Operation of a Retractable Cap for an Intraocular Lens Cartridge

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices are provided for removably attaching a driver handpiece to an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge that folds an IOL upon retraction of the cap. The IOL cartridge includes a nozzle and a compartment configured to receive the IOL. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment. The IOL cartridge also includes a retractable cap that covers the nozzle and the compartment. The retractable cap is configured to expose the nozzle and fold the IOL upon retraction of the retractable cap. The IOL cartridge may also include a plunger case in fluid communication with the compartment, the plunger being movably disposed within the plunger case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to eye surgery, and more particularly, in some embodiments, generally relates to a system, method, and apparatus for removably attaching a drive mechanism handpiece to an IOL cartridge that folds an intraocular lens (IOL) when storing a cap.

Background Art

[0002] The human eye is susceptible to many diseases that can cause anything from mild degradation to complete loss of vision. Contact lenses and glasses can compensate for some conditions, but in other cases, eye surgery may be required. Generally, eye surgery can be classified into posterior segment procedures such as vitreoretinal surgery and anterior segment procedures such as cataract surgery.

[0003] In cataract surgery, surgical procedures may require an incision and insertion of tools into the eye to replace the cloudy lens with an IOL. An insertion tool can be used to deliver the IOL into the eye. By way of example, the insertion tool can include a plunger for pushing the IOL out of the nozzle of the insertion tool. In some cases, the IOL may be pre-loaded into the insertion tool. In other cases, a separate compartment of the insertion tool may be loaded. The plunger can engage the IOL and advance the IOL from the compartment through the nozzle into the eye.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides an IOL cartridge that folds an intraocular lens (IOL) upon storage of the cap. The IOL cartridge includes a nozzle and a compartment configured to receive the IOL. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment. The IOL cartridge also includes a retractable cap configured to be stored from a first position to a second position for manipulating the IOL for delivery and for exposing the nozzle. The IOL cartridge may also include a plunger case in fluid communication with the compartment, the plunger being movably disposed within the plunger case. The IOL cartridge may be configured such that when the retractable cap is in the first position, the nozzle is disposed within the cap, and when the cap is in the second position, the nozzle is at least partially exposed outside the distal end of the cap.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides an IOL cartridge including a housing and a cap. The housing may include a compartment configured to receive the IOL. The cap may be adapted to at least partially surround the compartment and may be configured to be stored from a first position to a second position for manipulating the IOL for delivery and for actuating a folding mechanism of the housing. The folding mechanism may include a first set of actuators, and the cap may include a first set of internal cams configured to actuate the first set of actuators when the cap is stored from the first position to the second position. The first set of actuators may include a pair of edge rollers pivotally attached to the housing and configured to contact the first set of internal cams. The folding mechanism may further include a second set of actuators, and the cap may further include a second set of internal cams configured to actuate the second set of actuators when the cap is stored from the first position to the second position. The second set of actuators may include a pair of compression arms pivotally attached to the housing and configured to contact the second set of internal cams.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for delivering an IOL into the eye. The method includes attaching an IOL cartridge to a handpiece. The IOL cartridge includes a nozzle and a compartment that houses the IOL. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment. The IOL cartridge also includes a retractable cap that covers the nozzle and the compartment. The IOL cartridge may also include a plunger case that is in fluid communication with the compartment and in which a plunger is movably disposed within the plunger case. The method further includes exposing the nozzle and retracting the retractable cap to fold the IOL.

[0007] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are intended to provide an understanding of the present disclosure without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In that regard, further aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure should become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

[0008] These drawings illustrate some specific aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be used to limit or define the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10A - 10B

[0010] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the implementation forms shown in the drawings and described in a specific language. However, it should be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is intended. Any alternative forms and further modifications to the devices, apparatuses, and methods described, as well as any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure, are fully contemplated as would normally be thought of by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. In particular, features, components, and / or steps described with respect to one or more implementation forms may be combined with features, components, and / or steps described with respect to other implementation forms of the present disclosure. For the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts, where appropriate.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an intraocular lens cartridge (an "IOL cartridge") that folds an IOL when the cap is stored. The cap can initially cover the nozzle of the IOL cartridge in a non-stored position to protect the nozzle from any damage during storage and / or shipping. By storing the cap, the nozzle is exposed and the folding mechanism of the IOL cartridge is actuated to fold the IOL for delivery into the eye. The IOL cartridge may be a pre-filled cartridge pre-filled with the IOL. The IOL cartridge may be part of a modular delivery system having a universal interface for removably attaching to various handpieces having different types of drive mechanisms.

