Preloaded intraocular lens injector and method of use thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides devices and methods for inserting an IOL into a patient's eye. The IOL injector can be configured to preload an IOL into the injector's lens cartridge without manual manipulation of the IOL by a nurse and / or physician during the procedure. The injector can be configured to properly orient and align the IOL within the injector and to maintain proper alignment throughout delivery of the IOL into the patient's eye, thereby ensuring that the IOL is properly positioned and oriented at a predetermined location within the eye. TIFF2025502376000002.tif110170

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63 / 300,449, filed Jan. 18, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.

[0002] Field The present disclosure relates generally to ophthalmic surgical devices and methods, and more particularly to devices and methods for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye; where the IOL may be conveniently preloaded within and packaged with an injector device. [Background technology]

[0003] background An intraocular lens (IOL) injector is a device designed to insert an IOL into a patient's eye. Such lenses are surgical implants designed to augment or replace the natural lens and are used to treat certain eye diseases. For example, vision problems caused by cataracts are often treated by surgical removal and replacement of the lens. During such surgery, a small incision measuring 1-4 mm is made in the patient's eye. The surgeon then emulsifies (breaks up) and removes the natural lens with a tool inserted into the eye through the incision. Once removed, an artificial intraocular lens is inserted into the eye.

[0004] Since IOLs are very small and delicate products, great care must be taken in their handling. In order for the IOL to fit through the smaller incisions, it needs to be folded and / or compressed before entering the eye, where it will assume its original unfolded / uncompressed shape. Therefore, IOL injectors must be designed to allow the IOL to pass easily through the device and into the eye, while at the same time not causing any damage to the delicate IOL. Should the IOL be damaged during delivery into the eye, it is highly likely that the surgeon will need to extract the damaged IOL from the eye and replace it with a new IOL, which is a very undesirable surgical outcome.

[0005] It is also important that the IOL is expelled from the tip of the IOL injector into the eye in a predictable orientation and manner. If the IOL is expelled from the tip too quickly or in the wrong orientation, the surgeon must further manipulate the IOL within the eye, which can result in trauma to the tissues surrounding the eye. It is therefore highly desirable to have an IOL injector device that allows the IOL to be precisely loaded into the IOL injector and that passes and expels the IOL from the injector tip into the eye in a controlled, predictable, and repeatable manner.

[0006] To ensure a controlled emergence of the IOL through the tip of the IOL injector, the IOL must first be loaded into the IOL injector. Thus, loading the IOL into the injector is a precise and very important step in the process. Inaccurate loading of the IOL into the injector is often cited as a reason for a failed IOL delivery sequence. Many IOL injector devices available on the market today require the IOL to be loaded into the injector at the time of surgery by the attending nurse and / or surgeon. Due to the delicate nature of the IOL, there is a risk that the nurse and / or surgeon will inadvertently damage the IOL and / or load it inaccurately into the injector device, resulting in a failed implant. Thus, direct handling of the IOL and / or loading into the injector by the nurse and / or surgeon is undesirable.

[0007] Thus, a need remains for an IOL injector device and method that eliminates the need for direct handling of the IOL by the nurse and / or surgeon, and generally simplifies the operation of the IOL injector device and the IOL delivery process. Summary of the Invention

[0008] overview The present disclosure addresses the shortcomings of conventional injectors by providing an intraocular lens (IOL) injector that is preloaded with an IOL in an unfolded state; the injector is configured to automatically fold and properly align the IOL during delivery of the IOL without relying on the skills of a nurse and / or surgeon.

[0009] In some embodiments, an intraocular lens (IOL) injector is provided that includes: an injector body elongated along a longitudinal direction with an injector body lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction; a lens cartridge operatively connected to the injector body, the lens cartridge lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen and configured to receive an IOL, a cartridge notch located along a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and configured to accommodate an anterior haptic of the IOL, and a cartridge slope located along the transverse direction and configured to accommodate a posterior haptic of the IOL; an injector tip in operative connection with the lens cartridge, the injector tip lumen being disposed along the length of the lens cartridge lumen and terminating in a distal opening, the injector tip lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen; and a plunger having an elongate shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, the plunger being configured to contact an IOL within the lens cartridge lumen, push the IOL along the length of the lens cartridge lumen through the injector tip lumen to fold the IOL, and inject the IOL out the distal opening when the plunger is translated to the deployed position.

[0010] In some embodiments, a method of implanting an intraocular lens (IOL) is provided, comprising the steps of: an injector body elongated along a longitudinal direction having an injector body lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction; a lens cartridge preloaded with an IOL and operatively connected to the injector body, the lens cartridge having a lens cartridge lumen coaxial with the injector body lumen and configured to receive the IOL, a cartridge notch located along a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and configured to accommodate an anterior haptic of the IOL, and a cartridge slope located along the transverse direction and configured to accommodate a posterior haptic of the IOL; an injector in operative connection with the lens cartridge, the injector having an injector tip lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction and terminating in a distal opening. providing an IOL injector preloaded with an IOL, the IOL including: an injector tip, the injector tip lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen; and a plunger having an elongate shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, the plunger configured to contact the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen and to push the IOL along the longitudinal direction through the injector tip lumen and out a distal opening when the plunger is transitioned to the deployed position; and transitioning the plunger from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, thereby injecting the IOL from a distal opening of the injector tip lumen into a patient's eye, the IOL being in a folded state while exiting the distal opening.

