Contact lens blister packages

Abstract

A contact lens blister package assembly 1 comprising a blister package 2 and an additive container 4. The blister package 2 comprises; a base member 6 which comprises a surface region 3 around a first

Description

[001] The present disclosure concerns contact lens blister packages, more particularly, but not exclusively, contact lens blister package assemblies comprising a blister package and an additive container. Background

[002] Soft contact lenses, for example hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lenses, are stored in a contact lens packaging solution in order to keep them hydrated and in a useable condition. Contact lenses are typically individually packaged in a blister package. Blister packages provide a sterile and secure environment for unused contact lenses, allowing them to be transported and stored safely until such time as they are required by an end user. A conventional blister package comprises a base member made of a plastics material having a cavity formed therein and a seal member that is sealed to that base member to seal the cavity. Blister packages are typically arranged in rows (or strips) with, for example five or more, blister packages connected to each other. Contact lenses are typically packaged in the blister package in a manufacturing process that includes the steps of: placing the contact lens in the cavity of the base member, adding a volume of contact lens packaging solution to the cavity, sealing the cavity with a seal member thereby containing the lens and the solution within the packaging, and then autoclaving the sealed blister package in order to sterilize the contact lens and solution within the blister cavity. WO 2023 / 007126 (CooperVision International Limited) and WO 2023 / 233117 (CooperVision International Limited) are examples of contact lens blister packages.

[003] The need to autoclave the sealed blister package places restrictions on the compounds that can be included in the packaging solution. For example, some compounds that may increase user comfort or have other benefits will be degraded by autoclaving due to the temperatures involved. Examples of such compounds include but are not limited to natural biopolymers (for example Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Chondroitin Sulfate, Chitosan, Silk-derived Protein, Alginate, etc.) and / or or antioxidants (for example Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Resveratrol, CoQlO, Quercetin, etc.). It would be advantageous to provide apparatus and / or methods that allow a wider range of compounds to be included in the packaging solution of a blister package.

[004] It would be advantageous to provide apparatus and / or methods that would make it easier to mix a compound into the packaging solution and / or assist in mixing a compound into the packaging solution in the correct proportions. It would be advantageous to provide apparatus and / or methods that would allow the mixing to occur during the manufacturing process.

[005] The present disclosure seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present disclosure seeks to provide improved contact lens blister packages and / or methods relating thereto. Summary

[006] In a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a contact lens blister package assembly comprising a blister package and an additive container; the blister package comprises: a base member comprising: a surface region surrounding a first opening of a cavity, the cavity containing a contact lens in a fluid, the fluid comprising a contact lens packaging solution and an additive solution; and a cavity wall defining the cavity, the cavity wall having at least one through-hole defining a second opening of the cavity; the blister package further comprises: a first seal member affixed to the base member to seal the first opening; and a second seal member affixed to the base member to seal the second opening; the additive container comprises: an additive reservoir for containing the fluid; and a projection; the blister package and the additive container are bonded together, such that the additive reservoir and the cavity of the blister package are in fluid communication via the second opening in the cavity wall and an orifice in the second seal member; and the orifice in the second seal member corresponds to the projection.

[007] In a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of mixing an additive solution into a contact lens packaging solution, wherein a blister package comprises a seal member and a cavity defined by a cavity wall, the cavity wall having at least one through-hole sealed by the seal member, the contact lens packaging solution and a contact lens being sealed in the cavity; and an additive container comprises an additive reservoir containing the additive solution; the method comprising: moving the additive container relative to the blister package so that a projection of the additive container creates an orifice in the seal member to place the additive reservoir and the cavity of the blister package in fluid communication; and bonding the additive container to the blister package.

[008] In a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a contact lens blister package assembly comprising a blister package, and an additive container; the blister package comprises: a base member comprising: a surface region surrounding a first opening of a cavity containing a contact lens in a contact lens packaging solution; and a cavity wall defining the cavity, the cavity wall having at least one through-hole defining a second opening of the cavity; the blister package further comprises: a first foil member affixed to the base member to seal the first opening; and a second foil member affixed to the base member to seal the second opening.

[009] Optional but preferred features are set out in the dependent claims.

