Lens expansion ring insertion device and method of use

Abstract

To provide a lens expansion ring insertion device operable to safely and easily insert a lens expansion ring into the intraocular space within a patient's eye during cataract surgery. An insertion device for inserting a lens expansion ring into the intraocular space of a patient's eye during cataract surgery includes a body and a tube extending from a first end of the body. The insertion device further has an external hook attached to an outer surface of the tube at the first end of the tube farthest from the body, and an internal hook attached to a pushing mechanism. The external hook extends beyond the first end of the tube, and the internal hook is movable relative to the tube. When the pushing mechanism is in a first position, the internal hook is within the tube, and when the pushing mechanism is in a second position, the internal hook extends beyond the first end of the tube.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 415,780, filed October 13, 2022.

[0002] (Technical field) The present invention relates generally to a lens expansion ring insertion device and a corresponding method for inserting the lens expansion ring insertion device into a patient's eye. [Background technology]

[0003] Lens expansion rings can be very useful in stabilizing a patient's lens capsule (or capsular bag) during ophthalmic surgery, such as cataract removal. Lens expansion rings are often made from polypropylene or other similar materials and are typically made from a transparent material and are therefore colorless. A typical lens expansion ring has a ring-like shape and a diameter that allows the hooks of an insertion device to fit snugly against the ring.

[0004] Patients undergoing cataract surgery require a support mechanism to support the lens capsule in the anterior segment of the eye. This support mechanism is typically a lens expander ring. In some cases, the fragile zonules of Zinn make it difficult to insert a lens expander ring into the intraocular space without placing stress on the lens capsule that could potentially rupture it. Known lens expander ring insertion devices used during capsulorhexis are difficult to use and generally require the use of both hands to manipulate the device and properly position the lens expander ring in the correct location on the lens capsule. The capsule is fragile, and any additional stress tends to cause problems. Therefore, a clear and substantial need exists for a lens expander ring insertion device operable to safely and easily insert a lens expander ring into the intraocular space within a patient's eye during cataract surgery. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The lens expansion ring insertion device of the present invention avoids the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, the lens expansion ring insertion device of the present invention is operable to perform a spiral insertion method to position the lens expansion ring within the intraocular space. The spiral insertion method allows the lens expansion ring to be gradually released from the corresponding insertion device as it is inserted, thereby allowing the lens expansion ring to conform to the shape of the lens capsule as it expands, thereby allowing the operator to conveniently insert the lens expansion ring into the lens without stressing the zonules. As a result, unnecessary stress on the lens capsule is avoided. However, such insertion of the lens expansion ring can be very difficult for many surgeons performing cataract surgery. This difficulty is exacerbated by known lens expansion ring inserters that are difficult to operate, especially with only one hand. The present invention solves these problems by providing an easy, safe, and effective lens expansion ring insertion device for inserting a lens expansion ring into the intraocular space within a patient's eye during cataract surgery. Accordingly, the lens expansion ring insertion device and method of the present invention are easy to use and can be easily used with one hand while avoiding stress on the lens capsule during surgery.

[0006] The present invention relates to a lens expansion ring insertion device for inserting a lens expansion ring into the intraocular space of a patient's eye during cataract surgery. The lens expansion ring insertion device includes a body and a tube extending from a first end of the body. The device also has an external hook attached to the exterior of the tube at the first end of the tube furthest from the body, and an internal hook attached to a pushing mechanism. The external hook extends beyond the first end of the tube, and the internal hook is movable relative to the tube. Finally, when the pushing mechanism is in a first position, the internal hook is within the tube, and when the pushing mechanism is in a second position, the internal hook extends beyond the first end of the tube.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the lens expansion ring insertion device has an internal hook that extends beyond the external hook and beyond the first end of the tube. Additionally, a spring is positioned within the cavity of the body as part of the pushing mechanism. The spring is configured to be in an uncompressed state when the pushing mechanism is in a first position and in a compressed state when the pushing mechanism is in a second position.

