U.S. patent application number 09/372966 was filed with the patent office on 2001-08-16 for insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens.
Invention is credited to KIKUCHI, TOSHIKAZU, KOBAYASHI, KENICHI, MASUDA, TAKASHI, NAKAJIMA, TOSHIYUKI.
Application Number | 20010014808 09/372966 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27454457 |
Filed Date | 2001-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010014808 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIKUCHI, TOSHIKAZU ; et
al. |
August 16, 2001 |
INSERTION DEVICE FOR A DEFORMABLE INTRAOCULAR LENS
Abstract
An insertion device for inserting a deformable intraocular lens
into the eye. The insertion device has a an enclosing member that
is attached to the body of the insertion device and that has two
hinge portions at a lens receiving section. Further, a retainer
member is fitted onto the enclosing member and a holder fitted onto
the body. The deformable intraocular lens is placed in the lens
receiving section after the enclosing member is opened. When the
holder is retracted, the intraocular lens is deformed by a tapered
inner wall portion formed at a the tip end of the holder, so that
the exterior size of the lens is reduced. Subsequently, a push rod
supported by the body is advanced in order to insert the lens into
the eye.
Inventors: |
KIKUCHI, TOSHIKAZU; (TOKYO,
JP) ; NAKAJIMA, TOSHIYUKI; (MATSUDO-SHI, JP) ;
KOBAYASHI, KENICHI; (TOKYO, JP) ; MASUDA,
TAKASHI; (TOKYO, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LADAS & PARRY
5670 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD
SUITE 2100
LOS ANGELES
CA
900365679
|
Family ID: |
27454457 |
Appl. No.: |
09/372966 |
Filed: |
August 12, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09372966 |
Aug 12, 1999 |
|
|
|
09032211 |
Feb 27, 1998 |
|
|
|
5947975 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2/1664
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/107 |
International
Class: |
A61B 017/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 7, 1997 |
JP |
9-53503 |
Mar 10, 1997 |
JP |
9-155139 |
May 13, 1997 |
JP |
9122373 |
Jan 16, 1998 |
JP |
10-6300 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An insertion device for inserting into the eye a deformable
intraocular lens in which at least an optical portion is formed of
an elastic material having predetermined memory characteristics or
a deformable intraocular lens in which at least an optical portion
is formed of an elastic material having predetermined memory
characteristics and which has a supporting portion for supporting
the optical portion within the eye, wherein said insertion device
comprises an enclosing member for receiving and holding the
deformable intraocular lens in an enclosed manner, said enclosing
member having a plurality of hinge portions.
2. An insertion device for inserting into the eye a deformable
intraocular lens in which at least an optical portion is formed of
an elastic material having predetermined memory characteristics and
which has a supporting portion made of a material different from
that of the optical portion and adapted to support the optical
portion within the eye, wherein said insertion device comprises an
enclosing member for receiving and holding the deformable
intraocular lens in an enclosed manner, said enclosing member
having a plurality of hinge portions.
3. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 1, wherein said deformable intraocular lens is placed in
said enclosing member in advance.
4. An insertion device for inserting into the eye a deformable
intraocular lens in which at least an optical portion is formed of
an elastic material having predetermined memory characteristics or
a deformable intraocular lens in which at least an optical portion
is formed of an elastic material having predetermined memory
characteristics and which has a supporting portion for supporting
the optical portion within the eye, wherein said insertion device
comprises an enclosing member for receiving and holding the
deformable intraocular lens in an enclosed manner, and said
deformable intraocular lens is placed in said enclosing material in
advance such a manner that at least a peripheral edge portion of
the lens is engaged with said enclosing member.
5. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 4, wherein said peripheral edge portion of the lens is an
outer circumferential edge of the optical portion of the lens.
6. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 4, wherein said enclosing member is separated from a body
of said insertion device, and engages said body when the deformable
intraocular lens is inserted into the eye.
7. An insertion device for inserting into the eye a deformable
intraocular lens in which at least an optical portion is formed of
an elastic material having predetermined memory characteristics or
a deformable intraocular lens in which at least an optical portion
is formed of an elastic material having predetermined memory
characteristics and which has a supporting portion for supporting
the optical portion within the eye, said insertion device
comprising: (a) an enclosing member for receiving and holding the
deformable intraocular lens in an enclosed manner, said enclosing
member having at least one hinge portion that allows said enclosing
member to be closed in order to deform the deformable intraocular
lens; and (b) a holder for closing said enclosing member and
maintaining the closed state.
8. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 7, wherein said enclosing member has two or more hinge
portions.
9. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 7, wherein said enclosing member having said hinge
portions has grooves on the inner surface in order to receive and
hold the deformable intraocular lens.
10. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 7, wherein said enclosing member having said hinge
portions and said holder are integrally built in said body.
11. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 7, wherein said enclosing member having said hinge
portions is an independent part.
12. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 7, wherein said holder is an independent part.
13. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 7, wherein said enclosing member having said hinge
portions and said holder are integrated together and are separated
from said body.
14. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 7, wherein said enclosing member having said hinge
portions and said holder are transparent.
15. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 7, wherein said enclosing member having said hinge
portions is transparent and said holder has an opening serving as
an observation window.
16. An insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according
to claim 7, further comprising a retainer member for maintaining
said enclosing member having said hinge portions in an opened sate
when the deformable intraocular lens is placed in said enclosing
member.
17. An insertion device for inserting into the eye a deformable
intraocular lens in which at least an optical portion is formed of
an elastic material having predetermined memory characteristics or
a deformable intraocular lens in which at least an optical portion
is formed of an elastic material having predetermined memory
characteristics and which has a supporting portion for supporting
the optical portion within the eye, wherein said insertion device
comprises an enclosing member having a hinge portion for receiving
and holding the deformable intraocular lens in an enclosed manner,
said enclosing member having grooves on the inner surface in order
to allow placement of the deformable intraocular lens into a lens
receiving section formed in said enclosing member when said
enclosing member is opened, and each of said grooves having
converging portions which are formed at front and rear sides of
said grooves with respect to the pushing direction and which have a
shape corresponding to the shape of the deformable intraocular
lens.
18. An insertion device for inserting into the eye a deformable
intraocular lens in which at least an optical portion is formed of
an elastic material having predetermined memory characteristics and
which has a supporting portion made of a material different from
that of the optical portion and adapted to support the optical
portion within the eye, wherein said insertion device comprises an
enclosing member having a hinge portion for receiving and holding
the deformable intraocular lens in an enclosed manner, said
enclosing member having grooves on the inner surface in order to
allow placement of the deformable intraocular lens into a lens
receiving section formed in said enclosing member when said
enclosing member is opened, and each of said grooves having
converging portions which are formed at front and rear sides of
said grooves with respect to the pushing direction and which have a
shape corresponding to the shape of the deformable intraocular
lens.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an insertion device for
inserting a deformable intraocular lens into the eye. Examples of
such a deformable intraocular lens include a deformable intraocular
lens that is inserted into the eye in place of the natural lens
when the latter is physically extracted because of cataracts, and a
vision correction lens that is inserted into the eye for the sole
purpose of vision correction.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Implantation of an intraocular lens for treating cataract
has been widely performed since 1949, when Ridley implanted for the
first time an artificial lens, i.e., intraocular lens into the
human eye in place of an opaqued natural lens during cataract
surgery.
[0005] The intraocular lens used first had an optical portion made
of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The implantation of the
intraocular lens was accompanied by complications which occurred
after the cataract surgery. Many ophthalmologists have shown
interest in the complications and have studied them. As a result,
most of the problems have been solved. However, since the optical
portion is made of a hard material, an incision for implantation of
such an intraocular lens must have a dimension somewhat greater
than the diameter of the optical portion. Since an incision to be
formed in the eyeball is large, in the degree of astigmatism after
surgery increases due to suture of the incision.
[0006] A method of surgery has been pointed out as a cause of the
above-mentioned complications. That is, the conventional surgery
for extracting a natural lens because of cataract has been
performed by using an ECCE (extracapsular cataract extraction)
operation technique in which a lens is extracted without crushing
it. Since this operation technique has required formation of an
incision of about 10 mm, the operation caused astigmatism quite
often. To solve this problem, a technique called
pharmacoemulsification (PEA) using an ultrasonic
emulsification/suction apparatus has been developed recently. In
this method, an opaqued natural lens is crushed and emulsified
using ultrasonic waves emitted from a cylindrical ultrasonic chip,
and is sucked for extraction. When this method is used, the size of
an incision formed in the eyeball can be decreased to a size
sufficient for insertion of the cylindrical ultrasonic chip. A
crushed lens can be extracted through an incision of about 3 to 4
mm. Therefore, this method makes it possible to perform the
extraction operation by forming only a small incision, which
mitigates the astigmatism after the operation. However, since the
optical portion is made of a hard material, an incision for
implantation of such an intraocular lens must have a dimension
somewhat greater than the diameter of the optical portion, as
mentioned above. In the case of a standard intraocular lens having
an optical portion of 6.0 mm, an incision having a size equal to or
greater than 6.5 mm must be formed. Therefore, even if an opaqued
natural lens is extracted through a small incision using
pharmacoemulsification, the incision must be widened so as to
insert an intraocular lens. Accordingly, the problem of astigmatism
occurring after surgery due to the large incision has not been
solved.
[0007] In order to mitigate astigmatism after surgery, improved
intraocular lenses have been developed which can decrease the size
of incisions. Examples of such improved lenses include an
intraocular lens having an oval optical portion which is inserted
into an incision such that its smaller radius is oriented in the
direction of the incision, and an intraocular lens with an optical
portion having a reduced diameter. However, each of these
intraocular lenses still has a hard optical portion. Therefore,
employment of these intraocular lenses decreases the incision size
only to about 5.5 mm (i.e., only by about 1 mm).
