the intraocular lens 7 to the insertion device 1. The lens holder 4 is made of a chemical-resistant resin such as polypropylene.

[0023] The plunger 5 includes a rear-side shaft portion 51, a pressing portion 52, and a center shaft portion 53. The rear-side shaft portion 51 is located at the rearmost side of the plunger 5. The rear-side shaft portion 51 is the portion that is exposed to the outside when the plunger 5 is in its initial position inserted into the device body 2. In addition, the rearward movement of the rear-side shaft portion 51 is limited by a stopper provided at the rear end of the device body 2. The pressing portion 52 is formed in a flange shape on the peripheral surface on the rear side of the rear-side shaft portion 51. The surgeon moves the plunger 5 toward the tip side by pushing the pressing portion 52 toward the device body 2.

[0024] The central shaft portion 53 is connected to the front side of the rear-side shaft portion 51 and has a smaller diameter than the rear-side shaft portion 51. A lens abutment member 54 that abuts against the rear support portion 7c of the intraocular lens 7 is attached to the tip of the central shaft portion 53.

[0025] In addition, a spring 9 is provided along the outer peripheral surface of the central shaft portion 53. As a result, a reaction force is received from the spring 9 when the plunger 5 is pushed in, preventing the intraocular lens 7 from jumping out forcefully from the lens abutment member 54 of the plunger 5. The position of the spring 9 is not particularly limited, and it may be disposed, for example, between the pressing portion 52 of the plunger 5 and the rear end of the device body 2, as long as it is configured to receive a reaction force from the elastic member when the plunger 5 is pushed in.

[0026] When the plunger 5 is in the initial position and the surgeon pushes the plunger 5 from the initial position toward the distal end in the front-to-rear direction, the plunger 5 passes through an opening formed on the rear side of the storage section 41. Then, the lens abutting member 54 at the tip of the plunger 5 comes into contact with the rear support portion 7c of the intraocular lens 7. The plunger 5 then moves further toward the distal end, passes through an opening formed on the front side of the storage section 41, and advances into the distal tip 3. At this time, the intraocular lens 7 is folded into a concave shape as it passes through the nozzle portion 32 of the distal tip 3. Next, the intraocular lens 7 in its folded state reaches the release section 31. The intraocular lens 7 that has reached the release section 31 is inserted into the eye from the cut side of the release section 31 in the order of the front support portion 7b, lens portion 7a, and rear support portion 7c.

[0027] Incidentally, the intraocular lenses mounted in the conventional intraocular lens insertion devices disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 have a loop shape in which the anterior and posterior support portions extend in a curved manner from the side surfaces of the lens portion. The above-mentioned plate-type intraocular lens, the intraocular lens 7, is made of a more flexible material than intraocular lenses having the loop-shaped anterior and posterior support portions. Therefore, when the plate-type intraocular lens 7 is inserted into the eye using an intraocular lens insertion device equipped with a conventional intraocular lens, there is a risk of the intraocular lens 7 being damaged. The insertion device 1 according to this embodiment aims to properly insert the plate-type intraocular lens 7 made of a flexible material into the eye without damaging it.

[0028] (Configuration of lens contact member 54) Here, the contact position of the plunger 5 on the intraocular lens 7 may deviate from the intended contact position due to an error in mounting the intraocular lens 7 relative to the lens holder 4, etc. This may cause the plunger 5 to climb onto or sink into the intraocular lens 7. As described above, the intraocular lens 7 is made of a flexible material. Therefore, there is a risk that the plunger 5 may scratch or break the intraocular lens 7.

[0029] Furthermore, because the intraocular lens 7 is made of a flexible material, the pushing action of the plunger 5 causes the intraocular lens 7 to easily deform rearward from the position where the plunger 5 abuts. When such an intraocular lens 7 is pushed into the tapered nozzle portion 32 and folded, a force that moves the intraocular lens 7 forward acts on the portion of the intraocular lens 7 that abuts the plunger 5. Meanwhile, a force that holds the lens to the tapered surface of the nozzle portion 32 acts on the portions other than the abutting portion due to friction with the tapered surface of the nozzle portion 32. As a result, the intraocular lens 7 passes through the nozzle portion 32 in a state that is excessively stretched rearward from the position where the plunger 5 abuts, which may result in damage to the intraocular lens 7.