[0008] According to another aspect, the lens expansion ring insertion device has internal and external hooks configured to be inserted into the end of the lens expansion ring, specifically into the eyelet, to guide the lens expansion ring during insertion and securely grip it for easy removal. The shapes of the internal and external hooks can vary and can be any shape known in the art that can be inserted into the eyelet of the lens expansion ring, including a fishhook shape, a C-shape, or an L-shape. Additionally, to ensure stability of the lens expansion ring during insertion, the tips of the internal and external hooks (i.e., the first and second eyelet gripping portions) can include a ball shape, a teardrop shape, or a loop.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the tube has a curved portion that allows easier access for the lens expansion ring to enter the intraocular space. The curved portion has a radius of 5 mm to 30 mm. According to another variation, when the inner hook is extended to the second position, the outer and inner hooks form an angle of 5° to 45°. This angle allows for easier maneuverability of the lens expansion ring during insertion.

[0010] The present invention further relates to a method for inserting a lens expansion ring into the intraocular space of a patient's eye using an insertion device, the steps of which are generally as follows:

[0011] First, a user, such as a qualified physician, presses the device's push mechanism to extend the device's internal hook from a first position beyond the end of the device's tube to a second position. Next, the user inserts the internal hook into the first eyelet of the lens expansion ring. The user then retracts the push mechanism, retracting the internal hook and lens expansion ring into the tube until the internal hook and first eyelet are positioned approximately at the midpoint of the tube. The user then inserts the device's external hook into the second eyelet of the lens expansion ring. The user then retracts the push mechanism, retracting the internal hook and lens expansion ring into the tube until the internal hook is in the first position, placing the tip of the external hook within the intraocular space of the eye. Finally, the user presses the push mechanism to extend the internal hook and first eyelet to the second position and tilts the device to release the lens expansion ring from the device.

[0012]

[0023] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been outlined above in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order to better appreciate the present contribution to the art. Details relating to these embodiments, as well as additional embodiments of the present invention, will be described below, which form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0013] In this regard, before describing at least one aspect of the lens expansion ring insertion device in detail, it should be understood that the lens expansion ring insertion device is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The lens expansion ring insertion device is capable of various embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as in the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0014] Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception on which the present invention is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the multiple purposes of the lens expansion ring insertion device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0015] In order that the present invention may be readily understood, several aspects of the lens expansion ring insertion device of the present invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of a lens expansion ring insertion device in a first position according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a top view of the lens expansion ring insertion device of FIG. 1 in a second position. [Figure 3] 2 is a side view of the lens expansion ring insertion device of FIG. 1 in a second position. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional top view of the lens expansion ring insertion device of FIG. 1 in a first position. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the lens expansion ring insertion device of FIG. 1 in a second position. [Figure 6A] 2 is a top left perspective view of the distal end of the lens expansion ring insertion device of FIG. 1 including an outer hook and an inner hook. FIG. [Figure 6B] 2 is a top right perspective view of the distal end of the lens expansion ring insertion device of FIG. 1 in a second position and including an outer hook and an inner hook. [Figure 6C] 2 is a top view of the distal end of the lens expansion ring insertion device of FIG. 1 in a second position and including an outer hook and an inner hook. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional side view of the outer hook and inner hook along axis XX of FIG. 6C. [Figure 7A]10 illustrates another implementation of the external and internal hooks on the distal end of the lens expansion ring insertion device. [Figure 7B] 10 illustrates another implementation of the external and internal hooks on the distal end of the lens expansion ring insertion device. [Figure 7C] 10 illustrates another implementation of the external and internal hooks on the distal end of the lens expansion ring insertion device. [Figure 8] 1 shows a lens expansion ring for use in the lens expansion ring insertion device of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 illustrates a spiral insertion method for inserting a lens expansion ring into a patient's intraocular space using the lens expansion ring insertion device of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 1-4, the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 includes a body 10 having a first end and a second end, with a tube 12 extending from the first end of the body 10. The lens expansion ring insertion device 1 further includes an external hook 22 attached to the outer surface of the tube 12 at the first end of the tube 12 farthest from the body 10, and an internal hook 21 attached to a pushing mechanism 30. The lens expansion ring insertion device 1 is configured to insert a lens expansion ring 40 having a pair of spaced-apart eyelets (41, 42) as seen in FIG. 8 into the lens capsule of a patient's eye.

