Contact Lens Package

Abstract

The contact lens package (100) includes a first layer (102), a support (104) coupled to the first layer, a lens (106), and a second layer (108). The support includes a scaffold (110) and a porous member (112) attached to the scaffold, the porous member including a curved surface. The lens includes an anterior surface and a posterior surface, the posterior surface of the lens being disposed on the curved surface of the porous member. The second layer is coupled to the first layer to seal the support and lens between the first and second layers.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to contact lens packages, and more particularly to contact lens packages having means for presenting a front surface of a contact lens to a user. [Background technology]

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure that is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Contact lenses are typically packaged for single use. For example, a contact lens may be housed in a plastic blister package with a container portion for holding the contact lens and a sterile hydration solution such as saline. The container containing the contact lens submerged in the solution is hermetically sealed, for example, by sealing a lidstock on the package over the container. The package serves as a means for safe transport and storage of the lens. At the time of use, the user removes the lidstock from the container (e.g., a flange or tab formed on the blister package) by peeling the lidstock off to expose the lens submerged in the hydration solution. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This packaging often requires the user to search for the contact lenses after opening. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This section provides an overview of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its entire scope or all functionality.

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a package for contact lenses. In one exemplary embodiment, the contact lens package generally includes a first layer, a support connected to the first layer, a lens, and a second layer. The support includes a scaffold and a porous member attached to the scaffold, the porous member including a curved surface. The lens includes an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and the posterior surface of the lens is disposed on the curved surface of the porous member. The second layer is connected to the first layer to seal the support and the lens between the first layer and the second layer.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a contact lens package generally includes a base and a cover coupled to the base, the base and cover defining a container for a contact lens. A support is disposed within the container, the support including a dome-shaped porous member and a scaffold. The porous member is attached (e.g., secured, fixed, etc.) to the scaffold. The contact lens package also includes a contact lens having an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The posterior surface of the contact lens is disposed on the porous member.

[0008] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] The drawings described herein are for purposes of illustrating selected embodiments only, do not depict all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a contact lens package; [Figure 2A] Top view of the contact lens package of FIG. [Figure 2B]2B is a side view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1 taken along line 2B-2B to show the contact lens and support structures within the contact lens package. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1 including an alternative configuration of the scaffold support structure; [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1 including another alternative configuration of the scaffold support structure; [Figure 4] 3B is an exploded view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1 including the scaffold support structure of FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the sealed contact lens package of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1 with the lidstock partially peeled (e.g., along a perforation line) from the base of the contact lens package; [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a process for opening the contact lens package of FIG. 1. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a process for opening the contact lens package of FIG. 1. [Figure 7C] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a process for opening the contact lens package of FIG. 1. [Figure 7D] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a process for opening the contact lens package of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 1 is an exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of a contact lens package; [Figure 9A] 9 is a bottom view of the contact lens package of FIG. [Figure 9B] 9B is a side view of the contact lens package of FIG. 9A taken along line 9B-9B to show the contact lens and support structures within the contact lens package. [Figure 10A] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a process for opening the contact lens package of FIG. 8. [Figure 10B] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a process for opening the contact lens package of FIG. 8. [Figure 10C] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a process for opening the contact lens package of FIG. 8. [Figure 10D] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a process for opening the contact lens package of FIG. 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to contact lens packages that include a means for accurately positioning a contact lens within the package, for example when the front (e.g., convex) surface of the contact lens is presented to a user. Contact lens packages generally include a container for holding a contact lens submerged in a sterile packaging solution, where the contact lens can move around within the container (e.g., when the user has to search for the lens within the container). Uniquely, the contact lens packages of the present disclosure include a dome-shaped (e.g., hemispherical, etc.) porous polymer feature that supports the contact lens within the package in a specific position and allows the contact lens to be easily placed within the package. This structure prevents the contact lens from inverting and collapsing during the shelf life of the article. Due to the porosity of the porous polymer feature and its ability to absorb liquid (e.g., saline), in addition to positioning the lens, the porous polymer feature simultaneously hydrates the lens and reduces the fill volume within the package (e.g., reduces the amount of saline required for the package). This allows dry lenses to be packaged with the porous polymer feature in some embodiments. In particular, a porous polymeric feature (e.g., hydrogel, etc.) is attached to a support structure that is coupled to an interior surface of the package (e.g., lidstock, base, etc.), and the curved surface of the porous polymeric feature supports the lens such that the front surface of the lens is presented to the user when the package is opened. Having the front surface of the lens facing up when the package is opened allows for a more hygienic transfer of the lens to the user's eye (e.g., fewer steps are required to properly orient the lens, the user does not have to touch the rear surface of the lens to remove it from the package, etc.).