[0010] It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present disclosure may be incorporated into other aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the method of the disclosure may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the disclosure and vice versa. Description of the Drawings

[0011] Example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, of which: FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a contact lens blister package 2 for use in a contact lens blister assembly according to a first example embodiment; FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an additive container 4 for use in the contact lens blister assembly according to the first example embodiment; FIG. 3 show cross-section views of the contact lens blister package 2 and additive container 4 of the first embodiment prior to assembly into a contact lens blister package assembly; FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the contact lens blister package assembly 1 of the first embodiment once assembled; FIG. 5A shows a plan view of the bottom of the contact lens blister package 2 when assembled as part of the contact lens blister package assembly 1; FIG. 5B shows a plan view of the top of the additive container 4 when assembled as part of the contact lens blister package assembly 1; FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a contact lens blister package assembly 1 in accordance with a second example embodiment, prior to assembly; and FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of an example method of mixing an additive solution with a contact lens packaging solution, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless stated differently or otherwise, if a same component number is used in different figures, that component number represents the same feature but in the context of that particular embodiment shown in that figure. Detailed Description

[0012] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there may be provided a contact lens blister package assembly comprising a blister package and an additive container. The blister package comprises a base member, a first seal member and / or a second seal member. The additive container comprises an additive reservoir. The base member of the blister package comprises a (for example planar) surface region, a cavity wall, a first seal member and / or a second seal member. The (planar) surface region may surround a first opening of a cavity. The cavity may contain a contact lens in a fluid. The fluid may comprise a contact lens packaging solution and / or an additive solution. The cavity wall defines the cavity and / or the cavity wall has at least one through-hole defining a second opening of the cavity. It may be that a first seal member is affixed to the base member to seal the first opening. It may be that a second seal member is affixed to the base member to seal the second opening. The additive container comprises a (first) projection and / or an additive reservoir for containing the fluid. It may be that the additive reservoir as well as the cavity of the blister package contains some of the fluid. The blister package and the additive container are bonded together, for example such that the additive reservoir and the cavity of the blister package are in fluid communication via the second opening in the cavity wall and an orifice (a first orifice) in the second seal member. It may be that the (first) orifice in the second seal member corresponds to the (first) projection.

[0013] Thus, the projection of the additive container has placed the cavity of the blister package and the additive reservoir in fluid communication by forming the orifice, thereby permitting the additive solution and the packaging solution to mix resulting in a fluid comprising both additive solution and packaging solution in the cavity of the blister package and optionally also the additive reservoir. The provision of a separate additive container may allow a wider range of compounds to be combined with the packaging solution of the blister package. For example, the blister package and the additive container can be sterilized separately, with the additive container being subject to an appropriate sterilization method that doesn’t damage the additive, before being brought together in the blister package assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the use of an additive container and the projection may make it easier to introduce an additive into the packaging solution and / or help to combine the additive with the packaging solution in the correct proportions.

[0014] “The orifice corresponds to the projection” means that the projection could have made the orifice before the bonding together of the blister package and the additive container. It will be appreciated that this requires the blister package, additive container and projection are configured such that the projection, while occupying its present location on the additive container, could be brought into contact with the second seal member and moved relative to the second seal member so as to produce the orifice in the second seal member. It may be that the orifice is created by slicing, ripping tearing and / or otherwise breaking through the seal member

[0015] It will be appreciated that the composition of the fluid may vary slightly as between the cavity containing the contact lens and the additive reservoir (if present therein), depending on how well mixed the additive solution and the packaging solution are at any point in time. It will be appreciated that the fluid results from the mixing of the additive solution and the packaging solution that, prior to creation of the orifice were separated in the additive container and the blister package respectively.

[0016] References herein to blister package(s) should be understood as references to contact lens blister package(s) unless otherwise indicated. Similarly, references to blister package assembly / assemblies, and packaging solution(s) should be understood as references to contact lens blister package assembly / assemblies, and contact lens packaging solution(s) respectively, unless otherwise indicated.

[0017] Additive solution refers to a solution comprising a compound (additive) to be mixed with the packaging solution. The additive may be a thermally unstable compound. The additive may be a natural biopolymer. The additive may be Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Chondroitin Sulfate, Chitosan, Silk-derived Protein, and / or Alginate. The additive may be an antioxidant. The additive may be Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Resveratrol, CoQlO and / or Quercetin. The prefix ‘additive’ is added to the various terms used herein, for example container, reservoir, projection, seal member, base member to denote that said container, reservoir, projection, seal member, base member, etc. is or forms part of the packaging of the additive solution as opposed to the blister package containing the packaging solution.

[0018] It may be that the projection is connected to (e.g. integrally formed, mounted on, interlocked with, and / or geometrically constrained by) the additive base member such that the projection moves with the additive base member.