[0012] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure enable interchangeability between different handpieces, such as disposable and reusable handpieces, and the IOL cartridge. The disposable handpiece may include a non-electric manual drive mechanism (e.g., one manually actuated by pushing or screwing, and / or one manually actuated via an elastic member such as a fluid or a spring). The reusable handpiece may include a manual drive mechanism and an electric drive mechanism (e.g., a stator winding). It should be noted that these types of handpieces are examples and that other types of handpieces or drive mechanisms may be utilized in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may enable assembling a handpiece to an IOL cartridge, delivering the IOL, and, if desired, removing the handpiece from the used IOL cartridge. A universal interface enables easy pairing and utilization of different types of handpieces with the IOL cartridge for IOL implantation. The handpiece may be secured to the IOL cartridge to form an insertion tool by sliding an end of the handpiece over a plunger case of the IOL cartridge. Once the insertion tool is formed, the IOL may be delivered into the eye. After implanting the IOL, the IOL cartridge may be easily removed from the handpiece (e.g., a reusable handpiece) by pulling the handpiece from the IOL cartridge.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of an insertion tool 10 comprising an IOL cartridge 12 with a retractable cap (“cap”) 14 in an initial non-retracted position, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 14 may be movably disposed over an inner housing 16 of the IOL cartridge 12. The inner housing 16 may accommodate a compartment 18. The IOL 26 may be disposed within the compartment 18.

[0015] The IOL 26 may be any suitable intraocular lens. The IOL 26 may comprise a lens portion 28 and haptic extensions 30. The haptic extensions 30 may be lateral struts (or other suitable extensions) extending from the lens portion 28 that may stabilize the IOL 26 when the IOL 26 is disposed within a patient's eye. The IOL 26 shown in FIG. 1 is merely exemplary, and it should be understood that the techniques disclosed herein may be used with any suitable IOL. For example, a modular IOL (not shown) comprising a lens portion that may be disposed on a base having haptic extensions may also be used.

[0016] The insertion tool 10 may also include a handpiece 29 removably attached to an IOL cartridge 12 that may include a plunger case 31. The plunger case 31 may be a rigid and hollow tubular member that can be inserted into the handpiece 29. The plunger case 31 may be fixed to the handpiece 29 via a flexible clip 38. The flexible clip 38 may extend from the plunger case 31 through an opening 39 in the handpiece 29. Note that various handpieces may be used with different types of IOL cartridges. The handpiece 29 may include an electric or non-electric drive mechanism that may include a push rod 33 extending along the length of the handpiece 29. The push rod 33 may be movably disposed within the handpiece 29 and may be manually actuated via a rotary knob 35 that may cooperate with an elastic member such as a fluid or spring 37 or another actuation mechanism.

[0017] While the cap 14 is in the non-stored position, the IOL 26 may be, for example, in a deployed state. The tip 19 of the cap 14 may include an opening 17 for exposing a nozzle (not shown) when the cap 14 is stored in the direction indicated by the direction arrow 23. Generally, for the purpose of examining and describing the various components and features of the handpiece 29 and the IOL cartridge 12, reference to the proximal end or proximal direction may refer to the direction closer to the end of the handpiece 29 having the rotary knob 35, in accordance with the direction arrow 23. Similarly, reference to the distal end or distal direction may refer to the direction closer to the end of the IOL cartridge 12 having the tip 19, in accordance with the direction arrow 27.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a cutaway top perspective view of the IOL cartridge 12 of FIG. 2 with the cap 14 (shown in FIG. 1) in the non-stored position, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 14 is not depicted so that the internal components beneath the cap 14 of the IOL cartridge 12 can be viewed.

