Intraocular lens insertion device

Abstract

To provide an intraocular lens insertion instrument in which a slider mechanism is mounted, and which can stably perform discharge operation of an intraocular lens.SOLUTION: There is provided an intraocular lens insertion instrument 1 for inserting into an eye, an intraocular lens 4 having an optical part 4a and a pair of support parts 4b, the intraocular lens insertion instrument comprises: an instrument body 5 having a lens storage part 11 for storing the intraocular lens 4; a slider 6 which is movable along an insertion direction of the intraocular lens 4; and a rod 10 which is movable along the insertion direction, separately from the slider 6 or in linkage with the slider 6. As a movable range of the slider 6 and the rod 10, there are provided: a first movable area S1 for, by movement of the rod 10, tacking a rear support part 4b of the intraocular lens 4 arranged at the lens storage part 11; and a second movable range S2 for moving the intraocular lens 4 from the lens storage part 11 to a prescribed position on a front side of the insertion direction by linkage of the slider 6 and the rod 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an intraocular lens insertion instrument.

Background Art

[0002] In cataract surgery, after removing the cloudy lens, an intraocular lens is inserted into the lens capsule in place of the lens, and an intraocular lens insertion instrument is used for inserting the intraocular lens. As the intraocular lens insertion instrument, for example, there is known one equipped with a so-called slider mechanism configured to move the intraocular lens with a slider, fold it small, and then further fold it smaller with a rod while discharging it outside the instrument (see, for example, Patent Document 1). done

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Folding of the intraocular lens in the intraocular lens insertion instrument includes tacking of the rear support portion of the intraocular lens. In the intraocular lens insertion instrument equipped with the slider mechanism described above, since the tacking of the rear support portion and the folding of the intraocular lens are performed simultaneously by the slider, it is necessary to temporarily suppress the folding of the intraocular lens by the folding control portion formed at the tip of the slider so that the tacked rear support portion and the folded intraocular lens do not interfere with each other. When the rod pushes the intraocular lens in a state where the folding is suppressed and not sufficient, there is a risk that the ejection operation of the intraocular lens becomes unstable.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique for enabling a stable ejection operation of an intraocular lens in an intraocular lens insertion instrument equipped with a slider mechanism.​ [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is: An intraocular lens insertion device for inserting an intraocular lens having an optical part and a pair of support parts extending from the optical part into the eye, A device body having a lens housing section for housing the intraocular lens to be inserted, A slider is provided which the intraocular lens is movable along the insertion direction of the intraocular lens and which pushes out the intraocular lens housed in the lens housing, The system includes a rod-shaped rod that is movably arranged along the insertion direction, either separately from or in conjunction with the slider, The range of motion of the slider and the rod is as follows: The movement of the rod provides a first range of motion that tacks the posterior support portion of the pair of support portions in the intraocular lens located in the lens housing, A second range of motion is provided for moving the intraocular lens, with the tacked rear support portion, from the lens housing to a predetermined position forward in the insertion direction by the interlocking of the slider and the rod, This is an intraocular lens insertion device that has [a specific feature / feature].

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is: The range of motion of the slider and the rod is as follows: A third range of motion is provided by the movement of the rod, which is released from its connection with the slider, which pushes the intraocular lens, which is in a predetermined position, out of the main body of the instrument. This is an intraocular lens insertion device according to the first embodiment, having the following characteristics.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is: The slider is configured to contact the intraocular lens at multiple points. An intraocular lens insertion device as described in the first or second embodiment.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is: The slider and the rod are configured such that the movement of the rod is guided by the slider that clamps the rod. An intraocular lens insertion device according to any one of the first to third embodiments.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is: It comprises a slider tab that is movably arranged along the insertion direction, The slider tab is configured to move in the first range of motion in conjunction with the rod, and to move in the second range of motion in conjunction with the slider and the rod. An intraocular lens insertion device according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, an intraocular lens insertion device equipped with a slider mechanism can stably perform the ejection operation of the intraocular lens. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example configuration of an intraocular lens insertion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of a risk that may arise from the use of intraocular lens implantation devices equipped with a slider mechanism. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of the main components of an intraocular lens insertion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of the main components of an intraocular lens insertion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of processing operation in an intraocular lens insertion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of processing operation in an intraocular lens insertion device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0014] (1) Basic configuration of an intraocular lens insertion instrument First, the basic configuration of the intraocular lens insertion instrument will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an intraocular lens insertion instrument.

