Contact lens package with absorbent member

Abstract

This invention relates to an improved contact lens packaging. The contact lens packaging (100) includes a cavity (122) for receiving 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 is in the compressed state when the packaging is unopened.

Description

[0001] I. Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 154482, filed January 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] II. Background Technology

[0004] In standard contact lens packaging, the contact lens is typically housed in a molded plastic base with a cavity (or "bowl") that receives the lens with its concave side facing upwards. Therefore, the user experience of transferring a contact lens from the packaging to the eye often involves the user "fishing" the lens out of the bowl with their fingers and then flipping it so that it is correctly oriented on their 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 experience is not only unhygienic but also cumbersome, messy, and mechanically stressful on the lens, which can tear, fray, or deform under excessive manipulation. While some packaging is designed to present the lens with its convex side facing upwards to avoid the need to flip it, it is still generally necessary to "fish" the lens out of the packaging solution or to manipulate and / or touch the lens multiple times to transfer it to the eye.

[0005] Given the growing awareness of eye health and customers' demand for a more convenient experience, there is a need for contact lens packaging that enables a less messy and more hygienic lens handling process. The solution in the packaged lens can affect the lens's releasability from the packaging and fingers. Specifically, a liquid solution in the bowl makes removing the lens from the bowl more difficult because the excess liquid in the hydrophilic lens reduces the surface tension between the finger and the lens, making it difficult to achieve sufficient adhesion and thus harder to remove the lens from the packaging.

[0006] Among other considerations: Users expect to be able to drain any packaging solution that may affect the ability to adhere the lens to their fingers, as variations in the amount of packaging solution adhering to the lens and the package can affect the process of placing the lens on the finger. A mechanism for effectively draining packaging solution from the lens within the package before removing the lens from the opened contact lens package onto the user's finger may facilitate the removal and insertion process.

[0007] There is still a need for contact lens packaging that provides a mechanism for consistently draining the solution from the contact lens.

[0008] III. Summary of the Invention

[0009] It has now been discovered that some or all of the above and related objectives can be achieved in contact lens packaging having one or more of the aspects described herein. According to certain embodiments, a contact lens packaging may include a cavity housing a contact lens, a packaging solution, and an absorbent member. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state. As described herein, in some embodiments, the absorbent member may be in a compressed state when the packaging is in an unopened state, and when the packaging changes from an unopened state to an opened state, the absorbent member may be configured to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state. Thus, as described herein, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution when the absorbent member transitions from a compressed state to an expanded state, and in some cases absorbs a majority of the packaging solution. In some embodiments, the absorption of at least a portion of the packaging solution by the absorbent member when the packaging changes from an unopened state to an opened state can result in a significant amount of packaging solution being drained from the contact lens, thereby improving the ability to adhere the lens to a user's finger for removal from the packaging and placement on the user's eye. Furthermore, in embodiments where the absorbent member is biased to transition from a compressed to an expanded state upon opening the package, 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 packaged solution associated with opening the package, as a significant amount of solution can be absorbed and contained by the absorbent member. This disclosure provides various embodiments of contact lens packages, methods of packaging contact lenses, and methods of opening contact lens packages.

[0010] In one aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package may include a cavity for receiving 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 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 transitions from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaged solution when transitioning from a compressed state to an expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaged solution when transitioning 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 packaged solution when transitioning from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaged solution when transitioning from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be biased towards the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be disposed adjacent to a contact lens. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a sponge.

[0012] In some embodiments, the contact lens package may further include a base and a cap connected to the base, and a cavity may be formed between the base and the cap. In some embodiments, the base and the cap may together surround the cavity. In some embodiments, the base and the cap may together define the cavity. In some embodiments, when the package is unopened, the cap may seal to the base along the periphery of the cavity, and when the package is opened, the seal between the cap and the base may be at least partially broken. In some embodiments, the cap may be integrally sealed to the base along the periphery of the cavity. In some embodiments, when the package is unopened, the cap may extend over and cover the contact lens, and when the package is opened, the cap may not cover the contact lens. In some embodiments, when the package is unopened, the cap may extend over and cover the absorbent member, and when the package is opened, the cap may not cover the absorbent member. In some embodiments, when the package is unopened, the cap may extend over and cover the absorbent member, and when the package is opened, the cap may extend at least partially over the absorbent member. In some embodiments, a contact lens may be disposed within the cavity such that, when the package is unopened, the convex surface of the contact lens faces the cap. In some embodiments, a contact lens may be disposed within the cavity such that, when the package is opened, the convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to a user. In some embodiments, a contact lens may be disposed within the cavity such that, when the package is unopened, 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 cap.