[0019] It may be that the orifice in the second seal member corresponds to a movement of the additive container (and therefore the projection connected thereto) relative to the blister package that causes the projection to make the orifice, prior to the blister package and the additive container being bonded together. It may be that the orifice corresponds to said movement taking place while a portion of one of the additive container or blister package is received in the other of the additive container and blister package.

[0020] It may be that said movement is a rotation of the additive container relative to the blister package, for example such that the projection cuts the orifice in the second seal member. It may be said rotation is about an axis perpendicular to the second seal member in the region of the orifice and / or perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base member of the blister package in the region of the orifice. It may be that said rotation is a rotation about a single axis.

[0021] It may be that the orifice in the second seal member corresponds to a translation of the additive container relative to the blister package, for example such that the projection pierces the second seal member to form the orifice in the second seal member. It may be said translation is a translation along an axis perpendicular to the second seal member in the region of the orifice and / or perpendicular to the bottom surface of the base member of the blister package in the region of the orifice. It may be said translation is a translation along a single axis.

[0022] The base member comprises a surface region, for example a planar surface region, surrounding a first (main) opening of the cavity. It may be that the base member comprises a top surface. For example, a top surface comprising the (planar) surface region. It may be that the cavity is a recess in the top surface. It may be that the base member comprises a bottom surface, being the surface on the opposite side of the base member to the top surface. It may that, apart from the cavity, the top surface of the base member is substantially planar. It may that, apart from the cavity, the top surface of the base member is substantially planar over the majority of its surface area. The intersection of the cavity and the (planar) surface region may be referred to as the perimeter of the cavity. The first (main) opening of the cavity may be defined by the perimeter. The cavity may have a concave interior surface on the top side (i.e. the side of the top surface) of the base member and / or a convex exterior surface on the bottom side (i.e. the side of the bottom surface) of the base member. The cavity may be substantially hemispherical, substantially cylindrical and / or irregular in shape.

[0023] The base member comprises a cavity wall. The cavity wall may be said portion of the base member which defines the cavity. The cavity may have a base, for example a substantially planar base. The base may be the portion of the base member which defines the bottom of the cavity. The base member, for example the cavity wall, comprises one or more through-hole(s). It may be that each through-hole provides a second (secondary) opening to the cavity. It may be that the second seal member extends across and seals the or each through-hole(s). It may be that each through-hole extends through the base member from the top side of the base member to the bottom side of the base member. The through-hole(s) may be located in a lower region of the cavity, for example in the base of the cavity. The opening provided by each through-hole may be smaller, for example at least 50% smaller, than the size of the (first) main opening. It may be that the seal formed between the second seal member and the base member, for example the bottom surface of the base member, surrounds the opening(s) of the through-hole(s) on the bottom surface. It may be that the seal extends around the perimeter of each individual through-hole. It may be that the seal is located radially outside all the through-holes at any location around the perimeter of the region in which the through-holes are located (e.g. the seal extends around the perimeter of the through-holes as a group).

[0024] It may be that the first seal member extends across and seals the first (main) opening of the cavity. In such embodiments, the first seal member may be said to form the lid of the blister package. It may be that the first seal member is affixed to the (planar) surface region of the base member. It may be that the seal formed between the first seal member and the base member, for example the (planar) surface region, surrounds the perimeter of the cavity. It may be that the additive container is mounted on the bottom side of the blister package (i.e. on the opposite side to the lid).

[0025] The additive container may comprise an additive base member. The additive reservoir may have a concave interior surface, for example on a first side of the additive base member. The additive reservoir may have a convex exterior surface on a second, opposite side of the additive base member. It may be that the additive base member comprises a first surface, for example on the first side of the additive base member. The first surface may comprise the concave interior surface. It may be that the additive base member comprises a second surface, for example on the second side of the additive base member. The second surface may comprise the convex exterior surface. The additive reservoir may be substantially hemispherical, substantially cylindrical and / or irregular in shape. The additive base member may comprise an additive reservoir wall, being said portion of the additive base member which defines the additive reservoir. The first surface may comprise a surface region facing the second seal member, such as a surface region (for example planar) facing the second seal member. It may be that said surface region surrounds a first (main) opening of the additive reservoir. It may be that said surface region extends around a portion of the perimeter of the concave interior surface and / or a portion of the first (main) opening of the additive reservoir. It may be that the projection is connected to the rest of the additive container in said surface region. For example, it may be that the projection has a longitudinal axis extending substantially perpendicular to said surface region. It may be that the projection extends from the (planar) surface region of the additive container.

