WO2015193046A1

WO2015193046A1 - Intraocular lens injector, method for folding an intraocular lens and intraocular lens injector system

Info

Publication number: WO2015193046A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/061033
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jürg Attinger
Original assignee: Attinger Technik Ag
Priority date: 2014-06-17
Filing date: 2015-05-19
Publication date: 2015-12-23

Abstract

IOL (intraocular lens) injector (1) for introducing an IOL (100) into the eye, comprising: an injector body (2); a cavity (4) comprising a lens carrier (4') for holding the IOL (100), the IOL (100) comprising a leading hap tic (100b), an optic part (100a) and a trailing hap tic (100c); a cartridge (5) ending at a distal end (5c) in an injection nozzle (5a); the injector body (2), the cavity (4) and the cartridge (5) having a channel (6) extending in axial direction (P); an axially movable pushing plunger (7) being placed in the channel (6) of the injector body (2) for pushing the IOL (100) in axial direction (P) out of the cavity (4) and into the cartridge (5) and the injection nozzle (5a), and a folding plunger (8) that is arranged in the channel (6) and is extending in axial direction (P), parallel to the pushing plunger (7); wherein the lens carrier (4') comprises a trailing hap tic rest (4k) for defining the position of the trailing hap tic (100c) of an IOL (100) located in the lens carrier (4'), such that at least the folding plunger (8) when moved in axial direction (P) hits the trailing hap tic (100c) of the IOL (100) being arranged in the lens carrier (4'), and wherein the lens carrier (4') defining the position of the optic part (100a) of the IOL (100) arranged in the lens carrier (4'), such that the pushing plunger (7) when moved in axial direction (P) hits the optic part (100a) of the IOL (100).

Description

INTRAOCULAR LENS INJECTOR, METHOD FOR

FOLDING AN INTRAOCULAR LENS AND INTRAOCULAR LENS INJECTOR SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The field of invention relates to an intraocular lens injector. The field of invention further relates to a method for folding an intraocular lens in an intraocular lens injector. The field of invention further relates to an intraocular lens injector system comprising an intraocular lens injector and an intraocular lens holding container.

Background of the Invention

This invention relates to a device for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into the human eye. With recent advances in IOL technology, cataract surgery has transitioned from being solely a treatment for visual rehabilitation to also being a refractive procedure with the aim of improving visual function and ultimately the patient's quality of life. IOLs that increase visual function are for example aspheric IOLs to compensate for the spherical aberration of the cornea, or toric IOLs to correct corneal astigmatism, or IOLs to correct distance vision. The performance of new IOL designs is highly dependent on the position of the IOL in the optical system of the eye. Depending on the type of correction, even little decentration and tilt of an IOL in the eye may decrease visual quality.

Foldable IOLs made from silicone, soft acrylics and hydrogels have become increasingly popular because of the ability to fold or roll such soft lenses and insert them through a small incision. Such an IOL usually consists of a small plastic lens with plastic side struts, called haptics, to hold the lens in place within the capsular bag inside the eye. Such an IOL may be for example a one piece IOL, the haptic material is the same as the optical material, or a three piece IOL, with haptics made of harder material such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) filaments.

The most common technique for inserting a foldable IOL is through an injector. Such injectors use a plunger to squeeze an IOL through a cartridge into the eye. The single piece acrylic and silicone plate haptic IOLs are the simplest to use with injectors. These designs have haptics that are sturdy and to a certain extent are resistant to damage from the plunger, as it forcefully pushes the IOL through the cartridge. The three piece IOLs are more difficult to inject as the haptics are difficult to fold and more fragile and susceptible to plunger damage. It is known to use a dedicated holding and folding forceps, to insert the folded IOL into the injector cartridge before squeezing the IOL into the eye. One disadvantage of such common technique therefore is that haptics will most likely be deformed during the implantation procedure, due to mechanical stress on the haptics during folding with the forceps and/ or during insertion with the injector. As a consequence the position of the IOL in the optical system of the eye may not be correct. An additional disadvantage is that the folding of the IOL requires a separate step when preparing the injector for injecting the IOL. An additional disadvantage is that the insertion of a multipiece IOL is less predictable than a single- piece IOL in terms of tilt and decentration. In addition common injectors are not reliable and easy to handle. Two completely different injector systems are known for insertion of a soft, foldable lens. One injector system consists of an injector body (a hand piece) and a separate cartridge, whereby the injector body is reusable or disposable and the separate cartridge is disposable. Another injector system consists of a preloaded injector, which means the lens is packed within the preloaded injector. One disadvantage of such completely different injector systems is that the handling is

completely different. This is a potential risk for a surgeon, because the preparation of the injector and the handling of the injector during insertion into the eye are different, so that additional training is required. In practice usually only one type of injector system is used to avoid the risk of improper operation. It is therefore difficult to change from one type of injector system to the other, which restricts flexibility, and increases the cost for stocking and handling the injector system.

Document EP2343029A1 discloses an IOL injector capable of inserting one-piece and three-piece IOLs into the eye. Using a forceps the IOL has to be taken out from its packaging and has to be placed very carefully into the injector. In particular the haptics have to be placed very carefully in the correct position. Disadvantages of this injector are that inserting the IOL into the injector is difficult and demanding, that the IOL, in particular the haptics might be damaged during insertion of the IOL into the injector, and that the haptics might be damaged when the plunger folds the haptic and squeezes the IOL through the injection tube. Document WO2012/015300A1 discloses an IOL injector capable of inserting IOLs into the eye. A high pressure is acting onto the haptics when the plunger folds the haptic and squeezes the IOL through the injection tube, therefore the haptics might be damaged. Document EP2386272A1 discloses a preloaded IOL injector capable of inserting IOLs into the eye. Disadvantages of this IOL injector are that it is difficult to handle when inserting the IOL into the eye, and that handling errors may occur during insertion, in particular the trailing haptic might not be folded. In addition the IOL injector is only suitable for preloaded systems.

Technical Problem to be solved

The objective of the present invention is thus to provide an IOL injector as well as an IOL injector system that is easy, versatile and reliable to handle.

It is also an objective of the present invention to limit mechanical stress onto the IOL, to in particular avoid deformation of the hap tics.

It is also an objective of the present invention to provide an

advantageous and reliable method for folding the IOL within the IOL injector.