[0013] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: The description and specific examples contained herein are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] 1-7 show an exemplary embodiment of a package 100 for contact lenses that includes one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the package 100 generally includes a base 102 (broadly a first layer), a support 104 for positioning a contact lens 106 within the package 100, and a lidstock 108 (broadly a second layer) coupled to the base 102 (e.g., to seal the contact lens 106 within the package 100). The support 104 includes a scaffold 110 and a porous member 112 (e.g., a hemispherical or dome-shaped hydrogel, etc.) coupled to the scaffold 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the scaffold 110 is coupled to the base 102, and the lens 106 is generally positioned on the porous member 112 within the package 100.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the base 102 is configured as a rigid plastic tray, e.g., substantially flat, except for the platform 110 contained thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 is generally rectangular, but it is understood that the base 102 may include other shapes, such as curved, oval, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The rigidity of the base 102 prevents damage to the contact lenses 106 during transportation, shipping, storage, etc. of the package 100. Additionally, the base 102 provides a sturdy grip for the user when peeling (e.g., removing) the lidstock 108 from the base 102 to allow access to the lenses 106 within the package 100. In some embodiments, the base 102 includes a gripping portion 114 (e.g., textured portion, an opening defined by the base 102, a tab, etc., see FIGS. 3A, 3B) to further facilitate the user's grip when removing the lenses 106 from the package 100.

[0016] The base 102 is formed of molded plastic (e.g., thermoforming, injection molding, 3D printing, etc.). For example, the base 102 can be formed of any suitable material, such as injection molded or thermoformed plastics for medical packaging including PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), HDPE (high density polyethylene), PS (polystyrene), PA (polyamide), etc.; bio-based plastics such as bio-PET, bio-PE / PP, and bio-PEF (polyethylene furanoate); other materials including biodegradable PLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), PBS (polybutylene succinate), cellulose acetate, starch, and related compounds; and / or combinations of two or more of the above listed polymer examples with required binders (e.g., hot melt PE or EVOH), recyclable paper / biopolymer composites such as paper / PLA or paper / PE laminates, lightweight options such as microfibrillated cellulose coatings on paper, etc. In some embodiments, the base 102 is stereolithographically 3D printed, for example from PA2200.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, the scaffold 110 is integrally formed with the base 102 (e.g., the base 102 and the scaffold 110 are formed as one piece), and the scaffold 110 is formed of the same material as the base 102. In other embodiments, the scaffold 110 may be separate from or connected to the base 102. Additionally, in some embodiments, the scaffold 110 may be formed of a different material than the base 102 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The scaffold 110 is configured to anchor (e.g., fix, etc.) the porous member 112 to the base 102. The scaffold 110 precisely positions the porous member 112 within the package 100, for example, in such a way as to prevent the porous member 112 from moving freely within the package 100. This allows the lens 106 to be easily positioned within the package 100, since the lens 106 is positioned on the porous member 112, which is positioned at a fixed position within the package 100.

[0018] To anchor the porous member 112 to the base 102, the scaffold 110 includes structures that project upward from the top surface 116 of the base 102 and provide an attachment means for the porous member 112. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the scaffold 110 includes three protrusions 118a that extend upward from the top surface 116 of the base and curve toward a central point (e.g., forming a dome shape). In other embodiments, it should be understood that the scaffold 110 includes other configurations for securing the porous member 112 to the base 102 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, and without limitation, FIGS. 3A-3B show alternative configurations of the scaffold 110. In FIG. 3A, the scaffold 110 includes protrusions 118b that increase in height from the periphery of the scaffold 110 toward a central point in a spiral configuration. This design including the protrusions 118b can be injection molded, for example. 3B also shows scaffold 110 including multiple protrusions 118c positioned on a curved or domed surface 120 (see also FIGS. 4-6). This design including protrusions 118c can be, for example, thermoformed.