[0011] In some embodiments, a method of implanting an intraocular lens (IOL) is provided, comprising the steps of: an injector body elongated along a longitudinal direction having an injector body lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction; a lens cartridge in operative communication with the injector body, the lens cartridge having a lens cartridge lumen coaxial with the injector body lumen and configured to receive an IOL, a cartridge notch located along a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and configured to accommodate an anterior haptic of the IOL, and a cartridge slope located along the transverse direction and configured to accommodate a posterior haptic of the IOL; an injector tip in operative communication with the lens cartridge, the injector tip lumen located along the longitudinal direction and terminating in a distal opening, the injector tip lumen configured to receive an injector tip lumen and configured to receive an anterior haptic of the IOL. providing an IOL injector including an injector tip, the injector tip lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen; and a plunger having an elongate shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, the plunger configured to contact the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen and to push the IOL along said longitudinal direction through the injector tip lumen and out a distal opening when the plunger is transitioned to the deployed position; inserting the IOL into the lens cartridge lumen; and transitioning the plunger from the non-deployed position to the deployed position, thereby ejecting the IOL from the distal opening of the injector tip lumen into the patient's eye, the IOL being in a folded state while exiting the distal opening.

[0012] In some embodiments, a kit is provided that includes an intraocular lens (IOL) injector and an IOL; the IOL being an injector body elongated along a longitudinal direction with an injector body lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction; a lens cartridge operatively connected to the injector body, the lens cartridge lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen and configured to receive the IOL, a cartridge notch located along a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and configured to accommodate an anterior haptic of the IOL, and a cartridge slope located along the transverse direction and configured to accommodate a posterior haptic of the IOL; an injector tip operatively connected to the lens cartridge, the injector tip having an injector tip lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction and terminating in a distal opening, the injector tip lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen; and a plunger having an elongate shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, the plunger configured to contact an IOL within the lens cartridge lumen, push the IOL through the injector tip lumen along the longitudinal direction to fold the IOL, and inject the IOL out the distal opening when the plunger is moved to the deployed position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] The application is best understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings included herein.

[0014] [Figure 1A] 1A-1B are perspective views of an IOL injector with a close-up view of the distal end of the IOL injector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] See legend to Figure 1A. [Figure 2A] 2A-2B are front views of an IOL injector with a close-up view of the distal end of the IOL injector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] See legend to Figure 2A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a rear view of an IOL injector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 4A-4B are side views of an IOL injector with a close-up view of the distal end of the IOL injector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] See legend to Figure 4A. [Figure 5A] 5A-5B are side views of the other side of an IOL injector, along with a close-up view of the distal end of the IOL injector, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] See legend to Figure 5A. [Figure 6A] 6A-6B are top views of an IOL injector with a close-up view of the distal end of the IOL injector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] See legend to Figure 6A. [Figure 7A] 7A-7B are bottom views of an IOL injector with a close-up view of the distal end of the IOL injector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] See legend to Figure 7A. [Figure 8A] 8A-8B are side and top views, respectively, of an elongated shaft of a plunger with a close-up view of the distal tip of the plunger according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] See legend to Figure 8A. [Figure 9-1] 9A-9K are various views of a lens cartridge of an IOL injector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9-2] See description of Figure 9-1. [Figure 9-3] See description of Figure 9-1. [Figure 9-4] See description of Figure 9-1. [Figure 9-5] See description of Figure 9-1. [Figure 9-6] See description of Figure 9-1. [Figure 9-7] See description of Figure 9-1. [Figure 9-8] See description of Figure 9-1. [Figure 10A] 10A-10B illustrate the lens delivery forces of an IOL injector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] See legend to Figure 10A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Detailed Description In various aspects, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for inserting an IOL into a patient's eye, the injector being configured to properly orient and align the IOL within the injector and to maintain proper alignment throughout delivery of the IOL into the patient's eye, thereby ensuring that the IOL is properly positioned and oriented at a predetermined location within the eye.

[0016] 1A-7B, an IOL injector 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a label platform 101, an injector body 102, a lens cartridge 103 operatively connected to the injector body 102, an injector tip 104 operatively connected to the lens cartridge 103, a plunger 105, a finger flange 106, a proximal thumb press 107, and a viewing window 108. In some embodiments, a stopper 109 (shown as an arrow in the illustrated embodiment) may also be included in the IOL injector 100 of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, X in a coordinate system may represent the longitudinal axis, Y may represent the horizontal axis, and Z may represent the vertical axis.

[0017] The label platform 101 may be a flat surface on the injector body 102 that allows the label to be securely attached so that the information printed on the label can be easily read by the user during operation of the device. The viewing window 103 may be a flat, transparent surface on the lens cartridge 103 and the injector tip 104 that provides the user with an unobstructed view of the entire cartridge and tip lumen along the longitudinal axis, thus allowing the user to accurately identify and locate the positioning of the IOL and its haptics, as well as its folded state, before, during, and after pushing the lens. The finger flange 106 and the proximal thumb press 107 may be configured with a curved gripping surface that allows for a good ergonomic fit with the user's hand. In some embodiments, the IOL injector 100 of the present disclosure may include a stopper 109. The stopper 109 may be used to prevent the plunger from moving within the packaging and during shipping so that the preloaded IOL can be kept in an unfolded state prior to use.

[0018] The plunger 105, injector body 102, lens cartridge 103, and injector tip 104 may be disposed along a longitudinal axis of the IOL injector 100, with the plunger 105 disposed on the proximal end of the injector and the injector tip 104 disposed on the distal end of the injector. In some embodiments, a lumen (not depicted) may traverse the entire length of the injector 100 so that an IOL can be loaded into the lens cartridge 103 and pushed by the distal tip of the elongated shaft of the plunger 105 along the longitudinal axis, through the injector tip 104 and into the patient's eye when the plunger 105 is advanced distally from the undeployed position to the deployed position.