[0013] In some embodiments, the base may include a lens support that supports a contact lens within 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 a 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 disposed opposite to the inner surface of the lens support and having a concave shape. In some embodiments, the concave shape of the outer surface of the lens support may be configured to receive a protrusion therein of an adjacent package, thereby facilitating the nesting of multiple packages. In some embodiments, a cap may extend over and cover the lens support when the package is unopened, and the cap may not cover the lens support when the package is opened. In some embodiments, the base may also include an absorbent member support that supports an absorbent member within 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 unopened, the cap may extend over and cover the absorbent member support, and when the package is opened, the cap may not cover the absorbent member support. In some embodiments, when the package is unopened, the cap may extend over and cover the absorbent member support, and when the package is opened, the cap 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 drainage of the packaged solution into the absorbent member when the package is opened. In some embodiments, the base may be generally rigid, and the cap may be flexible. In some embodiments, the base may be flexible, and the cap may be flexible. In some embodiments, the cap 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 cap connected to the base. The base and cap may together define a cavity for receiving a contact lens, a packaged solution, and an absorbent member. The absorbent member may be configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and when the package is in an unopened state, the absorbent member may be in a compressed state.

[0015] In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to transition from a compressed state to an expanded state when the package transitions from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaged solution when transitioning from a compressed state to an expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaged solution when transitioning 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 packaged solution when transitioning from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaged solution when transitioning from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be biased towards the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be disposed adjacent to a contact lens. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may include a sponge.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the package is unopened, the cap may seal to the base along the periphery of the cavity, and when the package is opened, the seal between the cap and the base may be at least partially broken. In some embodiments, the cap may seal integrally to the base along the periphery of the cavity. In some embodiments, when the package is unopened, the cap may extend over and cover the contact lens, and when the package is opened, the cap may not cover the contact lens. In some embodiments, when the package is unopened, the cap may extend over and cover the absorbent member, and when the package is opened, the cap may not cover the absorbent member. In some embodiments, when the package is unopened, the cap may extend over and cover the absorbent member, and when the package is opened, the cap may extend at least partially over the absorbent member. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed within the cavity such that when the package is unopened, the convex surface of the contact lens faces the cap. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed within the cavity such that, when the package is opened, the convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to the user. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be disposed within the cavity such that, when the package is unopened, 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 cap.

[0017] In some embodiments, the base may include a lens support that supports a contact lens within 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 a 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 disposed opposite to the inner surface of the lens support and having a concave shape. In some embodiments, the concave shape of the outer surface of the lens support may be configured to receive a protrusion therein of an adjacent package, thereby facilitating the nesting of multiple packages. In some embodiments, a cap may extend over and cover the lens support when the package is unopened, and the cap may not cover the lens support when the package is opened. In some embodiments, the base may also include an absorbent member support that supports an absorbent member within 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 unopened, the cap may extend over and cover the absorbent member support, and when the package is opened, the cap may not cover the absorbent member support. In some embodiments, when the package is unopened, the cap may extend over and cover the absorbent member support, and when the package is opened, the cap 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 drainage of the packaged solution into the absorbent member when the package is opened. In some embodiments, the base may be generally rigid, and the cap may be flexible. In some embodiments, the base may be flexible, and the cap may be flexible. In some embodiments, the cap may include a foil layer.

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

[0019] In some embodiments, changing the absorbent member from an expanded state to a 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 absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution with the absorbent member before placing the absorbent member into the cavity. In some embodiments, the method may further include absorbing a majority of the packaging solution with the absorbent member before placing the absorbent member into the cavity. In some embodiments, the method may further include absorbing the entire packaging solution with the absorbent member before placing the absorbent member into the cavity. In some embodiments, changing the absorbent member from an expanded state to a compressed state may include causing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow towards the contact lens within the cavity. In some embodiments, changing the absorbent member from an expanded state to a compressed state may include causing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow from the absorbent member towards the contact lens within the cavity. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be biased to an 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 cap, a cavity may be formed between the base and the cap, and closing the cavity may include connecting the cap to the base such that the absorbent member is held in a compressed state between the base and the cap.

[0020] In another aspect, a method for opening a contact lens package is provided. The method may include holding the package, which includes a cavity containing a contact lens, a packaging solution, and an absorbent member. The method may further include at least partially opening 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 most of the packaged solution. In some embodiments, the absorbent member can be biased into an expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member can be disposed adjacent to a contact lens. In some embodiments, the absorbent member can include a sponge. In some embodiments, the package can include a base and a cap, a cavity can be formed between the base and the cap, and the absorbent member can be held in a compressed state between the base and the cap when the package is unopened.

[0022] These and other aspects of this disclosure, as well as the improvements thereof, will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims in the following detailed description.

