Contact lens package with absorbent member

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved contact lens package. A contact lens package (100) includes a cavity (122) containing a contact lens (160), a packaging solution (170), and an absorbent member (180). The absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and the absorbent member is in the compressed state when the package is in the unsealed state.

Description

[0001] I. Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial number 18 / 154,482 filed on January 13, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] II. Background Technology

[0004] In conventional contact lens packaging, the contact lens is typically located in a molded plastic base having a cavity (or "bowl") that holds the contact lens in a concave-side-up orientation. Therefore, the user experience for transferring the contact lens from the package to the eye typically involves the user "fishing" the contact lens out of the bowl with their fingers and then flipping the lens so that it is in the correct orientation on the fingers for placement on the eye. This process requires multiple touches of the lens, which can transfer contaminants or pathogens from the hands to the lens and ultimately to the eye. This handling experience is not only unsanitary, but is also overly cumbersome, messy, and mechanically stressful on the lens, which can tear, rip, or deform when over-manipulated. Although some packages have been designed to present the lens in a convex-side-up orientation to avoid the need to flip the lens, it is still typically necessary to "fish" the lens out of the packaging solution, or the lens needs to be manipulated and / or touched multiple times to transfer the lens to the eye.

[0005] Given the growing awareness surrounding eye health and customer demand for a more convenient experience, a need has arisen for contact lens packaging that enables a less messy and more sanitary contact lens handling process. The solution that packages the lenses can affect the releasability of the lenses from the packaging and the fingers. That is, the liquid solution in the bowl makes it more difficult to remove the lenses from the bowl because the hydrophilic lens with excess liquid reduces the surface tension between the human finger and the lens, making it difficult to achieve adequate adhesion between the lens and the finger, making it difficult to remove the lens from the packaging.

[0006] Among other considerations: Users desire the ability to drain away any packaging solution that may affect the ability to adhere the lens to the finger, as variations in the amount of packaging solution adhered to the lens and package may affect the process of placing the lens on the finger. A mechanism for effectively draining packaging solution from the lens within the package prior to removing the lens from an opened contact lens package onto the user's finger may aid in the removal and insertion process.

[0007] There remains a need for contact lens packaging that provides a mechanism for consistently draining solutions away from contact lenses.

[0008] III. Summary of the Invention

[0009] It has now been found that some or all of the above and related purposes can be achieved in a contact lens package with one or more aspects described herein. According to certain embodiments, a contact lens package may include a cavity for accommodating contact lenses, packaging solutions and absorbing members. In certain embodiments, the absorbing member may be configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state. As described herein, in some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the absorbing member may be in a compressed state, and when the package is converted from an unopened state to an unsealed state, the absorbing member may be configured to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state. Like this, as described herein, the absorbing member may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution when the absorbing member is converted from a compressed state to an expanded state, and in some cases absorb the majority of the packaging solution. In some embodiments, when the package is converted from an unopened state to an unsealed state, the absorption of at least a portion of the packaging solution by the absorbing member may cause a significant amount of packaging solution to be drained from the contact lens, thereby improving the ability to adhere the lens to the user's finger to remove from the package and be placed on the user's eyes. Furthermore, in embodiments where the absorbent member is biased to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state when the package is unsealed, the rate at which solution is drained from the contact lens can be increased compared to other mechanisms that allow but do not promote such drainage. Additionally, including an absorbent member within the cavity of the package can improve the user experience by reducing spillage of packaging solution associated with unsealing the package, as a significant amount of solution can be absorbed and contained by the absorbent member. The present disclosure provides various embodiments of contact lens packages, methods of packaging contact lenses, and methods of unsealing contact lens packages.

[0010] In one aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package may include a cavity containing a contact lens, a packaging solution, and an absorbent member. The absorbent member may be configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and the absorbent member may be in a compressed state when the package is in an unopened state.

[0011] In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state when the package is converted from an unopened state to an unsealed state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution when the absorbent member is converted from a compressed state to an expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution when the absorbent member is converted from a compressed state to an expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution when the package is converted from an unopened state to an unsealed state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution when the package is converted from an unopened state to an unsealed state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be biased toward the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be disposed adjacent to the contact lens. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a sponge.

[0012] In some embodiments, the contact lens package may also include a pedestal and a cover connected to the pedestal, and a cavity may be formed between the pedestal and the cover. In some embodiments, the pedestal and the cover may surround the cavity together. In some embodiments, the pedestal and the cover may define the cavity together. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may be sealed to the pedestal along the periphery of the cavity, and when the package is in an unopened state, the seal between the cover and the pedestal may be at least partially destroyed. In some embodiments, the cover may be sealed to the pedestal along the entirety of the periphery of the cavity. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may extend above the contact lens and cover the contact lens, and when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may not cover the contact lens. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may extend above the absorptive member and cover the absorptive member, and when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may not cover the absorptive member. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may extend over the absorbent member and cover the absorbent member, and when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may extend at least partially over the absorbent member. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed in the cavity so that when the package is in an unopened state, the convex surface of the contact lens faces the cover. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed in the cavity so that when the package is in an unopened state, the convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and can be touched by the user. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed in the cavity so that when the package is in an unopened state, the concave surface of the contact lens faces the base. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the base. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the cover.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base may include a lens support that supports the contact lens in the cavity. In some embodiments, the lens support may include an inner surface having a convex shape, and the inner surface of the lens support may engage the concave surface of the contact lens. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the lens support may define a portion of the cavity. In some embodiments, the lens support may also include an outer surface that is disposed opposite to the inner surface of the lens support and has a concave shape. In some embodiments, the concave shape of the outer surface of the lens support may be configured to receive a convex portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating stacking multiple packages in a nested manner. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may extend over the lens support and cover the lens support, and when the package is in an unsealed state, the cover may not cover the lens support. In some embodiments, the base may also include an absorbent member support that supports the absorbent member in the cavity. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support may include an inner surface having a planar shape. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the absorbent member support may define a portion of the cavity. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support may further include an outer surface disposed opposite to the inner surface of the absorbent member support and having a planar shape. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the absorbent member support. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may extend over the absorbent member support and cover the absorbent member support, and when the package is in an unsealed state, the cover may not cover the absorbent member support. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may extend over the absorbent member support and cover the absorbent member support, and when the package is in an unsealed state, the cover may extend at least partially over the absorbent member support. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support may be disposed adjacent to the lens support. In some embodiments, the lens support may extend over the absorbent member support and may be configured to facilitate the discharge of the packaging solution to the absorbent member when the package is in an unsealed state. In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid and the cover may be flexible. In some embodiments, the base may be flexible and the cover may be flexible. In some embodiments, the cover may include a foil layer.