[0019] The inner housing 16 may comprise a compartment 18. The compartment 18 may comprise one or more mechanisms or actuators for engaging the IOL 26 to fold, unfold, straighten, or otherwise manipulate the IOL 26. For example, the folding mechanism may comprise an edge roller 42 pivotally attached to the inner housing 16. The inner housing 16 may also comprise a compression arm 44, and the compression arm 44 is also pivotally disposed within the inner housing 16 via a pin 46 that extends vertically within the housing 16 through the compression arm 44 to enable rotation (e.g., lateral rotation) of the compression arm 44. The compression arm 44 may comprise a protrusion 48 that may extend upwardly to contact an internal lamp (not shown) of the cap 14. The IOL 26 may be disposed at the center of the inner housing 16 within the compartment 18 and between the compression arm 44 and the edge roller 42. The IOL 26 may be pre-loaded and held in a predetermined position within a groove 45 of the edge roller 42. The edge roller 42 rotates inwardly and downwardly (e.g., in a vertical direction) to fold the IOL 26 during actuation (i.e., storage of the cap 14). At the same time, during actuation, the compression arm 44 rotates laterally inwardly to compress the haptic extension 30. When compressed and folded, the IOL 26 is ready for delivery into the eye. The IOL cartridge 12 may also comprise a nozzle 50 in fluid communication with the compartment 18. The IOL 26 may be delivered through the nozzle 50.

[0020] Figure 3 shows a cutaway top view of the IOL cartridge 12 in the non-stowed position, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 14 (shown in FIG. 1) is not depicted so that the internal components beneath the cap 14 of the IOL cartridge 12 can be seen. The pin 43 extends from the edge roller 42 into the internal housing 16, thereby enabling rotation of the edge roller 42 upon stowage of the cap 14. Upon depression, the cap 14 can move axially along a lateral portion 47 that extends longitudinally along the exterior 49 of the internal housing 16. As described above, stowage of the cap 14 causes the edge roller 42 and the compression arm 44 to rotate, thereby folding and compressing the IOL 26 for delivery through the nozzle 50.

[0021] Figure 4 shows a cutaway top view of the IOL cartridge 12 with the cap 14 in the non-stowed position, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. The cap 14 is in an initial non-stowed position to cover the nozzle 50 for protection and to maintain the IOL 26 (shown in FIG. 1) in an unfolded state during storage and / or shipment of the IOL cartridge 12.

[0022] The plunger case 31 can extend from an end opposite the nozzle 50 of the IOL cartridge 12, as shown. The cap 14 can include an internal ramp 52 that aligns with the protrusion 48 of the compression arm 44. The internal ramp 52 can extend inwardly of the lateral portion 53 of the cap 14. The internal ramp 52 can be configured to guide the protrusion 48 along the internal ramp 52 when the cap 14 is stowed (as indicated by the direction arrow 23). The compression arm 44 can rotate inwardly (e.g., rotate laterally) when the cap 14 advances and the protrusion 48 moves along the internal ramp 52, thereby compressing the haptic extension 30 (e.g., shown in FIG. 1).

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a cut-away side view of the IOL cartridge 12 with the cap 14 in the non-stowed position, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not shown, the opposite side of the cap 14 is configured similarly to the side being depicted. The cap 14 is in its initial non-stowed position. The cap 14 may include an internal ramp 54 that aligns with a lower portion 56 of the edge roller 42. The internal ramp 54 may extend upward and may be configured to receive and lift or raise the lower portion 56 of the edge roller 42 when the cap 14 is stowed (as indicated by arrow 23). When the lower portion 56 of the edge roller 42 is contacted by the internal ramp 54, the lower portion 56 may be pushed upward due to the inclined surface of the internal ramp 54 as the cap 14 is further stowed or moved in the direction indicated by arrow 23. As the lower portion 56 of the edge roller 42 rises, the edge roller 42 may rotate vertically to fold the IOL 26 (shown in FIG. 1). Thus, when the cap 14 is stowed (as indicated by arrow 23), both internal ramps 54 (one on each side of the cap 14) contact the lower portion 56 of the edge roller 42, rotating the edge roller 42 vertically, thereby folding the IOL 26.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows a top perspective view of the insertion tool 10 including the IOL cartridge 12 with the cap 14 in the stowed position, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. While the cap 14 is in the stowed position, the IOL 26 (not shown) is in a folded and compressed state. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 14 is stowed with the nozzle 50 passing through the opening 17 of the cap 14, thereby exposing the nozzle 50. Upon depression of the push rod 33, the IOL 26 may be advanced from the IOL cartridge 12.