[0030] In the insertion device 1 according to this embodiment, the lens abutting member 54 provided on the plunger 5 can prevent such damage to the intraocular lens 7. 3001 in Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the state when the lens abutting member 54 of the plunger 5 has reached the rear opening 41a of the accommodation section 41, and 3002 in Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of 3001 in Fig. 3. Also, Fig. 4 shows the configuration of the lens abutting member 54, with 4001 in Fig. 4 being a perspective view, 4002 in Fig. 4 being a top view, 4003 in Fig. 4 being a side view, and 4004 in Fig. 4 being a front view seen from the front side.

[0031] In the insertion device 1 according to this embodiment, the lens abutting member 54 of the plunger 5 that abuts against the intraocular lens 7 is softer than the central shaft portion 53 of the plunger 5 and is made of an elastically deformable material. Furthermore, examples of the material that makes up the lens abutting member 54 include silicone and silicone elastomer.

[0032] As shown by 3001 and 3002 in FIG. 3 and 4001 to 4004 in FIG. 4, the lens contact member 54 has protrusions 54a protruding from its left and right side surfaces. Furthermore, the lens contact member 54 has a V-shaped alligator clip structure 54b cut out to a size larger than the vertical (thickness) dimension of the intraocular lens 7. The alligator clip structure 54b is configured to vertically sandwich the intraocular lens 7 at least within the housing portion 41 of the lens holder 4, and has an upper inclined surface 54c and a lower inclined surface 54d that face each other in the vertical direction. The lower inclined surface 54d is formed as an inclined surface connected to the lower surface 54e of the lens contact member 54. In other words, no surface perpendicular to the lower surface 54e is interposed between the inclined surface of the lower inclined surface 54d and the lower surface 54e. It should be noted that the structure of the "inclined surface connected to the lower surface 54e of the lens abutment member 54" mentioned here also includes a structure in which an R-shaped surface or the like is formed at the connecting portion between the inclined surface of the lower inclined surface portion 54d and the lower surface 54e due to the precision of the processing conditions, etc., during the processing process of the connecting structure between the inclined surface of the lower inclined surface portion 54d and the lower surface 54e.

[0033] Furthermore, the vertical dimension of the lens abutting member 54 is greater than or equal to the vertical dimensions of the rear opening 41a and the front opening 41b of the housing portion 41. More specifically, the vertical dimension of the lens abutting member 54 is greater than or equal to the distance between the opposing vertical walls of the housing portion 41. As a result, when the lens abutting member 54 is inserted into the housing portion 41, it elastically deforms to fit into the distance between the opposing vertical walls of the housing portion 41. This elastic deformation causes the upper inclined surface 54c and the lower inclined surface 54d of the alligator mouth structure 54b to elastically deform so as to reduce the distance between them, and they come into contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the intraocular lens 7. As a result, the intraocular lens 7 housed in the housing portion 41 is clamped by the alligator mouth structure 54b in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if an error occurs in mounting the intraocular lens 7 relative to the lens holder 4, there is no deviation in the abutment position of the plunger 5 on the intraocular lens 7. Therefore, the insertion device 1 according to this embodiment can prevent the plunger 5 from climbing up onto or sinking under the intraocular lens 7.

[0034] The upper limit of the vertical dimension of the lens abutment member 54 can be set appropriately depending on the material of the lens abutment member 54, the dimensions of the alligator clip structure 54b, etc., within the range where the movement of the lens abutment member 54 is not hindered by contact between the lens abutment member 54 and the walls of the storage section 41, the nozzle section 32, and the release section 31.

[0035] Furthermore, the lower inclined surface 54d is formed by an inclined surface that is connected to the lower surface 54e of the lens abutting member 54. Therefore, when the plunger 5 moves forward with the lens abutting member 54 abutting against the intraocular lens 7, the rear support portion 7c of the intraocular lens 7 moves on the lower inclined surface 54d, making it easier for the intraocular lens 7 to be smoothly accommodated within the alligator mouth structure 54b. This makes it possible to more reliably hold the intraocular lens 7 in the alligator mouth structure 54b.

