Method and device for sterile packaging of a ready-to-use flexible hydrophilic intraocular lens

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for packaging a flexible hydrophilic intraocular lens ( 1 ) placed flat on an injection support ( 4 ) which is adapted to carry out folding of the lens ( 1 ) during its implantation. The lens is immersed in a bath of liquid conserving solution contained in a sealed flask ( 30 ) which is itself enclosed in a packaging envelope ( 48 ), the assembly being steam-sterilized.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of a lens package flexible hydrophilic intraocular, comprising:
 placing the lens on an injection support including an implantation end through which the lens can be slid and ejected for its intraocular implantation, said injection support being adapted to receive and carry the lens and to be associated with an injection device comprising a pusher piston adapted to push the lens on the injection support towards the implantation end,   wherein the lens is placed and the support of injection in a packaging enclosing a volume of liquid solution for preservation of the lens from bathing the lens and the now hydrated,   wherein there is used an injection support adapted to receive and carry the lens flat and to be able to perform a folding of the lens before the latter is ejected through the implantation end, wherein placing the lens flat on the injection support and immersed in a bath of liquid solution for retention in a vial rigid impervious to liquids that is closed, and   wherein then all sterilized with steam.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein before sterilization placing the rigid flask in a packaging wrapper external compatible with steam sterilization. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein an injection support adapted to perform a single time by folding translational movement to the lens when the latter is pushed towards the implantation end. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein an injection support carried removably by a stopper closing the rigid flask. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein an injection support associated with an injection device comprising a cylindrical body receiving the hollow piston pusher adapted to be sealingly slidable in the cylindrical body, and in that the rigid flask and the cylindrical body are adapted to be secured to each other rigidly tight manner, the injection support extending in the liquid solution of conservation in the rigid flask, but so as to be separated from each other in order to use the injection device for implantation of the lens. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the rigid flask and the cylindrical body are fixed to one another by screwing an end of the rigid bottle on the outer wall of the cylindrical body and so as to ensure liquid-tightness between the rigid flask and the outer wall of the cylindrical body. 
     
     
         7 . A device for packaging and storage in a sterile condition for a lens flexible hydrophilic intraocular lens comprising:
 an injection support including an implantation end through which the lens can be slid and ejected for its intraocular implantation, said injection support being adapted to receive and carry the lens and to be associated with an injection device including a thruster piston adapted to push the lens towards an implantation end of the injection support,   a lens flexible hydrophilic intraocular lens placed on the injection support,   a packaging enclosing at least the lens, the injection support and a volume of liquid solution conservation of the lens from bathing the lens and the now hydrated,   wherein said injection support is adapted to receive and carry the lens flat and to be able to perform a folding of the lens before the latter is ejected through the end of implantation, —the lens is carried flat on the injection support and immersed in a bath of liquid solution for retention in a vial rigid liquid-tight and closed,   wherein the assembly is in a sterilized condition.   
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the rigid flask is enclosed in a packaging casing external compatible with steam sterilization. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the injection support is adapted to perform a folding simply by translational movement imparted to the lens when the latter is pushed towards the end site. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the injection support is carried removably by a stopper closing the rigid flask. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the injection support is associated with an injection device comprising a cylindrical body receiving the hollow piston pusher adapted to be sealingly slidable in the cylindrical body, and in that the rigid flask and the cylindrical body are adapted to be secured to each other rigidly, of tight manner, the injection support extending in the liquid solution of conservation in the rigid flask, but so as to be separated from each other for use of the device injection for implantation of the lens. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein the rigid flask and the cylindrical body are fixed to one another by screwing an end of the rigid bottle on the outer wall of the cylindrical body and so as to ensure liquid-tightness between the rigid flask and the outer wall of the cylindrical body. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein it comprises means forming an axial stop preventing accidental extraction of the thruster piston out of the hollow cylindrical body. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 13 , wherein the hollow cylindrical body is adapted to form the axial end stop preventing the untimely extraction of the thruster piston out of the hollow cylindrical body. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 14 , wherein it comprises a seal adapted to be interposed between the axial end stop of the hollow cylindrical body, and a block sealing of the thruster piston in an extreme retracted position in the hollow cylindrical body. 
     
     
         16 . The device according to  claim 11 , wherein it is provided with unlockable means for locking the thruster piston in an extreme retracted position in the hollow cylindrical body. 
     
     
         17 . The device according to  claim 16 , wherein the thruster piston comprises a maneuvering rod non-rotationally symmetrical, in that the hollow cylindrical body has an axial end having a lumen non-rotationally symmetrical, of conjugate shapes from those of the operating rod, and in that the stem is mounted so as to be rotated about its longitudinal axis between a locked position where it cannot enter the lumen and an unlocked position in which it can pass into the lumen. 
     
     
         18 . The device according to  claim 7 , wherein the injection support includes an adapter sleeve forming a receiving space of the lens, this sleeve being adapted to be able to carry and receive different models of lens, and to be mounted in a cylindrical end portion of the injection support.