[0026] It may be that at least a portion of one of the blister package and the additive container is received in the other of the blister package and the additive container. It may be that the additive container and / or the base member comprises a rim. It may be that the rim surrounds the first (main) opening of the additive reservoir. It may be that the rim surrounds the surface region facing the second seal member. It may be that the rim extends substantially perpendicular to said surface region, for example towards the blister package. Thus, it may be that the rim is upstanding from the surface region. It may be that a portion of the cavity wall, for example the base, is received in the rim. It may be that the base of the cavity wall faces and / or is opposite the surface region.

[0027] It may be that the additive container comprises an additive seal member sealing the additive reservoir. It may be that the additive seal member is affixed to the additive base member to seal the additive solution in the additive reservoir. It may be that the additive seal member extends across and seals the main opening of the additive reservoir. In such embodiments, the additive seal member may be said to form the lid of the additive reservoir. It may be that the additive seal member is affixed to the rim and / or the (planar) surface region of the additive container. It may be that the seal formed between the additive seal member and the additive base member, for example the rim or the (planar) surface region, surrounds the perimeter of the reservoir.

[0028] It may be that the blister package comprises a second projection. It may be that the blister package comprises a second projection corresponding to a second orifice in the additive seal member. It may be that the additive reservoir and the cavity of the blister package are in fluid communication via the second opening in the cavity wall, an orifice in the second seal member, and a second orifice in the additive seal member. It may be that the second projection is connected to (e.g. integrally formed with, mounted on, interlocked with, and / or geometrically constrained by) the blister package, for example the base member, for movement therewith. The second projection may extend from the bottom surface of the base member. The second projection may extend from the cavity wall and / or the base.

[0029] The blister package assembly may be configured such that the second orifice corresponds to a movement of the additive container relative to the blister package (and the second projection) that causes the second projection to make the second orifice, prior to the blister package and the additive container being bonded together. It may be that the second orifice corresponds to said movement taking place while a portion of one of the additive container or blister package is received in the other of the additive container and blister package. It may be that said movement is a rotation of the additive container relative to the blister package, for example such that the second projection cuts the second orifice. It may be said rotation is a rotation about an axis perpendicular to the additive seal member in the region of the second orifice. It may be said rotation is a rotation about a single axis. It may be that the second orifice corresponds to a translation of the additive container relative to the blister package, for example such that the second projection pierces the additive seal member to form the second orifice. It may be that said translation is a translation along an axis perpendicular to the additive seal member in the region of the orifice and / or the additive base member in the region of the orifice. It may be said translation is a translation along a single axis.

[0030] The blister package assembly may be configured such that the (first) orifice in the second seal member and the second orifice correspond to the same movement of the additive container (and the (first) projection mounted thereon) relative to the blister package (and the second projection mounted thereon) that causes the (first) projection to make the (first) orifice and the second projection to make the second orifice, prior to the blister package and the additive container being bonded together. It may be that the first and second orifices correspond to said movement taking place while a portion of one of the additive container or blister package is received in the other of the additive container and blister package. It may be that said movement is a rotation of the additive container relative to the blister package, for example such that the projections cut the orifices. It may be said rotation is a rotation about an axis perpendicular to the second seal member in the region of the (first) orifice and / or additive seal member in the region of the second orifice. It may be said rotation is a rotation about a single axis. It may be that the orifices correspond to a translation of the additive container relative to the blister package, for example such that the projections pierce the seal members to form the orifices. It may be that said translation is a translation along an axis perpendicular to the second seal member in the region of the (first) orifice and / or additive seal member in the region of the second orifice. It may be said translation is a translation along a single axis. It may be that the first and second projections correspond to the orifices being created simultaneously by the same relative movement of the blister package and the additive container.

[0031] It may be that a distal end of the (first or second) projection is located in the corresponding orifice. It may be that the orifice (for example the first orifice or the second orifice) is a slit or tear in the seal member. It may be that the orifice has a length (its largest dimension) and a width, being very much less than its length. It may be the orifice has a first end and a second end. It may be that the projection is located at and / or in, one end of the orifice. It may be that the orifice is curved, for example arcuate. It may be that the orifice defines a flap in the seal member, for example in which a first portion of the seal member (the flap) is connected to but can move relative to the rest of the seal member. Alternatively, it may be that the orifice is a cut-out in the seal member. The cut-out may comprise a region in which a first portion of the seal member is no longer connected to the rest of the seal member. That is to say, the perimeter of the cut-out corresponds to the movement of the projection relative to the seal member, for example through 360 degrees relative to the seal member.