[0025] FIG. 7 shows a cutaway top view of the IOL cartridge 12 with the cap 14 in the stowed position, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 14 is in the stowed position to expose the nozzle 50. In this stowed position, the internal lamp 52 is advanced, and the projection 48 of the compression arm 44 is moved along the internal lamp 52 to the flat portion 51 of the cap 14. The flat portion 51 is adjacent to the apex 55 of the internal lamp 52. The projection 48 is locked in a predetermined position within a recess 57 that may be disposed in the central portion 58 of the cap 14. The recess 57 is adjacent to the flat portion 51 and the apex 55 when the cap 14 is in the stowed position. In this stowed position, the compression arm 44 is rotated laterally inward, and the haptic extension 30 (shown in FIG. 1) is compressed.

[0026] FIG. 8 shows a cutaway side view of the IOL cartridge 12 with the cap 14 in the stowed position, according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the opposite side of the cap 14 may be configured similarly to the side shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 14 is in the stowed position and the IOL 26 (not shown) is in the folded state. The internal lamp 54 is advanced, and the lower portion 56 of the edge roller 42 is rotated vertically upward and is disposed on the flat portion 60 of the cap 14 that may be adjacent to the apex 62 of the internal lamp 54. When the internal lamp 54 of the cap 14 is advanced, the lower portion 56 of the edge roller 42 is rotated vertically and is disposed on the flat portion 60, and the IOL 26 is in the folded state.

[0027] FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of an insertion tool 10 including an IOL cartridge 12 removably attached to a handpiece 29 according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 14 is stored and the nozzle 50 is exposed. The inner portion 73 of the cap 14 is exposed to the compartment 18. The plunger case 31 is disposed within the housing 69 of the handpiece 29 and can be fixed therein via a flexible clip 38 (shown in FIG. 1). The plunger case 31 is in fluid communication with the compartment 18. The plunger 72 can be movably disposed within the plunger case 31. The plunger 72 can be an elongated rigid member extending longitudinally within the plunger case 31. The push rod 33 of the handpiece 29 can be actuated to advance the plunger 72 in order to deliver the folded and compressed IOL 26 from the compartment 18 through the passageway 74 and the nozzle 50 into the patient's eye. The passageway 74 can extend from the compartment 18 through the nozzle 50. After delivery of the IOL 26, the nozzle 50 can be removed from the patient's eye and the handpiece 29 can be withdrawn from the IOL cartridge 12 to detach the IOL cartridge 12 from the handpiece 29. The flexible clip 38 (shown in FIG. 1) can be depressed to unlock the IOL cartridge 12 from the handpiece 29. Thereafter, the used IOL cartridge 12 may be discarded.

[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1-9, an exemplary technique for assembling an IOL cartridge 12 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) to a handpiece (e.g., handpiece 29 shown in FIG. 1) to form an insertion tool 10 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) according to a particular embodiment of the present disclosure is described below.

[0029] First, with the cap 14 in the non-stored position (see, e.g., FIG. 1), the plunger case 31 of the IOL cartridge 12 can be inserted into the handpiece 29 (see, e.g., FIG. 1), thereby fixing the IOL cartridge 12 to the handpiece 29 (e.g., via the flexible clip 38 shown in FIG. 1) to form the insertion tool 10. Next, the cap 14 can be stored to expose the nozzle 50 (see, e.g., FIG. 6). When the cap 14 is stored (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8), the IOL 26 can be folded and compressed (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8). As described above, in additional or alternative embodiments, in addition to or instead of folding the IOL 26, the cap 14 and the inner housing 16 of the IOL cartridge 12 can be configured such that upon storage of the cap 14, one or more portions of the IOL 26, such as the haptic extensions 30, are straightened or expanded. Upon actuation of the push rod 33 (see, e.g., FIG. 1), the plunger 72 advances to deliver the IOL 26 from the compartment 18 through the nozzle 50 (see, e.g., FIG. 9).

[0030] To disassemble the insertion tool 10 after delivery of the IOL 26, the IOL cartridge 12 is withdrawn from the handpiece 29, thereby sliding the plunger case 31 out of the handpiece 29 to form the separated IOL cartridge 26 and the separated handpiece 29.

[0031] FIGS. 10A and 10B show exemplary techniques for implanting the IOL 26 into a patient's eye 76 according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10A shows an incision 80 that can be created within the eye 76 by a surgeon. For example, the incision 80 can be created through the sclera of the eye 76. The incision 80 can be of a suitable width or length. Without limitation, a suitable width and / or length can be less than 3 millimeters and, in some cases, less than 2 millimeters. After the incision 80 is created, the nozzle 50 of the insertion tool 10 can be inserted through the incision 80 into the interior portion of the eye 76. The insertion tool 10 can be actuated to deposit the IOL 26 into the lens capsule 88 of the eye 76 as shown in FIG. 10B.