[0023] IV. Description of the attached drawings

[0024] The above and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of an example 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 An exploded perspective view of the contact lens package shows the base, cover, contact lens, and absorbent component of the contact lens package.

[0027] Figure 1C It is along Figure 1A The line 1C-1C cut Figure 1A A cross-sectional side view of a contact lens package shows the contact lens package in an unopened state, wherein the contact lens, packaging solution and absorbent component are contained within the cavity of the contact lens package, while the absorbent component is in a compressed state.

[0028] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional side view of a contact lens package shows the contact lens package in an open state, wherein the cap is at least partially removed from the base, causing the absorbent member to change from a compressed state to an expanded state, at least a portion of the packaged solution is drained from the contact lens and absorbed by the absorbent member, and the contact lens is exposed for removal by the user.

[0029] V. Detailed Implementation

[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 a single preferred embodiment. Rather, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the substance and scope of the embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0031] References to "an implementation scheme," "implementation scheme," "some implementation schemes," "example implementation scheme," etc., mean that the implementation scheme may include a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic, but each implementation scheme need not include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same implementation scheme. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an implementation scheme, whether or not it is explicitly described, it should be assumed that implementing such a particular feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other implementation schemes is within the knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

[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 nutrient 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 packaging and have a relatively low modulus, allowing them to conform to the cornea. Contact lenses suitable for use with the packaging of this invention include all hydrated contact lenses, including conventional and silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

[0033] Hydrogels are hydrated cross-linked polymer systems containing water in equilibrium, and may contain at least about 25% or at least 35% hydrated water. Hydrogels typically possess 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 typically have higher water content, lower oxygen permeability, modulus, and shape memory than silicone hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels are prepared from monomer mixtures primarily containing hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (“HEMA”), N-vinylpyrrolidone (“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, etanerceptin, nelfilcon, ocufilcon, lenefilcon, etc. The oxygen permeability of these conventional hydrogel materials is typically below 20-30 barel.

[0035] Silicone hydrogel formulations include balafilcon, samfilcon, lotrafilcon A and B, delfilcon, galyfilcon, senofilcon A, B and C, narafilcon, comfilcon, formofilcon, riofilcon, fanfilcon, stenfilcon, somofilcon, kalifilcon, etc. "Organosilicon hydrogel" refers to a polymer network made of at least one hydrophilic component and at least one component containing organosilicon. Organosilicon hydrogels can 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 their variants, and such as 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, and 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 Silicone hydrogels prepared as described in WO 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 WO 03 / 22321, WO 2008 / 061992 and US2010 / 0048847 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Silicone hydrogels can exhibit higher shape memory than conventional contact lenses.

[0036] Hydrogel lenses are viscoelastic materials. Optical distortion can occur in contact lenses if they interact with the packaging or any air bubbles within it. The degree of optical distortion and the time required for distortion to relax will depend on the chemical composition and, to a lesser extent, the lens geometry. Compared to silicone hydrogels, conventional lens materials, such as those based on poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) like Etafencon A or Polymacon, have lower loss modulus and loss tangent values, and are likely to exhibit less severe optical distortion due to contact with the packaging. Incorporation of silicone (which typically increases the overall elastic response), wetting agents (such as PVP) (which typically increases the viscous response), or coatings of conventional hydrogel materials (which may reduce the elastic response at the lens interface) can alter the viscoelasticity of the lens. Conventional hydrogel contact lenses with short or hard crosslinking agents and / or hardeners, as well as silicone hydrogel contact lenses, have short shape memory and may be less prone to deformation during storage. As used in this paper, after accelerated aging at 55°C for 5 weeks, hydrogels with high or higher shape memory exhibit optical deformation of at least approximately 0.18 due to contact with air bubbles or packaging. Viscoelasticity, including loss modulus and loss tangent, can be measured using dynamic mechanical analysis.

[0037] Contact lenses can be of any geometry or diopter and have a generally hemispherical shape, with a concave rear side that rests against the eye when in use and a convex front side that is away from the eye and is contacted by the eyelid during blinking.

[0038] The center or apex of a lens is the center of its optical zone. The optical zone provides optical correction and can have a diameter between approximately 7 mm and 10 mm. The lens periphery or edge is the edge where the front and back sides meet.

[0039] Wetting lens refers to any residual packaging solution adhering to the lens after it has been drained. Wetting contact is the total contact area between the wetting lens and the lens support.

[0040] Implementations 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 cap, each of which will be described in detail below. As used herein, the phrases “the cap,” “cap,” “the base,” and “base” cover both the singular and plural. The cap and packaging base seal against each other to form a cavity that keeps the contact lens, support, and packaging solution sterile during transport and storage prior to use. The contact lens packaging is made of a material compatible with the contact lens and solution, and is retort-safe and bio-inert.