[0032] A projection (for example the first or second projection) may be an elongate member. The longitudinal axis of the projection may extend normal to the surface of the second seal member and / or the additive seal member (if present). The projection may comprise a distal end configured to create the orifice, for example a tapered distal end and / or a tapered edge at the distal end. For example, the projection may be a needle and / or a knife; and / or define one or more needles and / or knives. For example the projection may define a series of cutting teeth. The projection may be a hollow elongate member, for example a tube, having a tapered edge at its distal end.

[0033] It will be appreciated that the additive container is bonded to the blister package so as to hermetically seal the contact lens blister package assembly. The blister package assembly may comprise a seal at which the additive container and blister package are joined so as to hermetically seal the contact lens blister package assembly. The additive container may be bonded to the blister package using an adhesive (i.e. the seal may comprise an adhesive layer). The additive container may be welded to the blister package (i.e. the seal may comprise a region in which material from the additive container is fused with material from the blister package). The additive container and the blister package may be bonded at the additive base member, for example the rim, of the additive container. The additive container and the blister package may be bonded at the base member, for example the bottom surface, cavity wall and / or base, of the blister package. It may be that the additive container is bonded to the blister package such that the position of the additive container relative to the blister package is fixed. It may be that the additive container is bonded to the blister package with at least part of one of the blister package and the additive container received in the other of the blister package and the additive container, for example with the cavity wall of the blister package received in the rim of the additive container.

[0034] It may be that the base member and / or the additive base member is made of a plastics material, for example a thermoplastic material and / or bioplastics material. It may be that the projection is made of a plastics material, for example a thermoplastic material and / or bioplastics material. It may be that the projection is made of the same material as the base member and / or the additive base member. Additionally or alternatively it may be that the projection is made from or comprises a metal, for example stainless steel. For example, the projection may comprise a metal cutting element.

[0035] A seal member (e.g. the first seal member, second seal member, additive seal member, or any other seal member described herein) may have a length (being its longest dimension) and a width. A seal member may have a thickness very much less than its width and length. A seal member may be a sheet, for example a substantially planar sheet. A seal member may be a sheet of seal material. A seal member may comprise one or more layers of a plastics material, for example a thermoplastic material. A seal member may comprise one or layers of foil. Said layers may extend across the majority of, for example the whole of, the surface area (length x width) of the seal member. For example, a seal member may be a laminated structure including one or more layers of foil and one or more layers of a plastics material. The thickness of a seal member may be from 50 micrometers to 100 micrometers inclusive, for example from 60 micrometers to 70 micrometers inclusive. Suitable materials for a seal member can be obtained from AMCOR (Switzerland).

[0036] The contact lens contained in the blister package is preferably a soft contact lens. For example, a contact lens that has an equilibrium water content (EWC) from 10-90%. The contact lens may be a hydrogel contact lens. The contact lens may be a silicone hydrogel contact lens. The contact lens may be an unworn contact lens.

[0037] The cavity of the blister package may hold a volume of contact lens packaging solution of from 0.4 mL to 1.6 mL inclusive, for example from 0.6 mL to 1.4 mL inclusive, for example from 0.8 mL to 1.2 mL inclusive. The cavity may have a depth (being the maximum extent perpendicular to the planar surface portion of from 5 mm to 8 mm inclusive, for example from 6 mm to 7 mm inclusive, for example 6 mm or 6.7 mm. The sealed cavity may have a volume of 0.2 mL to 5 mL inclusive, for example from 0.9 mL to 2.5 mL inclusive, from 0.9 mL to 1.7 mL inclusive, for example from 0.9 mL to 1.5 mL inclusive.

[0038] The additive cavity may hold a volume of additive solution of from 0.1 mL to 2 mL inclusive, for example from 0.6 mL to 1.6 mL inclusive, for example from 0.6 mL to 1.4 mL inclusive, for example from 0.8 mL to 1.2 mL inclusive. The additive cavity may have a depth (being the maximum extent perpendicular to the planar surface portion of from 1 mm to 8 mm inclusive, for example from 5 mm to 8 mm inclusive, for example from 6 mm to 7 mm inclusive, for example 6 mm or 6.7 mm. The sealed additive cavity may have a volume of 0.7 mL to 1.9 mL inclusive, for example from 0.9 mL to 1.7 mL inclusive, for example from 0.9 mL to 1.5 mL inclusive.

