RU2819301C2 - Intraocular lens cartridge retractable cover actuator - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to ophthalmic surgery, namely to systems, methods, and apparatus for detachably attaching a handle with a drive mechanism to an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge, which folds the IOL when the cover is retracted. Intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge contains: a tip, a compartment configured to accommodate the IOL, wherein the tip is in fluid communication with the compartment, and a cover configured to be retracted from a first position to a second position for manipulating the IOL for delivery and for opening the tip. When the cover is in the first position, the tip is located inside the cover, and when the cap is in the second position, the tip is at least partially exposed to the outside of the distal end of the cap. IOL cartridge can also contain a plunger cylinder which is in fluid communication with the compartment, wherein a plunger is displaced in the plunger cylinder.

EFFECT: simplified use of plug-in devices and rationalized procedure of IOL delivery to the eye.

19 cl, 10 dwg

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to ophthalmic surgery, and more particularly, some embodiments may generally relate to systems, methods and apparatus for detachably attaching an actuated handle to an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge that retracts the IOL when the cover is retracted .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The human eye can suffer from a number of diseases, causing from slight impairment to complete loss of vision. While contact lenses and glasses can compensate for some conditions, others may require eye surgery. In general, ophthalmic surgery can be divided into posterior segment procedures, such as vitreoretinal surgery, and anterior segment procedures, such as cataract surgery.

[0003] For cataract surgery, the surgical procedure may require incisions and instruments to be inserted into the eye to replace the cloudy lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). An insertion tool can be used to deliver the IOL into the eye. As an example, the insertion instrument may include a plunger configured to force the IOL from the tip of the insertion instrument. In some cases, the IOL may be pre-packed into the insertion tool. In other cases, a separate compartment may be included in the insertion instrument. The plunger may engage the IOL to propel the IOL out of the compartment, through the tip, and into the eye.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge that collapses the IOL when the cover is retracted. The IOL cartridge includes a tip and a compartment configured to accommodate the IOL. The tip is in fluid communication with the compartment. The IOL cartridge also includes a retractable lid retractable from a first position to a second position to manipulate the IOL for delivery and to open the tip. The IOL cartridge may also include a plunger barrel that is in fluid communication with the compartment, with a plunger movably located within the plunger barrel. The IOL cartridge may be configured such that when the sliding lid is in a first position, the tip is located within the lid, and when the lid is in a second position, the tip is at least partially open outward relative to the distal end of the lid.

[0005] In another illustrative embodiment, the present invention provides an IOL cartridge comprising a housing and a cap. The housing may include a compartment configured to accommodate an IOL. The cover may be adapted to at least partially surround the compartment and may be retractable from a first position to a second position to operate a folding housing mechanism to manipulate the IOL for delivery. The folding mechanism may include a first set of actuators, and the lid may include a first set of internal guides configured to actuate the first set of actuators as the lid is retracted from a first position to a second position. The first set of actuators may include a pair of edge rollers rotatably attached to the housing and configured to contact the first set of internal guides. The folding mechanism may further comprise a second set of actuators, and the lid may further comprise a second set of internal guides configured to actuate the second set of actuators as the lid is retracted from a first position to a second position. The second set of actuators may include a pair of compression arms rotatably attached to the housing and configured to contact the second set of internal guides.

[0006] In yet another illustrative embodiment, the present invention provides a method for delivering an IOL into the eye. The method includes attaching an IOL cartridge to a handle. The IOL cartridge contains a tip and a compartment containing the IOL. The tip is in fluid communication with the compartment. The IOL cartridge also contains a retractable cap that covers the tip and compartment. The IOL cartridge may also include a plunger barrel that is in fluid communication with the compartment, with a plunger movably located within the plunger barrel. The method further includes retracting the retractable cover to expose the tip and fold the IOL.

[0007] It is to 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 invention without limiting the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, from the following detailed description, additional aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS

[0008] These drawings depict certain aspects of certain embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit or define the present invention.