[0018] The external hook 22 is fixed or attached to or near the end of the tube 12. Meanwhile, the internal hook 21 has a proximal end 21b (seen in FIG. 4) coupled to a carriage member 32 of a push mechanism that slides with the internal hook 21 down the length of the body 10. The internal hook 21 thereby moves the lens expansion ring in and out of the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 for easy insertion into the intraocular space. The tube 12 itself has a bore 12a configured to receive the lens expansion ring, with the distal end of the tube having an opening (i.e., at the end furthest from the body 10) that allows the internal hook 21 to receive the eyelet 42 of the lens expansion ring and retract it inside the tube 12 and / or body 10. The tube 12 preferably has a gauge of 18G (1.1 mm) to 22G (0.7 mm). The lens expansion ring is flexible, allowing it to bend to fit within the tube 12 and / or body 10.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tube 12 has a curved portion that allows easier access for the lens expansion ring to enter the intraocular space during surgery. For example, the curved portion may have a radius of 5 mm to 30 mm and be designed to approximately match the curvature of the patient's temporal or nasal region. However, the tube 12 can also be straight. The tube 12 preferably has a length between 19 mm and 27 mm. The tube 12 can be assembled to the body 10 using one or more screws 17. Additionally, the tube can be made of stainless steel.

[0020] Additionally, because the internal hook 21 is flexible, it can easily move through the body 10 and the tube 12, facilitating the guidance of the lens expansion ring during surgery. Some suitable materials for the external hook and the internal hook 21 include stainless steel, aluminum, and biocompatible plastics. Examples of biocompatible plastics include polyoxymethylene (Delrin®), polyethylene, polycarbonate, and polyethylene terephthalate. Other components of the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 can also be made from these exemplary materials. However, any suitable material for the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 that would be apparent to one skilled in the art can be used.

[0021] One variation of the body 10 is a hollow cylinder made of metal, but it can also have various cross sections, including square, rectangular, or other polygonal shapes. The body 10 can be made of aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or a biocompatible plastic. Some suitable biocompatible plastics include polyoxymethylene (Delrin®), polyethylene, polycarbonate, and polyethylene terephthalate, among others. However, any material suitable for a lens expansion ring insertion mechanism as would be apparent to one skilled in the art can be used. The body 10 can have a diameter between 4.5 mm and 7 mm.

[0022] The inner hook 21 and the outer hook 22 can be configured to be inserted into respective eyelets (41, 42; see FIG. 8 ) at the end of the lens expansion ring 40 to guide the lens expansion ring during insertion and to firmly grasp it for easy removal. As a result, the distal end of the outer hook defines a first eyelet gripping portion 22a, and the distal end of the inner hook defines a second eyelet gripping portion 21a. As seen in FIGS. 7A-7C , the shapes of the inner hook 21 and the outer hook 22 can vary and can be any shape known in the art, including a fishhook, C-shape, or L-shape, that can be inserted into the eyelets (41, 42) of the lens expansion ring. Additionally, to ensure stability of the lens expansion ring during insertion, the tips of the inner hook 21 and the outer hook 22 (i.e., the first and second eyelet gripping portions 21a, 22a) can include a ball shape, a teardrop shape, or a loop.

[0023] As seen in Figures 6A-6D, according to another aspect of the present invention, when the internal hook 21 fully extends outside the tube 12 (e.g., when the pushing mechanism is in the second position), the external hook 22 and the internal hook 21 form an angle α of 5° to 45° between them. Preferably, this angle α is 15° to 30°, and even more preferably 20°. This angle α allows for easier maneuverability of the lens expansion ring during insertion when using a spiral insertion method. During insertion of the lens expansion ring, the external hook 22 extends beyond the distal end of the tube 12 by a first distance of 1 mm to 4.5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm.