[0019] The porous member 112 is coupled to the scaffold 110 (e.g., formed around the scaffold 110). In the illustrated embodiment, the porous member 112 is fixed to the scaffold 110 in a secure manner such that the porous member 112 is positioned at a precise location (e.g., defined by the positioning of the scaffold 110) and is not easily removed from the scaffold 110. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the porous member 112 is removable from the scaffold 110, for example, as a coating on the lens 106. In particular, in these embodiments, the porous member 112 is used to condition the surface of the lens 106 (e.g., to create a hydrophilic surface, to deposit beneficial components on the lens 106, to incorporate antibacterial properties, etc.). The porous member 112 includes a curved surface that supports the concave surface (rear surface) of the lens 106 such that the convex surface (front surface) of the lens 106 is presented to the user when the package 100 is opened. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the porous member 112 is a dome-shaped (e.g., hemispherical) nub or ridge, with the curvature of the porous member 112 approximately corresponding to the curvature of the lens 106. It should be understood that the porous member 112 may be formed in other shapes besides hemispherical, including, but not limited to, cylindrical or triangular shapes. The lens 106 is positioned front side up on the porous member 112 so that a user can remove the lens 106 from the package 100 and insert the lens 106 without touching the portion of the lens 106 that contacts the user's eye (e.g., the rear surface of the lens 106). In some embodiments, the surface of the porous member 112 includes a textured surface with a plurality of depressions or ridges to make removal of the lens 106 from the porous member 112 easier (e.g., to help reduce "sticking" of the lens 106 to the porous member 112 by reducing contact between the two surfaces). By precisely positioning the lens 106 so that the front surface is presented to the user, the porous member 112 provides an efficient and more hygienic presentation of the contact lens to the user (e.g., so that the user does not have to search for the lens, determine the correct orientation of the lens, or touch the rear surface of the lens).

[0020] Additionally, the porous member 112 can provide a means for hydrating the lens 106, for example due to its porosity. In particular, the porous member 112 is configured to absorb buffered saline so that the porous member 112 can maintain the hydration of the lens 106 within the package 100. In some embodiments, the porous member 112 can absorb, for example, between 5% and 95% of the buffered saline by weight. The porous member 112 can be formed from a hydrogel that is injection molded, cast molded, and / or sintered into a hemispherical or dome shape. Additionally, the porous member 112 can include a medically applicable, antimicrobial hydrogel, such as an agar hydrogel. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the porous member 112 is not a hydrogel but includes a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer capable of capillary action and / or wicking. A low pressure interface can be created between the porous member 112 and the contact lens 106 based on the natural capillary action of these materials. Examples of such materials include thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers manufactured by POREX®. In some embodiments, the porous member 112 is formed of a material having a high surface energy (e.g., >29 mN / m). It is understood that the porous member 112 may be formed of other suitable materials capable of absorbing and retaining buffered saline and supporting the lens 106. In this regard, since the porous member 112 absorbs and retains the buffered saline, the fill volume within the package 100 is reduced. Because the support 104 for the lens 106 occupies volume within the package 100 while simultaneously hydrating the lens 106, less additional buffered saline is required within the package 100.

[0021] In conjunction with hydration of the lens 106 within the package 100, the buffered saline includes ingredients or components that may be applied onto the lens 106 and / or diffuse into the lens 106, for example, via the porous member 112. In particular, in some embodiments, the buffered saline includes antimicrobial agents, humectants, antihistamines, nutraceuticals, osmotic protectants, and the like, that may be diffused into and / or applied onto the lens 106. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the buffered saline includes additives such as erythritol, glycerol, mannitol, sorbitol, and / or propylene glycol. In some embodiments, the buffered saline includes one or more block copolymers that include a combination of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide blocks.

[0022] A mold (not shown) can be used in conjunction with the base 102 to form the porous member 112. In particular, in embodiments in which the porous member 112 is a hydrogel, for example, the mold is filled with a hydrogel prepolymer and sealed with the base 102, and the portion of the base 102 including the scaffold 110 is placed into the mold. When the hydrogel polymerizes, the porous member 112 is secured to the scaffold 110 to form the support 104. In some embodiments, depending on the configuration of the scaffold 110 (e.g., depending on the configuration of the protrusions 118, etc.), the porous member 112 is injection molded and then attached to the base 102 at the scaffold 110. In these embodiments, the porous member 112 is connected to the scaffold 110 by a rivet-like interference fit. It is understood that other processes can be used to form the porous member 112 and connect it to the scaffold 110 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] As discussed above, the package 100 includes a lidstock 108 (broadly, a cover, a second layer, etc.). The lidstock 108 is coupled to the base 102 to hermetically seal the support 104, the lens 106, and the buffered saline within the package 100. In some embodiments, the lidstock 108 is coupled to a raised surface 126 of the base 102, such as shown in FIG. 4, where the raised surface 126 surrounds the scaffold 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the lidstock 108 includes a curved dome portion 122 (e.g., an embossed dome) aligned with the support 104. When the lidstock 108 is coupled to the base 102, the dome portion 122 of the lidstock 108, in combination with the base 102, accommodates and forms a container for the support 104 and the lens 106 within the package 100. In some embodiments, the lidstock 108 includes a tab 124 that extends at least partially beyond the base 102 to facilitate opening the package 100. In particular, a user can remove the lidstock 108 by starting at the tab 124 and peeling the lidstock 108 from the base 102.