[0009] In FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an insertion tool containing an IOL cartridge with a retractable cover in an initial non-retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0010] in FIG. 2 illustrates a top cross-sectional perspective view of an IOL cartridge in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0011] in FIG. 3 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of an IOL cartridge in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0012] in FIG. 4 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of a pop-top IOL cartridge in an initial non-retracted position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] in FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a pop-top IOL cartridge in an initial non-retracted position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] in FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of an insertion tool containing an IOL cartridge with a retractable lid in a retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] in FIG. 7 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of a pop-top IOL cartridge in a retracted position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] in FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a pop-top IOL cartridge in a retracted position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] in FIG. 9 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an IOL cartridge releasably attached to the handle; And

[0018] in FIG. 10A and 10B illustrate IOL implantation in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to facilitate an understanding of the principles of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments depicted in the drawings and specific terminology will be used to describe them. However, it should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the present invention are intended. Any changes and additional modifications to the described devices, tools, methods and any additional application of the principles of the present invention are fully contemplated and will be generally apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates. In particular, it may be fully contemplated that the features, components and/or steps described with reference to one or more embodiments may be combined with features, components and/or steps described with reference to other embodiments of the present invention. For simplicity, in some cases the same reference numbers are used in all graphics for the same or similar elements.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention provide an intraocular lens cartridge ("IOL cartridge") that collapses the IOL when the cover is retracted. The cap may initially cover the tip of the IOL cartridge in a non-retracted position to protect the tip from any damage during storage and/or delivery. Retracting the cap opens the tip and also activates the folding mechanism of the IOL cartridge to collapse the IOL for delivery to the eye. The IOL cartridge may be a pre-charged cartridge that is pre-charged by the IOL. The IOL cartridge may be part of a modular delivery system that includes a universal connection element for detachably attaching various handles that contain different types of actuators.

[0021] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide interchangeability between different handles, such as disposable and reusable handles, and the IOL cartridge. Disposable handles may include manual actuators (eg, manually actuated by pushing or screwing and/or manually actuated by a fluid or elastic element such as a spring) that are not electrically powered. Reusable handles may contain manual actuators as well as electrically powered actuators (eg, stator windings). It should be noted that these types of handles are examples and that other types of handles or drive mechanisms may be used in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] In certain embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to install the handle on the IOL cartridge, deliver the IOL, and detach the handle from the used IOL cartridge, if necessary. The universal connection element allows different types of handles to be easily paired with the IOL cartridge and used with it for IOL implantation. The handle can be attached to the IOL cartridge by moving the end of the handle over the plunger barrel of the IOL cartridge to form an insertion tool. Once the insertion tool has been formed, the IOL can be delivered to the eye. After implantation of the IOL, the IOL cartridge can be easily detached from the handle (eg, a reusable handle) by moving the handle away from the IOL cartridge.

[0023] In FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an insertion tool 10 containing an IOL cartridge 12 with a retractable cover (“cap”) 14 in an initial non-retracted position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 14 may be movably positioned over the inner housing 16 of the IOL cartridge 12. The inner housing 16 may accommodate the compartment 18. The IOL 26 may be located within the compartment 18.

[0024] IOL 26 can be any suitable intraocular lens. The IOL 26 may include a lens portion 28 and haptic projections 30. The haptic projections 30 may be lateral support portions (or other suitable projections) extending from the lens portion 28 that can stabilize the IOL 26 once it is positioned within a patient's eye. It should be understood that the IOL 26 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and that the techniques disclosed herein can be used with any suitable IOL. For example, a modular IOL (not shown) may also be used that includes a lens portion positioned at a base with haptic projections.

[0025] The insertion tool 10 may also include a handle 29 that is removably attached to the IOL cartridge 12, which may include a plunger barrel 31. The plunger barrel 31 may be a rigid, hollow, and tubular member that can be inserted into the handle 29 The plunger barrel 31 may be attached to the handle 29 via a flexible clamp 38. The flexible clamp 38 may extend from the plunger barrel 31 through an opening 39 of the handle 29. It should be noted that different handles may be used with different types of IOL cartridges. The handle 29 may include an electrically powered or non-electrically powered drive mechanism, which may include a pusher 33 extending along the length of the handle 29. The pusher 33 may be movably positioned within the handle 29 and may be manually operated by means of a rotatable handle. 35, which may interact with a fluid or elastic element, such as a spring 37, or other actuation mechanism.