[0024] In contrast, the inner hook 21 extends beyond the distal end of the tube 12 by a second distance between 1 mm and 4 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm. In other words, the second distance is preferably greater than the first distance. The preferred lengths of the inner hook 21 and the outer hook 22 result in the pushing mechanism 30 preferably extending beyond the outer hook 22 when in the fully pushed-in position, because this creates an optimal retention position for the surgeon to properly position the lens expansion ring within the patient's intraocular space during cataract surgery. That is, preferably, the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0025] In another embodiment of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 4 , the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 includes a push mechanism 30 that allows a user to easily insert a lens expansion ring into a patient's intraocular space with one hand. The push mechanism 30 includes an actuator including a plunger 31, a carriage member 32, a shoulder member 34 that also functions as a washer, a linear bushing 36, and a removable thumb rest 35 attached to the tip 31 a of the plunger. Additionally, the carriage member 32 is movably disposed within the body 10 and coupled to the actuator of the push mechanism 30. Furthermore, the plunger 31 has a distal end coupled to the carriage member 32 and a proximal end coupled to the push member. The push mechanism 30 also cooperates with a spring 33 positioned within the cavity 11 of the body 10. The internal hook 21 is attached to the carriage member 32 by a press fit or interference fit and extends along the length of the body 10.

[0026] The carriage member 32 is attached to a washer, which is attached to a linear bushing 36, which is attached to the plunger 31, creating a subassembly within the cavity 11 of the main body 10. The linear bushing 36 is designed to slow down and control the speed of the pushing mechanism 30 and can be between 10 and 16 mm. These attachments can be made by any method known to those skilled in the art, including press-fit or interference fit, or threaded assembly. The thumb rest 35 can be made of polycarbonate or other suitable biocompatible plastics, such as polyoxymethylene (DELRIN), polyethylene, polycarbonate, and polyethylene terephthalate. Furthermore, the thumb rest 35 preferably has an ergonomic shape with a concave surface that conforms to the shape of the user's thumb. The overall length of the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 is preferably between 105 and 160 mm.

[0027] The spring 33, preferably a spiral spring 33, surrounds the internal hook 21 and is disposed within the cavity 11, between the shoulder member 34 of the pushing mechanism 30 and the inner surface 15 of the main body 10. The spiral spring 33 is configured to have two states: an uncompressed state, which is the resting state of the spring 33, and a compressed state. In the uncompressed state, the plunger 31 and thumb rest 35 are fully extended to the outside of the cavity 11 of the main body 10. In addition, the internal hook 21 is guided by the carriage member 32 and retracted into the cavity 11 of the main body 10. This first position 33a is the default state of the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 when the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0028] When a user desires to use the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 and prepare the lens expansion ring for insertion into a patient's intraocular space, the user lifts the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 and first inserts the outer hook 22 into the eyelet 41 of the lens expansion ring. The user then presses the thumb rest 35 with their thumb to activate the pushing mechanism 30 and move the spring 33 from its uncompressed state to its compressed state. During this movement, the carriage member 32 guides the inner hook 21 along the length of the body 10, and the tip of the inner hook 21 enters the tube 12 and can extend beyond the distal end of the tube 12. In this second position 33b, the plunger 31 is within the cavity 11 of the body 10, the thumb rest 35 contacts the outer surface 16 of the body 10, and the inner hook 21 is fully extended.

[0029] At this point, the user can then insert the internal hook 21 into the other eyelet 42 on the other end of the lens expansion ring and begin to gradually release the pushing mechanism 30. As the user releases pressure on the pushing mechanism 30, the spring 33 gradually returns to its uncompressed state, and the internal hook 21 begins to retract into the tube 12 and body 10, with the attached lens expansion ring guided by the carriage member 32 until all of the components return to the first position 33a. However, in one variation of the lens expansion ring insertion device 1, the end of the body 10 includes a locking mechanism that interacts with the pushing mechanism 30 to keep the pushing mechanism 30, internal hook 21, and spring 33 all in the second position 33b. This feature therefore eliminates the need for the user to maintain constant pressure on the pushing mechanism 30 to keep it in the second position 33b.