[0015] The intraocular lens insertion instrument 1 is used when inserting an intraocular lens 4 (not shown in FIG. 1) into the eye. The intraocular lens 4 is formed of a soft material such as silicone elastomer or soft acrylic, for example, and includes a circular optical portion 4a that performs an optical function, and a pair of support portions 4b extending from the outer peripheral portion of the optical portion 4a (see, for example, FIG. 3 described later). Since the intraocular lens 4 is well-known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0016] In order to insert the intraocular lens 4 into the eye, the intraocular lens insertion instrument 1 is roughly divided into an instrument body 5, a slider 6, a nozzle portion 7, a plunger 9, and a rod-shaped rod 10 (not shown in FIG. 1) connected to the plunger 9, as shown in FIG. 1. Each of these components is preferably formed of a resin molded product.

[0017] The instrument body 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a hollow structure, and the nozzle portion 7 is connected to one end of the cylinder. A flange 14 is formed at the other end of the cylinder, and an opening through which the plunger 9 and the rod 10 can be inserted into the cylinder is provided. Inside the cylinder of the instrument body 5, a lens housing portion 11 (not shown in FIG. 1) for housing the intraocular lens 4 to be inserted is provided.

[0018] The slider 6 is attached to the instrument body 5 and is positioned to move along the cylindrical axis direction of the instrument body 5 (the X-axis direction in Figure 1). The cylindrical axis direction of the instrument body 5 coincides with the insertion direction when inserting the intraocular lens 4 housed within the instrument body 5 into the eye. In the following explanation of the insertion direction of the intraocular lens 4, one side of the X-axis direction will be referred to as the X1 direction and the other as the X2 direction, with the X1 direction being the front side (tip side) of the insertion direction and the X2 direction being the rear side (posterior end side) of the insertion direction. In other words, the slider 6 is positioned to move along the insertion direction (X-axis direction) of the intraocular lens 4, thereby pushing the intraocular lens 4 housed in the lens housing 11 toward the front side (X1 direction) of the insertion direction.

[0019] The nozzle section 7 is used to fold the intraocular lens 4, which is housed in the instrument body 5, into a small size and guide it into the eye when inserting it into the eye. For this purpose, the nozzle section 7 has a lens discharge port at its tip and is configured so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space gradually narrows from the instrument body 5 side toward the lens discharge port.

[0020] The plunger 9 is positioned coaxially with the instrument body 5 and is movably arranged along the insertion direction of the intraocular lens 4 (the X-axis direction in Figure 1). A rod-shaped rod 10 extending along the axial direction of the cylinder within the cylinder of the instrument body 5 is connected to the plunger 9. Therefore, when the plunger 9 moves, the rod 10 located within the cylinder of the instrument body 5 also moves along the insertion direction of the intraocular lens 4. In other words, the rod 10 connected to the plunger 9 is also movably arranged along the insertion direction of the intraocular lens 4. The plunger 9 and rod 10 move along the insertion direction of the intraocular lens 4, similar to the slider 6, but this movement is performed independently of or in conjunction with the slider 6.

[0021] In the intraocular lens insertion device 1 configured as described above, when the user of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 (for example, a physician performing cataract surgery) moves the slider 6, the intraocular lens 4 housed in the lens housing 11 within the device body 5 moves to a predetermined position on the front side in the insertion direction. As a result, the intraocular lens 4 is folded into a smaller size. Then, when the user moves the plunger 9, the rod 10 connected to the plunger 9 further folds the intraocular lens 4 in the predetermined position and pushes it outwards. As a result, the intraocular lens 4 is released to the outside from the lens discharge port of the nozzle 7.