[0041] "Film" or "multilayer film" is a film used for sealing packaging and is commonly referred to as a cover material. Multilayer films used in conventional contact lens packaging can be used in the packaging of this invention as a base, a component of a cover, or both. A multilayer film comprises multiple layers, including barrier layers, including foil layers, or coatings, sealing layers, which seal the film to the remainder of the packaging, and may also include additional layers selected from peel-off initiation layers, laminated layers, and layers that improve other packaging properties such as stiffness, temperature resistance, printability, puncture resistance, and barrier properties against water or oxygen. The multilayer film forms a steam-sterilizable (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 against oxygen or moisture.

[0042] As used in this article, “unopened” or “unopened” refers to a contact lens package that is sealed and contains the contact lens in a 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 of this document, "opened state" extends to the package state when a user has manipulated the package to lift the lens from the packaging solution for user transfer.

[0044] As used herein, “wearer” or “user” refers to a person who opens and handles the contact lens package. A user is generally referred to as the person who opens the package and transfers the contact lens contained therein to their eyes. However, in some cases, a user may be a person who operates the contact lens package on behalf of the wearer, such as an eye care provider (“ECP”) or another individual demonstrating or assisting the wearer.

[0045] Packaging solutions are any physiologically compatible solutions that are compatible with the material and packaging of the selected lens. Packaging solutions include buffered solutions with a physiological pH, such as buffered saline solutions. Packaging solutions may contain known components, including buffers, pH and tension regulators, lubricants, wetting agents, nutrients, pharmaceuticals, packaging coating components, etc.

[0046] The packaging base forms the bottom of the package. It can be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including plastic. The packaging cap typically resides in the upper portion of the package and is sealed with the base to form a cavity housing at least a portion of the lens support, lens, and packaging solution. The cap can be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including molded foil or plastic sheet, laminated film, or plastic. Packages comprising plastic for one structure and foil or laminated film as another structure, or packages comprising foil or laminated film as an outer layer of the cap and base, are known in the art and are examples of suitable combinations.

[0047] References to injection molding processes and the use of materials conventionally applied to injection molding throughout this description should be understood as exemplary. Those skilled in the art will understand 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 sealing are examples of embodiments described herein. Other methods of securing 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 trapping, etc.

[0048] Certain aspects of this invention can be used to reduce or prevent significant optical damage to contact lenses caused by interaction with bubbles or the interior of the lens package during storage or transport 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 refer to the attached diagram, Figures 1A to 1D An example contact lens package 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As described, the contact lens package 100 may include a base 110, a cap 150, a contact lens 160, a packaging solution 170, and an absorbent member 180. The contact lens package 100 may have, for example... Figure 1A and Figure 1C The unopened state shown and as Figure 1DThe diagram shows the unopened state. When 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 accommodated within the cavity 122 formed between the base 110 and the cap 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 held in a compressed state within the cavity 122, which can cause a large portion of the packaging solution 170 to surround and contact the contact lens 160 to maintain the hydration of the lens 160. Thus, when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, only a minimal amount of packaging solution 170 can be accommodated within the absorbent member 180. When desired, the user can open the contact lens package 100 to allow access to the contact lens 160 by at least partially removing the cap 150 from the base 110. Such opening of the contact lens package 100 allows the absorbent member 180 to change from a compressed state to an expanded state, causing the absorbent member 180 to absorb a significant amount of the packaging solution 170, thereby effectively draining the packaging solution 170 from the contact lens 160. This drainage of the packaging solution 170 from the contact lens 160 allows the user to more easily remove the contact lens 160 from the contact lens package 100. Removing the cap 150 from the base 110 at least partially exposes the contact lens 160, allowing the user to engage and remove the contact lens 160 with their fingers. As shown, when the contact lens package 100 is unopened, the lens support 130 of the base 110 holds the contact lens 160 in position and orientation within the cavity 122. Figure 1C As shown, the contact lens 160 is accommodated within the cavity 122 and supported by the lens support 130, such that when the contact lens package 100 is unopened, the convex surface of the contact lens 160 faces the cover 150. Thus, when the contact lens package 100 is opened, the user can engage the convex surface to remove the contact lens 160 and subsequently place it on the user's eyes, achieving a convenient and more hygienic experience and avoiding some of the drawbacks of existing contact lens packages.

[0050] According to the example shown, the base 110 may have a first end 112 (also referred to as a "rear end" in some embodiments) and a second end 114 (also 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 (also referred to as a "top side" in some embodiments) and a second side 118 (also 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 certain 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 absorber member support 140 recessed relative to the main portion and having a planar shape, and a lens support 130 extending upward from the absorber member support 140 beyond the main portion and having a contour shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 110 may define a base cavity that forms part of the overall cavity 122 of the contact lens package 100. As discussed above, the base 110 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the base 110 may be substantially rigid. In other embodiments, the base 110 may be flexible.