[0008] In order to solve the above-described fundamental problems,
intraocular lenses themselves have been improved recently. Such an
improved intraocular lens is disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 58-146346. In the intraocular
lens, at least an optical portion is made of a deformable elastic
material having a predetermined memory characteristic.
Alternatively, at least an optical portion is made of an elastic
material having a predetermined memory characteristic, and supports
are provided which are made of a material different from that of
the optical portion and are adapted to support the optical portion
within an eye. Moreover, as disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open (kokai) Nos. 58-146346, 4-212350, 5-103803,
5-103808, 5-103809, and 7-23990 improved insertion tools have been
proposed. Using these tools, the optical portion of an intraocular
lens is compressed, rolled, bent, stretched, or folded so as to
reduce its exterior size, thereby making it possible to insert the
intraocular lens through a small incision. These intraocular lenses
and insertion tools therefor make it possible to perform surgery by
forming only a small incision, thereby mitigating astigmatism after
surgery.
[0009] FIGS. 32 to 35 show the conventional deformable intraocular
lenses. The deformable intraocular lens shown in FIG. 32 is
composed of a circular optical portion 2 and two symmetrically
disposed supports 3. The circular optical portion 2 is made of an
elastic material having predetermined memory characteristics. The
supports 3 are made of a material different from that of the
optical portion 2, and the bases 3a of the supports 3 are embedded
in the peripheral region of the optical portion 2 for fixing, while
the wire-shaped tails 3b are curved. The optical portion 2 has on
the periphery thereof projections 2a for reinforcing the positions
where the bases 3a of the supports 3 are embedded. The deformable
intraocular lens 1 shown FIG. 33 is configured in the same manner
as is the deformable intraocular lens of FIG. 32 except that the
projections 2a are omitted. Each of the deformable intraocular
lenses shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 is composed of a circular optical
portion 2 and a pair of thin plate-shaped support portions 4 that
are integral with the optical portion 2. The optical portion 2,
like the optical portion 2 shown in FIG. 32, is made of an elastic
material having predetermined memory characteristics. The support
portions 4 are projected from the periphery of the optical port 2
in opposite directions.
[0010] An insertion device disclosed in, for example, Japanese
Patent Application Laid-Open (kokai) No. 7-23991 is used for
deformable intraocular lenses, as shown in FIGS. 32 to 35, each of
which is composed of the optical portion 2 and the support portions
3 or 4, of which at least the optical portion 2 has predetermined
memory characteristics. The deformable intraocular lens 1 is folded
in order to reduce its exterior size and is advanced along an
insertion tube having, for example, a cylindrical shape, in order
to be inserted into the eye through an incision formed in the
eyeball.
[0011] FIGS. 26(a), 26(b) and 27 show the structure and operation
of the conventional insertion device. First, an enclosing member 5
of the insertion device having a hinge portion 6 is opened. A
deformable intraocular lens is placed on a lens receiving section 7
such that the lens engages grooves 9a and 9b. Subsequently, the
enclosing member 5 is closed so as to reduce the exterior size of
the deformable intraocular lens and hold it. The grooves 9a and 9b
become shallower toward the insertion-tube side of the lens
receiving section 7. However, the grooves 9a and 9b extend up to
the rear end of the lens receiving section 7 while maintaining
constant depth. Since the grooves 9a and 9b converge at the front
side with respect to the direction along which the lens is pushed
out, the position where the lens is to be placed can be determined
with reference to the converged portions. However, since the
grooved structure continues unchanged to the rear end, no reference
for positioning exists at the rear side, rendering the positioning
difficult. Further, when the enclosing member 5 is closed, the
deformable intraocular lens placed in the lens receiving section
may move rearward.
[0012] After the operation of placing the intraocular lens on the
lens receiving section 7 and closing the enclosing member 5, an
engagement member 15 provided on a device body 12 is moved toward
the lens receiving section 7, while the closed state is maintained,
so that the engagement member 15 engages the enclosing member 5 to
maintain the closed state thereof.
[0013] After completion of the entire operation for setting the
lens, a push rod 13 of the insertion device is advanced to push
forward the deformable intraocular lens received in the enclosing
member 5. As a result, the deformable intraocular lens is inserted
into the eye through the tip end of a insertion tube 11 provided at
the front end of the enclosing portion, which tip end can be
inserted into the eye through a small incision formed on the eye
ball.
[0014] However, in the conventional insertion device, a hinge
portion 6 projects outward with respect to the grooves 9a and 9b
formed in the lens receiving section 7. Therefore, when a
deformable intraocular lens is placed on the lens receiving section
7 having such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 30, the deformable
intraocular lens 1 interferes with the hinge portion 6 and curves.
If the deformable intraocular lens 1 is allowed to remain in such a
state for a long period of time, the lens 1 deforms with time.