[0019] 6A-6B are top views of the IOL injector 100 of the present disclosure with a close-up view of the distal end of the IOL injector. In some embodiments, the IOL injector 100 of the present disclosure may include a first indication indicator 601 and a second indication indicator 602, shown as arrows in the illustrated example, which may provide an easy and clear set of instructions on how the IOL injector of the present invention should be operated. During insertion of the IOL, fluids such as water, viscoelastics, and balanced salt solutions (BSS) may be used to encourage the IOL to pass through the IOL injector 100. In some embodiments, the fluid may be preloaded into the lens cartridge 103. In some embodiments, the fluid may be added into the lens cartridge 103 through the aperture 603. The first indication indicator 601 points to the position (aperture 603) on the lens cartridge 103 where the fluid should be added. The second instruction indicator 602 indicates the correct direction in which the plunger 105 should be translated for the purpose of injecting the preloaded IOL into the patient's eye. In some embodiments, the IOL injector 100 of the present disclosure may be packaged in a manner such that the plunger 105 is placed in a non-deployed position such that the distal end of the plunger 105 is not in the lens cartridge 103. Thus, once the user opens the package, the label platform 101, the first instruction indicator 601, and the second instruction indicator 602 may provide clear information about the use of the IOL injector 100 and the steps of operation so that the user can read the printed information and follow the steps of operation suggested to successfully inject the IOL into the patient's eye.

[0020] 8A is a side view of the elongated shaft 801 of the plunger 105 with a close-up of the plunger's distal tip 802. FIG. 8B is a top view of the elongated shaft 801 of the plunger 105 with a close-up of the plunger's distal tip 802. An angled distal plunger design with a vertical offset from the center of the plunger (-Z direction) is provided as part of the plunger stability mechanism as it is advanced distally from the undeployed to the deployed position; it allows the plunger to maintain constant adhesion to the lens cartridge 103 and the floor of the injector tip 104 so that the IOL pushing action is always performed in a predictable manner.

[0021] In some embodiments where the IOL includes haptics, the injector is configured to position one or more of the haptics on the optic area of ​​the IOL in the correct orientation for delivery. In one embodiment, a properly aligned IOL has anterior haptics pushed toward the optic and posterior haptics in contact with the distal tip 802 of the plunger 105, as shown in FIG. 9E. As such, a properly oriented IOL has haptics "tagged" to the optic area. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to construct the distal tip 802 with a material that will not damage the IOL upon contact. In some embodiments, the distal tip 802 may include a polymeric material such as silicone, or other polymers that are elastically deformable.

[0022] As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, a close-up of the distal tip 802 reveals three unique features, including a curved surface 803, a central notch 804, and a lateral notch 805. A distal plunger design consisting of one or more of these three unique features may facilitate IOL haptic folding and lens delivery, which may serve as a distal pushing mechanism for the plunger hard-stick. The curved surface 803 is located at the bottom (-Z direction) of the plunger, which presses against the posterior optic edge of the IOL. The curved surface 803 may essentially serve as a haptic pusher for the delivered IOL. In some embodiments, the curved surface may have a radius of about 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.70 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.80 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.90 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.00 mm extending from the longitudinal axis of the plunger 105 to the edge of the curved surface 803. A central notch 804 is located in the center of the plunger and may act as a holding mechanism for the posterior haptic, allowing it to be gripped and pushed forward in the longitudinal direction X. The central notch 804 may essentially serve as an optic pusher for the IOL to be delivered. In some embodiments, the central notch 804 may have a width extending from a first side of the notch to a second side of the notch of about 0.20 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.30 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.40 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.50 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.60 mm, or more. The central notch 804 may work with the cartridge slope 902 (shown in FIGS. 9A-9F) of the lens cartridge to facilitate proper tacking of the posterior haptics onto the anterior optic surface. The lateral notch 805 is a notch feature on the left (-Y direction) side of the plunger that provides clearance for the folded posterior haptics to reside in after tacking of the haptics is completed. The lateral notch 805 may essentially serve as a recess for the haptics tacking of the delivered IOL.In some embodiments, the side notch may have a width extending from a first side of the notch to a second side of the notch of about 0.50 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.70 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.80 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.90 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.00 mm, or more. The side notch 805 is intended to reduce the internal stresses imposed on the injector tip inner wall by the folded rear support, thereby minimizing the potential for the injector tip to crack.

[0023] 9A-9K illustrate various views of a lens cartridge according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 9A, 9C, and 9E are top views of a lens cartridge 103 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 9B, 9D, and 9E are bottom views of a lens cartridge 103 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Several notable features may be included in the design of the lens cartridge 103 to facilitate tacking of the IOL while maintaining a proper and predictable position of the IOL during the storage and injection process. These features may include a cartridge notch 901, a cartridge slope 902, straight walls 903, curved walls 904, a plunger bumper 905, and a group of roof nubs 906, 907, and 908.

[0024] The cartridge notch 901 is a recessed notch design located on the left (-Y direction) surface of the IOL chamber wall (e.g., transversely, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the injector) that accommodates the distal end of the anterior support of the IOL after the IOL is loaded into the IOL chamber. The height of the cartridge notch 901 is made slightly higher than the anterior optic surface of the IOL intended after IOL loading (as shown at least in Figures 9G and 9I). For example, the height of the cartridge notch 901 may be about 0.20 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.30 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.40 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.50 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.70 mm, or more. The cartridge notch 901 allows the anterior haptics to be folded posteriorly by momentarily holding the distal ends of the anterior haptics to stop their advancement and bending the haptics at the shoulders (the connection areas between the optic and the haptics) while the IOL optic moves forward (in the -X direction) along the left longitudinal axis. Once the IOL optic has advanced a predetermined distance (e.g., about 3 mm or more in the illustrated example), the hold on the distal ends of the haptics begins to release the haptics, which allows them to pivot and bend over the anterior surface of the IOL optic, thereby completing the tacking of the anterior haptics (as shown at least in FIG. 9K).

