Evaluation of a new soft tipped injector for the implantation of foldable intraocular lenses.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the R-INJ-04 soft-tipped injector, a new injector with an integral round nozzle manufactured by Rayner Intraocular Lenses, England.


METHODS
16 Rayner C-flex intraocular lenses (IOLs; Rayner Intraocular lenses, England) ranging between +10 and +30 D (2 for each power) were tested. An ophthalmic viscoelastic device (Healon, AMO, Santa Ana, California, USA) was applied to the injectors. The IOLs were loaded according to the company injector's instructions for use and were injected into a Petri dish. After the injection, all the IOLs and nozzles were evaluated by gross (macroscopic) and microscopic analyses and photographed under a light microscope. One lens of each power and the cartridge used for the implantation were then sent for further analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The rest of the IOLs were tested for power and modulation transfer function (MTF).


RESULTS
All the injections were successful. No damage to the IOLs or to the injectors was found by gross examination, light microscopy and SEM. No deposits were found on the IOL optical surfaces or haptics. Power and MTF analysis showed a close match with the original measurements.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that the R-INJ-04 soft-tipped injector is safe for the implantation of the C-flex IOL with power range from 10 to 30 D. No structural damage to the IOLs or to the injectors was found, and the lens power and light transmission properties were not damaged in any way by the injection process.
Kleinmann
Guy
G
John A Moran Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah, 50 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA. guy.kleinmann@hsc.utah.edu
Apple
David J
DJ
D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000592:standards