[0039] The base member of the blister package may have a length (its longest dimension) from 40 mm to 50 mm inclusive, for example from 43 mm to 47 mm inclusive, for example the base member may have a length of 46 mm. The base member may have a thickness, being the distance between the top and bottom surfaces. The base member may have a width, being its extent perpendicular to the length and thickness. The base member may have a width of from 25 mm to 35 mm inclusive, for example from 27 mm to 33 mm inclusive, for example from 28 mm to 30 mm inclusive, for example the base member may have a width of 29 mm. It may be that the base member has a weight of 0.72 g or less, for example from 0.40 g to 0.72 g inclusive, for example, a weight of 0.70 g, a weight of 0.72 g. It may be that the base member has a weight of less than 0.70 g, for example a weight of less than 0.65 g.

[0040] In a second aspect of the disclosure, there may be provided a method of mixing an additive solution into a contact lens packaging solution. It may be that a blister package comprises a seal member and a cavity defined by a cavity wall. It may be that the cavity wall has at least one through-hole sealed by the seal member. It may be that the blister package comprises the contact lens packaging solution and a contact lens sealed in the cavity. It may be that an additive container comprises an additive reservoir containing the additive solution. The method may then comprise moving the additive container relative to the blister package so that a projection of the additive container creates an orifice in the seal member to place the additive reservoir and the cavity of the blister package in fluid communication. It may be that the additive solution and the packaging solution then mix to form a fluid in the cavity and optionally the additive reservoir. The method may comprise bonding the additive container to the blister package, for example after the orifice has been created. It will be appreciated that the method and / or apparatus of the second aspect may have any of the features described above with reference to the first aspect, and vice versa.

[0041] It may be that the method comprises rotating the additive container relative to the blister package so that the projection cuts the seal member to place the additive reservoir and the cavity in fluid communication.

[0042] It may be that the method comprises translating the additive container relative to the blister package so that the projection pierces the seal member to place the additive reservoir and the cavity in fluid communication.

[0043] The steps of moving the additive container relative to the blister package and bonding the additive container to the blister package may be carried out while the blister package assembly remains in an aseptic environment.

[0044] The method may comprise sterilizing, for example autoclaving, the sealed blister package before bringing the blister package into the aseptic environment. The method may comprise sterilizing, for example autoclaving, the sealed blister package before the steps of moving the additive container relative to the blister package and bonding the additive container to the blister package.

[0045] The method may comprise inverting the blister package assembly, for example such that the additive container is located above the blister package, such that additive solution moves into the cavity under the action of gravity. Said inverting step may be carried out after the blister package is bonded to the additive container.

[0046] In the case that the additive container comprises an additive seal member (e.g. a lid), the method may comprise sterilizing, for example treating with germicidal UV-C light, the additive container (containing the additive solution) before bringing the additive container into the aseptic environment. The method may comprise sterilizing the additive container before the steps of moving the additive container relative to the blister package and bonding the additive container to the blister package. Alternatively, where the additive container does not comprise an additive seal member, it may be that the additive solution is placed in the additive reservoir while the additive container is in the aseptic environment, and then said additive container remains in the aseptic environment until the blister package is bonded to the additive container. In this case, the method may comprise filter sterilizing the additive solution. The method may comprise sterilizing the additive container (prior to the addition of the additive solution) by autoclaving, steam sterilizing and / or treating with germicidal UV-C light. As will be known to the skilled person, germicidal UV-C light has a wavelength of from 180 to 280 nm inclusive. The method may comprise sterilizing, for example filter sterilizing, the additive solution before placing the additive solution in an additive container that has already be sterilized, for example steam sterilized.

[0047] In a third aspect of the disclosure there is provided a contact lens blister package assembly comprising a blister package and / or an additive container. The blister package comprises a base member and / or a cavity wall. The base member comprises a surface region (for example a planar surface region) surrounding a first (main) opening of a cavity containing a contact lens in a contact lens packaging solution. The cavity wall defines the cavity and / or has at least one through-hole defining a second (secondary) opening of the cavity. A first foil member (a first seal member) is affixed to the base member to seal the first opening. A second foil member (a second seal member) is affixed to the base member to seal the second opening. Such a blister package assembly may facilitate the inclusion of an additive in a packaging solution. It may be that the blister package is suitable for use as the blister package of the first and / or second aspects. It will be appreciated that the apparatus of the third aspect may have any of the features described above with reference to the first and second aspects, and vice versa.