[0025] The cartridge slope 902 is a recessed cutout design located on the right (+Y) surface of the IOL chamber wall (e.g., lateral) that stores the distal end of the IOL's posterior haptics after the IOL is loaded into the IOL chamber. As shown at least in FIGS. 9H and 9J, the cartridge slope 902 has an angled, upwardly (+Z) sloping ramp from the proximal end of the cartridge toward the distal end of the cartridge, with the height starting from the IOL optic center toward the IOL optic anterior surface. For example, the angle of the cartridge slope 902 may be about 0.5°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, or more extending in a direction from the proximal end of the cartridge toward the distal end. The cartridge slope 902 has sufficient lateral and vertical clearance for the posterior haptics to pivot and fold onto the anterior surface of the optic. Additionally, the ramp limits the height of the haptic before, during, and after it is pushed by the plunger's central notch 804, thereby ensuring that the haptic moves in a predictable path towards the anterior optic surface. The cartridge slope 902, along with the plunger's ability to push directly against the rear haptic, allows the rear haptic to move upward on the cartridge slope 902 to reach the anterior optic surface, thereby completing the tacking of the haptic in a predictable manner.

[0026] The group of roof nubs 906, 907, and 908 consists of three design features that protrude downward from the ceiling of the lens cartridge toward its floor. The shape, position, and protruding height of the three roof nubs correlate with specific areas of the posterior haptic shoulders of the IOL, the lateral optic edge of the IOL, and the anterior optic edge of the IOL. The purpose of the group of roof nubs 906, 907, and 908 is to ensure that the vertical position of the IOL is fixed in a fixed position during storage and transportation or during viscoelastic injection, where the vertical position (Z direction) of the IOL may shift without these roof nub features. In some embodiments, the lens cartridge 103 may include any combination of roof nubs 906, 907, and 908. For example, lens cartridge 103 may include one or more of roof nubs 906, 907, and 908 (eg, roof nubs 906 and 907, as illustrated with respect to at least Figures 9D and 9F).

[0027] The two curved walls 904 feature edges that are concentric with an annulus of a predetermined size (e.g., about 6 mm in diameter in the illustrated example). In some embodiments, the curved walls 904 may be formed around an annulus sized to correspond to (e.g., fit) the IOL. For example, the annulus may be less than or equal to 6 mm, such as 5.5 mm, 5 mm, 4.5 mm, 4 mm, or less. In some embodiments, the annulus may be greater than or equal to 6 mm, such as 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.5 mm, or more. As shown with respect to at least FIGS. 9G-9I, both the two curved walls 904 and the two straight walls 903 may have a height that is higher than the anterior surface of the IOL when the IOL is preloaded. For example, the height of the curved wall 904 and the straight wall 903 may be 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, or more. The combination of the two curved walls 904 and the two straight walls 903 is intended to limit the lateral and vertical position of the IOL after preloading, which provides a predictable IOL position after storage and shipping, or upon viscoelastic injection, where shifts in IOL position may occur. The straight wall 903 may limit the IOL from rotating in a clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction. The group of roof nubs 906-908, the two curved walls 904, and the two straight walls 903 may work together to limit the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical positions of the IOL, as well as the rotation.

[0028] In some embodiments, one or more plunge bumpers 905 may be located near the distal end of the lens cartridge 103 on either side of the plunger to facilitate compensating for the lateral (Y direction) position of the plunger to ensure that the starting position of the plunger is collinear with the longitudinal axis (X direction) of the injector. The plunger bumpers 905 may be designed in such a manner that they provide enough force to initially push against the plunger in the undeployed position, yet are resilient enough to flex away at the end of the plunger push stroke toward the deployed position.

[0029] 10A-10B illustrate typical examples of lens delivery force versus plunger travel distance for an IOL injector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, a spring may be incorporated to provide additional plunger pushback force to the user's hand, which may limit the sudden reduction in force felt by the user after the moment the IOL is delivered and released from the distal end of the injector tip. FIG. 10B illustrates this difference in force versus position for a spring-loaded and spring-free lens injector. Typically, this sudden change in force may range from about 3N to 10N, often resulting in a sudden increase in the speed at which the plunger moves; it may cause the IOL to behave in an uncontrolled "shooting out" manner. Thus, by implementing a spring in an IOL injector, the force provided by the spring can be initiated at or just before the moment of IOL release and maintained until the plunger is pushed to the distal end of its travel. The result of the force graph should be a steady increase in force or a sustained peak force from start to finish. Depending on the IOL specifications, a particular spring may be matched to a particular IOL based on the IOL design, brand, or diopter to achieve the best results for that force diagram.

[0030] In some embodiments, the IOL injector may be provided in a kit with an IOL. The IOL may be preloaded in the lens cartridge of the injector, or in some embodiments, may be provided separately from the IOL injector (i.e., outside the lens cartridge). Providing a preloaded IOL injector may reduce the manual manipulation required by the surgeon performing the surgical procedure, thereby reducing the risk of contamination and damage to the IOL that may occur during handling of the IOL. In some embodiments, providing the injector preloaded allows the injector to be sterilized at the factory at the same time as the IOL during packaging.

[0031] In some embodiments where the injector is preloaded, the lens injector may be provided with an IOL preloaded in a lens cartridge, where the lens is in an unfolded state and the plunger is in an undeployed state. In use, the physician simply removes the injector from the packaging, gradually presses the plunger from a proximal, undeployed position to a distal, deployed position to fold and align the IOL in the lens cartridge, and delivers the IOL to the patient's eye. In some embodiments, the IOL injector may be configured for single use, to be discarded after delivering the IOL to the eye.