[0036] Furthermore, if a surface perpendicular to the lower surface 54e is interposed between the inclined surface of the lower slope portion 54d and the lower surface 54e, when the plunger 5 moves forward with the lens abutment member 54 abutting against the intraocular lens 7, there is a higher possibility that the intraocular lens 7 will be locked by this perpendicular surface, making it difficult for the rear support portion 7c of the intraocular lens 7 to move toward the lower slope portion 54d, and making it difficult for the intraocular lens 7 to fit within the alligator clip structure 54b.

[0037] Although not shown, the vertical dimension of the lens abutting member 54 is preferably greater than or equal to the distance between the opposing vertical walls that define the internal cavity of the discharge portion 31 and the nozzle portion 32 of the distal tip 3. This allows the intraocular lens 7 to be clamped by the alligator-like structure 54b of the lens abutting member 54 even when the plunger 5 moves further forward from the lens holder 4 and passes through the nozzle portion 32 and the discharge portion 31. This makes it difficult for the plunger 5 to shift its contact position on the intraocular lens 7. As a result, the intraocular lens 7 is stably folded within the nozzle portion 32. Furthermore, since the rear support portion 7c of the intraocular lens 7 is clamped by the alligator-like structure 54b within the discharge portion 31, it is expected that the intraocular lens 7 will not be suddenly released from the discharge portion 31.

[0038] Furthermore, the protrusion 54a of the lens abutting member 54 functions as a stopper that restricts rearward elongation deformation of the intraocular lens 7. Rearward elongation deformation of the intraocular lens 7 can also be said to be elongation deformation of the intraocular lens 7 in the direction opposite to the extrusion direction of the plunger 5.

[0039] When the intraocular lens 7 is pushed into the tapered nozzle portion 32 and folded, the portion that deforms rearward from the position of contact with the plunger 5 is locked by the protrusion 54a provided on the side of the lens contact member 54. Therefore, the protrusion 54a restricts the deformation of the intraocular lens 7 rearward from the position of contact with the plunger 5, preventing the intraocular lens 7 from passing through the nozzle portion 32 in an excessively stretched state. Therefore, with the insertion device 1 according to this embodiment, excessive rearward stretching of the intraocular lens 7 at the nozzle portion 32 can be suppressed, and damage to the intraocular lens 7 can be prevented.

[0040] The left-right dimension of the lens abutment member 54 can be set appropriately depending on the material of the lens abutment member 54, the dimensions of the protrusion 54a, etc., to the extent that the movement of the lens abutment member 54 is not hindered by contact between the lens abutment member 54 and the walls of the storage section 41, the nozzle section 32, and the release section 31.

[0041] (Lens holding part 6) In order for the plate-shaped intraocular lens 7 to be released from the release portion 31 without being damaged by the pushing action of the plunger 5, it is important that the intraocular lens 7 is folded in a line-symmetrical valley fold within the nozzle portion 32. The lens retaining portion 6 has the function of assisting the intraocular lens 7 in the valley folding state within the nozzle portion 32. 5001 and 5002 in Fig. 5 are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the lens retaining portion 6 within the nozzle portion 32. Fig. 7 shows the lens retaining portion 6 attached to the nozzle portion 32, with 7001 in Fig. 7 being a bottom view seen from below and 7002 in Fig. 7 being a cross-sectional view showing a cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.

[0042] As shown by 5001 and 5002 in Fig. 5 and 7001 and 7002 in Fig. 7, the lens holding portion 6 includes a plate-shaped rib portion 61 (projection portion), a base portion 62 that supports the plate-shaped rib portion 61, a shaft portion 63, and a plate spring portion 64. Here, the rotation mechanism of the plate-shaped rib portion 61 in the insertion device 1 is configured to include at least the shaft portion 63 and the plate spring portion 64.

[0043] The plate-like rib portion 61 is a convex strip that protrudes toward the inner cavity of the nozzle portion 32 and extends in the front-to-rear direction (the direction in which the plunger 5 is pushed out) over a predetermined distance. The lower end of the plate-like rib portion 61 is formed so that its shape forms a single curve that is convex downward in the front-to-rear direction. The plate-like rib portion 61 is positioned so that it abuts against the plunger 5 and that its lower end contacts at least the lens portion 7a of the intraocular lens 7.