[0051] The lens support 130 may at least partially define a cavity 122 and support a 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 support the contact lens 160 between the base 110 and the cap 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 attached to the remainder of the base 110. In some embodiments, the lens support 130 may be provided as a separate component disposed within the cavity 122 between the base 110 and the cap 150 and attached 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 some 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 may be a convex surface, but other shapes of the inner surface 132 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the lens support 130 may be formed as a dome extending upward from the absorber support 140, and the inner surface 132 may be a convex outer surface of the dome. As shown, the lens support 130 may include an outer surface 134 disposed opposite to the inner surface 132 and defining an outer portion of the contact lens package 100. In some embodiments, the outer surface 134 may be a convex surface whose convex shape facilitates nesting of a plurality of contact lens packages 100 disposed adjacent to each other, such as in a stacked manner, but other shapes of the outer surface 134 may be used in other embodiments. The lens support 130 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the lens support 130 may be substantially rigid.

[0052] The absorbent member support 140 may at least partially define a cavity 122 and 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 a main planar portion of the base 110 and support the absorbent member 180 between the base 110 and the cap 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 attached to the remainder of the base 110. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support 140 may be provided as a separate component disposed within the cavity 122 between the base 110 and the cap 150 and attached 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 some embodiments) that engages and supports the absorbent member 180 within the cavity 122. In particular, the inner surface 142 may engage the bottom surface of the absorber member 180. In some embodiments, as shown, the inner surface 142 may be a flat surface, but in other embodiments, other contour shapes of the inner surface 142 may be used. As shown, the absorber member support 140 may include an outer surface 144 disposed opposite to the inner surface 142 and defining an outer portion of the contact lens package 100. In some embodiments, the outer surface 144 may be a flat surface, but in other embodiments, other shapes of the outer surface 144 may be used. The absorber member support 140 may be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the absorber member support 140 may be substantially rigid.

[0053] As shown, when the contact lens package 100 is unopened, the cap 150 is connectable to the base 110 and extends over at least a portion of the base 110, sealing the contact lens 160, packaging solution 170, and absorbent member 180 within a cavity 122. Thus, the base 110 and cap 150 together form a sealed cavity 122 for receiving the contact lens 160, packaging solution 170, and absorbent member 180 until the user wishes to open 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 unopened, the cap 150 may extend over and cover the lens support 130, 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 cap 150 can seal to a corresponding adjacent portion of the base 110, such as the portion of the main portion of the base 110 surrounding the lens support 130 and the absorbent member support 140, such that the contact lens 160, the packaging solution 170, and the absorbent member 180 are accommodated within the cavity 122 formed by the base 110 and the cap 150. When the contact lens package 100 is changed from an unopened state to an opened state to remove the contact lens 160, the seal between the cap 150 and the base 110 can be at least partially broken. As discussed above, the cap 150 can be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, as shown, the cap 150 can be flexible.

[0054] The absorbing member 180 may be compressible and is configured for use in situations such as Figure 1C The compression state shown and as Figure 1B and Figure 1DThe transition between the expanded and inflated states is illustrated. 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 an unopened state, the absorbent member 180 may be compressed and held in a compressed state between the base 110 and the cap 150, and when the contact lens package 100 changes from an unopened state to an opened state, the absorbent member 180 may automatically transition from the compressed state to the expanded state. As discussed above, such a transition of the absorbent member 180 from the compressed state to the expanded state allows the absorbent member 180 to rapidly absorb the packaged solution 170, thereby facilitating the drainage of the packaged 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 packaged solution 170 when the absorbent member 180 transitions from the compressed state to the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be configured to absorb the majority of the packaged solution 170 when the absorbent member 180 transitions from the compressed state to the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution 170 when the contact lens package 100 changes from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution 170 when the contact lens package 100 changes from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be disposed near but slightly spaced from the contact lens 160. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be disposed adjacent to the contact lens 160. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be formed of or may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be formed of or may include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be formed of or may include a suede or oil-tanned leather material. Various other suitable constructions and materials may be used for the absorbent member 180.

