METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSERTING A FLEXIBLE MEMBRANE INTO AN EYE

摘要

This invention is an instrument (10) for inserting a flexible intraocular lens or other flexible membrane into an eye, which includes a compressor (26) for laterally compressing the lens into a small cross-sectional configuration to pass the lens through a narrow incision. The compressor includes retainers (68, 70) along the interior of the inserter to maintain the side edges of the lens in a substantially planar orientation during compression. The retainers preferably extend through the inserter to hold the lens during advancement toward the eye to prevent an uncontrolled rotation of the lens.