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a contact lens blister package 2 for use in a contact lens blister assembly according to a first example embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an additive container 4 for use in the contact lens blister assembly according to the first example embodiment. FIG. 3 show cross-section views of the contact lens blister package 2 and additive container 4 of the first embodiment prior to assembly into a contact lens blister package assembly. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the contact lens blister package assembly 1 of the first embodiment once assembled. FIG. 5A shows a plan view of the bottom of the contact lens blister package 2 when assembled as part of the contact lens blister package assembly 1. FIG. 5B shows a plan view of the top of the additive container 4 when assembled as part of the contact lens blister package assembly 1.

[0049] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the contact lens blister package 2 comprises a base member 6 which has a dome-like portion 5 that defines a cavity 8 in which a contact lens 10 is contained in a packaging solution 12. A blister package lid (or seal member) 14 is affixed to a planar surface region 3 of base member 6 that surrounds the main opening 7 of the cavity 8, and thereby seals the top of the cavity 8. A plurality of through-holes 32 are formed in the base member 6 at the base of the cavity 8 (i.e. in the bottom of dome-like portion 5). A secondary seal (or seal member) 34 is affixed to the bottom surface of the base member 6, surrounding and extending across the through-holes 32 to seal the through-holes 32 and the cavity 8. A projection 24, having a knife edge at its distal end, protrudes from the bottom surface of the base member 6 in the region of the base of the cavity 8 at a location radially outward of the secondary seal 34.

[0050] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the additive container 4 comprises an additive base member 16 which has a dome-like portion 17 that defines an additive reservoir 18. An additive lid (or seal member) 22 is affixed to an upward facing surface 15 of the additive base member 16 and seals the top of the additive reservoir 18 which contains an additive solution 20. An additive projection 25, having a knife edge at its distal end, protrudes from the upward facing surface 15 of the additive base member at a location radially outward of the additive lid 22. The additive base member 16 comprises a rim 31, extending upwards from the upwards facing surface 15. The rim 31 is located radially outside and surrounds the upward facing surface 15 (and additive projection 25). The rim 31 is shaped to receive a lower portion of the dome-like portion 5 of the base member 6. In some embodiments, the cavity 8 contains 1.3 mL of packaging solution 12, and the additive reservoir 18 contains 1 mL of additive solution 20.

[0051] With reference to FIGS. 4, 5 A, and 5B, in the contact lens blister package assembly 1, the lower portion of the dome-like portion 5 of the base member 6 is received within the rim 31 and the rim 31 is affixed to the bottom surface of the base member 6 in the region of the dome-like portion 5. An orifice 40 is formed in the secondary seal 34, and corresponds to a path followed by additive projection 25 when the dome-like portion 5 is received within the rim 31 and the additive container 4 is then rotated relative to the contact lens blister package 2. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B the orifice is broadly arcuate, but it will be appreciated that this is schematic and the projection may tear the secondary seal member so that the shape of the orifice is more irregular. In some embodiments, additive projection 25 is located at one end of the orifice 40 in the assembled blister package assembly 1. A flap 42 of secondary seal 34 is defined by orifice 40. The distal end of flap 42 is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the base member 6. An additive orifice 44 is formed in the additive lid 22, and corresponds to a path followed by projection 24 when the dome-like portion 5 is received within the rim 31 and the additive container 4 is then rotated relative to the contact lens blister package 2. In some embodiments, projection 24 is located at one end of the additive orifice 44 in the assembled blister package assembly 1. An additive flap 46 of additive lid 22 is defined by additive orifice 44. The distal end of additive flap 46 is displaced downwards relative to the rest of the additive lid. The additive solution 20 and packaging solution 12 have mixed via orifice 40 and additive orifice 44 to form a fluid 70 that is present in the cavity 8 and the reservoir 18. In FIG. 4 it appears that all the fluid would drain from the cavity 8 into the reservoir 18 but it will be appreciated that this is an artifact of the highly schematic drawing and it will be apparent to the skilled person that by choosing appropriate dimensions of the additive container and the blister package this can be avoided.