[0014] In another aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package may include a base and a cover connected to the base. The base and the cover may together define a cavity for containing the contact lens, the packaging solution, and the absorbent member. The absorbent member may be configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and the absorbent member may be in a compressed state when the package is in an unopened state.

[0015] In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state when the package is converted from an unopened state to an unsealed state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution when the absorbent member is converted from a compressed state to an expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution when the absorbent member is converted from a compressed state to an expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution when the package is converted from an unopened state to an unsealed state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution when the package is converted from an unopened state to an unsealed state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be biased toward the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be disposed adjacent to the contact lens. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a sponge.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover can be sealed to the base along the periphery of the cavity, and when the package is in an unopened state, the seal between the cover and the base can be at least partially destroyed. In some embodiments, the cover can be sealed to the base along the entirety of the periphery of the cavity. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover can extend above the contact lens and cover the contact lens, and when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may not cover the contact lens. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover can extend above the absorptive member and cover the absorptive member, and when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may not cover the absorptive member. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover can extend above the absorptive member and cover the absorptive member, and when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may extend at least partially above the absorptive member. In some embodiments, the contact lens can be arranged in the cavity so that when the package is in an unopened state, the convex surface of the contact lens faces the cover. In some embodiments, the contact lens can be disposed within the cavity such that when the package is in an unsealed state, the convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to a user. In some embodiments, the contact lens can be disposed within the cavity such that when the package is in an unsealed state, the concave surface of the contact lens faces the base. In some embodiments, the absorbent member can be connected to the base. In some embodiments, the absorbent member can be connected to the cover.

[0017] In some embodiments, the base may include a lens support that supports the contact lens in the cavity. In some embodiments, the lens support may include an inner surface having a convex shape, and the inner surface of the lens support may engage the concave surface of the contact lens. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the lens support may define a portion of the cavity. In some embodiments, the lens support may also include an outer surface that is disposed opposite to the inner surface of the lens support and has a concave shape. In some embodiments, the concave shape of the outer surface of the lens support may be configured to receive a convex portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating stacking multiple packages in a nested manner. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may extend over the lens support and cover the lens support, and when the package is in an unsealed state, the cover may not cover the lens support. In some embodiments, the base may also include an absorbent member support that supports the absorbent member in the cavity. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support may include an inner surface having a planar shape. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the absorbent member support may define a portion of the cavity. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support may further include an outer surface disposed opposite to the inner surface of the absorbent member support and having a planar shape. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the absorbent member support. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may extend over the absorbent member support and cover the absorbent member support, and when the package is in an unsealed state, the cover may not cover the absorbent member support. In some embodiments, when the package is in an unopened state, the cover may extend over the absorbent member support and cover the absorbent member support, and when the package is in an unsealed state, the cover may extend at least partially over the absorbent member support. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support may be disposed adjacent to the lens support. In some embodiments, the lens support may extend over the absorbent member support and may be configured to facilitate the discharge of the packaging solution to the absorbent member when the package is in an unsealed state. In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid and the cover may be flexible. In some embodiments, the base may be flexible and the cover may be flexible. In some embodiments, the cover may include a foil layer.

[0018] In yet another aspect, a method of packaging contact lenses is provided. The method may include placing a contact lens, a packaging solution, and an absorbent member within a cavity of a package, transitioning the absorbent member from an expanded state to a compressed state, and closing the cavity such that the absorbent member remains in the compressed state when the package is in an unopened state.

[0019] In some embodiments, converting the absorbent member from the expanded state to the compressed state may include releasing at least a portion of the packaging solution from the absorbent member. In some embodiments, the method may further include, before disposing the absorbent member in the cavity, absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution with the absorbent member. In some embodiments, the method may further include, before disposing the absorbent member in the cavity, absorbing a majority of the packaging solution with the absorbent member. In some embodiments, the method may further include, before disposing the absorbent member in the cavity, absorbing the entirety of the packaging solution with the absorbent member. In some embodiments, converting the absorbent member from the expanded state to the compressed state may include causing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow within the cavity toward the contact lens. In some embodiments, converting the absorbent member from the expanded state to the compressed state may include causing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow within the cavity from the absorbent member to the contact lens. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be biased to the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be disposed adjacent to the contact lens. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the package may include a base and a cover, the cavity may be formed between the base and the cover, and closing the cavity may include connecting the cover to the base so that the absorbent member is maintained in a compressed state between the base and the cover.

[0020] In another aspect, a method of unsealing a contact lens package is provided. The method may include holding a package including a cavity containing a contact lens, a packaging solution, and an absorbent member. The method may also include at least partially unsealing the cavity such that the contact lens is not covered, and allowing the absorbent member to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state such that the absorbent member absorbs at least a portion of the packaging solution.

[0021] In some embodiments, the absorbent member can absorb a majority of the packaging solution. In some embodiments, the absorbent member can be biased to an expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member can be disposed adjacent to the contact lens. In some embodiments, the absorbent member can include a sponge. In some embodiments, the package can include a base and a cover, a cavity can be formed between the base and the cover, and the absorbent member can be held in a compressed state between the base and the cover when the package is in an unopened state.

[0022] These and other aspects and improvements of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

[0023] IV. Description of the Figures

[0024] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of certain embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary contact lens package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the contact lens package in an unopened state.

[0026] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A 00136] An exploded perspective view of a contact lens package of FIG. 10010 showing a base, a cover, a contact lens and an absorbent member of the contact lens package.

[0027] Figure 1C is along Figure 1A The line 1C-1C is intercepted Figure 1A , showing the contact lens package in an unopened state with the contact lens, packaging solution, and absorbent member contained within a cavity of the contact lens package with the absorbent member in a compressed state.

[0028] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A , showing the contact lens package in an unsealed state wherein the cover is at least partially removed from the base such that the absorbent member transitions from a compressed state to an expanded state, at least a portion of the packaging solution is drained from the contact lens and absorbed by the absorbent member, and the contact lens is exposed for removal by a user.