[0022] In other words, the intraocular lens insertion device 1 is equipped with a slider mechanism that uses a slider 6 to fold the intraocular lens 4.

[0023] (2) Risks in slider mechanisms Here, we will briefly explain the risks that may arise from the use of intraocular lens implantation devices equipped with a slider mechanism. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of a risk that may arise with an intraocular lens implantation device equipped with a slider mechanism.

[0024] In intraocular lens insertion devices equipped with a slider mechanism, the rod 10 pushes out the intraocular lens 4, thereby releasing the intraocular lens 4 from the device. At this time, as shown in Figure 2, if the rod 10 is tilted or bent, causing axial misalignment of the rod 10 (see arrow A in the figure), a rotational force acts on the intraocular lens 4 being pushed by the rod 10 (see arrow B in the figure). In other words, there is a risk (hereinafter simply referred to as "rotation risk") that the intraocular lens 4 released by the rod 10 will be subjected to rotational force.

[0025] Such rotational risks can lead to unstable ejection of the intraocular lens 4. Specifically, if rotational force is applied to the intraocular lens 4, the positions of the support parts 4a and 4b of the intraocular lens 4 that are about to be ejected may shift, potentially causing the user of the intraocular lens insertion device to experience a deterioration in operability as the ejection action cannot be performed as intended.

[0026] Therefore, the risk of rotation should be eliminated beforehand. Preventing misalignment of the rod 10 is an effective way to eliminate the risk of rotation. Specifically, to prevent misalignment of the rod 10, one could consider limiting the size of the gap between the slider 6 and the rod 10 while guiding the forward movement of the rod 10 with the slider 6.

[0027] However, the conventional intraocular lens insertion device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not necessarily eliminate the risk of rotation for the reasons described below. An intraocular lens insertion device equipped with a slider mechanism folds the intraocular lens 4 into a small size and then releases it to the outside. This folding includes tucking of the support portion 4b on the posterior side in the insertion direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the "posterior support portion") of the pair of support portions 4b that the intraocular lens 4 has. In conventional intraocular lens insertion devices, tacking of the posterior support portion 4b is performed using a slider 6. In other words, the slider 6 is responsible not only for moving the intraocular lens 4 within the device, but also for tacking the posterior support portion 4b. For this reason, in conventional intraocular lens insertion devices, the end face shape of the slider 6 becomes complex and large in order to perform multiple functions, and therefore the amount of movement (stroke) toward the tip of the nozzle portion 7, whose cross-sectional area gradually narrows, is limited. When the stroke of the slider 6 is limited, the slider 6 cannot advance forward in the insertion direction from that point, and therefore cannot guide the forward movement of the rod 10 beyond that point. Consequently, in terms of eliminating the risk of rotation, it is not necessarily sufficient. In other words, in conventional intraocular lens insertion devices, the slider 6 is responsible for tacking the posterior support portion 4b, which does not necessarily eliminate the risk of rotation, and users of the intraocular lens insertion device may feel that the operation is impaired.

[0028] This is a new finding obtained by the inventor of the present invention. Based on this new finding, the inventor of the present invention devised the intraocular lens insertion device 1 described in this embodiment in order to eliminate the above-mentioned risks and enable stable ejection of the intraocular lens 4.

[0029] (3) Essential components of an intraocular lens insertion device Next, the characteristic main components of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) showing an example of the main components of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3(a), the intraocular lens insertion device 1 houses the intraocular lens 4 in the lens housing section 11 of the device body 5, and the intraocular lens 4 can be ejected from the lens ejection port of the nozzle section 7. The ejection of the intraocular lens 4 is performed by moving the slider 6 and rod 10 forward in the insertion direction.