[0032] In some embodiments, the IOL injector may be provided without an IOL preloaded in the injector. For example, one or more IOLs may be provided separately from the IOL injector so that the user can manually load the IOL into the IOL injector. In some embodiments, the IOL injector (preloaded or not) may be sterilized and reused so that the IOL injector can be manually loaded for each subsequent use of the injector.

[0033] In some embodiments, a method of implanting an IOL in a patient's eye is provided, comprising providing an IOL injector of the present disclosure having an IOL preloaded in a lens cartridge, depressing a plunger to fold and align the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen, and transitioning the plunger from an undeployed position to a deployed position to push the folded IOL along the longitudinal axis of the device and eject the IOL from a distal opening of the injector tip lumen into the patient's eye.

[0034] In some embodiments, a method of implanting an IOL in a patient's eye is provided, the method comprising the steps of providing an IOL injector of the present disclosure, inserting the IOL into a lens cartridge, depressing a plunger to fold and align the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen, and transitioning the plunger from an undeployed position to a deployed position to push the folded IOL along the longitudinal axis of the device and eject the IOL from a distal opening of the injector tip lumen into the patient's eye.

[0035] In some embodiments, the lumen extending along the longitudinal axis of the injector may not have a constant diameter. For example, the lumen may include one or more diameters of about 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, or 6.0 mm. In some embodiments, the lumen has different diameters in different regions of the injector. For example, the lens cartridge lumen may have a different diameter than the injector tip lumen. In some embodiments, the diameter of the lens cartridge lumen is larger than the diameter of the injector tip lumen. In some embodiments, the injector tip lumen tapers from a larger diameter at the proximal end of the injector tip to a smaller diameter at the distal end of the injector tip where the distal opening is located.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the injector tip lumen reduces from a larger diameter at the proximal end of the injector tip to a smaller diameter at the distal end of the injector tip where the distal opening is located. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the injector tip lumen may be different at the distal end of the injector tip lumen compared to the proximal end of the injector tip lumen.

[0037] In some embodiments, the distal opening of the IOL injector of the present disclosure may have a cross-sectional shape of an elongated ring. The cross-sectional shape of the distal opening may be any shape necessary to maintain the proper folding and orientation of the IOL for delivery to the eye. This may depend in part on the type and shape of the IOL to be delivered. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the distal opening may be a square, a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, a triangle, or a curved triangle.

[0038] The IOL injector may be constructed using a variety of different materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different components of the injector may be constructed from different materials to provide different structural characteristics in different regions of the device. Additionally, various regions of the delivery lumen may include polymeric or lubricious coatings.

[0039] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an IOL injector with components constructed partially or entirely from the following materials: polyurethane polymers; polyolefins, polyamides, styrene-related copolymers including, but not limited to, PEBAX, acrylic butyldiene styrene (ABS), styrene butyldiene styrene (SBS), and / or high impact polystyrene (HIPS); polyester polymers; and polymer blends or copolymers thereof. Such materials may have sufficient toughness to allow for the creation of small diameter insertion devices and may also maintain or incorporate other beneficial properties.

[0040] The delivery lumen should be able to withstand the application of forces experienced during insertion so that the IOL can traverse the delivery lumen without damage to the lumen and / or the IOL. For example, the delivery lumen should be able to withstand forces of at least 15 N. Thus, the delivery lumen may be formed of a material that is tough enough to withstand those forces without cracking or bursting. Additionally, to reduce the risk of damage to the IOL and also to reduce the insertion force required to effect the insertion, the delivery lumen may be formed of a material that is sufficiently lubricious, may be formulated with a lubricating additive, may be coated with a lubricating material, or may otherwise minimize forces that tend to bind the IOL to the inner wall of the lumen. These considerations are particularly true for the distal end of the injector tip, since the taper of the delivery lumen increases the normal forces experienced by the delivery lumen as the IOL is moved distally.

[0041] In addition, to combat frictional forces that may be encountered during the insertion process, in some embodiments, a coating made of a hydrophilic polymeric material may be applied to the delivery lumen or lens cartridge to provide additional lubricity. For example, in some embodiments, the coating may include one or more hydrophilic polymeric materials, including, but not limited to, hydrophilic polyurethane, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate, and / or hyaluronan. It is noted, however, that the lubricant used within the delivery lumen does not need to be applied uniformly along the lumen.

[0042] Additionally, some embodiments may utilize materials formed using a co-molding process. Such a process allows for the extrusion and / or injection of two or more materials (e.g., polymers) to form a single piece, and allows for the use of materials with different physical properties. For example, a material may be used that has both sufficient toughness and other desirable properties. For example, a polyurethane may be used that has sufficient toughness, while another polyurethane may be used that has desirable lubricating properties.

[0043] In some embodiments, the injector is constructed using polymer compositions having engrafted hydrophilic and lubricious groups, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 10,494,458 to Lee, entitled "Functionalized hydrophilic and lubricious polymeric matrix and methods of using same," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such compositions utilize polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyamide, cellulose acetate, and acrylic polymers or copolymers, which are suitable base polymers for engrafting.

[0044] In some embodiments, the IOL may be evaluated for optical properties, sagitta, and overall surface and bulk homogeneity before and after being surgically manipulated using the injector of the present disclosure. The injector of the present disclosure may also be evaluated for the performance of its cartridge and tip, such as the overall surface and bulk homogeneity of the cartridge and tip. Inspection of the optical properties and overall surface and bulk homogeneity of the IOL may be performed according to ISO 11979-2, Ophthalmic implants - Intraocular lenses - Part 2: Optical properties and test methods, and ISO 11979-3, Ophthalmic implants - Intraocular lenses - Part 3: Mechanical properties and test methods.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms, notations, and other technical and scientific terms or terms used herein are intended to have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the claims of this application belongs. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings may be defined herein for clarity and / or ready reference; and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be interpreted as representing a substantial difference from what is commonly understood in the art.