[0015] Accordingly, immediately before the lens is inserted into
the eye the operation of placing the deformable intraocular lens
must be performed quickly, and therefore, the lens cannot be placed
on the lens receiving section 7 in advance. That is, before
insertion of the deformable intraocular lens into the eye, there is
always required an operation for placing the lens on the lens
receiving section 7. Further, during the placement operation, the
lens must be precisely placed at a proper position. However, the
operation for precise and quick placement of the lens at a proper
position is very difficult, because the intraocular lens and the
lens receiving section 7 are both very small, resulting in the
problem that an imprecise placement operation causes an insertion
failure, such as abnormal insertion of the intraocular lens into
the eye.
[0016] Meanwhile, insertion of a lens into the eye for the sole
purpose of vision correction has recently been performed as an
application of the above-mentioned intraocular lens insertion
technique--which has been used for treatment of cataracts. For the
vision correction purpose as well, there has been developed a lens
in which at least the optical portion is formed of a deformable
elastic material having predetermined memory characteristics, as in
the intraocular lens for cataract treatment, in order to reduce the
size of an incision. The above-described insertion device can be
used when the deformable vision correction lens is to be inserted
into the eye through a small incision.
[0017] That is, the above-described insertion device has enabled
insertion of a deformable intraocular lens, such as a deformable
intraocular lens for cataract treatment or a deformable vision
correction lens, into the eye through a small incision.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] A first object of the present invention is to provide an
insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens, which device
allows an operator to omit an operation of placing a lens on an
enclosing member, through an operation of engaging the peripheral
edge of the lens with the enclosing member in advance.
[0019] A second object of the present invention is to provide an
insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens, which device
prevents movement of a lens after placement on the enclosing member
and lets the operator know a location in the lens receiving section
where the lens to be placed.
[0020] A third object of the present invention is to provide an
insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens, which device
allows simultaneous performance, for simplified operation, of two
independent operations of deforming a lens and bringing the
deformed lens into a held state.
[0021] In order to achieve the first object, the insertion device
for a deformable intraocular lens according to the present
invention has a structure in which a plurality of hinge portions
provided in the enclosing member allow the peripheral edge of a
deformable intraocular lens to engage the enclosing member, so that
the lens can be held by the enclosing member in a state in which
the optical portion of the lens substantially does not come into
contact the enclosing portion.
[0022] The insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens
according to the present invention may have another structure which
allows the peripheral edge of a deformable intraocular lens to
engage the enclosing member without use of the hinge portions and
which deforms the deformable intraocular lens with movement of the
lens.
[0023] In order to achieve the second object, the insertion device
for a deformable intraocular lens according to the present
invention has a structure in which grooves are formed in the lens
receiving section of the enclosing member such that the grooves
converge at the front and rear ends of the lens receiving
section.
[0024] In order to achieve the third object, the insertion device
for a deformable intraocular lens according to the present
invention has a structure in which the operation of closing the
enclosing member to deform an intraocular lens within the enclosing
member to thereby reduce its exterior size and the operation of
bringing the deformed lens into a held state can be performed
simultaneously through a single operation; i.e., movement of a
holder of the insertion device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Various other objects, features and many of the attendant
advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as
the same becomes better understood by reference to the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiments when considered
in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an insertion device for a
deformable intraocular lens according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG.
2;
[0029] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 2;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG.
3;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG.
3;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG.
3;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which an
intraocular lens placed in the insertion device of FIG. 1 has been
deformed;
[0034] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 8;
[0035] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG.
9;
[0036] FIG. 11 is an enlarge sectional view taken along line F-F in
FIG. 9;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the enclosing member of an
insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according to a
second embodiment of the present invention in which grooves each
have a converging portion having a different shape;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the enclosing member of an
insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens according to a
third embodiment of the present invention in which grooves each
have a converging portion having a different shape;
[0039] FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view of the enclosing
member of an insertion device for a deformable intraocular lens
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which
a lens is placed on the enclosing member in advance;
[0040] FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state in
which the enclosing member shown in FIG. 14 is closed and held by
an engagement member;
[0041] FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b) show a main portion of an insertion
device for a deformable intraocular lens according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 16(a) is a plan
view of the device with a cap member removed, and FIG. 16(b) is a
bottom view of the cap member;
[0042] FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line G-G in FIG. 16
with the cap member attached;
[0043] FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line H-H
in FIG. 17;
[0044] FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b) show an insertion device for a
deformable intraocular lens according to a sixth embodiment of the
present invention, wherein FIG. 19(a) is a plan view of the device,
and FIG. 19(b) is a side view of the device;
[0045] FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b) show a holder used in the insertion
device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention,
wherein FIG. 20(a) is a plan view of the holder, and FIG. 20(b) is
a side view of the holder;
[0046] FIG. 21 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line I-I
in FIG. 19(b);
[0047] FIG. 22 is a side view showing a method of fitting the
enclosing member into the holder;
[0048] FIG. 23 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line J-J
in FIG. 22;
[0049] FIG. 24 is a side view showing a state in which the
enclosing member has been fitted into the holder;
[0050] FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken along line K-K in FIG.