[0044] The shaft 63 protrudes in the left-right direction from the base 62 and is inserted into a bearing opening provided in the nozzle part 32. The lens holding part 6 is connected to the nozzle part 32 via the shaft 63 and is rotatable around the shaft 63 extending in the left-right direction.

[0045] The leaf spring portion 64 has a plate shape that is bent forward in a convex shape, and is provided so as to abut against a predetermined plane of the nozzle portion 32. The leaf spring portion 64 is configured to bias the base portion 62 so that the base portion 62 rotates in a direction approaching the nozzle portion 32. Therefore, when the base portion 62 rotates about the shaft portion 63 in a direction away from the nozzle portion 32, the leaf spring portion 64 applies a biasing force to the base portion 62 to rotate it toward the nozzle portion 32.

[0046] The intraocular lens 7 sent into the nozzle portion 32 by the pushing action of the plunger 5 has the central portion of the lens portion 7a of the intraocular lens 7 in contact with the plate-like rib portion 61. As a result, the central portion of the intraocular lens 7 is positioned by the plate-like rib portion 61 near the entrance of the nozzle portion 32. In this positioned state, when the intraocular lens 7 is moved forward by the pushing action of the plunger 5, the intraocular lens 7 is folded by the tapered surface of the nozzle portion 32 without causing any displacement of the central portion. As a result, the intraocular lens 7 that has passed the lens holding portion 6 and moved forward is folded in a valley fold that is line-symmetrical with respect to the central portion and convex toward the bottom surface of the nozzle portion 32.

[0047] Furthermore, the plunger 5 is pushed into the nozzle portion 32 with the lens abutment member 54 at the tip in contact with the rear end of the intraocular lens 7. Therefore, when the intraocular lens 7 passes through the lens retaining portion 6 and moves forward, the lens retaining portion 6 is in a state where the lens surface of the intraocular lens 7 abuts against the plate-like rib portion 61 of the lens retaining portion 6, a state where the lens abutment member 54 abuts against the plate-like rib portion 61 of the lens retaining portion 6, or a state where both the lens surface of the intraocular lens 7 and the lens abutment member 54 abut against the plate-like rib portion 61 of the lens retaining portion 6. When the plunger 5 is further pushed forward in this state, the pressing force of the plunger 5 causes the plate-like rib portion 61 to rotate about the shaft portion 63 in a direction where the lower end portion moves away from the bottom surface of the nozzle portion 32, and does not impede the advancement of the plunger 5. In this embodiment, even when the lens surface of the intraocular lens 7 is in contact with the plate-shaped rib portion 61 of the lens retaining portion 6, when the plunger 5 is further advanced, the plate-shaped rib portion 61 may rotate due to the contact action between the lens surface moving forward and the lens retaining portion 6. In other words, the plate-shaped rib portion 61 may rotate before the lens contact member 54 comes into contact with the plate-shaped rib portion 61.

[0048] Then, after the intraocular lens 7 is released from the release portion 31, when the plunger 5 is returned rearward of the lens retainer 6, the biasing force of the plate spring portion 64 causes the plate-shaped rib portion 61 to rotate in a direction approaching the bottom surface of the nozzle portion 32. Then, the lens retainer 6 is returned to its initial position.

[0049] In this way, with the insertion device 1, the intraocular lens 7 is folded by line-symmetrical valley folds with the central portion positioned by the plate-like rib portion 61. Therefore, the plate-shaped intraocular lens 7 is released from the release portion 31 by the pushing action of the plunger 5 without being damaged.

[0050] Furthermore, the plate-like rib portion 61 rotates in the pushing direction of the plunger 5 by contact with the plunger 5 due to the rotation mechanism including the shaft portion 63 and the plate spring portion 64. Therefore, even after the intraocular lens 7 has passed through the lens retaining portion 6, the movement of the plunger 5 is not impeded by the lens retaining portion 6. Therefore, the intraocular lens 7 can be folded in line-symmetrical valley folds at the nozzle portion 32, and the plunger 5 can be smoothly pushed in.