[0026] While the cover 14 is in the undrawn position, the IOL 26 may be, for example, in an unfolded state. The tip 19 of the cap 14 may include an opening 17 for opening the tip (not shown) as the cap 14 is pulled back in the direction indicated by the direction arrow 23. In general, for the purpose of discussing and describing the various components and features of the handle 29 and the IOL cartridge 12, reference to the proximal end or proximal direction may refer to a direction more toward the end of the handle 29 containing the rotatable handle 35, in accordance with the direction arrow 23 . Likewise, reference to the distal end or direction may refer to a direction more toward the end of the IOL cartridge 12 containing the tip 19, in accordance with the direction arrow 27.

[0027] In FIG. 2 is a top cross-sectional perspective view of the IOL cartridge 12 of FIG. 2 when the cover 14 (shown in FIG. 1) is in the undrawn position in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 14 is not shown to allow the internal components under the cover 14 of the IOL cartridge 12 to be seen.

[0028] The inner housing 16 may include a compartment 18. The compartment 18 may include one or more mechanisms or actuators for engaging the IOL 26 to fold, bevel, straighten, or otherwise manipulate the IOL 26. For example, the folding mechanism may include edge rollers 42 rotatably attached to the inner housing 16. The inner housing 16 may also include compression arms 44 that are also pivotally located in the inner housing 16 by means of pins 46 that extend vertically through the compression arms 44 into the housing 16 to permit rotation (e.g. , in the lateral direction) of the compression levers 44. The compression arms 44 may include projections 48 that may extend upward to contact internal guides (not shown) of the cover 14. The IOL 26 may be located in the center of the inner housing 16, within the compartment 18 and between the compression arms 44 and the edge rollers 42. The IOL 26 may be preloaded and held in place within the grooves 45 of the edge rollers 42. The edge rollers 42, when actuated (i.e., retracting the cover 14), rotate inward and downward (e.g., vertical rotation) to fold the IOL 26. Simultaneously, when actuated, the compression levers 44 rotate laterally inward to compress the haptics protruding parts 30. Once compressed and folded, the IOL 26 is ready for delivery to the eye. The IOL cartridge 12 may also include a tip 50 in fluid communication with the compartment 18. The IOL 26 may be delivered through the tip 50.

[0029] In FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional top view of the IOL cartridge 12 of FIG. 2 in an undrawn position in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 14 (shown in FIG. 1) is not shown to allow the internal components under the cover 14 of the IOL cartridge 12 to be seen. Pins 43 extend from the edge rollers 42 into the inner housing 16, thereby allowing the edge rollers 42 to rotate when the cover 14 is pulled back. When pressed, the cover 14 can be moved axially along the side portions 47 that extend longitudinally along outer side 49 of the inner housing 16. As noted above, retracting the cap 14 causes the edge rollers 42 and compression arms 44 to rotate, thereby folding and compressing the IOL 26 for delivery through the tip 50.

[0030] In FIG. 4 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of an IOL cartridge 12 with the cap 14 in an undrawn position in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. The cap 14 is in an initially undrawn position to provide a protective cover for the tip 50 and to maintain the IOL 26 (shown in FIG. 1) in the unfolded state during storage and/or delivery of the IOL cartridge 12.

[0031] As illustrated, the plunger barrel 31 may extend from the end of the IOL cartridge 12 opposite the tip 50. The cap 14 may include internal guides 52 that are aligned with the projections 48 of the compression arms 44. The inner guides 52 may extend inwardly from the sides 53 of the cover 14. The inner guides 52 may be configured to guide the projections 48 along the inner guides 52 as the cover 14 is pulled back (indicated by directional arrow 23). The compression arms 44 may rotate inwardly (eg, sideways rotation) as the cover 14 advances and the projections 48 move along the internal guides 52, thereby compressing the haptic projections 30 (eg, as shown in FIG. 1).