24;
[0051] FIGS. 26a) and 26(b) show a conventional insertion device,
wherein FIG. 26(a) is a plan view of the device, and FIG. 26(b) is
a side view of the device;
[0052] FIG. 27 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line L-L
in FIG. 26(b);
[0053] FIGS. 28(a) and 28(b) show a state in which the enclosing
member of the insertion device of FIG. 26 is engaged with the
engagement member, wherein FIG. 28(a) is a plan view of the device,
and FIG. 28(b) is a side view of the device;
[0054] FIG. 29 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line M-M
in FIG. 28(b);
[0055] FIG. 30 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state in
which a deformable intraocular lens is placed on the lens receiving
section of the insertion device of FIG. 26;
[0056] FIG. 31 is an enlarged sectional view showing a state in
which the enclosing member shown in FIG. 30 is closed and held by
an engagement member;
[0057] FIG. 32 is an enlarged plan view of a deformable intraocular
lens;
[0058] FIG. 33 is an enlarged plan view of another deformable
intraocular lens;
[0059] FIG. 34 is an enlarged plan view of still another deformable
intraocular lens; and
[0060] FIG. 35 is an enlarged plan view of still another deformable
intraocular lens.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0061] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0062] FIGS. 1 to 7 shows an insertion device according to a first
embodiment of the present invention. In FIGS. 1 to 7, numeral 10
denotes a body of the insertion device; numeral 1 denotes a
deformable intraocular lens for cataract treatment; numeral 5
denotes an enclosing member built into the body 10; numerals 6a and
6b each denote a hinge portion provided on the enclosing member 5;
numeral 7 denotes a lens receiving section which is formed upon
opening of the enclosing member 5 in order to receive the
intraocular lens 1, numeral 8 denotes a holder which is provided on
the body 10 and is adapted to close the enclosing member 5 and
maintain the closed state; numeral 9 denotes an annular retainer
member for maintaining the enclosing member 5 in an opened state
when the deformable intraocular lens 1 is to be placed on the lens
receiving section 7; and numeral 11 denotes a push rod which is
inserted into the body 10 and adapted to push out the deformable
intraocular lens 1.
[0063] The cylindrical base portion 5a of the enclosing member 5 is
inserted and fixed to the tip end of the cylindrical body 10. The
enclosing member 5 has the lens receiving section 7 at a
longitudinal center portion thereof, and an insertion tube 15 is
integrally formed on the front side of the lens receiving section
7. The insertion tube 15 is tapered such that its diameter
decreases toward the tip end. At a portion corresponding to the
lens receiving section 7, the enclosing member 5 has a lower
portion having a semicircular cross section, and a pair of
quadrant-shaped upper portions connected to the lower portion via
the hinges 6a and 6b. When the upper portions (i.e., the enclosing
member 5) are closed, the enclosing member 5 forms a closed
cylindrical shape. A groove 13 is formed on the inner surface of
each quadrant-shaped upper portion. A converging portion 14 is
formed at the insertion-sleeve-side and the body-side of the groove
13. In the converging portion 14, the depth of the groove 13
decreases gradually to zero.
[0064] No limitation is imposed on the cross-sectional shape of the
lens receiving section 7 at the time when the enclosing member 5 is
closed, and the lens receiving section 7 may have an elliptical
cross section or a rectangular cross section when the enclosing
member 5 is closed. Also, the cross-sectional shape of the grooves
13 may be changed freely. The enclosing member 5 is preferably
formed from a plastic having elasticity. The base end 8b of the
cylindrical holder 8 is slidably fit onto the outer circumference
of the tip end portion of the body 10. The tapered front portion of
the holder 8 has a tapered inner wall 12 whose diameter decreases
toward the tip end of the holder 8.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 3 and other drawings, the holder 8 has an
opening 8a formed in the upper and longitudinal center portion
thereof. The portion of the enclosing member 5 corresponding to the
lens receiving section 7 where the hinges 6a and 6b are provided is
located to face the opening 8a. The annular retainer member 9 is
slidably fitted onto the enclosing member 5 and the holder 8 at the
longitudinal center thereof. A cut-away portion 9a is formed in the
upper portion of the retainer member 9 over the entire length
thereof.
[0066] As described above, in the insertion device for a deformable
intraocular lens according to the first embodiment, when the
quadrant-shaped upper portions of the enclosing member 5 are
opened, there is formed the lens receiving section 7 for receiving
the deformable intraocular lens 1. At this time, the
quadrant-shaped upper portions may be brought into an opened state
by the retainer member 9 in advance. Subsequently, the deformable
intraocular lens 1 is placed in the lens receiving section 7 such
that the peripheral edges of the deformable intraocular lens 1
engage with the grooves 13 of the quadrant-shaped upper portions.