Summary of the Invention

The above-identified objectives are solved by an IOL injector comprising the features of claim 1 and more particular by an injector comprising the features of claims 2 to 12. The objectives are further solved by a method for folding an IOL comprising the features of claim 13 and more particular by a method comprising the features of claim 14. The objectives are further solved by an IOL injector system comprising the features of claim 15, and more particular by a system comprising the features of claim 16.

The objective is in particular solved by IOL (intraocular lens) injector for introducing an IOL into the eye, comprising:

- an injector body;

- a cavity comprising a lens carrier for holding the IOL, the IOL comprising a leading haptic, an optic part and a trailing haptic;

- a cartridge ending at a distal end in an injection nozzle;

- the injector body, the cavity and the cartridge having a channel extending in axial direction;

- an axially movable pushing plunger being placed in the channel of the injector body for pushing the IOL in axial direction out of the cavity and into the cartridge and the injection nozzle,

and a folding plunger that is arranged in the channel and is

extending in axial direction, parallel to the pushing plunger, wherein the lens carrier comprises a trailing haptic rest for defining the position of the trailing haptic of an IOL located in the lens carrier, such that at least the folding plunger when moved in axial direction hits the trailing haptic of the IOL being arranged in the lens carrier, and wherein the lens carrier defining the position of the optic part of the IOL is arranged in the lens carrier, such that the pushing plunger when moved in axial direction hits the optic part of the IOL.

The objective is further in particular solved by a method for folding an IOL consisting of a optic part, a leading haptic and a trailing haptic in an IOL injector extending in an axial direction and

comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a cavity, a pushing plunger and a folding plunge, the method comprising the steps of:

inserting the IOL into the cavity such that the trailing haptic pointing to the proximal end and the leading haptic pointing to the distal end, further inserting the IOL such into the cavity that the pushing plunger, when moved in axial direction into the cavity, hits the optic part,

further inserting the trailing haptic of the IOL such in the cavity that the folding plunger, when moved in axial direction into the cavity, hits the trailing haptic, moving at least the folding plunger into the cavity so that the folding plunger hits the trailing haptic, moving the trailing haptic in axial direction and thereby lifting the trailing haptic on top of the optic part, and folding the trailing haptic such that the trailing haptic is pointing to the distal end,

and moving at least the pushing plunger so that it hits the optic part of the IOL and pushes the IOL with the trailing haptic pointing in distal direction to the distal end.

The objectives is further in particular solved by IOL injector system comprising: an IOL injector, a container containing an IOL and a lens holder for holding an IOL and further comprising a mechanism for releasing the IOL, the IOL injector and the container comprising connecting means adapted to connect and align the container with respect to the IOL injector such that the IOL can be transferred to within the cavity in a predetermined orientation.

In a preferred embodiment the IOL (intraocular lens) injector for introducing an IOL into the eye, comprising: an injector body; a cavity for holding the IOL comprising a leading haptic and a trailing haptic; a cartridge ending at a distal end in an injection nozzle; the injector body, the cavity and the cartridge having a channel extending in axial direction; and an axially movable pushing plunger being placed in the channel of the injector body for pushing the IOL in axial direction out of the cavity and into the cartridge and the injection nozzle, wherein a folding plunger is arranged in the channel and is extending in axial direction, parallel to the pushing plunger; and wherein the cavity comprises a trailing haptic rest for defining the direction of the trailing haptic of an IOL arrange in the cavity, such that the folding plunger when moved in axial direction hits the trailing haptic of the IOL, wherein the pushing plunger and the folding plunger are releasably connected by connecting means so that the pushing plunger and the folding plunger stay connected along a first displacement distance, and that the folding plunger is released from the pushing plunger along a second displacement distance, so that the pushing plunger only acts onto the IOL along the second displacement distance.

In a preferred method for folding an IOL consisting of a optic part, a leading haptic and a trailing haptic in an IOL injector extending in an axial direction and comprising a distal end, a proximal end, a cavity, a pushing plunger and a folding plunge are used, the method comprising the steps of:

inserting the IOL into the cavity such that the trailing haptic pointing to the proximal end and the leading haptic pointing to the distal end, further inserting the IOL such into the cavity that the pushing plunger, when moved in axial direction into the cavity, hits the optic part, further inserting the trailing haptic of the IOL such in the cavity that the folding plunger, when moved in axial direction into the cavity, hits the trailing haptic, moving the folding plunger and the pushing plunger together into the cavity so that the folding plunger hits the trailing haptic and folds the trailing haptic such that the trailing haptic is pointing to the distal end, releasing the pushing plunger and the folding plunger, and moving the pushing plunger so that it hits the optic part of the IOL and pushes the IOL with the trailing haptic pointing in distal direction to the distal end. In a further embodiment the pushing plunger and the folding plunger may be moved independently from each other in longitudinal direction. One advantage of the invention is that the trailing haptic of an IOL is folded in a clearly defined, reproducible method step, thus avoiding high stress during folding and thus avoiding deforming the trailing haptic. In a preferred method and embodiment, the leading haptic is also folded in a clearly defined, reproducible method step, thus also avoiding high stress during folding. The folding is achieved without any direct manipulation of the IOL by a surgeon, as this was known in the state of the art, where the IOL had to be folded using a forceps. In addition the IOL has to be inserted into the IOL injector in a clearly defined orientation, thus leaving no space for erroneous placing the IOL in the injector. After folding, the IOL is pushed through a cavity and an injection nozzle in a clearly defined orientation, without any direct intervention, so that the whole IOL, after the haptics having been folded, is compacted in a clearly defined, reproducible step, thus avoiding high stress during compacting within the cartridge.