[0029] V. Specific Implementation Methods

[0030] Reference will now be made specifically to the representative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals indicate certain elements. The following description is not intended to limit the numerous embodiments to one preferred embodiment. Instead, it is intended to encompass alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0031] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an example embodiment," etc., mean that the embodiments may include a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it should be considered that it is within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art to implement such a particular feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0032] Lenses or contact lenses refer to ophthalmic devices that reside on the eye. They have a generally hemispherical shape and can provide optical correction, cosmetic enhancement, UV blocking and visible light or glare reduction, therapeutic effects, including wound healing, drug or nutraceutical delivery, diagnostic assessment or monitoring, or any combination thereof. The term lens includes soft hydrogel contact lenses, which are typically provided to consumers in a hydrated state in a package and have a relatively low modulus, which enables them to conform to the cornea. Contact lenses suitable for use with the packages of the present invention include all hydrated contact lenses, including conventional and silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

[0033] A hydrogel is a hydrated cross-linked polymer system that contains water in an equilibrium state and may contain at least about 25% or at least 35% water in a hydrated state. Hydrogels generally have oxygen permeability and biocompatibility, making them excellent materials for the production of contact lenses.

[0034] Conventional hydrogel contact lenses do not contain silicone-containing components and generally have higher water content, lower oxygen permeability, modulus, and shape memory than silicone hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels are prepared from monomer mixtures containing primarily hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate ("HEMA"), N-vinyl pyrrolidone ("NVP"), or polyvinyl alcohol. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,495,313, 4,889,664, and 5,039,459 disclose the formation of conventional hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels can be ionic or nonionic and include polymacon, etafilcon, nelfilcon, ocufilcon lenefilcon, and the like. The oxygen permeability of these conventional hydrogel materials is generally less than 20 barr-30 barr.

[0035] Silicone hydrogel preparations include balafilcon samfilcon, lotrafilcon A and B, delfilcon, galyfilcon, senofilcon A, B and C, narafilcon, comfilcon, formofilcon, riofilcon, fanfilcon, stenfilcon, somofilcon, kalifilcon, etc. "Silicone hydrogel" refers to a polymer network made of at least one hydrophilic component and at least one silicone-containing component. The silicone hydrogel may have a modulus in the range of 60psi-200psi, 60psi-150psi, or 80psi-130psi, and a water content in the range of 20% to 60%.Examples of silicone hydrogels include acquafilcon, asmofilcon, balafilcon, comfilcon, delefilcon, enfilcon, fanfilcon, formofilcon, galyfilcon, lotrafilcon, narafilcon, riofilcon, samfilcon, senofilcon, somofilcon, and stenfilcon, verofilcon, including all variations thereof, and as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,659,782, 4,659,783, 5,244,981, 5,314,960, 5,331,067, 5,371,147, 5,998,498, 6,087,415, 5,760,100, 5,776,999, 5,789,461, 5,849,811, 5,96 5,631、6,367,929、6,822,016、6,867,245、6,943,203、7,247,692、7,249,848、7,553,880、7,666,921、7,786,185、7,956,131、8,022,158、8,273,802、8,399,538、8,470,906、8,450,387、8,487,058、8,5 07,577, 8,637,621, 8,703,891, 8,937,110, 8,937,111, 8,940,812, 9,056,878, 9,057,821, 9,125,808, 9,140,825, 9156,934, 9,170,349, 9,244,196, 9,244,197, 9,260,544, 9,297,928, 9,297,929 and the silicone hydrogels prepared in WO 03 / 22321, WO 2008 / 061992 and US 2010 / 0048847. These patents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The silicone hydrogels may have a higher shape memory than conventional contact lenses.

[0036] Hydrogel lenses are viscoelastic materials. If the lens interacts with the packaging or any bubbles in the packaging, the contact lens may form optical distortion. The degree of optical distortion and the length of time required for the distortion to relax will depend on the chemical composition and, to a lesser extent, on the geometry of the lens. Compared with silicone hydrogels, conventional lens materials, such as lenses based on polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate such as Etafilcon A or polymacon, have lower loss modulus and loss tangent values, and may form less and less severe optical distortion due to contact with the packaging. The incorporation of silicone (usually increases the overall elastic response), wetting agents (such as PVP) (usually increases the viscous response) or conventional hydrogel material coatings (may reduce the elastic response at the lens interface) can change the viscoelasticity of the lens. Conventional hydrogel contact lenses and silicone hydrogel contact lenses with short or hard crosslinkers and / or hardeners have short shape memory and may be less prone to deformation during storage. As used herein, a high or higher shape memory hydrogel exhibits an optical deformation of at least about 0.18 upon contact with a bubble or packaging after accelerated aging at 55°C for 5 weeks. Dynamic mechanical analysis can be used to measure viscoelastic properties, including loss modulus and loss tangent.

[0037] The contact lens may be of any geometry or power and has a generally hemispherical shape, with a concave back side that rests against the eye when in use and a convex front side that faces away from the eye and is contacted by the eyelid during blinking.

[0038] The center or vertex of the lens is the center of the lens' optical zone. The optical zone provides optical correction and may have a diameter between about 7 mm and about 10 mm. The lens perimeter or lens edge is the edge where the front and back sides meet.

[0039] Wet lens is the contact lens and any residual packaging solution adhering to it after the packaging solution has drained off. Wet contact is the total contact area between the wet lens and the lens support.

[0040] Embodiments may include a lens support surrounded by a sealable cavity, which may also be interchangeably referred to as a chamber. The cavity may have any convenient form and may include a packaging base and at least one cover, each of which will be described in detail below. As used herein, the phrases "the cover," "lid," "the base," and "base" encompass both the singular and the plural. The cover and packaging base are sealed to each other to form a cavity that maintains the contact lens, support, and packaging solution in a sterile state during transportation and storage prior to use. The contact lens package is made of a material that is compatible with the contact lens and solution and is retortable and biologically inert.