[0031] The slider 6 and rod 10 may move independently or in conjunction with each other. For such operation, the slider 6 and rod 10 are configured such that the movement of the rod 10 is guided by the slider 6 that grips the rod 10. The linkage between the slider 6 and rod 10 is achieved using the engagement parts 12a and 12b provided on each (see Figures 3(a) to (d)), and the linkage can be released by using the elastic deformation of at least one of the slider 6 or rod 10. Furthermore, the degree of linkage between the slider 6 and rod 10 can be arbitrarily adjusted (the relative position in the direction of travel of the parts of the slider 6 and rod 10 that touch the intraocular lens 4 can be arbitrarily adjusted), and the degree to which the tip of the rear support part 4b is bent in the direction of travel can be adjusted by adjusting the linkage between the slider 6 and rod 10.

[0032] In this embodiment, the range of motion of the slider 6 and rod 10 is configured as shown in Figures 3(a) to (d) when the slider 6 and rod 10 are moved. More specifically, the range of motion of the slider 6 and rod 10 includes a first range of motion S1, a second range of motion S2, and a third range of motion S3.

[0033] The first range of motion S1, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), is the range of motion in which the rod 10 moves primarily, and is the range of motion for tacking the posterior support portion 4b of the pair of support portions 4b of the intraocular lens 4 located in the lens housing portion 11. Here, "tacking" means bending the posterior support portion 4b toward the front side in the insertion direction, regardless of whether the tip of the posterior support portion 4b after bending is pressed between the folded optical portions 4a. In other words, in this embodiment, the rod 10 is responsible for the function of tacking the rear support portion 4b. Therefore, the slider 6 does not need to perform the tacking function, and the complexity and size of the end face shape can be suppressed compared to the conventional configuration described above. In the first range of motion S1, it is sufficient that the rod 10 is movable, and it is not necessary to move the slider 6. However, if it is possible to tuck the rear support part 4b with the rod 10, then movement of the slider 6 may be permitted.

[0034] The second range of motion S2 is the range of motion in which the slider 6 and rod 10 move together in coordination, as shown in Figures 3(b) and 3(c). This movement allows the intraocular lens 4, with its posterior support portion 4b tucked, to move from the lens housing 11 to a predetermined position on the anterior side in the insertion direction. Once moved to the predetermined position, the intraocular lens 4 will fold down to a smaller size, with the posterior support portion 4b still tucked. In the second range of motion S2, the slider 6 and rod 10 work together to move the intraocular lens 4. However, since the slider 6 is configured to sandwich the rod 10, the slider 6 makes contact with the intraocular lens 4 at multiple points (specifically, two points on both sides of the rod 10). Therefore, compared to the case where the intraocular lens 4 is pushed out by the rod 10 alone, the risk of rotation of the intraocular lens 4 can be kept low. At this time, if a projection 7a is provided on the side wall guide surface that guides the movement of the intraocular lens 4 to temporarily pause the optical portion 4a of the intraocular lens 4, it becomes possible to adjust the orientation of the intraocular lens 4 there, which is very desirable in keeping the risk of rotation of the intraocular lens 4 low. Furthermore, in the second range of motion S2, the intraocular lens 4 is moved to a predetermined position on the anterior side in the insertion direction. However, since the complexity and size of the end face shape of the slider 6 can be suppressed, the predetermined position can be brought closer to the lens discharge port of the nozzle 7, that is, sufficient stroke of the slider 6 can be secured all the way to the tip of the nozzle 7, compared to the conventional configuration described above. The sufficiently secured stroke of the slider 6 all the way to the tip makes it possible to accelerate the folding of the intraocular lens 4 more than before, and in other words, a more stable state of the intraocular lens 4 can be obtained by making the intraocular lens 4 more closely adhere to the inner surface of the nozzle 7 than before.