[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, the body 10 of the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 includes a support structure 13 that can be used as a finger grip. The support structure 13 allows the user to apply leverage with two fingers, preferably the index and middle fingers, for greater control in operating the pushing mechanism 30. Therefore, the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 can be reliably used with one hand without stressing the zonules during insertion into the patient's intraocular space. Preferably, the support structure 13 has a length of 18 to 22 mm and can be shaped like a circle, a rectangle α, a star, or another regular polygon. Referring now to FIG. 5 , the support structure 13 further includes a flat portion 14 that prevents the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 from rolling when placed on a horizontal surface. Preferably, the flat portion 14 also serves as a guide during surgery. In one variation, the flat portion 14 is located on the side of the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 closest to the side where the tip of the tube 12 curves. In another variation, the flat portion 14 lies in a plane parallel to the plane in which the tip of the tube 12 curves. Thus, when using the lens expansion ring insertion device 1, the user can know with certainty where the curve of the tube 12 is during surgery and can properly orient the lens expansion ring insertion device 1.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a method for inserting a lens expansion ring (seen in FIG. 8) into the intraocular space of a patient's eye using a lens expansion ring insertion device 1. FIG. 9 illustrates method steps. First, a user, such as a qualified physician, pushes the push mechanism 30 of the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 to extend the internal hook 21 of the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 from a first position 33a to a second position 33b beyond the end of the tube 12 of the lens expansion ring insertion device 1. Next, in S1, the user inserts the internal hook 21 into the first eyelet 41 of the lens expansion ring. Then, in S2, the user pulls back the push mechanism 30 to retract the internal hook 21 and the lens expansion ring into the tube 12 until the internal hook 21 and first eyelet 41 are approximately midway along the length of the tube 12 (i.e., the third position). The user may use forceps to assist in this preparation process. The user then inserts the outer hook 22 of the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 into the second eyelet 42 of the lens expansion ring.

[0032] Next, in S3, the user pulls the push mechanism 30 until the internal hook 21 reaches the first position 33a, pulling the internal hook 21 and the lens expansion ring back into the tube 12. Then, in S4, the user places the tip of the external hook 22 within the intraocular space of the eye. Preferably, the external hook 22 is placed at the center of the lens capsule, which is positioned at the center of the patient's eye. Finally, in S5 and S6, the user pushes the push mechanism 30 to extend the internal hook 21 and the first eyelet 41 to the second position 33b, and tilts the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 to release the lens expansion ring from the lens expansion ring insertion device 1. During this movement, the user gradually moves the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 in a spiral pattern toward the outer periphery of the lens capsule. This movement is known as the spiral method because the end of the lens expansion ring on the external hook 22 forms a spiral shape as it moves outward, while the internal hook 21 releases the lens expansion ring from the main body 10 and the tube 12.

[0033] The lens expansion ring insertion device 1 can be a single-use device (i.e., disposable after use) or reusable after appropriate sterilization. If reused, the lens expansion ring insertion device 1 preferably has a tip at the end of the plunger 31 where the thumb rest 35 is located to which tubing can be connected for flushing after the thumb rest 35 is removed. As a result, the plunger 31 can be hollow to facilitate cleaning. Many forms of sterilization exist in the art, and sterilization methods can include steam sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization, or gamma sterilization, among others.