[0041] "Film" or "multilayer film" is a film used to seal the package, and is generally referred to as a cover material. The multilayer film used in conventional contact lens packages can be used as a component of the base, cover, or both in the package of the present invention. The multilayer film includes multiple layers, including barrier layers, including foil layers, or coatings, sealing layers, which seal the film to the rest of the package, and may also include additional layers selected from peel-starting layers, laminating layers, and layers that improve other packaging properties (such as stiffness, temperature resistance, printability, puncture resistance, barrier properties to water or oxygen, etc.). The multilayer film forms a steam sterilization (retortable) seal. The multilayer film may contain PET, BON or OPP film layers to increase stiffness and temperature resistance, or contain EVOH or PVDC coatings to improve barrier properties to oxygen or moisture.

[0042] As used herein, "unopened state" or "unopened" refers to a contact lens package that is enclosed and contains a contact lens in solution.

[0043] As used herein, "opened state" or "opened" refers to a contact lens package after the sterile seal has been broken. In the context described herein, the open state extends to the package state when the user has manipulated the package to lift the lens from the packaging solution for transfer by the user.

[0044] As used herein, "wearer" or "user" refers to a person who opens a contact lens package. A user is typically referred to as a person who opens a package and transfers the contact lenses contained therein to their eyes. However, in some cases, a user may be a person who handles the lens package on behalf of the wearer, such as an eye care provider ("ECP") or other individual who demonstrates or assists the wearer.

[0045] The packaging solution is any physiologically compatible solution that is compatible with the selected lens material and packaging. Packaging solutions include buffered solutions having a physiological pH, such as buffered saline solutions. The packaging solution may contain known components, including buffers, pH and tonicity adjusters, lubricants, wetting agents, nutrients, drugs, packaging coating components, etc.

[0046] The packaging base may form the bottom of the package. It may be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including plastic. The packaging cover typically resides on the upper portion of the package and is sealed with the base to form a cavity that holds at least a portion of the lens support, lens, and packaging solution. The cover may be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including molded foil or plastic sheets, laminated films, or plastic. Packages that include plastic for one structure and foil or laminated films as another structure or packages that include foil or laminated films as the outer layer of the cover and base are known in the art and are examples of suitable combinations.

[0047] References throughout this description to the use of injection molding processes and materials conventionally applied to injection molding should be understood as exemplary. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other manufacturing methods are possible within the scope of the appended claims, including but not limited to alternative molding processes, thermoforming, 3D printing, etc. Similarly, references to heat seals are examples of the embodiments described herein. Other ways of fixing the packaging components will be apparent to those skilled in the art, including the use of adhesives, glues, thermal bonding, welding such as heating, ultrasonic or laser welding, or mechanical traps, etc.

[0048] Certain aspects of the present invention can be used to reduce or prevent significant optical damage to contact lenses due to interactions with air bubbles or the interior of lens packages that may occur during storage or transportation due to gravity or other forces (such as mechanical pressure applied from the outside of the package). As used herein, significant optical damage means a root mean square (RMS) value equal to or greater than about 0.08 μm.

[0049] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1A to 1D An exemplary contact lens package 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As depicted, the contact lens package 100 may include a base 110, a cover 150, a contact lens 160, a packaging solution 170, and an absorbent member 180. The contact lens package 100 may have a Figure 1A and Figure 1C Unopened condition shown and Figure 1DWhen the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the contact lens 160, the packaging solution 170, and the absorbent member 180 can be contained within the cavity 122 formed between the base 110 and the cover 150. As described below, when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the absorbent member 180 can be compressible and can be maintained in a compressed state within the cavity 122, which can cause a majority of the packaging solution 170 to be disposed around the contact lens 160 and in contact with the contact lens to maintain hydration of the lens 160. In this way, when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, only a minimal amount of the packaging solution 170 can be contained within the absorbent member 180. When desired, the user can unseal the contact lens package 100 by at least partially removing the cover 150 from the base 110 to allow access to the contact lens 160. Such unsealing of the contact lens package 100 can allow the absorbent member 180 to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state, such that the absorbent member 180 absorbs a significant amount of the packaging solution 170, thereby effectively draining the packaging solution 170 from the contact lens 160. As such, such draining of the packaging solution 170 from the contact lens 160 can allow a user to more easily remove the contact lens 160 from the contact lens package 100. At least partially removing the cover 150 from the base 110 can expose the contact lens 160, thereby allowing the user to engage and remove the contact lens 150 with the user's fingers. As shown, when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, the lens support 130 of the base 110 can maintain the position and orientation of the contact lens 160 within the cavity 122. As shown in FIG. Figure 1C As shown, a contact lens 160 can be housed within cavity 122 and supported by lens support 130 such that when contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, the convex surface of contact lens 160 faces cover 150. In this way, when contact lens package 100 is unsealed, a user can engage the convex surface to remove contact lens 160 and then place contact lens 160 on the user's eye, thereby achieving a convenient and more sanitary experience and avoiding the disadvantages of certain existing contact lens packages.

[0050] According to the illustrated example, the base 110 may have a first end 112 (which may also be referred to as a "rear end" in some embodiments) and a second end 114 (which may also be referred to as a "front end" in some embodiments) disposed opposite to each other. As shown, the base 110 may have a first side 116 (which may also be referred to as a "top side" in some embodiments) and a second side 118 (which may also be referred to as a "bottom side" in some embodiments) disposed opposite to each other and each extending from the first end 112 to the second end 114. The base 110 may also have a pair of side surfaces 120 disposed opposite to each other and each extending from the first end 112 to the second end 114. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 110 may include some portions having a planar shape and other portions having a contour shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 110 may include a main portion having a planar shape, an absorbent member support 140 that is recessed relative to the main portion and has a planar shape, and a lens support 130 that extends upward from the absorbent member support 140 beyond the main portion and has a contour shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 110 can define a base cavity that forms a portion of the overall cavity 122 of the contact lens package 100. As discussed above, the base 110 can be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the base 110 can be substantially rigid. In other embodiments, the base 110 can be flexible.