[0032] In FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an IOL cartridge 12 with the cap 14 in a retracted position in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. Although not illustrated, the opposite side of the cover 14 is configured similar to the side that is illustrated. The cover 14 is in the initial non-retracted position. The cover 14 may include an internal guide 54 that is aligned with the bottom 56 of the edge roller 42. The inner guide 54 may extend upward and may be configured to accommodate and lift or raise the lower portion 56 of the edge roller 42 as the cover 14 is pulled back (indicated by arrow 23). With the bottom 56 of the edge roller 42 in contact with the inner guide 54, the bottom 56 can be pushed upward by the inclined surface of the inner guide 54 as the cover 14 is retracted or moved further in the direction indicated by the arrow 23. As the bottom 56 of the edge roller 42 is lifted up edge, the edge roller 42 can be rotated vertically to fold the IOL 26 (shown in FIG. 1). Therefore, as the cover 14 is retracted (indicated by arrow 23), both inner guides 54 (one on each side of the cover 14) can contact the bottom portions 56 of the edge rollers 42 and vertically rotate the edge rollers 42, thereby folding the IOL 26.

[0033] In FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of an insertion tool 10 containing an IOL cartridge 12 with a cap 14 in a retracted position in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. While the cover 14 is in the retracted position, the IOL 26 (not shown) is in a folded and compressed state. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 14 has been pulled back so that the tip 50 passes through the opening 17 of the cap 14, thereby exposing the tip 50. By pressing the pusher 33, the IOL 26 can be advanced from the IOL cartridge 12.

[0034] In FIG. 7 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of an IOL cartridge 12 with the cap 14 in a retracted position in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 14 is in a retracted position to open the tip 50. In this retracted position, the inner guides 52 have been advanced and the projections 48 of the compression arms 44 have been moved along the inner guides 52 to the flat portions 51 of the cap 14. The flat portions 51 are adjacent to the the tops 55 of the inner guides 52. The projections 48 are locked in place in the recesses 57, which may be located in the central portions 58 of the lid 14. The recesses 57 are located adjacent to the flat portions 51 and the tops 55 while the lid 14 is in a retracted position. In this retracted position, the compression arms 44 rotate laterally inward and the haptic projections 30 (shown in FIG. 1) are compressed.

[0035] In FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an IOL cartridge 12 with the cap 14 in a retracted position in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. As noted above, the opposite side of the cover 14 may be configured similar to the side that is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 14 is in the retracted position and the IOL 26 (not shown) is in the folded state. The inner guide 54 has been advanced and the bottom 56 of the edge roller 42 has been vertically raised and rotated and positioned on a flat portion 60 of the cover 14 that may be adjacent to the top 62 of the inner guide 54. As the inner guides 54 of the cover 14 are advanced, the bottom portions 56 the edge rollers 42 are vertically rotated and positioned on the flat portions 60, and the IOL 26 is in a folded state.

[0036] In FIG. 9 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an insertion tool 10 that includes an IOL cartridge 12 removably attached to a handle 29, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap 14 is pulled back and the tip 50 is open. The interior 73 of the cover 14 is open to the compartment 18. The plunger cylinder 31 may be located in the housing 69 of the handle 29 and secured therein by a flexible clamp 38 (shown in FIG. 1). The plunger cylinder 31 is in fluid communication with the compartment 18. The plunger 72 may be movably positioned within the plunger cylinder 31. The plunger 72 may be an elongated rigid member extending longitudinally within the plunger cylinder 31. The pusher 33 of the handle 29 may be driven into operation to advance plunger 72 forward to deliver IOL 26 in a folded and compressed state from compartment 18 through passage 74 and tip 50 and into the patient's eye. A passage 74 may extend from the compartment 18 and through the handpiece 50. Once the IOL 26 is delivered, the handpiece 50 can be removed from the patient's eye and the handle 29 can be pulled from the IOL cartridge 12 to detach the IOL cartridge 12 from the handle 29. Flexible clamp 38 (shown in FIG. 1 ) can be pressed to separate the IOL cartridge 12 from the handle 29. The used IOL cartridge 12 can then be disposed of.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 1-9, an exemplary technique for mounting an IOL cartridge 12 (eg, shown in FIG. 1) on a handle (eg, handle 29 shown in FIG. 1) to form an insertion tool 10 (eg, shown in FIG. 1) in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention is described as follows.