Since the converging portions 14 are formed on the
insertion-sleeve-side and the body-side of the groove 13, the
deformable intraocular lens 1 can be placed while the converging
portions 14 are used as a reference for positioning. In addition,
since movement of the deformable intraocular lens 1 along the
pushing-out direction is restricted within a range defined by the
converging portions 14, the deformable intraocular lens 1 is
prevented from moving within the lens receiving section 7 after
placement of the deformable intraocular lens 1 immediately before
insertion thereof or in advance.
[0067] FIGS. 5 to 7 shows cross sections respectively taken along
lines B-B, C-C, and D-D in FIG. 3. As is apparent from these
drawings, the grooves 13 are formed at only the portion where the
deformable intraocular lens 1 is placed, and at the front and rear
sides of that portion, the grooves 13 disappear due to the
converging portions 14. Further, since the hinge portions 6a and 6b
are provided at two circumferential positions, the hinge portions
6a and 6b do not interfere with the deformable intraocular lens 1
supported by the opposed grooves 13, and the enclosing member 5
comes into contact with the deformable intraocular lens 1 through
only the peripheral edge thereof. Thus, the deformable intraocular
lens 1 is held in an uncurved state in order to prevent generation
of plastic deformation with time. Preferably, in order to attain a
sufficient lubrication effect, before the deformable intraocular
lens 1 is deformed a lubricant is applied dropwise to an inner
surface of the enclosing member 5 in an area beneath the deformable
intraocular lens.
[0068] Subsequently, the holder 8 is slid toward the body 10 side,
as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11. Due to this sliding movement of the
holder 8, the tip ends of the quadrant-shaped upper portions
opposite the hinge portions 6a and 6b come into contact with the
tapered inner wall 12 of the holder 8, so that the quadrant-shaped
upper portions are closed gradually. Thus, the longitudinal center
portion of the enclosing member 5 where the quadrant-shaped upper
portions and the hinge portions 6a and 6b exist are inserted into
the smallest-inner-diameter portion of the holder 8, so that the
quadrant-shaped upper portions of the enclosing member 5 are held
in an closed state as shown in FIG. 11. During the above-described
operation, the exterior size of the deformable intraocular lens 1
is gradually reduced to the smallest size. Subsequently, the tip
end of the insertion tube 15 is inserted into the eye through an
incision formed on the eyeball, and the push rod 11 is advanced. As
a result, the deformable intraocular lens 1 is pushed out from the
tip end of the insertion tube 15 via the interior of the insertion
tube 15, which is contiguous with the lens receiving section 7, and
is placed in the eye.
[0069] In the above-described embodiment, since the groove 13
provided in the lens receiving section 7 has the converging portion
14 at the insertion-tube-side and the body-side thereof, when the
deformable intraocular lens 1 is placed in the lens receiving
section 7, the position of the deformable intraocular lens 1 can be
determined precisely. Further, since once placed the deformable
intraocular lens 1 can be fixedly held within the range defined by
the converging portions 14, the deformable intraocular lens 1 can
be placed in the lens receiving section 7 in advance. This
eliminates operation of placing the deformable intraocular lens 1
immediately before surgery. Further, the lens placed in advance can
be held without causing positional shift.
[0070] Moreover, after being placed in the lens receiving section
7, the deformable intraocular lens 1 can be deformed through a
simple operation; i.e., sliding of the holder 8.
[0071] Next, insertion devices according to second and third
embodiments of the present invention will be described with
reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. In the insertion device of the second
embodiment shown in FIG. 12, each of the converging portions 14 of
the opposed grooves 13 has a length and shape substantially
corresponding to the shape of the optical portion of the deformable
intraocular lens 1 to be used. In the insertion device of the third
embodiment shown in FIG. 13, each of the converging portions 14 of
the opposed grooves 13 has a length and shape substantially
corresponding to the shape of support portions oppositely
projecting from the optical portion of the deformable intraocular
lens 1, which shape is similar to that shown in FIG. 34. The
structures of these embodiments allow the deformable intraocular
lens 1 to be placed at the designed position more stably, so that
insertion of the lens 1 into the eye can be made more reliable.
[0072] Other than the above-described features, the insertion
devices of the second and third embodiments are identical to that
of the first embodiment in terms of structure and operation.
Therefore the reference numerals in FIGS. 12 and 13 are assigned to
correspond to those used in the first embodiment.
[0073] In the above-described first through third embodiments, the
enclosing member is closed and held in the closed state through
sliding movement of the holder. However, this structure may be
replaced with other suitable structures.