[0051] The lens support 130 may at least partially define the cavity 122 and may support the contact lens 160 in a desired position and orientation within the cavity 122. As shown, the lens support 130 may extend upward from the absorbent member support 140 and may support the contact lens 160 between the base 110 and the cover 150. In some embodiments, as shown, the lens support 130 may be integrally formed with the remainder of the base 110. In other embodiments, the lens support 130 may be formed separately and connected to the remainder of the base 110. In some embodiments, the lens support 130 may be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the cavity 122 between the base 110 and the cover 150 and connected to the base 110, for example, by an adhesive or other attachment means. As shown, the lens support 130 may include an inner surface 132 (also referred to as a "support surface" in certain embodiments) that engages and supports the contact lens 160 within the cavity 122. In particular, the inner surface 132 may engage a concave surface of the contact lens 160. In some embodiments, the inner surface 132 can be a convex surface, but other shapes of the inner surface 132 can be used in other embodiments. As shown, the lens support 130 can be formed as a dome extending upward from the absorbent member support 140, and the inner surface 132 can be a convex outer surface of the dome. As shown, the lens support 130 can include an outer surface 134 disposed opposite the inner surface 132 and defining an outer portion of the contact lens package 100. In some embodiments, the outer surface 134 can be a convex surface whose convex shape facilitates nesting of multiple contact lens packages 100 disposed adjacent to each other, such as in a stacked form, but other shapes of the outer surface 134 can be used in other embodiments. The lens support 130 can be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the lens support 130 can be substantially rigid.

[0052] The absorbent member support 140 may at least partially define the cavity 122 and may support the absorbent member 180 in a desired position and orientation within the cavity 122. As shown, the absorbent member support 140 may be recessed relative to the major planar portion of the base 110 and may support the absorbent member 180 between the base 110 and the cover 150. In some embodiments, as shown, the absorbent member support 140 may be integrally formed with the remainder of the base 110. In other embodiments, the absorbent member support 140 may be formed separately and connected to the remainder of the base 110. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support 140 may be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the cavity 122 between the base 110 and the cover 150 and connected to the base 110, for example, by an adhesive or other attachment means. As shown, the absorbent member support 140 may include an inner surface 142 (also referred to as a "support surface" in certain embodiments) that engages and supports the absorbent member 180 within the cavity 122. In particular, the inner surface 142 can engage the bottom surface of the absorbent member 180. In some embodiments, as shown, the inner surface 142 can be a flat surface, but other contoured shapes of the inner surface 142 can be used in other embodiments. As shown, the absorbent member support 140 can include an outer surface 144 disposed opposite the inner surface 142 and defining an outer portion of the contact lens package 100. In some embodiments, the outer surface 144 can be a flat surface, but other shapes of the outer surface 144 can be used in other embodiments. The absorbent member support 140 can be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support 140 can be substantially rigid.

[0053] As shown, when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, the cover 150 can be connected to the base 110 and can extend over at least a portion of the base 110 and seal the contact lens 160, the packaging solution 170, and the absorbent member 180 within the cavity 122. In this way, the base 110 and the cover 150 together can form a sealed cavity 122 for containing the contact lens 160, the packaging solution 170, and the absorbent member 180 until the user desires to unseal the contact lens package 100 and remove the contact lens 160 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, the cover 150 can extend over and cover the lens support 130, the absorbent member support 140, and other corresponding portions of the base 110. When the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, a corresponding portion of the cover 150 can be sealed to a corresponding adjacent portion of the base 110, such as a portion of the main portion of the base 110 that surrounds the lens support 130 and the absorbent member support 140, so that the contact lens 160, the packaging solution 170, and the absorbent member 180 are contained in the cavity 122 formed by the base 110 and the cover 150. When the contact lens package 100 is converted from the unopened state to the unopened state to remove the contact lens 160, the seal between the cover 150 and the base 110 can be at least partially broken. As discussed above, the cover 150 can be formed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as shown in the figure, the cover 150 can be flexible.

[0054] The absorbent member 180 may be compressible and configured for use in Figure 1C The compression state shown and Figure 1B and Figure 1D150. In some embodiments, as shown, the absorbent member 180 may be biased toward the expanded state. Thus, when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the absorbent member 180 may be compressed and maintained in the compressed state between the base 110 and the cover 150, and when the contact lens package 100 is transformed from the unopened state to the unsealed state, the absorbent member 180 may automatically transform from the compressed state to the expanded state. As discussed above, such transformation of the absorbent member 180 from the compressed state to the expanded state may allow the absorbent member 180 to quickly absorb the packaging solution 170, thereby promoting the drainage of the packaging solution 170 from the contact lens 160. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution 170 when the absorbent member 180 transforms from the compressed state to the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution 170 when the absorbent member 180 transforms from the compressed state to the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 can be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution 170 when the contact lens package 100 is converted from an unopened state to an unsealed state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 can be configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution 170 when the contact lens package 100 is converted from an unopened state to an unsealed state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 can be disposed near the contact lens 160 but slightly spaced apart from the contact lens. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 can be disposed adjacent to the contact lens 160. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 can be formed of a sponge or can include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 can be formed of a foam or can include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 can be formed of a suede or chamois material or can include a suede or chamois material. Various other suitable configurations and materials can be used for the absorbent member 180.

[0055] Figure 1C and Figure 1D An exemplary method of unsealing a contact lens package 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As described above, Figure 1A and Figure 1C As shown, the contact lens package 100 can be provided and stored in an unopened state until the user desires to open the package 100. With the contact lens package 100 in the unopened state, the user can hold the base 110 and grasp the end region of the cover 150, such as the end region of the cover 150 that is not directly connected to the base 110, such as Figure 1C As shown. A user can at least partially remove the cover 150 from the base 110 by pulling the end region of the cover 150 away from the base 110. In this way, at least a portion of the seal between the cover 150 and the base 110 can be broken. Figure 1DAs shown, the cover 150 can be removed from the base 110 such that the contact lens 160, the lens support 130, and at least a portion of the absorbent member 180 are no longer covered by the cover 150. In some embodiments, as shown, the entirety of the absorbent member 180 can be exposed, thereby allowing the absorbent member 180 to fully transition from the compressed state to the expanded state. In some embodiments, the cover 150 can be completely removed from the base 110. As discussed above, when the cover 150 is at least partially removed from the base 110, the absorbent member 180 can transition or transform from the compressed state to the expanded state such that at least a portion of the packaging solution 170 is absorbed by the absorbent member 180 and drained from the contact lens 160. After the cover 150 is at least partially removed from the base 110, as shown, the absorbent member 180 can be fully exposed, thereby allowing the absorbent member 180 to fully transition from the compressed state to the expanded state. Figure 1D As shown, a user may engage the contact lens 160 while the contact lens 160 is exposed and supported by the lens support 130. According to the illustrated embodiment in which the lens support 130 supports the concave surface of the contact lens 160, the user may engage the convex surface of the contact lens 160 and remove the contact lens 160 from the lens support 130. As discussed above, by allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution 170 to drain from the contact lens 160 and be absorbed and contained by the absorbent member 180, the user may be able to easily engage and hold the contact lens 160 with the user's fingers. In this way, the contact lens 160 may be conveniently removed from the lens support 130 and held on the user's fingers in a desired concave side-up orientation, ready to be positioned on the user's eye.