[0051] In this embodiment, the protrusion extending in the front-rear direction (the extrusion direction of the plunger 5) may be configured to protrude toward the inner cavity of the nozzle portion 32 and position the central portion of the intraocular lens 7 as described above, and is not limited to the plate-like rib portion 61 shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the protrusion, where 6001 in Fig. 6 shows the configuration of the plate-like rib portion 61 shown in Fig. 5, 6002 in Fig. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the protrusion shown in 6001 in Fig. 6, and 6003 in Fig. 6 shows yet another example of the configuration of the protrusion shown in 6001 in Fig. 6.

[0052] 5, two plate-like rib portions 61 are provided, as shown by 6001 in Fig. 6. The two plate-like rib portions 61 protrude from the base portion 62 toward the inner cavity of the nozzle portion 32 and extend parallel to each other in the front-rear direction (the extrusion direction of the plunger 5) over a predetermined distance. The two plate-like rib portions 61 are also arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry of the nozzle portion 32.

[0053] Furthermore, the number of the protrusions is not limited to two, as in the plate-like rib portion 61 shown in 6001 in Fig. 6. As shown in 6002 in Fig. 6, the protrusion 61a may be a single convex ridge protruding from the base 62 toward the lumen side of the nozzle portion 32. The protrusion 61a has a width in the left-right direction sufficient to position the central portion of the intraocular lens 7.

[0054] Furthermore, the protrusion 61a shown in 6002 of FIG. 6 is solid. However, the protrusion is not limited to a solid structure and may have a hollow structure. 6003 of FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the protrusion 61b having a hollow structure. As shown in 6003 of FIG. 6, the protrusion 61b is formed as a recessed groove recessed from the base 62a toward the inner cavity of the nozzle portion 32. The protrusion 61b extends in the front-rear direction (the extrusion direction of the plunger 5) over a predetermined distance. The protrusion 61b has a width in the left-right direction sufficient to position the central portion of the intraocular lens 7.

[0055] (Inner cavity shape of nozzle portion 32) The insertion device 1 is characterized by the shape of the tapered inner wall surface that forms the lumen of the nozzle portion 32 because the intraocular lens 7 is folded in a line-symmetrical valley fold within the nozzle portion 32. 8001 to 8005 in Fig. 8 are diagrams showing cross-sectional shapes of the tapered inner wall surface 35 that forms the lumen 34 of the nozzle portion 32. 9001 to 9005 in Fig. 9 are diagrams showing other cross-sectional shapes of the tapered inner wall surface 35 that forms the lumen 34 of the nozzle portion 32. In Figs. 8 and 9, as cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, the cross-sectional shape along line II, the cross-sectional shape along line II-II, the cross-sectional shape along line III-III, the cross-sectional shape along line IV-IV, and the cross-sectional shape along line VV correspond to cross-sectional shapes 8001, 9001 to 8005, and 9005, respectively, from the rear side to the front side.

[0056] As can be seen from the cross-sectional shapes 8001 to 8005 shown in FIG. 8, the nozzle portion 32 includes a lumen 34, a tapered inner wall surface 35 that constitutes the lumen 34, and a ridge portion 36. The ridge portion 36 is provided on the upper side of the tapered inner wall surface 35 and protrudes downward. Two ridge portions 36 are provided on either side of the vertical axis of symmetry of the nozzle portion 32. These two ridge portions 36 are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry of the nozzle portion 32. As can be seen from the cross-sectional shapes 8004 and 8005 shown in FIG. 8, the ridge portions 36 are provided so as to avoid at least the tip portion of the nozzle portion 32.

[0057] The intraocular lens 7, which has moved into the nozzle portion 32 by the pushing action of the plunger 5, is valley-folded by the lens retainer 6 near the entrance of the nozzle portion 32 and moves forward. The valley-folded intraocular lens 7 then moves forward while being folded by the action of the tapered inner wall surface 35. Here, the axis of movement of the valley-folded intraocular lens 7 may shift as it moves on the tapered inner wall surface 35. The intraocular lens 7 with its axis of movement shifted in this way will rotate along the tapered inner wall surface 35. As a result, there is a risk that the intraocular lens 7 will not be able to be folded in an axisymmetrical manner.