In a preferred embodiment, the IOL injector comprises only one pushing plunger that has to be pushed, for example at the thumb plate, even though the IOL injector comprises two plungers, a pushing plunger and a folding plunger that move within the injector body. Because in a preferred embodiment the folding plunger to a certain extent is connected with the pushing plunger, it is sufficient for a surgeon to activate only the pushing plunger for folding the IOL and pushing the IOL through the cartridge 5 and the injection nozzle 5a. One advantage of the IOL injector according to the invention therefore is that a surgeon is very familiar with handling such an injector, having only one single plunger to push. In addition the IOL injector according to the invention can consist of an injector body (a hand piece) and a separate cartridge, whereby the injector body is reusable or disposable and the separate cartridge is disposable. The IOL injector according to the invention can also be configured as a preloaded injector. The handling of both systems is very similar, so that a surgeon may use both systems, a preloaded system or a loadable system, without additional training. This also increases flexibility and safety, and decreases the cost for stocking and handling the injector system. In a further embodiment the pushing plunger and the folding plunger may be moved independently from each other in longitudinal direction.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an IOL injector;

Fig. 2 is a top view of the loading cavity of the IOL injector;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view along A-A of figure 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the loading cavity and an IOL;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the loading cavity with the IOL partially inserted;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the loading cavity with the IOL fully inserted; Fig. 7 is a sectional view along B-B of figure 6;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the cavity with fully inserted IOL and activated folding plunger; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the loading cavity with activated folding plunger;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view along C-C of figure 9:

Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of part of the loading cavity with

activated folding plunger and pushing plui

Fig. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the IOL injector, the IOL entering the tapered injection tube;

Fig. 13 is a further longitudinal sectional view of the IOL within the tapered injection tube; Fig. 14 is a sectional view along D-D of figure 13;

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of the IOL injector;

Fig. 16 is a further longitudinal sectional view of the IOL injector;

Fig. 16a is a section view along E-E of figure 16;

Fig. 17 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a further

embodiment of an IOL injector;

Fig. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of an IOL injector system;

Fig. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of a further embodiment of an IOL injector;

Fig. 20 is a detailed view of the IOL injector according to figure

19;

Fig. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of a further embodiment

IOL injector; Fig. 222 is a perspective view of the loading cavity of a further embodiment of an IOL injector;

Fig. 23 the loading cavity of figure 22 with fully inserted IOL;

Fig. 24 a sectional view along F-F of figure 23; Fig. 25 a sectional view along G-G of figure 23;

Fig. 26 a perspective views of two plungers hitting the IOL;

Fig. 27 a perspective view .of an IOL injector.

Description of preferred Embodiments

A preferred embodiment of the IOL injector 1 according to the present invention is shown in different views and cross sections in figures 1 to 16. The IOL injector 1 shown in figure 1 includes an injector body 2 having a channel 6 extending in direction of the longitudinal axis P, along with a pushing plunger 7 slidably inserted in the injector body 2. The injector 1 further includes a cavity 4 for inserting an

intraocular lens 100, and further includes a cartridge 5 with an injection nozzle 5a that ends at a distal end 5c. The injector body 2 having two finger grips 2a. The pushing plunger 7 at the opposite end of the distal end 5c having a thumb plate 7d, which also forms the proximal end 7f of the plunger 7, respectively the IOL injector 1. The channel 6 is extending through the injector body 2, the cavity 4 as well as the cartridge 5 and exits at the distal end 5c of the injection nozzle 5a, so that the pushing plunger 7 may advance an intraocular lens 100 positioned in the cavity 4. The term "pushing plunger" describes any component advanced through the channel 6 to push an intraocular lens 100 through the cavity 4 and the cartridge 5, so that the intraocular lens 100 exits the IOL injector 1 at the distal end 4 of the injection nozzle 5a. In a particular embodiment the injector body 2 may be a reusable hand piece, whereas the cartridge 5, which is releasably connected with the injector body 2, may be a single use part. In a further advantageous embodiment the injector body 2, the cartridge 5 and the cavity 4 may be formed as a single piece from a suitable material, which may include, for example polypropylene or polyethylene. The cartridge 5 may also be treated with a lubricious coating, a viscoelastic material and / or liquid in order to facilitate advancement of the IOL within the channel of the cartridge 5.

The IOL 100 may be any intraocular lens formed of a flexible material, including but not limited to hydrogels, silicone or acrylic materials. The IOL 100 includes as least one optic part 100a and hap tics 100b, 100c that stably fixate the IOL 100 within the eye when implanted. Each hap tic 100b, 100c having one end anchored in the lens body 100a and a free end lOOd, lOOe for attachment to the eye tissue. The optic part 100a is structured to focus light onto a patient's retina, including the use of any suitable refractive and/ or diffractive elements. Figure 4 shows an IOL 100 positioned above the cavity 4 and ready to be inserted into the cavity 4. The IOL 100 disclosed is a three piece IOL with hap tics 100b, 100c made of harder material than the optic part 100a. The two hap tics 100b, 100c are herein called leading hap tic 100b and trailing hap tic 100c, depending on their position with respect to the distal end 5c and the proximal end 7f of the IOL injector 1 , the leading hap tic 100b extending in direction to the distal end 5c and the trailing hap tic 100c extending in direction to the proximal end 7f, respectively the leading haptic 100b being positioned in direction to the distal end 5c of the cavity 4 and the trailing haptic 100c being positioned in direction to the proximal end 7f of the cavity. Figure 2 shows a top view of the loading cavity 4. The loading cavity 4 serves to hold the IOL 100, in particular the optic part 100a as well as the leading hap tic 100b and the trailing hap tic 100c in a well- defined position. The loading cavity 4 includes a bottom 4a, a leading haptic nest 4b comprising a leading haptic rest 4g, a trailing haptic nest 4c. The loading cavity 4 further includes a longitudinal recess 4d, which is part of channel 6, and further includes a folding member 4e. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of figure 2 along A-A. The channel 6 extends in direction of the longitudinal axis P and passes the cavity 4, so that the floor 6a of the channel 6 becomes the floor 4i of the cavity 4. The IOL injector 1 includes a pushing plunger 7 having a tip 7a, and includes a folding plunger 8 having a tip 8a, whereby the pushing plunger 7 is moveable along the bottom of channel 6, whereas the folding plunger 8 is arranged on top of pushing plunger 7. Both plungers 7, 8 are moveable in direction of the longitudinal axis P, so that they can pass the loading cavity 4, and through exit channel 4h can enter channel 6 of the cartridge 5. The folding member 4e is spaced apart from the floor 6a so that the two plungers 7, 8 may pass beneath the folding member 4e and enter the exit channel 4h.