[0035] The third range of motion S3, as shown in Figure 3(d), is the range of motion in which the rod 10 moves after being released from the slider 6. This movement pushes the intraocular lens 4, which is in a predetermined position, outwards (i.e., outside the instrument body 5) through the lens discharge port of the nozzle 7. In the third range of motion S3, the rod 10 pushes out the intraocular lens 4. By bringing the predetermined position before this pushing-out closer to the lens discharge port of the nozzle 7, a sufficient range can be secured in which the forward movement of the rod 10 is guided by the slider 6. Therefore, compared to the conventional configuration described above, it is possible to effectively prevent axial misalignment of the rod 10 and reduce the risk of rotation of the intraocular lens 4.

[0036] In the first range of motion S1, the second range of motion S2, and the third range of motion S3 described above, the slider 6 and the rod 10 operate in coordination with each other and release their coordination. However, the mechanism for this is not particularly limited and can be appropriately configured (designed) according to its purpose. The specific operating modes of the slider 6 and the rod 10 will be described in detail later.

[0037] Incidentally, as mentioned above, in the first range of motion S1, the movement of the rod 10 is used to tuck the posterior support portion 4b. For this purpose, the intraocular lens insertion device 1 has the following configuration. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) showing an example of the main components of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4(a), when tucking the posterior support portion 4b of the intraocular lens 4, the lower surface of the posterior support portion 4b must be positioned at least above the upper end of the outer circumference of the optical portion 4a of the intraocular lens 4 (see dashed arrow in the figure).

[0039] To this end, for example, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the intraocular lens 4 is installed horizontally in the lens housing 11 (i.e., when the pair of support parts 4b are installed at the same height), the slider 6 has a slope portion 6a for guiding the posterior support part 4b to the upper side of the optical part 4a, and the end face 10a of the rod 10 is shaped to be able to press against the posterior support part 4b. Then, in the first range of motion S1, when the rod 10 moves forward in the insertion direction (see arrow C in the figure), the end face 10a of the rod 10 presses against the posterior support part 4b of the intraocular lens 4. At this time, the posterior support part 4b is guided by the slope portion 6a and moves towards the upper side of the optical part 4a (see arrow D in the figure). Then, when the posterior support part 4b reaches the upper side of the optical part 4a, tacking of the posterior support part 4b is performed. After the rear support portion 4b is tucked, in the second movable range S2, the optical portion 4a and the rear support portion 4b are pressed by the end face 10a of the rod 10, and the optical portion 4a is also pressed by the slider 6. Here, the example given is that the slider 6 has a slope portion 6a, but it is not limited to this, and the lens housing portion 11 may also have a slope portion 6a.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 4(c), if the intraocular lens 4 is installed at an angle in the lens housing 11 such that the front side in the insertion direction is lower, the slope portion 6a described above is not required, and a flat guide surface 6b may be formed on the slider 6. In such a configuration, when the rod 10 moves forward in the insertion direction in the first range of motion S1 (see arrow C in the figure), the end face 10a of the rod 10 presses against the posterior support portion 4b of the intraocular lens 4. At this time, because the intraocular lens 4 is inclined, the posterior support portion 4b is guided by the guide surface 6b and moves toward the upper side of the optical portion 4a (see arrow D in the figure). Then, when the posterior support portion 4b reaches the upper side of the optical portion 4a, tacking of the posterior support portion 4b occurs. After tacking of the posterior support portion 4b, the procedure is the same as described above.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 4(d), if the intraocular lens 4 is installed at an angle in the lens housing 11, a slope portion 11a may be formed in the lens housing 11 to guide the movement of the rod 10. In this configuration, the end edge of the rod 10 is formed with a pressing surface 10b for pressing the posterior support portion 4b of the intraocular lens 4 and a pressing surface 10c for pressing the optical portion 4a of the intraocular lens 4. When the rod 10 moves forward in the insertion direction in the first range of motion S1 (see arrow E in the figure), the pressing surface 10b of the rod 10 presses the posterior support portion 4b, and guided by the slope portion 11a, the posterior support portion 4b moves upward toward the optical portion 4a (see arrow F in the figure), thereby tacking the posterior support portion 4b. Subsequently, in the second range of motion S2, the posterior support portion 4b is pressed by the pressing surface 10b of the rod 10 (see arrow F in the figure), the optical portion 4a is pressed by the pressing surface 10c of the rod 10 (see arrow G in the figure), and the optical portion 4a is further pressed by the slider 6, causing the intraocular lens 4 to move toward the front in the insertion direction.