[0058] Therefore, in the insertion device 1, the nozzle portion 32 is provided with a convex rib portion 36, which restricts rotational movement of the intraocular lens 7 along the tapered inner wall surface 35. As can be seen from the cross-sectional shapes 8002 and 8003 shown in FIG. 8 , when the valley-folded intraocular lens 7 is moved forward by the plunger 5, the left and right ends of the intraocular lens 7 are locked by the convex rib portion 36 from moving along the tapered inner wall surface 35. The locking of the ends of the intraocular lens 7 by the convex rib portion 36 is released near the tip of the nozzle portion 32, where the convex rib portion 36 is not provided. As a result, the intraocular lens 7 is line-symmetrically valley-folded within the nozzle portion 32. Note that, from the viewpoint of restricting rotational movement of the intraocular lens 7 along the tapered inner wall surface 35 immediately after the valley folding, it is preferable that the convex rib portion 36 be provided rearward of the front tip of the lens retainer portion 6. Furthermore, near the entrance of the nozzle part 32, the convex ridge part 36 does not necessarily have to be provided further rearward than the lens retaining part 6. This is because near the entrance of the nozzle part 32, the left and right ends of the intraocular lens 7 do not reach the positions of the convex ridge parts 36 on the tapered inner wall surface 35.

[0059] In the configuration shown in Fig. 8, cross-sectional shapes 8001-8005 perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the tapered inner wall surface 35 constituting the lumen 34 of the nozzle portion 32 are vertically elongated in the up-down direction. However, the cross-sectional shape of the tapered inner wall surface 35 can be appropriately set depending on the dimensions, folding behavior, etc. of the intraocular lens 7, and is not limited to the cross-sectional shapes 8001-8005 shown in Fig. 8. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the tapered inner wall surface 35 may be cross-sectional shapes 9001-9005 elongated in the left-right direction as shown in Fig. 9.

[0060] 8, two ridge portions 36 are arranged. However, in the insertion device 1 according to the present embodiment, the number of ridge portions 36 is not particularly limited as long as they are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the axis of symmetry of the nozzle portion 32.

[0061] For example, a configuration including one convex ridge portion 36a may be used, as in the cross-sectional shapes 10001 to 10005 shown in Fig. 10. The convex ridge portion 36a has a shape that is line-symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry of the nozzle portion 32, and is provided so as to avoid at least the tip portion of the nozzle portion 32. The convex ridge portion 36a is also shaped so that its width in the left-right direction decreases toward the tip portion of the nozzle portion 32. Even with the cross-sectional shapes 10001 to 10005 shown in Fig. 10, the intraocular lens 7 is folded in a line-symmetrical valley fold within the nozzle portion 32.

[0062] (Centering member 8) In order for the intraocular lens 7 to be folded in a line-symmetrical valley fold within the nozzle portion 32, it is important that the contact position of the plunger 5 on the intraocular lens 7 within the lens holder 4 does not deviate from the axis of advancement of the intraocular lens 7. The central shaft portion 53 of the plunger 5 is formed to be thinner than the rear shaft portion 51. Therefore, when force is applied to the plunger 5, the central shaft portion 53 bends, causing rattle. As a result, the contact position of the plunger 5 on the intraocular lens 7 may deviate from the axis of advancement of the intraocular lens 7. The centering member 8 is a member that regulates such rattle of the plunger 5.

[0063] Fig. 11 shows the configuration of the centering member 8 attached to the annular enlarged portion 22, with 11001 in Fig. 11 being a perspective view and 11002 in Fig. 11 being a cross-sectional view. Also, 12001 in Fig. 12 is a front view seen from the front side showing the configuration of the centering member 8, and 12002 in Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction showing the configuration of the centering member 8 attached to the annular enlarged portion 22.

[0064] As shown by 11001 in FIG. 11 , the centering member 8 is provided in the annular enlarged portion 22 of the device body 2. The position of the centering member 8 in the device body 2 is not limited to the annular enlarged portion 22. The plunger 5 is attached so that the lens abutment member 54 is located forward of the centering member 8. The spring 9 is disposed rearward of the centering member 8. With this configuration, the lens abutment member 54 of the plunger 5 moves only forward of the centering member 8 and does not move rearward. For example, if the annular enlarged portion 22 is composed of multiple annular protrusions, the centering member 8 is sandwiched between the annular protrusions as shown by 11002 in FIG. 11 .