Figure 4 shows an IOL 100 correctly arranged above the loading cavity 4, and ready to be inserted into the loading cavity 4. Figure 4 also shows an IOL injector 1 where the injector body 2 and the cartridge 5 are separate parts, both parts forming a part of the loading cavity 4, the cartridge 5 having a proximal end 5d, and the cartridge 5 being releasable connected with the injector body 2 by click 5e. Figure 5 shows the IOL 100 being partially inserted into the loading cavity 4, and figure 6 as well as figure 7 show the IOL 100 being fully inserted into the loading cavity 4, so that the optic part 100a rests on the floor 4i, the leading hap tic 100b rests on the leading hap tic rest 4g, and the trailing hap tic 100c rests on the trailing hap tic rest 4k, so that the position of the IOL 100, including lend 100, leading hap tic 100b as well as trailing hap tic 100c is well-defined with respect to channel 6, the pushing plunger 7 and the folding plunger 8. As can be seen in figures 4, 5, and 6 pressing the IOL 100 all the way down into its end position in the cavity 4 has the effect that the haptics 100b, 100c bend upwards, out of the floor 4i of the channel 6 and the trailing hap tic 100c becomes accessible for the folding plunger 8. Preferably the IOL 100 is elastically hold in the cavity 4 in its end position without additional holding means, but optionally holding means may be advantageous to actively hold down the IOL 100. As can best be seen in figure 7, the trailing hap tic 100c is arranged such with respect to the folding plunger 8 that the folding plunger 8, when moved in axial direction P, hits with its tip 8a the trailing haptic 100c. In figure 8 the folding plunger 8 is slightly moving in direction of the cavity 4 and first hits the free end lOOd of the trailing haptic 100c, and then folds the trailing haptic 100c in axial direction P, as disclosed in figure 9, so that the free end lOOd of the trailing haptic 100c is pointing to the distal end 5c. Such an embodiment allows to carefully folding the trailing haptic 100c in axial direction, without exerting high pressure onto the haptic 100c, so that a deformation of the trailing haptic 100c due to folding can be avoided. In a preferred embodiment the folding plunger 8 also comprises a guiding and holding element 8b such as a bevel 8b at the tip 8a, which guides the trailing haptic 100c and makes sure that the trailing haptic 100c keeps its position after folding. Figure 10 is a sectional view of figure

9 along C-C. The folding plunger 8 and the pushing plunger 7 are moving together in direction of the longitudinal axis P. Figures 9 and

10 shows the moment, when the pushing plunger 7 hits the optic part 100a of IOL 100. As the folding plunger 8 and the pushing plunger 7 continue to move in moving direction P3, the IOL 100 is moved in moving direction P3, and moves underneath the folding member 4e to exit 4h, where the IOL 100 enters channel 6 of the cartridge 5. At least part of the hap tic rest 4g extends along the folding member 4e, on the upper side of folding member 4e, so that, when the IOL 100 is moved in moving direction P3, the leading hap tic 100b is flipped with respect to the optic part 100a, as shown in figure 1 1. In figure 1 1 , part of the cartridge 5 is not shown, and the position off the folding member 4e is just indicated, to get a clear view of the position of the leading hap tic 100b and the trailing hap tic 100c of the IOL 100. The IOL 100 in this configuration is pushed into channel 6 of the cartridge 5. In the embodiment disclosed the pushing plunger 7 and the folding plunger 8 together move in direction P3. Figure 12 shows the IOL 100 within channel 6 of the cartridge 5. The IOL 100 is only schematically shown, in particular no details of the haptics 100b, 100c are shown.

Figure 13 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the cartridge 5 and figure 14 a sectional view along D-D of figure 13. After starting to push the plungers 7, 8 in figure 6, the movement of the folding plunger 8 is stopped at the end of a first displacement distance PI , and the pushing plunger 7 continues moving in channel 6, so that the IOL 100 enters the tapered end section 5f and then leaves channel 6 at the injection nozzle 5a. The movement of pushing plunger 7 is stopped at the end of the second push distance P2.

Figure 14 schematically shows the IOL 100 within channel 6, with haptics 100b, 100c folded in axial direction, and being compacted and pushed by the pushing plunger 7 in distal direction and afterwards through the injection nozzle 5a. In a further embodiment no folding member 4e is arranged in the cavity 4, and preferably also no leading haptic rest is arranged, so that the leading haptic 1 10b of an IOL 100 inserted into the cavity 4 comes to rest on the floor 4i of the channel 6. When the IOL 100 is pushed in direction P3, as disclosed in Figure 10, the leading haptic 100b will be pushed into channel 6, so that within channel 6 of the cartridge 5, the free end lOOe of the leading haptic 100b is directed in distal direction and the free end lOOd of the trailing haptic 100c is also direction in distal direction. The IOL 100 may in this

configuration be pushed through channel 5 and the injection nozzle 5a.

Figure 15 and 16 show longitudinal sectional views of a preferred embodiment of the injector body 2, the pushing plunger 7 and the folding plunger 8. The pushing plunger 7 extends from the proximal end part 7b, ending at the proximal end 7f, up to the tip 7a. The folding plunger 8 is a separate plunger arranged within channel 6 and moveable in direction of the longitudinal axis P. As disclosed in figure 16, the folding plunger 8 comprises guiding elements 8c which contact the outer wall of the injector body 2, so that the folding plunger 8 is guided between the outer wall and the pushing plunger 7. Figure 16a shows a sectional view along E-E of figure 16. The folding plunger 8 comprises three guiding elements 8c. Below the pushing plunger 7 an optional spring chamber 2c is arranged. The pushing plunger 7 and the folding plunger 8 are releasably connected by connecting means 7c, 8e. The folding plunger 8 comprises a locking element 8e and the pushing plunger comprises a recess 7c, so that the folding plunger 8 is connected with the pushing plunger 7, so that they move together in direction of the longitudinal axis P, up to the end of the first displacement distance PI . The inner wall of the injector body 2 comprises a groove or ramp 2d which lifts the locking element 8e when the folding plunger 8 is slidably advancing in direction of the distal end 5c and reaches the end of the first displacement distance PI , so that the folding plunger 8 is not connected any more with the pushing plunger 7. The movement of the folding plunger 8 is therefore stopped, whereas the pushing plunger 7 continues to move as long as the surgeon applies a pressure onto the thumb plate 7d. There are various options to build connecting means 7c, 8e, such as mechanical connecting means, or motor driven connecting means. In a preferred embodiment, a spring is inserted in the chamber 2c, for example in the embodiment disclosed in figure 15. A spring extending within the chamber 2c and acting on the distal side onto the injector body 2 and on the proximal side onto the proximal end part 7b of the pushing plunger 7 has the effect, that the pushing plunger 7 returns back to the position disclosed in figure 15, as soon as no pressure is applied onto the thumb plate 7d. In addition the spring gives a tactile feedback to the surgeon when pushing the thumb plate 7d. Alternative embodiments could use any other suitable technique for advancing, and if