[0032] The IOL 26 can be delivered in a folded (or rolled-up configuration) and can be deployable after being ejected from the insertion tool 10. Upon insertion, as shown in FIG. 10B, the IOL 26 should unfold and fit within the lens capsule 88 of the eye 76. The haptic extension 30 can be manipulated, for example, to engage the equator of the lens capsule 88. The haptic extension 30 can engage the lens capsule 88 to fix the IOL 26 within the lens capsule 88.

[0033] By using the methods and systems described herein, many benefits and advantages can be provided compared to other IOL delivery systems. For example, the folding or other manipulation of the IOL can be rationalized. The integrated function of the folding or other manipulation of the IOL 26 and the storage of the cap 14 of the IOL cartridge 12 can ensure that the IOL insertion tool 10 is used correctly and can prevent potential user errors. For example, in order to expose the nozzle 50 of the IOL cartridge 12, it is first necessary to store the cap 14, which causes the IOL 26 to be folded into an appropriate configuration for delivery. Thus, this integrated function of the retractable cap 14 can ensure that the steps for the preparation, configuration, and delivery of the IOL follow the appropriate order and can therefore prevent premature delivery or ejection of the IOL 26 before proper folding or other configuration.

[0034] In addition, the interchangeable use between different drive mechanisms and pre-filled IOL cartridges provides a simple and uniform process for pairing a drive mechanism with a pre-filled IOL cartridge. Thus, various handpieces employing different types of drive mechanisms can be used with each of a number of different types of IOL cartridges, and thus with different types of IOLs. For example, a user can easily select a desired drive mechanism from a plurality of types of drive mechanisms according to the type of IOL and / or the type of IOL cartridge. In addition, one user may wish to use a first type of drive mechanism handpiece for a given IOL cartridge, while another user may have the option of using a second type of drive mechanism handpiece for the same given type of IOL cartridge. Importantly, by enabling a common or standard interface for fixing the handpiece to the IOL cartridge, the user experience when fixing the handpiece to the IOL cartridge can be substantially the same regardless of the type of drive mechanism used or the IOL cartridge, and thus the type of IOL, which can improve not only the ease of use for the operator but also the rationalization of the IOL delivery procedure.

[0035] The operation and structure of the present disclosure will be apparent from the above description. The apparatus and methods illustrated or described above are characterized as preferred, but various modifications and variations can be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims. According to aspect (1), an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge, comprising: a nozzle; a compartment configured to receive the IOL, the nozzle being in fluid communication with the compartment; and a cap configured to be stored from a first position to a second position for manipulating the IOL for delivery and for exposing the nozzle. The IOL cartridge comprises the above components. According to aspect (2), the IOL cartridge further comprises a plunger case in fluid communication with the compartment, the plunger being movably disposed within the plunger case. According to aspect (3), when the cap is in the first position, the nozzle is disposed within the cap, and when the cap is in the second position, the nozzle is at least partially exposed outside the distal end of the cap. According to aspect (4), the IOL cartridge further comprises an internal housing comprising the compartment, the internal housing being at least partially surrounded by the retractable cap. According to aspect (5), the IOL cartridge further comprises an edge roller pivotally attached to the internal housing. According to aspect (6), the cap comprises a first set of internal cams configured to contact and rotate the edge roller to fold the IOL when the cap is retracted from the first position to the second position. According to aspect (7), the IOL cartridge further comprises a compression arm pivotally attached to the internal housing. According to aspect (8), the cap comprises a second set of internal cams configured to contact and rotate the compression arm to compress the IOL when the cap is retracted from the first position to the second position. According to aspect (9), the retractable cap comprises an opening adapted to allow the nozzle to be exposed outside the distal end of the cap. According to aspect (10), an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge, comprising: a housing comprising a compartment configured to receive the IOL; A cap adapted to at least partially surround the partition and configured to be stored from a first position to a second position to operate the folding mechanism of the housing for delivering an IOL and An IOL cartridge comprising. According to aspect (11), the folding mechanism comprises a first set of actuators, The cap comprises a first set of internal cams configured to actuate the first set of actuators when the cap is stored from the first position to the second position. According to aspect (12), the first set of actuators comprises a pair of edge rollers pivotally attached to the housing and configured to contact the first set of internal cams. According to aspect (13), each internal cam of the first set of internal cams is configured to contact a lower portion of one of the pair of edge rollers and to rotate the edge roller upon storage of the cap from the first position to the second position. According to aspect (14), the folding mechanism further comprises a second set of actuators, The cap comprises a second set of internal cams configured to actuate the second set of actuators when the cap is stored from the first position to the second position. According to aspect (15), the second set of actuators comprises a pair of compression arms pivotally attached to the housing and configured to contact the second set of internal cams. According to aspect (16), each internal cam of the second set of internal cams is configured to contact a protrusion of one of the pair of compression arms and to rotate the compression arm upon storage of the cap. According to aspect (17), the cap comprises a recess for receiving and fixing the protrusion of the compression arm upon storage of the cap. According to aspect (18), further comprising a plunger case in fluid communication with the partition, wherein a plunger is movably disposed within the plunger case and the plunger case is insertable into a handpiece. According to aspect (19), a method for delivering an intraocular lens (IOL) into the eye, Attaching an IOL cartridge to a handpiece, wherein the IOL cartridge comprises a nozzle, a compartment containing an IOL, the nozzle being in fluid communication with the compartment, a retractable cap covering the nozzle and the compartment, a plunger case in fluid communication with the compartment, the plunger being movably disposed within the plunger case and retracting the retractable cap to expose the nozzle and fold the IOL and According to aspect (20), further comprising actuating the handpiece to deliver the IOL from the compartment through the nozzle.