[0042] (4) Example of handling operation of an intraocular lens insertion device Next, as an example of processing operations in the intraocular lens insertion device 1 with the above configuration, the specific operation modes of the slider 6 and rod 10 will be described. Figures 5 and 6 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of processing operations in the intraocular lens insertion device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0043] When using the intraocular lens insertion device 1, the device is assumed to be mounted in the case 3 with the intraocular lens 4 pre-installed in the lens housing 11, as shown in Figure 5(a). In other words, the intraocular lens insertion device 1 is mounted in its dedicated case 3 after shipment from the manufacturing plant, during transport, and during preparation for surgery, thereby preventing the pre-installed intraocular lens 4 from being unnecessarily ejected or damaged.

[0044] The user of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 first operates the slider tab 6c of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 by hand to move the slider tab 6c toward the front side in the insertion direction of the intraocular lens 4 (see arrow in the figure). The slider tab 6c operated by the user constitutes a part of the slider 6 and, like the slider 6 and rod 10, is arranged to move along the insertion direction of the intraocular lens 4 and works in conjunction with the slider 6 and rod 10.

[0045] As the slider tab 6c moves forward in the insertion direction, the rod 10 engages with it (see section H in the enlarged view), and the rod 10 moves forward in the insertion direction along with the movement of the slider tab 6c. The specific manner of engagement between the slider tab 6c and the rod 10 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in section H in the figure, a through hole can be provided in the center of the slider tab 6c in the Y direction, the rod 10 can be passed through this through hole, and the X1 direction side of the rod 10 can be made wider than the through hole to engage them. With this engagement method, when the slider tab 6c is advanced in the X1 direction, the rod 10 and the slider tab 6c engage, and both the slider tab 6c and the rod 10 advance together. The movement of the rod 10 at this time corresponds to movement in the first range of motion S1. In other words, the slider tab 6c works in conjunction with the rod 10 to cause the rod 10 to move within the first range of motion S1.

[0046] Therefore, in the first range of motion S1, when the rod 10 moves, the posterior support portion 4b of the preset intraocular lens 4 is pushed forward in the insertion direction by the rod 10, as shown in Figure 5(b). In other words, the movement of the rod 10 causes the posterior support portion 4b of the intraocular lens 4 to tuck.

[0047] Furthermore, once the movement of the first range of motion S1 is complete and the rear support portion 4b is tucked, the slider tab 6c will engage not only with the rod 10 but also with the slider 6 (see section I in the figure). This engagement configuration is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in section I in the figure, the shape of the slider tab 6c on the X1 direction side and the shape of the slider 6 on the X2 direction side can be fitted together.

[0048] Subsequently, when the user continues to move the slider tab 6c, since the slider tab 6c is engaged not only with the rod 10 but also with the slider 6, as shown in Figure 6(a), the slider 6 and the rod 10 both move forward in the insertion direction as the slider tab 6c moves. This movement of the slider 6 and the rod 10 corresponds to movement in the second range of motion S2. In other words, the slider tab 6c works in conjunction with the slider 6 and the rod 10 to cause the slider 6 and the rod 10 to move in the second range of motion S2.

[0049] Therefore, in the second range of motion S2, when the slider 6 and rod 10 move, the intraocular lens 4, with its posterior support portion 4b tucked, is pushed forward in the insertion direction by both the slider 6 and the rod 10. At this time, the slider 6 makes contact with the intraocular lens 4 at multiple points (specifically, two points on both sides of the rod 10), so the risk of rotation of the intraocular lens 4 can be kept lower compared to when the intraocular lens 4 is pushed out by the rod 10 alone.