necessary returning the plungers 7,8 including, for example, a knob that is turned to advance a plunger in threaded engagement with the channel 6, or even a motorized injector that is triggered electronically. In a preferred embodiment the IOL injector 1 may comprise one motor drive, driving the pushing plunger 7, whereby the folding plunger 8 is activated as described in figures 1 to 16. In a further embodiment the IOL injector 1 may comprise two motor drives, one drive for each plunger 7, 8, so that the two plungers 7, 8 may be activated independently. In such an embodiment, it is not necessary that the folding plunger 8 protrudes the pushing plunger 7 in distal direction before the IOL injector 1 is activated. After activation of the IOL injector, the drive driving the folding plunger 8 could first be activated and afterward the drive driving the pushing plunger 7 could be activated, so that the folding plunger 8 protrudes the pushing plunger 7 when entering the cavity 4. The motor drives could be an electrical drive, but for example also a pneumatic drive or a hydraulic drive.

Figure 17 shows schematically a longitudinal sectional view of a further embodiment of an IOL injector 1. The cavity 4 is only schematically shown and can be configured as disclosed in one of figures 2 to 10. The injector body 2 is split in two parts and

comprises a front section 2e and a gripping section 2f. The cavity 4, the cartridge 5 and the channel 6 leading to the cavity 4 may be built as disclosed in figures 2 to 14. The pushing plunger 7 and the folding plunger 8 may be arranged in front of the cavity 4 as disclosed in figure 3 or 7, in that the tip 8a of the folding plunger 8 projects the tip 7a of the pushing plunger 7. Similar to the embodiments disclosed in figures 15 and 16, the pushing plunger 7 consists of one piece and extends from the thumb plate 7d up to the tip 7a. In contrast to the embodiment disclosed in figures 15 and 16, the folding plunger 8 disclosed in figure 17 is connected with the gripping section 2f of the injector body 2. The front section 2e and the gripping section 2f are spaced apart in a distance of the first displacement PI in axial direction P. The pushing plunger 7 is moveable in the gripping sections along a distance of the second displacement P2. The IOL injector 1 disclosed in figure 17 is handled such that in a first step the IOL 100 is inserted into the cavity 4, as disclosed in figures 4, 5, and 6. In a second step the front section 2e and the gripping section 2f are pushed together, along the distance of the first displacement PI , until the front section 2e and the gripping section 2f contact each other. During this second step, the hap tics 100b, 100c are folded and the IOL 100 introduced into channel 6 of cartridge 5, as disclosed in figures 7 to 12. In a third step the pushing plunger 7 is pushed along the distance of the second displacement P2, as disclosed in figures 13 and 14, thereby pushing the IOL 100 out of the injection nozzle 5a. The IOL injector 1 may or may not comprise connecting means 7c, 8e, which are not shown in detail, for releasably connecting the pushing plunger 7 and the folding plunger 8. Such connecting means 7c, 8e are shown in detail in figure 20.

Figure 18 schematically shows an embodiment of an IOL injector system comprising an IOL injector 1 and a container 200 containing an IOL 100. The container 200 comprises a casing 204 and a lens holder 201 to hold the IOL 100. The container 200 further comprises a mechanism 202 to release the IOL 100. In the embodiment disclosed, a releasing plunger 202 is acting onto the lens holder 201 to release the IOL 100 and to transfer the IOL 100 into the cavity 4 underneath, so that the IOL 100 comes to rest in the cavity 4 as disclosed in figure 6. In a preferred embodiment the container 200 containing the IOL 100 is a separate unit, and the container 200 and the IOL injector 1 comprising connection means 203, so that the container 200 may be correctly aligned with the IOL injector 1 , attached to the IOL injector 1 and the IOL 100 may be transferred to within the cavity 4. In a further embodiment, the IOL injector 1 is a preloaded system such that the container 200 is part of the IOL injector 1 , and the IOL 100 may be transferred to within the cavity 4 at the time the IOL injector 1 is used.

Figure 19 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a further

embodiment of an IOL injector 1 comprising an injector body 2 split into two parts, a front section 2e and a gripping section 2f. The embodiment disclosed in figure 19 is similar to the embodiment disclosed in figure 17, but shows more details, and in particular shows an embodiment of connecting means 7c and 8e. The connecting means l ib and 1 1c are part of the gripping section 2f. The connecting means 1 la is part of the front section 2e. The connecting means 1 1a, 1 1c are arranged to define the maximal length of first displacement distance PI . The front section 2e cannot be moved further in axial direction P than the first displacement distance PI . The purpose of the connecting means 1 lb is to keep the connecting means 1 1a and thereby the front section 2e in a defined position with respect to the injector body 2 as soon as the front section 2e has been moved along the first displacement distance PI , so that the connecting means l ib snappably connects with the connecting means 1 1a, so that no relative movement between the front section 2e and the gripping section 2f is possible any more in axial direction P, so that the injector body 2 stays connected. The injector body 2 comprises a front side 2g and the pushing plunger 7 comprises a front side 7f, whereby the two front sides 2g, 7f are arrange opposite each other and the distance there between defining the second displacement distance P2. The injector body 2 further comprising a recess l id and the pushing plunger 7 comprising a locking element l ie which acts onto the recess 1 Id in such a way that, in the position disclosed in figure 19, the injector body 2 and the pushing plunger 7 can't move independently to the right, but the pushing plunger 7 can be moved independently from the injector body 2 to the left as long as the front sides 2g, 7f do not touch each other. Figure 20 shows the connections means 7c, 8e disclosed in figure 19 in more details. The injector body 2 of the gripping section 2f comprises a spring element 8f having a locking element 8e and a ramp 8g. The pushing plunger 7 comprises a recess 7c, whereby the locking element 8e and the recess 7c, as disclosed in figure 20, are arranged such that the pushing plunger 7 and the injector body 2 of the gripping section 2f are connected and therefore can't move independently into axial direction P. The injector body 2 of the front section 2e comprises a guiding means 2d, a ramp, projecting into the direction of the ramp 8g. Then the front section 2e is moved versus the gripping section 2f, along the first displacement distance PI , the guiding means 2d acts onto the ramp 8g and thereby lifts the spring element 8f, so that the locking element 8e leaves the recess 7c, so that the pushing plunger 7 can be moved relative to the injector body 2, along the second displacement distance P2. Figures 19 and 20 therefore show that the pushing plunger 7 and the folding plunger 8 are releasably connected by connecting means 7c, 8e, so that the pushing plunger 7 and the folding plunger 8 stay connected along the first displacement distance PI , and the folding plunger 8 is released from the pushing plunger 7 along the second displacement distance P2, so that the pushing plunger 7 may be moved independently from the folding plunger 8.