[0024] The lidstock 108 includes a foil material, such as a multi-layer laminate foil material. Examples of multi-layer laminate foils include aluminum foil backed with polypropylene, 30 to 300 μm thick, preferably 20-150 μm thick. In some embodiments, the aluminum foil is cold rolled from a billet and finished by adding a sealing layer. Sealing layer materials include polypropylene, low and high density polyethylene, and blends thereof. The multi-layer laminate foil also includes a top coat (opposite the sealing layer) used for marking, printing, and the like. In some embodiments, the multi-layer laminate foil for the lidstock 108 includes a foil made of cold rolled soft aluminum, a polypropylene / LDPE sealing layer, and a polyvinyl butyrate / polyurethane top printing layer. In these embodiments, the weight percentage of aluminum in the total laminate is greater than 85%, with a preferred percentage being 90%. The recyclability of such laminates is improved with a larger weight fraction of aluminum, due to the cumbersome separation of the sealing material from the aluminum. In some embodiments, the material of the lidstock 108 may be inherently hydrophilic due to a combination of the surface texture and the composition of the sealing layer.

[0025] To manufacture the lidstock 108, the lidstock 108 is converted from a roll of laminated film (e.g., the foil material described above) into a single piece lid, for example, through a web converting process of punching and forming. In particular, the lidstock 108 is first punched into the desired shape. The dome portion 122 of the lidstock 108 is then formed through a cold forming process. After the lidstock 108 is manufactured, the lidstock 108 is attached to the base 102 through a heating process. It should be understood that the lidstock 108 may be formed through other processes and / or in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the lidstock 108 includes perforations 128. The perforations 128 may be formed in the lidstock 108, for example, through a laser scoring process. In the illustrated embodiment, the perforations 128 are disposed in a row adjacent the outer edge of the lidstock 108 to provide a guide for preferentially tearing the lidstock 108 during opening of the package 100. Additionally, the perforations 128 may provide a means to prevent tampering of the package 100 (e.g., a visual indicator of whether the package 100 has been opened, etc.). It should be understood that the perforations 128 may be disposed in other configurations on the lidstock 108 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] 7A-7D illustrate an exemplary process for opening the package 100 and removing the lens 106 from the package 100. To open the package 100, a user first grasps the base 102 and the lidstock 108, e.g., at the tab 124. As shown in FIG. 7B, by applying force, the user peels the lidstock 108 from the base 102. When the lidstock 108 is removed (e.g., peeled from the base 102), the lens 106 remains disposed on the support 104. For example, due to the surface energy of the porous member 112 of the support 104, the lens 106 sticks to the support 104 (e.g., rather than sticking to the lidstock 108, etc.) when the lidstock 108 is peeled from the base 102. Thus, when the package 100 is opened, the lens 106 is presented on the support 104 with the front surface of the lens 106 facing upwards, such that the user does not need to touch the rear surface of the lens 106 that contacts the user's eye. The user can then remove the lens 106 from the support 104 with one hand, for example by pinching the front surface of the lens 106, as shown in Fig. 10C. The front surface of the lens 106 is positioned on the user's finger in the correct orientation, i.e., with the rear surface of the lens 106 facing away from the finger, as shown in Fig. 7D. In this orientation, the user does not need to turn the lens 106 before inserting it into the eye.

[0028] 8-10 show another exemplary embodiment of a package 200 for contact lenses that includes one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the package 200 generally includes a lidstock 230 (broadly a first layer, cover, etc.), a support 204 for positioning a contact lens 206 within the package 200, and a base 232 (broadly a second layer). The lidstock 230 is coupled to the base 232 to maintain the contact lens 206 within the package 200 (e.g., during shipping, storage, etc.). Similar to the support 104 described above, the support 204 includes a scaffold 210 and a porous member 212 (e.g., a hemispherical or dome-shaped hydrogel, etc.). In this embodiment, the support 204 is coupled to the lidstock 230 (e.g., rather than a rigid base).