[0056] An exemplary method of packaging a contact lens 160 using the contact lens package 100 may also be obtained from Figure 1C and Figure 1D The method may generally include placing a contact lens 160, a packaging solution 170, and an absorbent member 180 within a cavity 122 of a package 100, such as Figure 1D As shown, the absorbent member 180 is transformed from the expanded state to the compressed state, and the cavity 122 is closed, so that when the package 100 is in an unopened state, the absorbent member 180 remains in the compressed state, as shown in FIG. Figure 1C In some embodiments, at least a portion, a majority, or the entirety of the packaging solution 170 can be applied to and absorbed by the absorbent member 180 before or after the absorbent member 180 is placed on the base 110. As such, transitioning the absorbent member 180 from an expanded state to a compressed state can include releasing at least a portion of the packaging solution 170 from the absorbent member 180 and causing at least a portion of the packaging solution 170 to flow from the absorbent member 180 toward the contact lens 160 to hydrate the contact lens 160 within the cavity 122. In some embodiments, as shown, closing the cavity 122 can include connecting the cover 150 to the base 110 such that the absorbent member 180 is held in a compressed state between the base 110 and the cover 150.

[0057] Some aspects of the present invention may be further understood with reference to the following examples:

[0058] Embodiment 1. A contact lens package, comprising:

[0059] A cavity contains a contact lens, a packaging solution, and an absorbent member, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and wherein the absorbent member is in the compressed state when the package is in an unopened state.

[0060] Embodiment 2. The contact lens package of embodiment 1, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition from the compressed state to the expanded state when the package transitions from the unopened state to the unopened state.

[0061] Embodiment 3. The contact lens package of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution when the absorbent member transitions from the compressed state to the expanded state.

[0062] Embodiment 4. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution when the absorbent member transitions from the compressed state to the expanded state.

[0063] Embodiment 5. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0064] Embodiment 6. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0065] Embodiment 7. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the absorbent member is biased toward the expanded state.

[0066] Embodiment 8. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent member is disposed adjacent to the contact lens.

[0067] Embodiment 9. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

[0068] Embodiment 10. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein the cavity is formed between the base and the cover.

[0069] Embodiment 11. The contact lens package of Embodiment 10, wherein the base and the cover together enclose the cavity.

[0070] Embodiment 12. The contact lens package of Embodiment 10 or Embodiment 11, wherein the base and the cover together define the cavity.

[0071] Embodiment 13. A contact lens package according to any one of embodiments 10 to 12, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover is sealed to the base along the periphery of the cavity, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the seal between the cover and the base is at least partially destroyed.

[0072] Embodiment 14. The contact lens package of Embodiment 13, wherein the cover is sealed to the base along the entirety of the perimeter of the cavity.

[0073] Embodiment 15. A contact lens package according to any one of Embodiments 10 to 14, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the contact lens, and wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover does not cover the contact lens.

[0074] Embodiment 16. A contact lens package according to any one of embodiments 10 to 15, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the absorbent member, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover does not cover the absorbent member.

[0075] Embodiment 17. A contact lens package according to any one of embodiments 10 to 15, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the absorbent member, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover extends at least partially over the absorbent member.

[0076] Embodiment 18. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 10 to 17, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the cover when the package is in the unopened state.

[0077] Embodiment 19. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 10 to 18, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to a user when the package is in an unsealed state.

[0078] Embodiment 20. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 10 to 19, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that a concave surface of the contact lens faces the base when the package is in the unopened state.

[0079] Embodiment 21. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 10 to 20, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the base.

[0080] Embodiment 22. The contact lens package of any one of embodiments 10 to 21, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the cover.

[0081] Embodiment 23. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 10 to 22, wherein the base comprises a lens support that supports the contact lens within the cavity.

[0082] Embodiment 24. The contact lens package of Embodiment 23, wherein the lens support comprises an inner surface having a convex shape, and wherein the inner surface of the lens support engages a concave surface of the contact lens.

[0083] Embodiment 25. The contact lens package of Embodiment 24, wherein the inner surface of the lens support defines a portion of the cavity.

[0084] Embodiment 26. The contact lens package of Embodiment 24 or Embodiment 25, wherein the lens support further comprises an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface of the lens support and having a concave shape.

[0085] Embodiment 27. The contact lens package of Embodiment 26, wherein the concave shape of the outer surface of the lens support is configured to receive a raised portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating stacking of multiple packages in a nested manner.

[0086] Embodiment 28. A contact lens package according to any one of Embodiments 23 to 27, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the lens support, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover does not cover the lens support.

[0087] Embodiment 29. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 23 to 28, wherein the base further comprises an absorbent member support that supports the absorbent member within the cavity.

[0088] 30. The contact lens package of embodiment 29 wherein the absorbent member support comprises an inner surface having a planar shape.

[0089] Embodiment 31. The contact lens package of Embodiment 30, wherein the inner surface of the absorbent member support defines a portion of the cavity.

[0090] Embodiment 32. The contact lens package of Embodiment 30 or Embodiment 31, wherein the absorbent member support further comprises an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface of the absorbent member support and having a planar shape.

[0091] Embodiment 33. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 30 to 32, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the absorbent member support.

[0092] Embodiment 34. A contact lens package according to any one of Embodiments 30 to 33, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the absorbent member support, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover does not cover the absorbent member support.

[0093] Embodiment 35. A contact lens package according to any one of Embodiments 30 to 33, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends above and covers the absorbent member support, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover extends at least partially above the absorbent member support.

[0094] Embodiment 36. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 30 to 35, wherein the absorbent member support is disposed adjacent to the lens support.

[0095] Embodiment 37. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 30 to 36, wherein the lens support extends above the absorbent member support and is configured to facilitate drainage of the packaging solution toward the absorbent member when the package is in an unsealed state.