[0052] In use, the contact lens 10 and contact lens packaging solution 12 are sealed in contact lens blister package 2 using blister package lid 14 and secondary seal 34. The contact lens blister package 2 is then autoclaved for sterilization in a conventional manner. The additive solution is sterilized in a manner appropriate for the solution, for example filter sterilized. The additive solution 20 is then sealed in the additive container 4 using additive lid 22 under aseptic conditions. In other embodiments, the additive container 4 is sealed and then sterilized in a manner appropriate for the additive contained in additive solution 20. For example, the additive container 4 is exposed to germicidal ultraviolet light (UV-C light). The contact lens blister package 2 and the additive container 4 are then placed together under aseptic conditions, with the dome-like region 5 received in rim 31 such that the secondary seal 34 is adjacent the additive lid 22. The additive container 4 is then rotated relative to the blister package 2 such that projection 24 creates additive orifice 44 and additive projection 25 creates orifice 40. This places additive reservoir 18 and cavity 8 in fluid communication so that contact lens 10 can be exposed to the additive in additive solution 20. After said rotation, the rim 31 is then affixed to the dome-like region 5 to hermetically seal the contact lens blister package assembly.

[0053] Thus, contact lens blister package assemblies in accordance with the present example may allow for a wider range of additives to be used in contact lens blister packages. Additionally or alternatively, contact lens blister package assemblies in accordance with the present example may facilitate controlled mixing of the additive and the contact lens packaging solution. Additionally or alternatively, contact lens blister package assemblies in accordance with the present example may facilitate manufacturing by allowing the contact lens blister package 2 and additive container 4 to be manufactured in different locations before being assembled under aseptic conditions.

[0054] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a contact lens blister package assembly 1 in accordance with a second example embodiment, prior to assembly. The contact lens blister package 2 is substantially as described above in connection with the first example embodiment, except projection 24 is not present. The additive container 4 is substantially as described above in connection with the first example embodiment, except additive lid 22 is not present, and upward facing surface 15 extends around only a portion of the perimeter of the reservoir.

[0055] In use, the contact lens 10 and contact lens packaging solution 12 are sealed in contact lens blister package 2 using blister package lid 14 and secondary seal 34. The contact lens blister package 2 is then autoclaved for sterilization in a conventional manner. The additive solution 20 is sterilized in a manner appropriate for the solution, for example filter sterilized. The additive solution 20 is then placed in additive reservoir 18 under aseptic conditions. The additive container 4 then remains in an aseptic environment, and the contact lens blister package 2 and the (unsealed) additive container 4 are then placed together under aseptic conditions, with the dome-like region 5 received in rim 31. The additive container 4 is then rotated relative to the blister package 2 such that additive projection 25 creates orifice 40. This places additive reservoir 18 and cavity 8 in fluid communication so that contact lens 10 can be exposed to the additive in additive solution 20. After said rotation, the rim 31 or the inside of the additive container is then affixed to the dome-like region 5 to hermetically seal the contact lens blister package assembly.

[0056] Thus, contact lens blister package assemblies in accordance with the present example may allow for a wider range of additives to be used in contact lens blister packages. Additionally or alternatively, contact lens blister package assemblies in accordance with the present example may facilitate controlled mixing of the additive and the contact lens packaging solution. Additionally or alternatively, contact lens blister package assemblies in accordance with the present example may be simpler and / or more cost effective to manufacture as an additive lid is not required. Additionally or alternatively, contact lens blister package assemblies in accordance with the present example may be more reliable, as it is only necessary for a single cut to take place in order for the contact lens to be exposed to the additive.

[0057] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of an example method of mixing an additive solution with a contact lens packaging solution, in accordance with the present disclosure, for example using any of the contact lens blister package assemblies described above. The method 100 comprises sterilizing 102 a contact lens blister package containing a contact lens in a contact lens packaging solution. The method comprises placing 104 the contact lens blister package together with an additive container, and then rotating 106 the additive container relative to the blister package. As a result of said rotation 106, the projection(s) creates 108 one or more orifices thereby placing 110 the cavity of the blister package and the additive reservoir in fluid communication so that the additive solution and the contact lens packaging solution mix 112 and the contact lens is exposed 114 to the additive in the additive solution. After the creation 108 of the orifice(s), the contact lens blister package is hermetically sealed 116, for example by the additive base member to the base member. Steps 104, 106, 108, 110 and 116 are carried out while the contact lens blister package assembly remains in an aseptic environment.

[0058] Whilst the present disclosure has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosure lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

[0059] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present disclosure, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the disclosure that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the 5 disclosure, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

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