Intraocular lens loading systems and methods of use
View Patent ↗Intraocular lens loading devices, system, and methods of use. The device and systems can be used to load an intraocular lens into a cartridge, from which it can delivered into a patient's eye. The devices and systems can also be used to simply advance an intraocular lens through any type of loading or delivery device.
1. A method of loading a fluid-filled intraocular lens into a delivery or storage device, comprising:
providing a fluid-filled intraocular lens comprising an optic portion and a first haptic, the first haptic comprising a connection portion coupled to the optic portion and a second portion extending from the connection portion;
while the second portion is deformed, relative to the connection portion, from a position in which it follows the general curvature of the optic portion to a position in which it extends further away from the optic portion, applying a loading force with a loading instrument on the connection portion of the first haptic without applying a loading force on the second portion of the first haptic; and
loading the intraocular lens into a delivery or storage device.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising positioning the fluid-filled intraocular lens in a lens positioning area of a loading device.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein applying the loading force comprises applying a generally distally directed force directly on the connection portion with the loading instrument.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein loading comprises deforming at least a portion of the lens.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein applying a loading force with a loading instrument on the connection portion of the first haptic comprises directly engaging the loading instrument with the connection portion of the first haptic.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein applying the loading force comprises applying the loading force while the second portion extends proximally relative to the optic portion.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein applying the loading force on the connection portion does not re-orient the connection portion with respect to the optic portion.