[0096] Embodiment 38. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 10 to 37, wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the cover is flexible.

[0097] Embodiment 39. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 10 to 37, wherein the base is flexible, and wherein the cover is flexible.

[0098] Embodiment 40. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 10 to 39, wherein the cover comprises a foil layer.

[0099] Embodiment 41. A contact lens package, comprising:

[0100] Base; and

[0101] a cover connected to the base, wherein the base and the cover together define a cavity for containing a contact lens, a packaging solution, and an absorbent member, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and wherein the absorbent member is in the compressed state when the package is in an unopened state.

[0102] Embodiment 42. The contact lens package of Embodiment 41, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition from the compressed state to the expanded state when the package transitions from the unopened state to the unopened state.

[0103] Embodiment 43. The contact lens package of Embodiment 41 or Embodiment 42, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution when the absorbent member transitions from the compressed state to the expanded state.

[0104] Embodiment 44. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 43, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution when the absorbent member transitions from the compressed state to the expanded state.

[0105] Embodiment 45. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 44, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0106] Embodiment 46. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 45, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0107] Embodiment 47. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 46, wherein the absorbent member is biased toward the expanded state.

[0108] Embodiment 48. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 47, wherein the absorbent member is disposed adjacent to the contact lens.

[0109] Embodiment 49. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 48, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

[0110] Embodiment 50. A contact lens package according to any one of Embodiments 41 to 49, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover is sealed to the base along the periphery of the cavity, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the seal between the cover and the base is at least partially destroyed.

[0111] Embodiment 51. The contact lens package of Embodiment 50 wherein the cover is sealed to the base along the entirety of the perimeter of the cavity.

[0112] Embodiment 52. A contact lens package according to any one of Embodiments 41 to 51, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the contact lens, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover does not cover the contact lens.

[0113] Embodiment 53. A contact lens package according to any one of Embodiments 41 to 52, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the absorbent member, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover does not cover the absorbent member.

[0114] Embodiment 54. A contact lens package according to any one of Embodiments 41 to 52, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the absorbent member, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover extends at least partially over the absorbent member.

[0115] Embodiment 55. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 54, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the cover when the package is in the unopened state.

[0116] Embodiment 56. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 55, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to a user when the package is in an unsealed state.

[0117] Embodiment 57. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 56, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that a concave surface of the contact lens faces the base when the package is in the unopened state.

[0118] Embodiment 58. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 57, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the base.

[0119] Embodiment 59. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 58, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the cover.

[0120] Embodiment 60. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 59, wherein the base comprises a lens support that supports the contact lens within the cavity.

[0121] Embodiment 61. The contact lens package of Embodiment 60, wherein the lens support comprises an inner surface having a convex shape, and wherein the inner surface of the lens support engages a concave surface of the contact lens.

[0122] Embodiment 62. The contact lens package of Embodiment 61 wherein the inner surface of the lens support defines a portion of the cavity.

[0123] Embodiment 63. The contact lens package of Embodiment 61 or Embodiment 62, wherein the lens support further comprises an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface of the lens support and having a concave shape.

[0124] Embodiment 64. The contact lens package of Embodiment 63, wherein the concave shape of the outer surface of the lens support is configured to receive a raised portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating stacking of multiple packages in a nested manner.

[0125] Embodiment 65. A contact lens package according to any one of Embodiments 60 to 64, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the lens support, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover does not cover the lens support.

[0126] Embodiment 66. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 60 to 65, wherein the base further comprises an absorbent member support that supports the absorbent member within the cavity.

[0127] Embodiment 67. The contact lens package of Embodiment 66, wherein the absorbent member support comprises an inner surface having a planar shape.

[0128] Embodiment 68. The contact lens package of Embodiment 67, wherein the inner surface of the absorbent member support defines a portion of the cavity.

[0129] Embodiment 69. The contact lens package of Embodiment 67 or Embodiment 68, wherein the absorbent member support further comprises an outer surface disposed opposite to the inner surface of the absorbent member support and having a planar shape.

[0130] Embodiment 70 The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 66 to 69, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the absorbent member support.

[0131] Embodiment 71. A contact lens package according to any one of Embodiments 66 to 70, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the absorbent member support, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover does not cover the absorbent member support.

[0132] Embodiment 72. A contact lens package according to any one of Embodiments 66 to 70, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the absorbent member support, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover extends at least partially over the absorbent member support.

[0133] Embodiment 73 The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 66 to 72, wherein the absorbent member support is disposed adjacent to the lens support.

[0134] Embodiment 74. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 66 to 73, wherein the lens support extends above the absorbent member support and is configured to facilitate drainage of the packaging solution toward the absorbent member when the package is in an unsealed state.

[0135] Embodiment 75. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 74, wherein the base is substantially rigid, and wherein the cover is flexible.

[0136] Embodiment 76. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 74, wherein the base is flexible, and wherein the cover is flexible.

[0137] Embodiment 77. The contact lens package of any one of Embodiments 41 to 76, wherein the cover comprises a foil layer.

[0138] Embodiment 78. A method of packaging a contact lens, the method comprising:

[0139] placing a contact lens, a packing solution, and an absorbent member within a cavity of a package;

[0140] transitioning the absorbent member from an expanded state to a compressed state; and

[0141] The cavity is closed such that the absorbent member is maintained in the compressed state when the package is in an unopened state.

[0142] Embodiment 79 The method of Embodiment 78, wherein transitioning the absorbent member from the expanded state to the compressed state comprises releasing at least a portion of the packaging solution from the absorbent member.

[0143] Embodiment 80 The method of Embodiment 78 or Embodiment 79, further comprising absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution with the absorbent member prior to positioning the absorbent member within the cavity.

[0144] Embodiment 81. The method of Embodiment 78 or Embodiment 79, further comprising absorbing a majority of the packaging solution with the absorbent member prior to positioning the absorbent member within the cavity.

[0145] Embodiment 82. The method of Embodiment 78 or Embodiment 79, further comprising absorbing the entirety of the packaging solution with the absorbent member prior to positioning the absorbent member within the cavity.

[0146] Embodiment 83. The method of any one of Embodiments 78 to 82, wherein causing the absorbent member to transition from the expanded state to the compressed state comprises causing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow within the cavity toward the contact lens.