[0065] As shown by 12001 in Fig. 12, the centering member 8 has two lower locking claws 81, a plunger insertion portion 82, and an upper locking piece 83. The plunger insertion portion 82 is provided between the lower locking claws 81 and the upper locking piece 83, and the central shaft portion 53 of the plunger 5 is inserted into the plunger insertion portion 82. A through hole is provided on the upper side of the annular expansion portion 22, through which the plunger insertion portion 82 can pass in the vertical direction. In addition, two through holes are provided on the lower side of the annular expansion portion 22, through which the lower locking claws 81 can pass.

[0066] The lower locking claws 81 penetrate two through-holes provided on the lower side of the annular expansion portion 22 and are locked by being caught in the through-holes from the outside of the annular expansion portion 22. The upper locking piece 83 is locked by being abutted from the outside against the edge of the upper through-hole of the annular expansion portion 22 through which the plunger insertion portion 82 passes. By locking the lower locking claws 81 and the upper locking piece 83 to the annular expansion portion 22 in this manner, the plunger insertion portion 82 is aligned with the axis of advancement of the plunger 5. Therefore, by inserting the plunger 5 into the plunger insertion portion 82, rattle in the left-right and up-down directions is restricted even when force is applied. As a result, with the insertion device 1, the abutment position of the plunger 5 on the intraocular lens 7 does not deviate from the axis of advancement of the intraocular lens 7.

[0067] Furthermore, the centering member 8 may be a separate member from the device main body 2, or may be formed integrally with the device main body 2.

[0068] 〔summary〕 The intraocular lens insertion device according to aspect 1 of the present invention is an intraocular lens insertion device to which a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens can be attached, and comprises a plunger that contacts the intraocular lens held in the lens holder and pushes out the intraocular lens, and a nozzle portion that folds the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger and releases it to the outside, wherein the plunger has a tip portion that contacts the intraocular lens and is made of an elastically deformable material, and the tip portion has a stopper that restricts elongation and deformation of the intraocular lens in the direction opposite to the pushing direction of the plunger.

[0069] An intraocular lens insertion device according to aspect 2 of the present invention is preferably configured in accordance with aspect 1, wherein the stopper is a protrusion provided on a side surface of the tip portion.

[0070] In the intraocular lens insertion device according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in aspect 1 or 2, the tip portion preferably has a dogleg-shaped alligator-like structure that clamps the intraocular lens in the thickness direction.

[0071] An intraocular lens insertion device according to aspect 4 of the present invention is preferably configured such that, in aspect 3, the alligator clip structure has a lower inclined surface portion and an upper inclined surface portion that face each other in the thickness direction of the intraocular lens, and the lower inclined surface portion is configured as an inclined surface that is connected to the underside of the tip portion.

[0072] An intraocular lens insertion device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is an intraocular lens insertion device to which a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens can be attached, and comprises: a plunger that contacts the intraocular lens held in the lens holder to push out the intraocular lens; and a nozzle portion that folds the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger and releases it to the outside, wherein the nozzle portion comprises a plate-shaped rib portion provided at the center of the nozzle portion and extending in the extrusion direction of the plunger; and a rotation mechanism that rotates the plate-shaped rib portion in the extrusion direction by contact between the plate-shaped rib portion and the lens surface of the intraocular lens and / or the plunger.

[0073] An intraocular lens insertion device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is an intraocular lens insertion device to which a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens can be attached, and comprises: a plunger that contacts the intraocular lens held in the lens holder to push out the intraocular lens; and a nozzle portion that folds and releases the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger, wherein the nozzle portion comprises a protrusion that is provided at the center of the nozzle portion and protrudes into the inner cavity of the nozzle portion and extends in the pushing direction of the plunger; and a rotation mechanism that rotates the protrusion in the pushing direction by contact between the protrusion and the lens surface of the intraocular lens, by contact between the protrusion and the plunger, or by contact between the protrusion and both the lens surface of the intraocular lens and the plunger.

[0074] In the intraocular lens insertion device according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, it is preferable that the protrusion is a plate-like rib portion that protrudes toward the inner cavity side of the nozzle portion and extends in the extrusion direction of the plunger.