[0046] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should further be understood that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or units, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, units, and / or groups thereof.

[0047] Because the present disclosure can be practiced throughout the disclosed numerical ranges, the disclosed numerical ranges inherently support any range or value within the disclosed numerical ranges, including the endpoints, even if a precise range limitation is not literally set forth herein.

[0048] The foregoing description has been given with reference to specific embodiments for purposes of explanation. However, the above illustrative discussion is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present teachings and their practical application. This will enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the present teachings and various embodiments with various modifications as appropriate for the particular use contemplated.

[0049] Although the present disclosure and examples have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present disclosure and examples, as defined by the claims.

[0050] Aspects Aspect 1. An intraocular lens (IOL) injector, comprising: a longitudinally elongated injector body having a longitudinally disposed lumen; a lens cartridge operatively connected to the injector body, the lens cartridge having a lumen configured to receive an IOL and coextensive with the injector body lumen, a cartridge notch located along a lateral direction for accommodating an anterior haptic of the IOL, and a cartridge slope along the lateral direction for accommodating a posterior haptic of the IOL; an injector tip in operative connection with the lens cartridge having a lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction and terminating in a distal opening, the injector tip lumen being coextensive with the injector body lumen; and A plunger having an elongated shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, the plunger being configured to contact the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen, push the IOL along the longitudinal direction through the injector tip lumen to fold the IOL, and inject the IOL out of the distal opening when the plunger is moved to the deployed position.

[0051] The IOL injector of embodiment 1, further comprising a label platform on said injector body.

[0052] Embodiment 3. The IOL injector of embodiment 1, further comprising a viewing window over said lens cartridge and said injector tip adapted to provide an unobstructed view of said lens cartridge and said injector tip.

[0053] Embodiment 4. The IOL injector of embodiment 1, further comprising a finger flange on said injector body comprising a curved grip surface.

[0054] Embodiment 5. The IOL injector of embodiment 1, further comprising a proximal thumb press on said plunger configured with a curved gripping surface.

[0055] Embodiment 6. The IOL injector of embodiment 1, comprising an IOL preloaded within said lens cartridge.

[0056] Aspect 7. The IOL injector of aspect 1, wherein the lens cartridge includes a plurality of roof nubs extending from the ceiling to the floor of the lens cartridge configured to maintain the position of the IOL in a vertical direction.

[0057] Aspect 8. The IOL injector of aspect 1, wherein the lens cartridge includes two laterally positioned straight walls and two laterally positioned curved walls configured to maintain the position of the IOL in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0058] Embodiment 9. The IOL injector of embodiment 1, wherein the plunger comprises a distal tip including a curved surface, a central notch, and lateral notches.

[0059] Embodiment 10. The IOL injector of embodiment 1, wherein a surface of the injector tip lumen or the lens cartridge lumen comprises a polymer or lubricious coating.

[0060] Embodiment 11. The IOL injector of embodiment 10, wherein said lubricious coating is a hydrophilic and lubricious polymer or copolymer matrix.

[0061] Embodiment 12. The IOL injector of embodiment 1, wherein the distal opening of the injector tip lumen is a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of a square, a circle, an oval, a rectangle, a triangle, and a curved triangle.

[0062] Embodiment 13. The IOL injector of embodiment 1, wherein the injector tip lumen has a proximal region with an opening, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening being greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal opening.

[0063] Aspect 14. A method of implanting an intraocular lens (IOL), comprising the steps of: (a) providing an IOL injector preloaded with an IOL, the injector comprising: (i) a longitudinally elongated injector body having a longitudinally disposed lumen; (ii) a lens cartridge preloaded with the IOL in operative connection with the injector body, the lens cartridge having a lumen configured to receive an IOL and coextensive with the injector body lumen, a cartridge notch located along a lateral direction for accommodating an anterior haptic of the IOL, and a cartridge slope along the lateral direction for accommodating a posterior haptic of the IOL; (iii) an injector tip in operative connection with the lens cartridge having a lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction and terminating in a distal opening, the injector tip lumen being coextensive with the injector body lumen; and (iv) a plunger having an elongate shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, the plunger being configured to contact the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen and to push the IOL along the longitudinal direction through the injector tip lumen and out the distal opening when the plunger is translated to the deployed position. said step comprising: (b) inserting an IOL into the lens cartridge lumen; and (c) transitioning the plunger from the undeployed position to the deployed position, thereby ejecting the IOL from the distal opening of the injector tip lumen into the patient's eye, the IOL being in a folded state while exiting the distal opening.

[0064] Embodiment 15. The method of embodiment 14, further comprising the step of adding a fluid into the lens cartridge prior to inserting the IOL.

[0065] Embodiment 16 The method of embodiment 14, wherein the fluid is selected from water, a viscoelastic material, and a balanced salt solution (BSS).

[0066] Embodiment 17. A kit comprising the IOL injector of embodiment 1 and an IOL.

[0067] Embodiment 18. The kit of embodiment 17, wherein the IOL comprises an optic and at least one haptic extending in a curved configuration from the optic.

[0068] Embodiment 19 The kit of embodiment 17, wherein the injector is preloaded with the IOL.

[0069] Embodiment 20 The kit of embodiment 17, further comprising a fluid selected from water, a viscoelastic material, and a balanced salt solution (BSS).