[0038] First, the plunger cylinder 31 of the IOL cartridge 12 with the cap 14 in the undrawn position (for example, see FIG. 1) can be inserted into the handle 29 (for example, see FIG. 1), thereby attaching (for example, by means of a flexible clamp 38 shown in FIG. 1) the IOL cartridge 12 to the handle 29 to form the insertion tool 10. The cover 14 may then be pulled back to expose the tip 50 (for example, see FIG. 6). As cover 14 is retracted (eg, see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8), IOL 26 may be folded and compressed (eg, see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8). As previously mentioned in additional or alternative embodiments, in addition to or instead of folding the IOL 26, the cover 14 and inner body 16 of the IOL cartridge 12 may be configured such that retracting the cover 14 causes one or more portions of the IOL 26 to straighten or bevel, such as haptic projections 30. When the pusher 33 is actuated (for example, see FIG. 1), the plunger 72 moves forward to deliver the IOL 26 from the compartment 18 through the tip 50 (for example, see FIG. 9).

[0039] To disassemble the insertion instrument 10 after delivery of the IOL 26, the IOL cartridge 12 can be pulled from the handle 29, thereby slidingly withdrawing the plunger barrel 31 from the handle 29 to form a separate IOL cartridge 26 and a separate handle 29.

[0040] In FIG. 10A and 10B show an exemplary technique for implanting an IOL 26 into a patient's eye 76 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 10A illustrates an incision 80 that can be made in the eye 76 by a surgeon. For example, the incision 80 may be made through the sclera of the eye 76. The incision 80 may be of a suitable width or length. Without limitation, a suitable width and/or length may be less than 3 millimeters, and in some cases may be less than 2 millimeters. After making the incision 80, the tip 50 of the insertion tool 10 can be inserted through the incision 80 into the interior of the eye 76. The insertion tool 10 can be actuated to dispense the IOL 26 into the capsular bag 88 of the eye 76, as shown in FIG. 10B.

[0041] IOL 26 can be delivered in a folded (or twisted) configuration and allowed to unfold upon ejection from the insertion tool 10. Once inserted, the IOL 26 should unfold and assume its position in the capsular bag 88 of the eye 76, as shown in FIG. 10B. The haptic projections 30 can be manipulated, for example, to engage the equator of the capsular bag 88. The haptic projections 30 can engage the capsular bag 88 to secure the IOL 26 in the capsular bag 88.

[0042] The use of the methods and systems described herein can provide numerous benefits and advantages over other IOL delivery systems. For example, folding or other manipulation of the IOL can be streamlined. The built-in functionality of folding or otherwise manipulating the IOL 26 with retracting the cap 14 of the IOL cartridge 12 can ensure that the IOL insertion tool 10 is used correctly and is protected from potential user errors. For example, to open the tip 50 of the IOL cartridge 12, the cap 14 must first be pulled back, thereby causing the IOL 26 to fold into a suitable configuration for delivery. Thus, this built-in functionality of the slide cover 14 can ensure that the proper sequence of steps is taken to prepare, configure, and deliver the IOL, and therefore can protect against premature delivery or ejection of the IOL 26 prior to proper folding or otherwise configuration.

[0043] Additionally, the interchangeable use of different drive mechanisms and preloaded IOL cartridges provides a simplified and uniform process for pairing drive mechanisms and preloaded IOL cartridges. Therefore, with each of the many different types of IOL cartridges, and therefore different types of IOLs, a variety of handles with different types of drive mechanisms can be used. For example, a user can easily select from a variety of types of drive mechanisms the one he wishes to use depending on the type of IOL and/or the type of IOL cartridge. Additionally, while one user may prefer to use a first type of drive handle for a given IOL cartridge, another user may have the option of using a second type of drive handle for the same particular type of IOL cartridge. It is important that in the case of providing attachment of the handles to the IOL cartridges through a conventional or standard coupling element, the user experience associated with attaching the handle to the IOL cartridge can be substantially the same regardless of the type of actuator or type of IOL cartridge and, therefore, the IOL used. This can further simplify use for the operator and streamline IOL delivery procedures.