[0055] Figure 1C and Figure 1D An example method for opening a contact lens package 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As described above, as Figure 1A and Figure 1C As shown, the contact lens package 100 can be provided and stored in an unopened state until the user wishes to open the package 100. When the contact lens package 100 is unopened, the user can hold the base 110 and grasp the end area of ​​the cover 150, such as the end area 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. This disrupts at least a portion of the seal between the cover 150 and the base 110. Figure 1DAs shown, the cap 150 can be removed from the base 110, such that at least a portion of the contact lens 160, lens support 130, and absorbent member 180 are no longer covered by the cap 150. In some embodiments, as shown, the entire absorbent member 180 can be exposed, allowing the absorbent member 180 to completely transition from a compressed state to an expanded state. In some embodiments, the cap 150 can be completely removed from the base 110. As discussed above, when the cap 150 is at least partially removed from the base 110, the absorbent member 180 can transition from a compressed state to an expanded state or transition to an expanded state, such that at least a portion of the packaged solution 170 is absorbed by the absorbent member 180 and drained from the contact lens 160. After at least partial removal of the cap 150 from the base 110, as... Figure 1D As shown, a user can engage the contact lens 160 while the contact lens 160 is exposed and supported by the lens support 130. According to the illustrated embodiment where the lens support 130 supports the concave surface of the contact lens 160, the user can 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 can easily engage and hold the contact lens 160 with their finger. Thus, the contact lens 160 can be conveniently removed from the lens support 130 and held on the user's finger with the desired concave-side-up orientation, ready for placement on the user's eye.

[0056] An example method for packaging contact lens 160 using contact lens package 100 can also be found from Figure 1C and Figure 1D Understood. The method typically includes disposing the contact lens 160, the packaging solution 170, and the absorbent member 180 within the cavity 122 of the package 100, such as... Figure 1D As shown, the absorbent member 180 is changed from an expanded state to a 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 a compressed state, as shown. Figure 1C As shown. In some embodiments, at least a portion, a majority, or all of the packaging solution 170 may be applied to and absorbed by the absorbent member 180 before or after the absorbent member 180 is placed on the base 110. Thus, changing the absorbent member 180 from an expanded state to a compressed state may 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 to the contact lens 160 to hydrate the contact lens 160 within the cavity 122. In some embodiments, as shown, closing the cavity 122 may include attaching a cap 150 to the base 110 such that the absorbent member 180 is held in a compressed state between the base 110 and the cap 150.

[0057] Some aspects of the present invention can be further understood by referring to the following embodiments:

[0058] Example 1. A contact lens packaging package, the contact lens packaging package comprising:

[0059] The 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 unopened.

[0060] Example 2. The contact lens package according to Example 1, wherein the absorbent member is configured to change from the compressed state to the expanded state when the package changes from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0061] Example 3. A contact lens package according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion of the package solution when the absorbent member changes from the compressed state to the expanded state.

[0062] Example 4. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb most of the package solution when the absorbent member changes from the compressed state to the expanded state.

[0063] Example 5. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion of the package solution when the package changes from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0064] Example 6. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb most of the package solution when the package changes from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0065] Example 7. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the absorption member is biased toward the swollen state.

[0066] Example 8. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the absorption member is disposed adjacent to the contact lens.

[0067] Example 9. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

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

[0069] Example 11. The contact lens package according to Example 10, wherein the base and the cover together surround the cavity.

[0070] Example 12. A contact lens package according to Example 10 or Example 11, wherein the base and the cover together define the cavity.

[0071] Example 13. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 10 to 12, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover seals to the base along the periphery of the cavity, and wherein when the package is in the opened state, the seal between the cover and the base is at least partially broken.

[0072] Example 14. The contact lens package according to Example 13, wherein the cover is integrally sealed to the base along the periphery of the cavity.

[0073] Example 15. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover does not cover the contact lens.

[0074] Example 16. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover does not cover the absorbent member.

[0075] Example 17. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover extends at least partially over the absorbent member.

[0076] Example 18. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 10 to 17, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that when the package is in the unopened state, the convex surface of the contact lens faces the cover.

[0077] Example 19. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 10 to 18, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that when the package is in an open state, the convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and can be touched by a user.

[0078] Example 20. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 10 to 19, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that when the package is in the unopened state, the concave surface of the contact lens faces the base.

[0079] Example 21. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 10 to 20, wherein the absorption member is connected to the base.

[0080] Example 22. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 10 to 21, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the cap.

[0081] Example 23. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 10 to 22, wherein the base includes a lens support member that supports the contact lens within the cavity.

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

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

[0084] Example 26. A contact lens package according to Example 24 or Example 25, wherein the lens support further includes an outer surface disposed opposite to the inner surface of the lens support and having a concave shape.

[0085] Example 27. The contact lens package according to Example 26, wherein the concave shape of the outer surface of the lens support is configured to receive the protrusion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating the nesting of multiple packages.

[0086] Example 28. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover does not cover the lens support.

[0087] Example 29. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 23 to 28, wherein the base further includes an absorption member support for supporting the absorption member within the cavity.

[0088] 30. The contact lens package according to Example 29, wherein the absorption member support includes an inner surface having a planar shape.