[0074] Next, an insertion device according to a fourth embodiment
of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
14 and 15. In FIGS. 14 and 15, numeral 5 denotes an enclosing
member of the insertion device; numerals 5a and 5b denotes right
and left press plates extending upward from the quadrant-shaped
upper portions; numerals 6a and 6b each denote a hinge portion
provided on the enclosing member 5; numeral 7 denotes a lens
receiving section which is formed upon opening of the enclosing
member 5 in order to receive the intraocular lens 1; and numeral 15
denotes an engagement member which is provided separately from the
body and adapted to close the quadrant-shaped upper portions and
hold the closed state.
[0075] That is, the enclosing member 5 of the insertion device
according to the fourth embodiment differs from the enclosing
member 5 having a single hinge 6 shown in FIGS. 26(a), 26(b), 27,
28(a), 28(b), and 29 in that two hinges 6a and 6b are provided at
circumferential positions.
[0076] In a state where the right and left press plates 5a and 5b
are open apart, the deformable intraocular lens 1 for cataract
treatment is placed in the lens receiving section 7 such that the
peripheral edge of the lens 1 engages the grooves 9a and 9b.
Subsequently, the right and left press plates 5a and 5b are brought
into contact with each other in order to reduce the exterior size
of the lens 1 and hold it.
[0077] Therefore, the deformable intraocular lens 1 can be placed
in the lens receiving section 7 in advance and then inserted into
the eye in the same manner as in the first embodiment.
[0078] Next, an insertion device according to a fifth embodiment of
the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
16(a), 16(b), 17 and 18. FIG. 16(a) is a plan view of the device
with a cap member removed; and FIG. 16(b) is a bottom view of the
cap member; FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line G-G in
FIG. 16; and FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line
H-H in FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 35, the deformable intraocular
lens 1 used in this embodiment is composed of a circular optical
portion 2, a pair of thin plate-shaped support portions 4, and a
peripheral edge portion 4a. The deformable intraocular lens 1 is
made of an elastic material having predetermined memory
characteristics. The support portions 4 are projected from the
periphery of the optical portion 2 in opposite directions (vertical
opposite directions in FIG. 35), and the peripheral edge portion 4a
are slightly projected from the optical portion 2 rightward and
leftward in FIG. 35.
[0079] Numeral 5 denotes an enclosing member for receiving the
deformable intraocular lens 1, and the base portion of the
enclosing member 5 is inserted and fixed to the tip end of the body
12 of the insertion device. The enclosing member 5 has a lens
receiving section 7 at a longitudinal center portion thereof
projected from the body 12. The enclosing member 5 has an opening
5d at the upper side of the center portion. Right and left recess
grooves 9a and 9b are formed on the upper end surfaces of the
enclosing member 5. A tapered insertion tube 11 is integrally
formed on the front side of the lens receiving section 7. A cap
member 5e which can be fitted into the opening 5d is provided as a
part of the enclosing member 5. The cap member 5e has right and
left recess grooves 9c and 9d on the lower end surfaces. Further,
numeral 13 denotes a push rod which has a cut groove 13a at the tip
end thereof.
[0080] The deformable intraocular lens 1 shown in FIG. 35 is placed
into the lens setting section 7 through the opening 5d, and the cap
member 5e is fitted to the opening 5d. As a result, the right and
left edge portions 4a of the optical portion 2 face and engage the
right and left recess grooves 9a and 9b of the enclosing member 5
and the right and left recess grooves 9c and 9d of the cap member
5e in such a manner that the optical portion 2 of the deformable
intraocular lens 1 substantially does not contact the enclosing
member 5 including the cap member 5e.
[0081] In the fifth embodiment, after the cap member 5e is removed
from the opening 5d to allow an operator to observe the deformable
intraocular lens 1, a lubricant is applied dropwise to an area
beneath the lens 1 and to the inner surface of the cap member 5e,
and the cap member 5e is fitted to the opening 5d to close the
opening 5d. Subsequently, the push rod 13 is advanced so that the
rear support portion 4 of the deformable intraocular lens 1 is
received by the cut groove 13a formed at the tip of the push rod
13, and is advanced further in order to advance the deformable
intraocular lens 1. When the deformable intraocular lens 1 passes
through the tapered inner wall portion of the enclosing member 5,
the lens 1 reaches in the vicinity of the tip end of the insertion
tube 11, while the exterior size of the lens 1 is reduced
gradually. In this state, the tip end of the insertion tube 11 is
inserted into an incision formed on the eyeball, and the push rod
13 is further advanced to insert the lens 1 into the eye.
[0082] Except the above-described features, the insertion devices
of the fifth embodiment is substantially identical to that of the
first embodiment in terms of structure and operation. Therefore,
the deception therefor will be omitted.
[0083] Although not illustrated in the drawings, the cap member 5e
may be connected to the enclosing member 5 such that the opening 5d
can be opened and closed through swing motion of the cap member 5e.
Further, a structure shown in FIG. 18 may employed. That is,
engagement projections 5f are projected from the front and rear
surfaces of the cap member 5e, and engagement depressions 5g are
formed in the front and rear walls of the opening 5d of the
enclosing member 5 such that the engagement projections 5f and the
engagement depressions 5g can be engaged with each other.