[0070] Aspect 21. An intraocular lens (IOL) injector, comprising: a longitudinally elongated injector body having a longitudinally disposed injector body lumen; a lens cartridge operatively connected to the injector body, a lens cartridge lumen coaxial with the injector body lumen and configured to receive an IOL; a cartridge notch located along a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and configured to receive an anterior haptic of the IOL; a cartridge slope located along the lateral direction and configured to store a posterior support of the IOL; and the lens cartridge comprising: an injector tip in operative connection with the lens cartridge, the injector tip having an injector tip lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction and terminating in a distal opening, the injector tip lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen; and a plunger having an elongate shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, contacting the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen; pushing the IOL along the longitudinal direction through the injector tip lumen to fold the IOL; and Injecting the IOL out of the distal opening when the plunger is translated to the deployed position. The plunger is configured as follows.

[0071] Embodiment 22. The IOL injector of embodiment 21, comprising a label platform on the injector body.

[0072] Aspect 23. A viewing window adjacent to the lens cartridge and the injector tip adapted to provide viewing of the lens cartridge and the injector tip. 22. The IOL injector of embodiment 21, comprising:

[0073] 24. A finger flange on the injector body including a curved grip surface. 22. The IOL injector of embodiment 21, comprising:

[0074] 25. A proximal thumb press on the plunger including a curved grip surface. 22. The IOL injector of embodiment 21, comprising:

[0075] Embodiment 26 The IOL injector of embodiment 21, comprising an IOL preloaded within said lens cartridge.

[0076] Aspect 27. A lens cartridge comprising a plurality of roof nubs extending from the ceiling to the floor and configured to maintain the position of the IOL in a vertical direction. 22. The IOL injector of embodiment 21, wherein the lens cartridge comprises:

[0077] 28. Two laterally positioned straight walls and two laterally positioned curved walls configured to maintain the position of the IOL in the vertical and horizontal directions. 22. The IOL injector of embodiment 21, wherein the lens cartridge comprises:

[0078] Embodiment 29. The IOL injector of embodiment 21, wherein the plunger comprises a distal tip comprising a curved surface, a central notch, and lateral notches.

[0079] Embodiment 30. The IOL injector of embodiment 21, wherein a surface of the injector tip lumen or the lens cartridge lumen comprises a polymer or lubricious coating.

[0080] Embodiment 31 The IOL injector of embodiment 30, wherein the lubricious coating is a hydrophilic and lubricious polymer or copolymer matrix.

[0081] Embodiment 32. The IOL injector of embodiment 21, wherein the distal opening of the injector tip lumen is a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of a square, a circle, an oval, a rectangle, a triangle, and a curved triangle.

[0082] Embodiment 33. The IOL injector of embodiment 21, wherein the injector tip lumen has a proximal region with an opening, the cross-sectional area of ​​the proximal opening being greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal opening.

[0083] Aspect 34. A method of implanting an intraocular lens (IOL), comprising the steps of: (a) providing an IOL injector preloaded with an IOL, the injector comprising: (i) a longitudinally elongated injector body having a longitudinally disposed injector body lumen; (ii) a lens cartridge preloaded with the IOL and in operative connection with the injector body, a lens cartridge lumen coaxial with the injector body lumen and configured to receive the IOL; a cartridge notch located along a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and configured to receive an anterior haptic of the IOL; a cartridge slope located along the lateral direction and configured to store a posterior support of the IOL; and the lens cartridge comprising: (iii) an injector tip in operative connection with the lens cartridge, the injector tip having an injector tip lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction and terminating in a distal opening, the injector tip lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen; and (iv) a plunger having an elongate shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, contacting the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen; and to push the IOL along the longitudinal direction through the injector tip lumen and out the distal opening when the plunger is translated to the deployed position. The plunger is configured said steps comprising: (b) transitioning the plunger from the undeployed position to the deployed position, thereby ejecting the IOL from the distal opening of the injector tip lumen into the patient's eye, the IOL being in a folded state while exiting the distal opening.

[0084] Embodiment 35. The method of embodiment 34, wherein said lens cartridge comprises a fluid selected from the group consisting of water, a viscoelastic material, and a balanced salt solution (BSS).

[0085] 36. A method of implanting an intraocular lens (IOL), comprising the steps of: (a) providing an IOL injector, the injector comprising: (i) a longitudinally elongated injector body having a longitudinally disposed injector body lumen; (ii) a lens cartridge operatively connected to the injector body, a lens cartridge lumen coaxial with the injector body lumen and configured to receive the IOL; a cartridge notch located along a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and configured to receive an anterior haptic of the IOL; a cartridge slope located along the lateral direction and configured to store a posterior support of the IOL; and the lens cartridge comprising: (iii) an injector tip in operative connection with the lens cartridge, the injector tip having an injector tip lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction and terminating in a distal opening, the injector tip lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen; and (iv) a plunger having an elongate shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, contacting the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen; and to push the IOL along the longitudinal direction through the injector tip lumen and out the distal opening when the plunger is translated to the deployed position. The plunger is configured said step comprising: (b) inserting the IOL into the lens cartridge lumen; and (c) transitioning the plunger from the undeployed position to the deployed position, thereby ejecting the IOL from the distal opening of the injector tip lumen into the patient's eye, the IOL being in a folded state while exiting the distal opening.

[0086] Embodiment 37. The method of embodiment 36, comprising adding a fluid into the lens cartridge prior to inserting the IOL.

[0087] Embodiment 38 The method of embodiment 37, wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of water, a viscoelastic material, and a balanced salt solution (BSS).

[0088] Embodiment 39. A kit comprising the IOL injector of embodiment 1 and an IOL.

[0089] Embodiment 40. The kit of embodiment 39, wherein the IOL comprises an optic and at least one haptic extending in a curved configuration from the optic.

[0090] Embodiment 41 The kit of embodiment 39, wherein the injector is preloaded with the IOL.