[0147] Embodiment 84. The method of any one of Embodiments 78 to 82, wherein causing the absorbent member to transition from the expanded state to the compressed state comprises causing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow within the cavity from the absorbent member toward the contact lens.

[0148] Embodiment 85. The method of any one of Embodiments 78 to 84, wherein the absorbent member is biased to the expanded state.

[0149] Embodiment 86. The method of any one of Embodiments 78 to 85, wherein the absorbent member is disposed adjacent to the contact lens.

[0150] Embodiment 87. The method of any one of Embodiments 78 to 86, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

[0151] Embodiment 88. A method according to any one of Embodiments 78 to 87, wherein the package includes a base and a cover, wherein the cavity is formed between the base and the cover, and wherein closing the cavity includes connecting the cover to the base so that the absorbent member is maintained in the compressed state between the base and the cover.

[0152] Embodiment 89. A method of unsealing a contact lens package, the method comprising:

[0153] maintaining the package, the package comprising a cavity for containing the contact lens, the packaging solution, and the absorbent member;

[0154] at least partially unsealing the cavity such that the contact lens is uncovered; and

[0155] The absorbent member is allowed to transition from the compressed state to the expanded state such that the absorbent member absorbs at least a portion of the packaging solution.

[0156] Embodiment 90 The method of Embodiment 89, wherein the absorbent member absorbs a majority of the packaging solution.

[0157] Embodiment 91. The method of Embodiment 89 or Embodiment 90, wherein the absorbent member is biased to the expanded state.

[0158] Embodiment 92. The method of any one of Embodiments 89 to 91, wherein the absorbent member is disposed adjacent to the contact lens.

[0159] Embodiment 93. The method of any one of Embodiments 89 to 92, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

[0160] Embodiment 94. A method according to any one of Embodiments 89 to 93, wherein the package includes a base and a cover, wherein the cavity is formed between the base and the cover, and wherein when the package is in an unopened state, the absorbent member is maintained in the compressed state between the base and the cover.

[0161] For the purpose of explanation, the foregoing description uses specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many specific details are not required to practice the embodiments. Therefore, for the purpose of illustration and description, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments described herein is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the disclosed specific forms. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are possible.

[0162] The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0163] Without departing from the general concept of the present invention, the foregoing description of the specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the present invention, that is, others can easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art without excessive experimentation. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance presented herein, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for the purpose of description rather than limitation, so that the terms or wording of this specification should be interpreted by the technician according to teaching and guidance.

[0164] The packaging of the present invention can be manufactured using known materials and processes. The packaging material can be natural, recyclable or a combination thereof. The volume within the packaging cavity can vary depending on the selected design.

[0165] Not all features described herein need to be incorporated into every package, and those skilled in the art, using the teachings herein, combine these features to provide various improved contact lens packages. In summary, the contact lens packages of the present invention include several novel features that can be combined in various combinations as described herein to provide desired improved packages. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should only be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A contact lens package, comprising: A cavity contains a contact lens, a packaging solution, and an absorbent member, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and wherein the absorbent member is in the compressed state when the package is in an unopened state.

2. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition from the compressed state to the expanded state when the package transitions from the unopened state to the unopened state.

3. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion or a majority of the packaging solution when the absorbent member transitions from the compressed state to the expanded state.

4. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion or a majority of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.

5. The contact lens package of claim 1 wherein the absorbent member is biased toward the expanded state.

6. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is disposed adjacent to the contact lens.

7. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

8. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein the cavity is formed between the base and the cover.

9. A contact lens package according to claim 1, further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover is sealed to the base along the periphery of the cavity, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the seal between the cover and the base is at least partially broken.

10. The contact lens package of claim 1 , further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein the cover extends over and covers the contact lens and / or the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the cover does not cover the contact lens and / or the absorbent member when the package is in the unsealed state.

11. The contact lens package of claim 1 , further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the absorbent member, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover extends at least partially over the absorbent member.

12. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the cover when the package is in the unopened state.

13. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to a user when the package is in an unsealed state.

14. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that a concave surface of the contact lens faces the base when the package is in the unopened state.

15. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the base.

16. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the cover.

17. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein the base includes a lens support that supports the contact lens within the cavity.

18. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base, a cover connected to the base, and a lens support, wherein a surface of the lens support engages a concave surface of the contact lens.

19. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base, a cover connected to the base, and a lens support, wherein the lens support comprises an inner surface having a convex shape, and wherein the inner surface of the lens support defines a portion of the cavity.

20. A contact lens package according to claim 1, further comprising a base, a cover connected to the base, and a lens support, wherein the lens support comprises an inner surface having a convex shape, and wherein the lens support further comprises an outer surface arranged opposite to the inner surface of the lens support and having a concave shape.

21. The contact lens package of claim 20, wherein the concave shape of the outer surface of the lens support is configured to receive a raised portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating stacking of a plurality of the packages in a nested manner.

22. A contact lens package according to claim 1, further comprising a base, a cover connected to the base, and a lens support, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the lens support, and wherein when the package is in the unsealed state, the cover does not cover the lens support.

23. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base, a cover connected to the base, and a lens support, wherein the base further comprises an absorbent member support supporting the absorbent member within the cavity.

24. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base, a cover connected to the base, and a lens support, wherein the base further comprises an absorbent member support supporting the absorbent member within the cavity, and wherein the absorbent member support comprises an inner surface having a planar shape.

25. The contact lens package of claim 24, wherein the absorbent member support further comprises an outer surface disposed opposite to the inner surface of the absorbent member support and having a planar shape.

26. The contact lens package of claim 24, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the absorbent member support.

27. A contact lens package according to claim 24, wherein the cover extends over and covers the absorbent member support when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the cover does not cover or only partially covers the absorbent member support when the package is in the unsealed state.

28. The contact lens package of claim 24, wherein the absorbent member support is disposed adjacent to the lens support.

29. The contact lens package of claim 24, wherein the lens support extends above the absorbent member support and is configured to facilitate drainage of the packaging solution toward the absorbent member when the package is in an unsealed state.

30. The contact lens package of claim 1 further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein the base is rigid or flexible and the cover is flexible.

31. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base and a cover connected to the base, wherein the cover comprises a foil layer.

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