In the most preferred embodiment the IOL injector 1 disclosed in figures 19 and 20 is operated as follows: In a first step the IOL 100 is introduced into the cavity 4. In a second step the cartridge 5 is pushed along the first displacement distance PI until the connecting means l ib and 1 1a connect with each other so that the cartridge 5 contacts the injector body 2, so that the front section 2e and the gripping section 2f are connected, forming the injector body 2. In this position, with is not shown in Figure 19, the IOL 100 rests folded within the cartridge 5. The IOL 100 is now ready to be inserted into the eye. A force 7f is applied onto the thumb plate 7d so that the plunger 7 is moved along the second displacement distance P2, and the IOL 100 is pushed by the front side 7a of the plunger 7 through the distal end 5c of the cartridge 5 into the eye. Figures 19 and 20 show the movement of the first displacement distance PI and the second displacement distance P2 in opposite direction. The IOL injector 1 may also be operated such that the first displacement distance PI and the second displacement distance P2 move in the same axial direction P.

Figure 21 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a further

embodiment of an IOL injector 1. The IOL injector 1 disclosed in figure 21 distinguishes in so far from the embodiment disclosed in figure 19, as a motor drive 10 is used instead of the thumb plate 7d, to move the plunger 7 along the second displacement distance P2. The motor drive 10 comprises a motor shaft 10a that acts onto the plunger 7 to push the plunger 7 along the second displacement distance P2.

The embodiment disclosed in figures 1 to 15 could easily be modified to also be motor driven. The motor 10 disclosed in figure 21 could easily be arrange to connect the injector body 2 and the plunger 7, as can be seen in figure 15, so that the pushing plunger 7 needs no thumb plate 7d, and the motor 10 acting onto the pushing plunger 7 drives the plunger 7 to the left in axial direction P in direction of the distal end 5c. Because the folding plunger 8 is coupled to the pushing plunger 7, also the folding plunger 8 is driven by motor 10. Therefore, in an advantageous embodiment, the IOL injector 1 according to the invention can be motor driven, which allows a very convenient handling of the IOL injector 1. Figure 22 shows a further embodiment of a loading cavity 4 for an IOL injector 1 , for example the IOL injector 1 disclosed in figure 1. The loading cavity 4 comprises a lens carrier 4' having a bottom 4i for the optic part 100a of the IOL 100, the bottom 4i being delimited by an edge 4m which at least partially surrounds the bottom 4i. The lens carrier 4' further comprises an edge 4n for the leading haptic 100b. The lens carrier 4' further comprises a trailing haptic rest 4k. The loading cavity 4 further comprises a channel 6 through which the pushing plunger 7 and the folding plunger 8 may move in direction of the longitudinal axis P. In figure 23, an intraocular lens 100 is inserted into the cavity 4 and in the carrier 4' disclosed in figure 22. The optic part 100a being arranged on the bottom 4i, and the optic part 100a is at least partially surrounded by the edge 4m, so that the optic part 100a being located in a well-defined position. The trailing hap tic 100c being located on the trailing hap tic rest 4k. Most preferably, the bottom 4i, the edge 4m and the trailing haptic rest 4k are adapted such to the specific dimensions of the intraocular lens 100, that the optic part 100a is safely hold by the bottom 4i and the edge 4m. Most preferably the trailing haptic 100c being positioned and supported by the trailing haptic rest 4k such, that no tension or forces is acting onto the trailing haptic 100c. In addition, most preferably the leading haptic 100b is also supported by the floor 4p such, that no tension or force is acting onto the leading haptic 100b. Because no or

neglectable forces are acting onto the intraocular lens 100, the intraocular lens 100 may be stored for a long time within the lens carrier 4' of cavity 4. The embodiment disclosed in figures 22 and 23 is therefore in particular useful for an IOL injector 1 having a preloaded intraocular lens 100. The embodiment disclosed in figures 22 and 23 may also be used as a loadable IOL injector 1. The intraocular lens 100 may easily be introduced into cavity 4 shortly before using the IOL injector 1.

Figures 24 and 25 show substantially a sectional view along F-F and G-G of figure 23, whereby some additional features have been added in figures 24 and 25. The optic part 100a is arranged on the bottom 4i, and the optic part 100a being partially surrounded by the edge 4m, so that the optic part 100a being located in a well-defined position. The trailing hap tic 100c extending on the trailing hap tic rest 4k, so that the trailing hap tic 100c extends in a well-defined position with respect to the plungers 7 and 8. Most advantageously the optic part 100a and the trailing hap tic 100c rests stress less on the bottom 4i and the trailing haptic rest 4k. In a pre-loaded IOL injector 1 the plungers 7 and 8 are most advantageously arranged as shown in figure 24, in that the bevel 8b of the folding plunger 8 projects the trailing haptic 100c, and in that the rear tip 8h of the folding plunger 8 nearly touches the trailing haptic 100c, so that the trailing haptic 100c may be kept in a very well defined position.