[0075] An intraocular lens insertion device according to aspect 8 of the present invention is an intraocular lens insertion device to which a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens can be attached, and comprises a plunger that contacts the intraocular lens held in the lens holder to push out the intraocular lens, and a nozzle portion that folds and releases the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger to the outside, wherein the nozzle portion has a tapered inner wall surface in which the distance between opposing wall surfaces decreases as the nozzle portion approaches the extrusion direction of the plunger, and the tapered inner wall surface is formed with a convex rib portion that extends in the extrusion direction and restricts rotational movement of the intraocular lens along the tapered inner wall surface.

[0076] An intraocular lens insertion device according to aspect 9 of the present invention is preferably configured such that, in aspect 8, the convex ridge portion is arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the nozzle portion and is provided so as to avoid at least the tip portion of the nozzle portion.

[0077] An intraocular lens insertion device according to aspect 10 of the present invention is preferably configured in accordance with aspect 9, wherein at least two of the convex ridge portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the nozzle portion.

[0078] An intraocular lens insertion device according to aspect 11 of the present invention is an intraocular lens insertion device having a cylindrical main body and capable of attaching a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens to the end face of the main body, the device comprising: a plunger that is inserted into the main body so as to be able to move forward and backward in order to abut against the intraocular lens held in the lens holder and push out the intraocular lens; and a nozzle portion that releases the intraocular lens while folding the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger, and the main body is provided with a centering member for centering the plunger.

[0079] The intraocular lens insertion device according to aspect 12 of the present invention is any of aspects 5 to 7, wherein the rotation mechanism includes an axis portion protruding in the left-right direction from a base portion supporting the plate-shaped rib portion, and a plate spring portion that biases the base portion so that the base portion rotates in a direction approaching the nozzle portion.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Insertion device (intraocular lens insertion device) 2. Device body 3 Tip 4 Lens holder 5 plunger 7. Intraocular lenses 8 Centering member 22 Annular expansion 32 Nozzle section 35 Tapered inner wall surface 36, 36a Convex portion 41 Storage unit 41a, 41b opening 54 Lens contact member 54a Protrusion (stopper) 54b Alligator clip structure 54c Upper slope part 54d Lower slope 54e Bottom 61 Plate-shaped rib portion (protrusion) 62 Base 63 Shaft 64 Leaf spring part 81 Lower locking claw 82 Plunger insertion part 83 Upper locking piece

Claims

1. An intraocular lens insertion device to which a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens can be attached, a plunger that contacts the intraocular lens held by the lens holder and pushes out the intraocular lens; a nozzle portion that folds and ejects the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger to the outside; a lens pressing portion provided on the nozzle portion, The lens holding portion is a protrusion provided at the center of the nozzle portion, protruding toward the inner cavity of the nozzle portion and extending in the extrusion direction of the plunger; and a rotation mechanism that rotates the protrusion in the extrusion direction by contact of the protrusion with the lens surface of the intraocular lens, or with the plunger, or by contact of the protrusion with both the lens surface of the intraocular lens and the plunger.

2. 2. The intraocular lens insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is a plate-like rib that protrudes toward the inner cavity of the nozzle portion and extends in the extrusion direction of the plunger.

3. An intraocular lens insertion device to which a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens can be attached, a plunger that contacts the intraocular lens held by the lens holder and pushes out the intraocular lens; a nozzle portion that folds and ejects the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger to the outside, the nozzle portion has tapered inner wall surfaces in which the distance between opposing wall surfaces decreases toward the extrusion direction of the plunger, An intraocular lens insertion device characterized in that a convex ridge portion extending in the extrusion direction is formed on the tapered inner wall surface to restrict rotational movement of the intraocular lens along the tapered inner wall surface.

4. 4. The intraocular lens insertion device according to claim 3, wherein the convex ridges are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the nozzle portion and are provided so as to avoid at least the tip of the nozzle portion.

5. 5. The intraocular lens insertion device according to claim 4, wherein at least two of the convex ridge portions are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the nozzle portion.

6. An intraocular lens insertion device comprising a cylindrical main body, and capable of attaching a lens holder for holding an intraocular lens to an end face of the main body, a plunger inserted into the body so as to be able to retract and retract, in order to contact the intraocular lens held in the lens holder and push out the intraocular lens; a nozzle portion that releases the intraocular lens while folding the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger, An intraocular lens insertion device, characterized in that the main body is provided with a centering member for centering the plunger.

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