The inventors believe that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the preceding description. Although the apparatus and methods shown or described above have been stated as preferred, various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (36)

1. An intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge containing: tip; a compartment configured to accommodate an IOL, the tip being in fluid communication with the compartment; And a cover configured to be retractable from a first position to a second position for manipulating the IOL for delivery and for opening the tip, wherein when the cover is in the first position, the tip is located inside the cover; And when the cap is in the second position, the tip is at least partially open outward relative to the distal end of the cap. 2. The IOL cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a plunger cylinder in fluid communication with the compartment, wherein the plunger is movably located in the plunger cylinder. 3. The IOL cartridge of claim 1, further comprising an inner housing containing a compartment, the inner housing being at least partially enclosed by a sliding lid. 4. The IOL cartridge of claim 3, further comprising edge rollers rotatably attached to the inner housing. 5. The IOL cartridge of claim 4, wherein the cap includes a first set of internal guides configured to contact and rotate the edge rollers to fold the IOL as the cap is retracted from the first position to the second position. 6. The IOL cartridge of claim 5, further comprising compression levers rotatably attached to the inner housing. 7. The IOL cartridge of claim 6, wherein the cap includes a second set of internal guides configured to contact and rotate the compression arms to compress the IOL as the cap is retracted from the first position to the second position. 8. The IOL cartridge of claim 1, wherein the sliding cap includes an opening adapted to allow the tip to open outwardly relative to a distal end of the cap. 9. An intraocular lens (IOL) cartridge containing: a housing containing a compartment configured to accommodate an IOL; And a cover adapted to at least partially surround the compartment and configured to be retractable from a first position to a second position to operate a folding housing mechanism to manipulate the IOL for delivery. 10. IOL cartridge according to claim 9, in which: the folding mechanism includes a first set of actuators; And the cover includes a first set of internal guides configured to actuate the first set of actuators as the cover is retracted from a first position to a second position. 11. The IOL cartridge of claim 10, wherein the first set of actuators includes a pair of edge rollers rotatably attached to the housing and configured to contact the first set of internal guides. 12. The IOL cartridge of claim 11, wherein each inner guide of the first set of inner guides is configured to contact the bottom of one edge roller of a pair of edge rollers and rotate the edge roller as the lid is retracted from the first position to the second position. 13. IOL cartridge according to claim 10, in which: the folding mechanism further comprises a second set of actuators; And the cover includes a second set of internal guides configured to actuate the second set of actuators as the cover is retracted from the first position to the second position. 14. The IOL cartridge of claim 13, wherein the second set of actuators comprises a pair of compression levers rotatably attached to the housing and configured to contact the second set of internal guides. 15. The IOL cartridge of claim 14, wherein each inner guide of the second set of inner guides is configured to contact a protrusion of one compression lever of the pair of compression levers and rotate the compression lever when the cover is retracted. 16. The IOL cartridge of claim 15, wherein the cap includes recesses to accommodate and secure the protrusions of the compression levers when the cap is retracted. 17. The IOL cartridge according to claim 9, further comprising a plunger cylinder in fluid communication with the compartment, wherein a plunger is movably located in the plunger cylinder, wherein the plunger cylinder is configured to be inserted into the handle. 18. A method of operating an IOL cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens (IOL), comprising: attaching an IOL cartridge to the handle, the IOL cartridge comprising: tip; a compartment containing an IOL, the tip being in fluid communication with the compartment; a retractable cover covering the tip and compartment; And a plunger cylinder in fluid communication with the compartment, wherein a plunger is movably located in the plunger cylinder; And retracting the retractable cover to open the tip and fold the IOL. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising actuating the handle to deliver the IOL from the compartment through the tip.