[0084] Further, the base portion of the enclosing member 5 may be
removably attached or fixedly attached to the body 12 of the
insertion device.
[0085] In the first embodiment, the holder is used to close the
quadrant-shaped upper portions and to maintain the closed state.
However, the first embodiment may be modified such that the
quadrant-shaped upper portions are closed manually, and the closed
sate is maintained through use of an engagement member.
[0086] Next, an insertion device according to a sixth embodiment of
the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 19
and 21. In FIGS. 19 to 21, numeral 10 denotes a body of the
insertion device; numeral 5 denotes an enclosing member of the
insertion device; numerals 6a and 6b each denote a hinge portion
providing on the enclosing member 5; numeral 7 denotes a lens
receiving section which is formed upon opening of the enclosing
member 5 in order to receive the intraocular lens 1; and numeral 8
denotes a holder which is provided separately from the body 10 and
adapted to close the quadrant-shaped upper portions and hold the
closed state.
[0087] The holder 8 has a tapered outer surface at the tip end
thereof, and a slit 8c is formed in the upper portion of the holder
8 over the entire length thereof. Further, at the center of the
holder 8 is formed a through hole 8d through which an unillustrated
push rod is inserted. The retainer member used in the first
embodiment is omitted. Since the members other than the
above-described members are identical to those of the first
embodiment, the descriptions therefor will be omitted.
[0088] In the insertion device according to the sixth embodiment
having the above-described structure, when the quadrant-shaped
upper portions of the enclosing member 5 is opened, the lens
receiving section 7 is formed on the enclosing member 5.
Subsequently, the deformable intraocular lens 1 is placed in the
lens receiving section 7. In order to obtain sufficient lubrication
effect, a lubricant or the like is preferably applied to the lens
receiving section 7. Subsequently, the enclosing member 5 into
which the deformable intraocular lens 1 is placed is fitted into
the holder 8 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Thus, the enclosing
member 5 is accommodated within the holder 8, and is maintained in
a completely closed state as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.
[0089] Through the above-described operation, the exterior size of
the deformable intraocular lens is reduced. Since the size of the
deformable intraocular lens can be reduced through the operation of
fitting the enclosing member into the holder, the operation is very
easy.
[0090] In the sixth embodiment, the enclosing member and the holder
are preferably formed of a transparent material such as a
transparent resin. In this case, since the state of the deformed
intraocular lens can be checked, the degree of safety is
increased.
[0091] In each of other embodiments, the enclosing member and the
holder or the engagement member are preferably formed of a
transparent material such as a transparent resin. In this case,
since the state of the deformed intraocular lens can be checked,
the degree of safety is increased.
[0092] In the case where the enclosing member is formed of a
transparent material such as a transparent resin and the holder is
formed of an opaque material such as metal or opaque resin, an
opening serving as an observation window may be formed in the
holder in order to allow an operator to check the state of the
deformed intraocular lens. In this case as well, the degree of
safety is increased.
[0093] In the first to fourth and sixth embodiments, the enclosing
member has two hinges. However, a larger number of hinge portions
may be provided. The above-describe benefits of the present
invention can be attained in this case as well.
[0094] In the above-described embodiments, the holder is an
independent part. However, there can be employed a structure in
which the holder is integrally built in the body of the insertion
device. Also, the enclosing member having hinge portions may be
formed as an independent part. Further, there can be employed a
structure in which the holder and the enclosing member having hinge
portions are integrated together and are independent of the body of
the insertion device.
[0095] In the above-described embodiments, descriptions have been
given of the case where a deformable intraocular lens for cataract
treatment is inserted into the eye. However, the present invention
can be applied to the case where other kinds of deformable
intraocular lens such as a vision correction lens is inserted into
the eye. In the above-described embodiments, the enclosing member
is integral with the body of the insertion device. However, the
enclosing member may have a structure that allows removable
attachment of the enclosing member to the body. In this case, the
enclosing member and/or the body may be repeatedly used through
sterilization.
[0096] In the above-described embodiments, a push rod is employed
to push out a deformable intraocular lens into the eye. However,
other mechanisms may be employed to push out the deformable
intraocular lens into the eye.
[0097] In the fifth embodiment, when the enclosing member is formed
of a transparent material such as a transparent resin, the state of
the deformed intraocular lens can be checked, so that the degree of
safety is increased.
[0098] In the above-described embodiments, a deformable intraocular
lens is held such that only the peripheral edge portion of the lens
contacts the enclosing member. When a deformable intraocular lens
having support portions projected from the optical portion with an
angle is used, in addition to the structure for supporting the
peripheral portion of the lens, there may be employed a structure
for supporting the support portions of the lens by a part of the
enclosing member or another independent member in order to maintain
the angle formed between the support portions and the optical
portion.
[0099] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It
is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
* * * * *