Figure 27 shows an embodiment of a loadable IOL injector 1 having a cover 9 with an opening 9a, through which the intraocular lens 100 may be inserted. Figure 25 shows such an IOL injector 1 in detail. In a preferred method to load the IOL injector 1 , in a first step the folding plunger 8 does not protrude to within the cavity 4, so that the intraocular lens 100 may be inserted through opening 9a to within the cavity 4 and to the lens carrier 4'. Advantageously, after inserting the intraocular lens 100, the folding plunger 8 and the pushing plunger 7 are moved into the position as disclosed in figures 25, in that the bevel 8b of the folding plunger 8 projects the trailing haptic 100c, and in that the rear tip 8h of the folding plunger 8 nearly touches or touches the trailing haptic 100c, so that the trailing haptic 100c may be kept in a very well defined position. As disclosed in figures 22 to 25, most advantageously the trailing haptic rest 4k is, in direction of the longitudinal axis p, followed by a ramp 41, so that the trailing haptic 100c, when moved by the folding plunger 8, is moved within the ramp 41 in direction X, as shown in figure 25. The trailing haptic 100c is thereby gently moved along the ramp 41 and the flat plane 4o onto the surface lOOd of the optic part 100a. Figure 26 shows the pushing plunger 7 and the folding plunger 8 to be moved in direction of the longitudinal axis p, whereby in the example disclosed both, the tip 7a of the pushing plunger 7 as well as the rear tip 8h of the folding plunger 8 are at the beginning of the movement acting onto the trailing haptic 100c. The trailing hap tic 100c is, trough the ramp 41, slightly moved in direction X, so that by the end of the ramp 41, the folding plunger 8 only is acting onto the trailing haptic 100c, and is folding the trailing haptic 100c, so that the trailing haptic 100c comes to lie on the optic part 100a, as indicated by the trailing haptic 1 10c shown in broken lines. As soon as the tip 7a of the pushing plunger 7 gets in touch with the optic part 100a, the optic part 100a is moved in direction of the longitudinal axis p. The embodiment disclosed in figures 22 to 26 has the advantages, that little to no stress is exerted onto the intraocular lens 100 as long as the plungers 7,8 are not activated. In addition the trailing haptic 100c can very reliably be folded so that it comes to lie on the optic part 100a. This is in particular due to the fact that the intraocular lens 100 as well as the plungers 7, 8 are well defined positioned, so that there is little to no risk that the trailing haptic 100c might be folded in an erroneous way. This is in particular of importance if the intraocular lens 100 is very soft, or if liquids or gels are used in combination with the intraocular lens 100. Also in such cases the embodiments disclosed in figures 22 to 27 allow to first reliably fold the trailing haptic 100c, and then, by using the pushing plunger 7, fold the intraocular lens 100 and inject it through the injection nozzle 5a, as for example described in figures 10 to 14.

In a preferred embodiment, after opening the packaging of the container 200, the lens may be half way down in the loading cavity 4 of the IOL injector 1 , which means further down than disclosed in figure 18. The IOL 100 is still fixed in place by the holding

mechanism 201. Pressing the IOL 100 or the releasing mechanism 202 down has the effect that the lens elastically leaves the holding mechanism 201 and moves down to the loading cavity 4, so that the IOL injector 1 is ready for use, which means ready for activating the plunger 7. Optionally the holding mechanism 201 or parts thereof may serve as the pusher 202.

A preferred method for folding the IOL 100 consisting of a optic part 100a, a leading hap tic 100b and a trailing hap tic 1 10c in an IOL injector 1 extending in an axial direction P and comprising a distal end 5c, a proximal end 7f, a cavity 4, a pushing plunger 7 and a folding plunge 8, comprising the steps of:

inserting the IOL 100 into the cavity 4 such that the trailing hap tic 1 10c pointing to the proximal end 7f and the leading hap tic 100b pointing to the distal end 5c,

further inserting the IOL 100 such into the cavity 4 that the pushing plunger 7, when moved in axial direction P into the cavity 4, hits the optic part 100a,

further inserting the trailing hap tic 1 10c of the IOL 100 such in the cavity 4 that the folding plunger 8, when moved in axial direction P into the cavity 4, hits the trailing hap tic 1 10c,

moving the folding plunger 8 into the cavity 4 so that it hits the trailing hap tic 100c and folds the trailing hap tic 100c such that the trailing hap tic 100c is pointing to the distal end 5c,

and moving the pushing plunger 7 so that it hits the optic part 100a of the IOL 100 and pushes the IOL 100 with the trailing hap tic 100c pointing in distal direction to the distal end 5c. _ In a further preferred method step, the method also comprises the step of inserting the IOL 100 in the cavity 4 such that the leading hap tic 100b being arranged in a leading hap tic rest 4g and a folding member 4e,

moving the pushing plunger 7 so that it hits the optic part 100a of the IOL 100 and pushes the IOL 100 in distal direction, so that the leading hap tic 100b is folded by the folding member 4e such that the leading hap tic 100b is pointing to the proximal end 7f,

and moving the pushing plunger 7 so that it pushes the IOL 100 with the trailing hap tic 100c pointing in distal direction and the leading hap tic 100b pointing in proximal direction to the distal end 5c.

The injector body 2 holds the cartridge 5. The cartridge 5 can be releasably attached to the injector body 2. The cartridge 5 could be delivered separately. The injector body 2 including plungers 7, 8 could be a multiuse device, whereas the cartridge 5 could be a single use device. The injector body 2 and the cartridge 5 could also be manufactured as one single part.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these descriptions are given for purposes of illustration and explanation. Variations, changes, modifications and departures from the devices and methods disclosed above may be adopted without departure from the scope of the present invention as claimed.

Claims

1. IOL (intraocular lens) injector (1) for introducing an IOL (100) into the eye, comprising:

- an injector body (2);

- a cavity (4) comprising a lens carrier (4') for holding the IOL (100), the IOL (100) comprising a leading hap tic (100b), an optic part (100a) and a trailing hap tic (100c);

- a cartridge (5) ending at a distal end (5c) in an injection nozzle (5a);

- the injector body (2), the cavity (4) and the cartridge (5) having a channel (6) extending in axial direction (P);

- an axially movable pushing plunger (7) being placed in the channel (6) of the injector body (2) for pushing the IOL (100) in axial direction (P) out of the cavity (4) and into the cartridge (5) and the injection nozzle (5a),

and a folding plunger (8) that is arranged in the channel (6) and is extending in axial direction (P), parallel to the pushing plunger (7);

characterized in

that the lens carrier (4') comprises a trailing hap tic rest (4k) for defining the position of the trailing hap tic (100c) of an IOL (100) located in the lens carrier (4'), such that at least the folding plunger (8) when moved in axial direction (P) hits the trailing hap tic (100c) of the IOL (100) being arranged in the lens carrier (41,

and in that the lens carrier (4') defining the position of the optic part (100a) of the IOL (100) arranged in the lens carrier (4'), such that the pushing plunger (7) when moved in axial direction (P) hits the optic part (100a) of the IOL (100).