[0050] The slider 6 and rod 10 are moved until the intraocular lens 4 reaches a predetermined position on the anterior side in the insertion direction. At this time, since the complexity and size of the end face shape of the slider 6 can be suppressed, the predetermined position can be brought closer to the lens discharge port of the nozzle section 7, that is, a sufficient stroke of the slider 6 can be secured to the tip side of the nozzle section 7, compared to the conventional configuration described above.

[0051] Once the intraocular lens 4 reaches its predetermined position and its movement in the second range of motion S2 is complete, the intraocular lens insertion device 1 is released from its engagement with the case 3, as shown in Figure 6(b), and can be removed from the case 3.

[0052] Subsequently, the user of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 takes the device 1, which has been removed from the case 3, and inserts the intraocular lens 4 contained within the device 1 into the eye of the patient. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6(c), the user of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 manipulates the plunger 9 of the device 1 by hand to move the rod 10 connected to the plunger 9 forward in the insertion direction of the intraocular lens 4 (see arrow in the figure). The movement of the rod 10 at this time corresponds to movement within the third range of motion S3. In other words, the plunger 9 causes the connected rod 10 to move within the third range of motion S3. At this time, the rod 10 is disengaged from the slider tab 6c, and only the rod 10 can be advanced forward in the insertion direction (X1 direction).

[0053] Therefore, in the third range of motion S3, when the rod 10 moves, the intraocular lens 4, which is in a predetermined position, is pushed forward in the insertion direction by the rod 10, and as it passes through the nozzle portion 7, it folds up compactly and is ejected to the outside from the lens discharge port of the nozzle portion 7.

[0054] At this time, the rod 10 that pushes out the intraocular lens 4 is disconnected from the slider 6, and its forward movement in the insertion direction is guided by the slider 6. Therefore, by bringing the predetermined position before push-out closer to the lens discharge port of the nozzle 7, the guide range by the slider 6 can be sufficiently secured, and compared to the conventional configuration described above, it is possible to effectively prevent axial misalignment of the rod 10 and reduce the risk of rotation of the intraocular lens 4.

[0055] Through the processing operations described above, the intraocular lens 4 released from the lens discharge port of the nozzle 7 is inserted into the patient's eye. In other words, the user of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 inserts the tip of the nozzle 7 of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 into the eye, and then releases the intraocular lens 4 from the lens discharge port of the nozzle 7, thereby enabling the intraocular lens 4 to be inserted into the eye.

[0056] (5) Effects of this embodiment According to this embodiment, one or more of the following effects can be obtained.

[0057] (a) In this embodiment, the slider 6 and rod 10 have at least a first range of motion S1 and a second range of motion S2. In the first range of motion S1, the rod 10 moves to tuck the rear support portion 4b, and in the second range of motion S2, the slider 6 and rod 10 move in coordination to move the intraocular lens 4 to a predetermined position. In other words, since the rod 10 is responsible for the tacking function of the rear support portion 4b, the slider 6 does not need to perform the tacking function, and the complexity and size of the end face shape can be suppressed compared to the conventional configuration described above. Furthermore, in the second range of motion S2, the slider 6 and rod 10 work together to move the intraocular lens 4, so the risk of rotation of the intraocular lens 4 can be kept low compared to when the intraocular lens 4 is pushed out by the rod 10 alone. Moreover, in the second range of motion S2, the intraocular lens 4 is moved to a predetermined position on the anterior side in the insertion direction, but since the complexity and size of the end face shape of the slider 6 can be suppressed, the predetermined position can be brought closer to the lens discharge port of the nozzle portion 7, that is, sufficient stroke of the slider 6 can be secured to the tip side of the nozzle portion 7, compared to the conventional configuration described above. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to eliminate the risk of unstable ejection of the intraocular lens 4, and the ejection of the intraocular lens 4 can be performed stably in the intraocular lens insertion device 1 equipped with a slider mechanism.