[0091] Embodiment 42 The kit of embodiment 39, wherein said lens cartridge comprises a fluid selected from the group consisting of water, a viscoelastic, and a balanced salt solution (BSS).

Claims

1. Intraocular lens (IOL) injectors, including: a longitudinally elongated injector body having a longitudinally disposed injector body lumen; a lens cartridge operatively connected to the injector body, a lens cartridge lumen coaxial with the injector body lumen and configured to receive an IOL; a cartridge notch located along a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and configured to receive an anterior haptic of the IOL; a cartridge ramp located along the lateral direction and configured to store a posterior support of the IOL; and the lens cartridge comprising: an injector tip in operative connection with the lens cartridge, the injector tip having an injector tip lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction and terminating in a distal opening, the injector tip lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen; and a plunger having an elongate shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, contacting the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen; pushing the IOL along the longitudinal direction through the injector tip lumen to fold the IOL; and Injecting the IOL out of the distal opening when the plunger is translated to the deployed position. The plunger is configured as follows.

2. The IOL injector of claim 1 , comprising a label platform on the injector body.

3. a viewing window adjacent to the lens cartridge and the injector tip adapted to provide viewing of the lens cartridge and the injector tip; 3. The IOL injector of claim 1, comprising:

4. a finger flange on said injector body including a curved grip surface 4. The IOL injector of claim 1, comprising:

5. a proximal thumb press on said plunger including a curved gripping surface 5. The IOL injector of claim 1, comprising:

6. 6. The IOL injector of claim 1, comprising an IOL preloaded within the lens cartridge.

7. a plurality of roof nubs extending from the ceiling to the floor of the lens cartridge configured to maintain the position of the IOL in a vertical direction; The IOL injector of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lens cartridge comprises:

8. two laterally positioned straight walls and two laterally positioned curved walls configured to maintain a position of the IOL in the longitudinal and lateral directions; The IOL injector of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lens cartridge comprises:

9. The IOL injector of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plunger comprises a distal tip including a curved surface, a central notch, and lateral notches.

10. The IOL injector of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a surface of the injector tip lumen or the lens cartridge lumen comprises a polymer or lubricious coating.

11. The IOL injector of claim 10, wherein the lubricious coating is a hydrophilic and lubricious polymer or copolymer matrix.

12. The IOL injector of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the distal opening of the injector tip lumen is a geometric shape selected from the group consisting of a square, a circle, an oval, a rectangle, a triangle, and a curved triangle.

13. The IOL injector of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the injector tip lumen has a proximal region with an opening, the cross-sectional area of ​​the proximal opening being greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal opening.

14. A method for implanting an intraocular lens (IOL), comprising the steps of: (a) providing an IOL injector preloaded with an IOL, the injector comprising: (i) a longitudinally elongated injector body having a longitudinally disposed injector body lumen; (ii) a lens cartridge preloaded with the IOL and operatively connected to the injector body, a lens cartridge lumen coaxial with the injector body lumen and configured to receive the IOL; a cartridge notch located along a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and configured to receive an anterior haptic of the IOL; a cartridge ramp located along the lateral direction and configured to store a posterior support of the IOL; and the lens cartridge comprising: (iii) an injector tip in operative connection with the lens cartridge, the injector tip having an injector tip lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction and terminating in a distal opening, the injector tip lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen; and (iv) a plunger having an elongate shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, contacting the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen; and to push the IOL along the longitudinal direction through the injector tip lumen and out the distal opening when the plunger is translated to the deployed position. The plunger is configured said steps comprising: (b) transitioning the plunger from the undeployed position to the deployed position, thereby ejecting the IOL from the distal opening of the injector tip lumen into the patient's eye, the IOL being in a folded state while exiting the distal opening.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the lens cartridge contains a fluid selected from the group consisting of water, a viscoelastic material, and a balanced salt solution (BSS).

16. A method for implanting an intraocular lens (IOL), comprising the steps of: (a) providing an IOL injector, the injector comprising: (i) a longitudinally elongated injector body having a longitudinally disposed injector body lumen; (ii) a lens cartridge operatively connected to the injector body, comprising: a lens cartridge lumen coaxial with the injector body lumen and configured to receive the IOL; a cartridge notch located along a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and configured to receive an anterior haptic of the IOL; a cartridge ramp located along the lateral direction and configured to store a posterior support of the IOL; and the lens cartridge comprising: (iii) an injector tip in operative connection with the lens cartridge, the injector tip having an injector tip lumen disposed along the longitudinal direction and terminating in a distal opening, the injector tip lumen being coaxial with the injector body lumen; and (iv) a plunger having an elongate shaft slidably disposed within the injector body lumen from a non-deployed position to a deployed position, contacting the IOL within the lens cartridge lumen; and to push the IOL along the longitudinal direction through the injector tip lumen and out the distal opening when the plunger is translated to the deployed position. The plunger is configured said step comprising: (b) inserting the IOL into the lens cartridge lumen; and (c) transitioning the plunger from the undeployed position to the deployed position, thereby ejecting the IOL from the distal opening of the injector tip lumen into the patient's eye, the IOL being in a folded state while exiting the distal opening.

17. 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising adding a fluid into the lens cartridge prior to inserting the IOL.

18. The method of any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the fluid is selected from the group consisting of water, a viscoelastic material, and a balanced salt solution (BSS).

19. A kit comprising the IOL injector of any one of claims 1 to 13 and an IOL.

20. 20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the IOL comprises an optic and at least one haptic extending in a curved configuration from the optic.

21. The kit of any one of claims 19 to 20, wherein the injector is preloaded with the IOL.

22. The kit of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the lens cartridge comprises a fluid selected from the group consisting of water, a viscoelastic, and a balanced salt solution (BSS).

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