A cartridge for delivering an intraocular lens into the eye of a subject
that comprises a body disposed along a longitudinal axis having a distal
end and a proximal end, and a tapered lumen disposed along the
longitudinal axis having an aperture at the distal end of the body. The
aperture and at least a portion of the tapered lumen each consist of an
upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portions of the aperture and
lumen each have a first width and a cross-section that is generally
arcuate. The lower portions of the aperture and lumen each have a
cross-section that is generally horizontally disposed and have a second
width that is greater than the first width of the aperture and lumen. The
cartridge may be loaded with an intraocular lens using a packaging
system. The intraocular lens may be placed into the eye of a subject
using a corresponding inserter having a pushrod with a saddle disposed at
the tip thereof. The intraocular lens is preferably draped over the
saddle during insertion.