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

[0090] Example 32. The contact lens package according to Example 30 or Example 31, wherein the absorption member support further includes an outer surface disposed opposite to the inner surface of the absorption member support and having a planar shape.

[0091] Example 33. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 30 to 32, wherein the absorption member is connected to the absorption member support.

[0092] Example 34. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover does not cover the absorbent member support.

[0093] Example 35. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover extends at least partially over the absorbent member support.

[0094] Example 36. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 30 to 35, wherein the absorbent member support is disposed adjacent to the lens support.

[0095] Example 37. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 30 to 36, wherein the lens support extends over the absorbent member support and is configured to facilitate the discharge of the package solution into the absorbent member when the package is in an open state.

[0096] Example 38. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 10 to 37, wherein the base is substantially rigid and wherein the cover is flexible.

[0097] Example 39. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 10 to 37, wherein the base is flexible and wherein the cover is flexible.

[0098] Example 40. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 10 to 39, wherein the cover comprises a foil layer.

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

[0100] base; and

[0101] A cover is attached to the base, wherein the base and the cover together define a cavity for receiving 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] Example 42. A contact lens package according to Example 41, wherein the absorbent member is configured to change from the compressed state to the expanded state when the package changes from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0103] Example 43. A contact lens package according to Example 41 or Example 42, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion of the package solution when the absorbent member changes from the compressed state to the expanded state.

[0104] Example 44. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 43, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb a majority of the package solution when the absorbent member transitions from the compressed state to the expanded state.

[0105] Example 45. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 44, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion of the package solution when the package changes from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0106] Example 46. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 45, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb most of the package solution when the package changes from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0107] Example 47. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 46, wherein the absorption member is biased toward the swollen state.

[0108] Example 48. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 47, wherein the absorption member is disposed adjacent to the contact lens.

[0109] Example 49. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 48, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

[0110] Example 50. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 49, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover seals to the base along the periphery of the cavity, and wherein when the package is in the opened state, the seal between the cover and the base is at least partially broken.

[0111] Example 51. The contact lens package according to Example 50, wherein the cover is integrally sealed to the base along the periphery of the cavity.

[0112] Example 52. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover does not cover the contact lens.

[0113] Example 53. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover does not cover the absorbent member.

[0114] Example 54. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover extends at least partially over the absorbent member.

[0115] Example 55. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 54, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that when the package is in the unopened state, the convex surface of the contact lens faces the cover.

[0116] Example 56. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 55, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that when the package is in an open state, the convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and can be touched by a user.

[0117] Example 57. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 56, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that when the package is in the unopened state, the concave surface of the contact lens faces the base.

[0118] Example 58. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 57, wherein the absorption member is connected to the base.

[0119] Example 59. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 58, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the cap.

[0120] Example 60. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 59, wherein the base includes a lens support member that supports the contact lens within the cavity.

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

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

[0123] Example 63. A contact lens package according to Example 61 or Example 62, wherein the lens support further includes an outer surface disposed opposite to the inner surface of the lens support and having a concave shape.

[0124] Example 64. The contact lens package according to Example 63, wherein the concave shape of the outer surface of the lens support is configured to receive the protrusion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating the nesting of multiple packages.

[0125] Example 65. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover does not cover the lens support.

[0126] Example 66. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 60 to 65, wherein the base further includes an absorption member support for supporting the absorption member within the cavity.

[0127] Example 67. The contact lens package according to Example 66, wherein the absorption member support includes an inner surface having a planar shape.

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

[0129] Example 69. A contact lens package according to Example 67 or Example 68, wherein the absorption member support further includes an outer surface disposed opposite to the inner surface of the absorption member support and having a planar shape.

[0130] Example 70. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 66 to 69, wherein the absorption member is connected to the absorption member support.

[0131] Example 71. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover does not cover the absorbent member support.

[0132] Example 72. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 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 opened state, the cover extends at least partially over the absorbent member support.

[0133] Example 73. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 66 to 72, wherein the absorbent member support is disposed adjacent to the lens support.

[0134] Example 74. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 66 to 73, wherein the lens support extends over the absorbent member support and is configured to facilitate the discharge of the packaged solution into the absorbent member when the package is in an open state.

[0135] Example 75. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 74, wherein the base is substantially rigid and wherein the cover is flexible.

[0136] Example 76. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 74, wherein the base is flexible and wherein the cover is flexible.

[0137] Example 77. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 41 to 76, wherein the cover comprises a foil layer.

[0138] Example 78. A method for packaging contact lenses, the method comprising:

[0139] The contact lens, packaging solution, and absorbent components are placed inside the cavity of the package;

[0140] Transforming the absorbing member from an expanded state to a compressed state; and

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

[0142] Example 79. The method according to Example 78, wherein changing the absorbent member from the expanded state to the compressed state includes releasing at least a portion of the packaging solution from the absorbent member.