[0034] Although the lens expansion ring insertion device and corresponding method for inserting a lens expansion ring into an eye have been described with respect to what can be considered specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Additional variations and improvements to the lens expansion ring insertion device and corresponding method will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Moreover, many features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the detailed description, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the present invention that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact structure and operation illustrated and described; thus, all suitable modifications and equivalents falling within the scope of the present disclosure may be employed. Therefore, the present disclosure should be considered illustrative, and not restrictive. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and similar structures that fall within the spirit and scope of the claims, and the claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 1. Lens expansion ring insertion device 10 Main Unit 12 tubes 13 Support structure 16 Exterior 17 screws 22 External Hook 30 Push mechanism 31 Plunger 31a Plunger tip 33a 1st position 35 Thumb rest

Claims

1. 1. A lens expansion ring insertion device for inserting a lens expansion ring having a pair of spaced apart eyelets into an intraocular space of an eye, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end; a tube extending from the first end of the body, the tube including a bore configured to receive the lens expansion ring, and having a distal end defining an opening configured to allow the lens expansion ring to pass therethrough; an outer hook fixedly attached to the distal end of the tube, extending from an outer surface of the tube and beyond the distal end of the tube, the outer hook having a distal end defining a first eyelet gripping portion; a pushing mechanism including a carriage member movably disposed within the body and an actuator coupled to the carriage member; an internal hook movable relative to the tube, the internal hook having a proximal end coupled to the carriage member and a distal end defining a second eyelet gripping portion; Equipped with the distal end of the internal hook is disposed within the tube when the pushing mechanism is in a first position; The lens expansion ring insertion device, wherein the distal end of the internal hook extends beyond the distal end of the tube when the pushing mechanism is in a second position.

2. 2. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 1, wherein when the pushing mechanism is in the second position, the distal end of the outer hook extends a first distance from the distal end of the tube and the distal end of the inner hook extends a second distance from the distal end of the tube, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

3. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a spring positioned within the body cavity.

4. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 3 , wherein the spring is configured to be in an uncompressed state when the pushing mechanism is in the first position.

5. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 3 , wherein the spring is configured to be in a compressed state when the pushing mechanism is in the second position.

6. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 1 , wherein the tube has a curved portion.

7. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 6 , wherein the curved portion has a radius of 5 mm to 30 mm.

8. 8. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 1, wherein when the pushing mechanism is in the second position, the angle formed between the outer hook and the inner hook is from 5° to 45°.

9. 9. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the internal hook and the external hook comprises a fishhook, C-shape, or L-shape.

10. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 1 , wherein the tip of at least one of the inner hook and the outer hook comprises a ball shape, a teardrop shape, or a loop.

11. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a hollow cylinder and is constructed of metal.

12. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 1 , wherein the body is constructed of metal.

13. 13. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 1, wherein the outer hook and the inner hook are constructed of metal.

14. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises a support structure.

15. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 14 , wherein the support structure includes a flat portion configured to prevent the lens expansion ring insertion device from rotating when placed on a horizontal surface.

16. 15. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 14, wherein the support structure includes a flat portion operable to allow a user to guide the tube into the intraocular space of the eye.

17. 17. The lens expansion ring insertion device of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a plunger having a distal end coupled to the carriage member and a proximal end coupled to a push member.

18. 1. A method for inserting a lens expansion ring into an intraocular space of an eye, comprising: Providing a lens expansion ring insertion device according to claim 1; extending the internal hook from a first position beyond an end of a tube of the lens expansion ring insertion device to a second position; inserting the internal hook into a first eyelet of the lens expansion ring; retracting the internal hook and the lens expansion ring into the tube until the internal hook and the first eyelet are in a third position; inserting an outer hook of the lens expansion ring insertion device into a second eyelet of the lens expansion ring; retracting the internal hook and the lens expansion ring into the tube until the internal hook is in the first position; inserting a tip of the external hook into the intraocular space of the eye; activating the pushing mechanism to extend the internal hook and the first eyelet of the lens expansion ring to the second position and spiral the lens expansion ring into the intraocular space; tilting the lens expansion ring insertion device to release the lens expansion ring; A method comprising:

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the third location is approximately the midpoint along the length of the tube.

20. 20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein the tip of the external hook is inserted into the center of the eye.

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