2. IOL injector (1) according to claim 1 , wherein a ramp (41) follows the trailing hap tic rest (4k) in axial direction (P), so that the trailing hap tic (100c), when moved in axial direction (P) by the pushing plunger (7) and/ or the folding plunger (8), passes the ramp (41) so that the trailing hap tic ( 100c) is folded and moved on top of the optic part (100a).

3. IOL injector (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the folding plunger (8) is arranged such in the injector body (2) that the folding plunger (8) protrudes beyond the pushing plunger (7) in direction of the distal end (5c), so that the folding plunger (8), when moved in axial direction (P), first contacts the trialing haptic (100c) of the IOL (100), such that the folding plunger (8) folds the trailing haptic (100c) in direction of the distal end (5c).

4. IOL injector (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the cavity (4) comprising a leading haptic nest (4b) directed in distal direction and a trailing haptic nest (4c) directed in proximal direction, opposite to the distal end (5c).

5. IOL injector (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the cavity (4) has a bottom (4i) which extends along the floor of the channel (6).

6. IOL injector (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the leading haptic nest (4b) comprises a leading haptic rest (4g) for defining the position and/ or direction of the leading haptic (100b) of an IOL (100) arranged in the carrier (4') of the cavity (4), and wherein the leading haptic nest (4b) comprises a folding member (4e) arranged on the distal side of the cavity (4), wherein the folding member (4e) is arranged above the channel (6), and wherein at least part of the leading haptic rest (4g) extends along the folding member (4e).

7. IOL injector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pushing plunger (7) and the folding plunger (8) are releasably connected by connecting means (7c, 8e), so that the pushing plunger (7) and the folding plunger (8) stay connected along a first displacement distance (PI), and that the folding plunger (8) is released from the pushing plunger (7) along a second displacement distance (P2), so that the pushing plunger (7) only acts onto the IOL (100) along the second displacement distance (P2).

8. IOL injector (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the injector body (2) comprises guiding means (2d), wherein the guiding means (2d) and the connecting means (7c, 8e) are arranged such and interact such, that the

connecting means (7c, 8e) open between the first and second displacement distance (PI , P2).

9. IOL injector (1) according to one of the preceding claims,

comprising a motor (10) that acts onto the pushing plunger (7) to drive the pushing plunger (7) in axial direction (P).

10. IOL injector (1) according to one of preceding claims, wherein the injector body (2) comprises a distal part (2e) and a proximal part (2f), wherein the distal part (2e) and the proximal part (2f) are spaced apart along a first displacement distance (PI) in axial direction (P), wherein the distal part (2e) and the proximal part (2f) are moveable in axial direction (P) along the first displacement distance (PI), wherein the folding plunger (8) is connected with the proximal part (2f), and wherein the folding plunger (8) is extending and axially moveable within the channel (6) of the distal part (2e), and wherein a proximal end part (7b) of the pushing plunger (7) is moveable in axial direction (P) along a second displacement distance (P2) in the proximal part (2f) and wherein the pushing plunger (7) is extending from the proximal end part (7b) in distal direction and is extending in axial direction (P) and axially moveable within the channel (6) of the distal part (2e), wherein, in a loading position of the IOL injector (1), the tip (7a) of the pushing plunger (7) and the tip (8a) of the folding plunger (8) are directed versus the cavity (4), wherein the folding plunger (8) in particular is part of the proximal part (2f) of the injector body (2).

1 1. IOL injector (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the injector body (2) and the cartridge (5) are separate components releasably connected to each other.

12. IOL injector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10,

wherein the injector body (2) and the cartridge (5) is a single component.

13. Method for folding an IOL (100) consisting of a optic part (100a), a leading haptic (100b) and a trailing haptic (1 10c) in an IOL injector (1) extending in an axial direction (P) and comprising a distal end (5c), a proximal end (7f), a cavity (4), a pushing plunger (7) and a folding plunge (8), the method comprising the steps of:

inserting the IOL (100) into the cavity (4) such that the trailing haptic (1 10c) pointing to the proximal end (7f) and the leading haptic (100b) pointing to the distal end (5c),

further inserting the IOL (100) such into the cavity (4) that the pushing plunger (7), when moved in axial direction (P) into the cavity (4), hits the optic part (100a),

further inserting the trailing haptic (1 10c) of the IOL (100) such in the cavity (4) that the folding plunger (8), when moved in axial direction (P) into the cavity (4), hits the trailing hap tic (1 10c),

moving at least the folding plunger (8) into the cavity (4) so that the folding plunger (8) hits the trailing hap tic (100c), moving the trailing hap tic ( 100c) in axial direction (P) and thereby lifting the trailing hap tic (100c) on top of the optic part (100a), and folding the trailing hap tic ( 100c) such that the trailing hap tic (100c) is pointing to the distal end (5c),

and moving at least the pushing plunger (7) so that it hits the optic part (100a) of the IOL (100) and pushes the IOL (100) with the trailing hap tic ( 100c) pointing in distal direction to the distal end (5c).

14. Method of claim 13, further inserting the IOL (100) in the cavity (4) such that the leading hap tic ( 100b) being arranged in a leading hap tic rest (4g) and a folding member (4e),

moving the pushing plunger (7) so that it hits the optic part (100a) of the IOL (100) and pushes the IOL (100) in distal direction, so that the leading hap tic (100b) is folded by the folding member (4e) such that the leading hap tic (100b) is pointing to the proximal end (7f),

and moving the pushing plunger (7) so that it pushes the IOL ( 100) with the trailing hap tic ( 100c) pointing in distal direction and the leading hap tic ( 100b) pointing in proximal direction to the distal end (5c).

15. IOL injector system comprising:

- an IOL injector (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12,

- a container (200) containing an IOL (100) and a lens holder (201) for holding the IOL (100) and further comprising a mechanism (202) for releasing the IOL (100); - the IOL injector (1) and the container (200) comprising connecting means (202) adapted to connect the container (200) with respect to the IOL injector (1) such that the IOL (100) can be transferred to within the cavity (4).

16. IOL injector system according to claim 15, wherein the container (200) is connected and aligned such with respect to the IOL injector (1) that the IOL (100) may be transferred to within the cavity (4) by linear movement.