[0058] (b) In this embodiment, the slider 6 and rod 10 have a third range of motion S3 in addition to the first range of motion S1 and the second range of motion S2. In the third range of motion S3, the movement of the rod 10, which is released from the linkage with the slider 6, pushes the intraocular lens 4, which is in a predetermined position, out of the instrument body through the lens discharge port of the nozzle 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a sufficient range can be secured in which the forward movement of the rod 10 is guided by the slider 6. Compared to the conventional configuration described above, this makes it possible to effectively prevent axial misalignment of the rod 10 and reduce the risk of rotation of the intraocular lens 4.

[0059] (c) In this embodiment, the slider 6 is configured to contact the intraocular lens 4 at multiple points. Therefore, it is very effective in minimizing the risk of rotation of the intraocular lens 4 when the slider 6 moves the intraocular lens 4.

[0060] (d) In this embodiment, the slider 6 and the rod 10 are configured such that the movement of the rod 10 is guided by the slider 6 that grips the rod 10. Therefore, it is very effective in preventing axial misalignment of the rod 10 and keeping the risk of rotation of the intraocular lens 4 low.

[0061] (e) In this embodiment, a slider tab 6c is provided which is movable along the insertion direction of the intraocular lens 4, and the slider tab 6c is configured to operate in conjunction with the slider 6 and the rod 10. In other words, the slider tab 6c is configured to move in conjunction with the rod 10 to cause the rod 10 to move in a first range of motion S1, and to move in conjunction with the slider 6 and the rod 10 to cause the slider 6 and the rod 10 to move in a second range of motion S2. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 can, by operating (moving) the slider tab 6c, cause the rod 10 to move in the first range of motion S1, and the slider 6 and rod 10 to move in the second range of motion S2. In other words, it provides excellent operability for the user of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 and is preferable for stable ejection of the intraocular lens 4.

[0062] (6) Modifications etc. While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the disclosures described above represent exemplary embodiments of the present invention. That is, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0063] For example, in the embodiments described above, the case in which each component of the intraocular lens insertion device 1 is formed from a molded resin product was explained, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be formed from metal members such as stainless steel or titanium. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1…Intraocular lens insertion device, 4…Intraocular lens, 4a…Optical section, 4b…Support section (posterior support section), 5…Device body, 6…Slider, 7…Nozzle section, 9…Plunger, 10…Rod, 11…Lens housing section, S1…First range of motion, S2…Second range of motion, S3…Third range of motion

Claims

1. An intraocular lens insertion device for inserting an intraocular lens having an optical part and a pair of support parts extending from the optical part into the eye, A device body having a lens housing section for housing the intraocular lens to be inserted, A slider is provided which the intraocular lens is movable along the insertion direction of the intraocular lens and which pushes out the intraocular lens housed in the lens housing, The system includes a rod-shaped rod that is movably arranged along the insertion direction, either separately from or in conjunction with the slider, The rod is connected to a plunger, which is a component separate from the slider, and moves in the insertion direction in response to the operation of the plunger, and is configured to selectively respond to both movement independent of the slider and movement linked to the slider. The range of motion of the slider and the rod is as follows: The movement of the rod provides a first range of motion that tacks the posterior support portion of the pair of support portions in the intraocular lens located in the lens housing, A second range of motion is provided for moving the intraocular lens, with the tacked rear support portion, from the lens housing to a predetermined position forward in the insertion direction by the interlocking of the slider and the rod, An intraocular lens insertion device having [a specific feature].

2. The range of motion of the slider and the rod is as follows: A third range of motion is provided by the movement of the rod, which is released from its connection with the slider, which pushes the intraocular lens, which is in a predetermined position, out of the main body of the instrument. An intraocular lens insertion device according to claim 1, having the following features.

3. The slider is configured to contact the intraocular lens at multiple points. The intraocular lens insertion device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The slider and the rod are configured such that the movement of the rod is guided by the slider that clamps the rod. An intraocular lens insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. It comprises a slider tab that is movably arranged along the insertion direction, The slider tab is configured to move in the first range of motion in conjunction with the rod, and to move in the second range of motion in conjunction with the slider and the rod. An intraocular lens insertion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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