Claims

1. An intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge, comprising: a nozzle; an internal housing having a compartment configured to receive the IOL, the nozzle being in fluid communication with the compartment; an edge roller pivotally attached to the internal housing; a cap configured to be stored from a first position to a second position for manipulating the IOL for delivery and for exposing the nozzle, the cap partially surrounding the internal housing; a compression arm pivotally attached to the internal housing; The IOL cartridge comprising.

2. The IOL cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a plunger case in fluid communication with the compartment, the plunger being movably disposed within the plunger case.

3. When the cap is in the first position, the nozzle is disposed within the cap; The IOL cartridge according to claim 1, wherein when the cap is in the second position, the nozzle is at least partially exposed outside the distal end of the cap.

4. The IOL cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a first set of internal cams configured to contact and rotate the edge roller to fold the IOL when the cap is stored from the first position to the second position.

5. The IOL cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a second set of internal cams configured to contact and rotate the compression arm to compress the IOL when the cap is stored from the first position to the second position.

6. The IOL cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the retractable cap comprises an opening adapted to allow the nozzle to be exposed outside the distal end of the cap.

7. An intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge, comprising: a housing having a compartment configured to receive the IOL; a cap adapted to at least partially surround the compartment and configured to be stored from a first position to a second position for actuating a folding mechanism of the housing for manipulating the IOL for delivery; Comprising, The folding mechanism includes a first set of actuators. The cap includes a first set of internal lamps configured to activate the first set of actuators when the cap is stored from the first position to the second position. The first set of actuators includes a pair of edge rollers pivotally attached to the housing and configured to contact the first set of internal lamps. The folding mechanism further includes a second set of actuators. The cap includes a second set of internal lamps configured to activate the second set of actuators when the cap is stored from the first position to the second position, the IOL cartridge. **Claim 8** The IOL cartridge according to claim 7, wherein each internal lamp of the first set of internal lamps is configured to contact a lower portion of one of the pair of edge rollers and to rotate the edge roller when the cap is stored from the first position to the second position. **Claim 9** The IOL cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the second set of actuators includes a pair of compression arms pivotally attached to the housing and configured to contact the second set of internal lamps. **Claim 10** The IOL cartridge according to claim 9, wherein each internal lamp of the second set of internal lamps is configured to contact a protruding portion of one of the pair of compression arms and to rotate the compression arm when the cap is stored. **Claim 11** The IOL cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the cap includes a recess for receiving and fixing the protruding portion of the pair of compression arms when the cap is stored. **Claim 12** The IOL cartridge according to claim 7, further comprising the plunger case in fluid communication with the compartment, wherein a plunger is movably disposed within the plunger case and the plunger case is insertable into a handpiece.

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