[0143] Example 80. The method according to Example 78 or Example 79, the method further comprising absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution with the absorbent member before placing the absorbent member in the cavity.

[0144] Example 81. The method according to Example 78 or Example 79, the method further comprising absorbing a majority of the packaging solution with the absorbent member before placing the absorbent member in the cavity.

[0145] Example 82. The method according to Example 78 or Example 79, the method further comprising absorbing the entire packaged solution with the absorbent member before placing the absorbent member in the cavity.

[0146] Example 83. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 82, wherein changing the absorbent member from the expanded state to the compressed state comprises causing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow into the contact lens within the cavity.

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

[0148] Example 85. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 84, wherein the absorbing member is biased to the expanded state.

[0149] Example 86. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 85, wherein the absorbing member is disposed adjacent to the contact lens.

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

[0151] Example 88. The method according to any one of Examples 78 to 87, wherein the package includes a base and a lid, wherein a cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and wherein closing the cavity includes connecting the lid to the base such that the absorbent member is held in the compressed state between the base and the lid.

[0152] Example 89. A method for opening a contact lens package, the method comprising:

[0153] The package includes a cavity for accommodating the contact lens, the packaging solution, and the absorbent member;

[0154] At least partially open the cavity so that the contact lens is not covered; and

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

[0156] Example 90. According to the method of Example 89, the absorbent member absorbs most of the packaging solution.

[0157] Example 91. The method according to Example 89 or Example 90, wherein the absorbing member is biased to the expanded state.

[0158] Example 92. The method according to any one of Examples 89 to 91, wherein the absorbing member is disposed adjacent to the contact lens.

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

[0160] Example 94. The method according to any one of Examples 89 to 93, wherein the package includes a base and a lid, wherein a cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and wherein when the package is in an unopened state, the absorbent member is held in the compressed state between the base and the lid.

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

[0162] The summary and abstract section may set forth one or more embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the inventors, but not all exemplary embodiments, and is therefore not intended to limit the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0163] The foregoing description of specific embodiments, without departing from the general concept of the invention, will fully reveal the general nature of the invention, namely that others can readily modify and / or adapt such particular embodiments for various applications without excessive experimentation by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance presented herein, such modifications and adaptations are intended to fall within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limitation, and that the terminology or terminology of this specification should be interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the teachings and guidance.

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

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

Claims

1. A contact lens packaging package, the contact lens packaging package comprising: A cavity is provided to house 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 unopened. The contact lens package further includes a base, a cover connected to the base, and a lens support. The base further includes an absorption member support within the cavity that supports the absorption member, and the absorption member support includes an inner surface having a planar shape. The absorption member support is disposed adjacent to the lens support.

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

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

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

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

7. The contact lens packaging according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

8. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the cavity is formed between the base and the cover.

9. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover seals to the base along the periphery of the cavity, and wherein when the package is in the opened state, the seal between the cover and the base is at least partially broken.

10. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the contact lens and / or the absorbent member, and wherein when the package is in the opened state, the cover does not cover the contact lens and / or the absorbent member.

11. The contact lens package of claim 1, 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 opened state, the cover extends at least partially over the absorbent member.

12. The contact lens package according to claim 1, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that when the package is in the unopened state, the convex surface of the contact lens faces the cover.

13. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that when the package is in an open state, the convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to the user.

14. The contact lens package according to claim 1, wherein the contact lens is disposed within the cavity such that when the package is in the unopened state, the concave surface of the contact lens faces the base.

15. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the base.

16. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the cap.

17. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the base includes a lens support member that supports the contact lens within the cavity.

18. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the surface of the lens support engages with the concave surface of the contact lens.

19. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the lens support includes an inner surface having a convex shape, and wherein the inner surface of the lens support defines a portion of the cavity.

20. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the lens support includes an inner surface having a convex shape, and wherein the lens support further includes an outer surface having a concave shape disposed opposite to the inner surface of the lens support.

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 protrusion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating the nesting of multiple packages.

22. The contact lens package of claim 1, 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 opened state, the cover does not cover the lens support.

23. The contact lens package of claim 1, 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.

24. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the absorbent member support.

25. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the cover extends over and covers the absorber support, and wherein when the package is in the opened state, the cover does not cover or only partially covers the absorber support.

26. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the lens support extends above the absorbent member support and is configured to facilitate the discharge of the packaged solution into the absorbent member when the package is in an open state.

27. The contact lens packaging of claim 1, wherein the base is rigid or flexible and the cover is flexible.

28. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises a foil layer.

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