[0029] The lidstock 230 is generally flat (e.g., does not include a dome portion, etc.) and is formed of a foil material as described above in connection with the lidstock 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the lidstock 230 is coupled to a base 232 and hermetically seals the support 204 and the contact lens 206 within the package 200. The lidstock 230 includes a tab 224 to facilitate removal of the lidstock 230 from the base 232 and to provide access to the contact lens 206. As shown in FIG. 9A , the tab 224 extends at least partially beyond the base 232 so that a user can easily grasp the lidstock 230 at the tab 224.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 204 for the contact lens 206 is coupled to the lidstock 230. In particular, the scaffold 210 of the support 204 is directly coupled to the inner surface of the lidstock 230, and the porous member 212 is attached (e.g., tethered, secured, etc.) to the scaffold 210. As shown in FIG. 8, the scaffold 210 includes a base plate 234 and three protrusions 218 extending from the base plate 234. The base plate 234 is directly coupled to the lidstock 230 through a plastic bonding process. For example, the scaffold 210 is attached to the lidstock 230 by heat staking, ultrasonic welding, etc. The protrusions 218, like the protrusions 118a, are curved toward the center point of the scaffold 210 to form a dome shape. It is understood that the scaffold 210 may include other configurations of protrusions similar to those disclosed above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The porous member 212 is coupled to the scaffold 210 (e.g., formed around the protrusions 218 of the scaffold 210) and includes a curved surface that corresponds to the curvature of the contact lens 206. In particular, the posterior (concave) surface of the contact lens 206 is supported on the porous member 212 such that the anterior (convex) surface of the lens 206 is presented to the user. Similar to the porous member 112, the porous member 212 is formed of a material capable of absorbing buffered saline, as described above, including hydrogels (e.g., antimicrobial hydrogels, injection molded, cast molded, or sintered hydrogels, etc.), thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers capable of capillary action and / or wicking, etc.

[0031] The base 232 is generally blister-shaped and includes a dome-shaped container 236 as a container for the contact lens 206 and the support 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 232 is formed of a hard plastic material as described above in connection with the base 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 232 includes a gripping portion 214 configured as a tab. In other embodiments, the gripping portion 214 may include texture, openings, or other configurations to allow a user to easily grip the base 232. The lidstock 230 is coupled to the top surface of the base 232 through a heat sealing process.

[0032] 10A-10D show the process of opening the package 200. To open the package 200, a user first grasps the base 232, e.g., by the grip portion 214, and also grasps the lidstock 230, e.g., by the tab 224. As shown in FIG. 10B, by applying force, the user peels the lidstock 230 from the base 232. When the lidstock 230 is removed (e.g., peeled from the base 232), the lens 206 remains disposed on the support 204, rather than remaining in the container 236 or falling out of the package 200. For example, due to the surface energy of the porous member 212 of the support 204, the lens 206 sticks to the support 204 when the lidstock 230 is peeled from the base 232. Thus, upon opening the package 200, the lens 206 is presented on the support 204 with the front surface of the lens 206 positioned upwards (e.g., so that the user does not have to touch the rear surface of the lens 206 that contacts the user's eye). The user can then remove the lens 206 from the support 204 with one hand, for example, by pinching the front surface of the lens 206, as shown in FIG. 10C. The front surface of the lens 206 is positioned on the user's finger in the correct orientation (e.g., with the rear surface of the lens 206 facing away from the finger), as shown in FIG. 10D, so that the user does not have to reorient the lens 206 before inserting it into the eye.

[0033] The contact lens packages of the present disclosure include unique support structures (e.g., dome-shaped porous members secured to a scaffold) that precisely position the contact lens within the package while simultaneously hydrating the lens and reducing the fill volume within the package. By securing the support structures to the interior surface of the package, the contact lens can be easily placed within the package in the proper orientation relative to the front (e.g., convex) surface of the contact lens that is presented to the user. The front surface of the lens is up when the package is opened, allowing for a more hygienic transfer of the lens to the user's eye (e.g., fewer steps are required to properly orient the lens, the user does not need to touch the rear surface of the lens to remove it from the package, etc.).

[0034] The exemplary embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are described, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, and that the exemplary embodiments can be embodied in many different forms, none of which should be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0035] The specific dimensions, materials, and / or shapes disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of a specific value and a specific range of values ​​for a given parameter does not exclude other values ​​and ranges of values ​​that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Furthermore, it is contemplated that any two specific values ​​for a particular parameter described herein may define the endpoints of a range of values ​​that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter may be construed as disclosing that any value between the first and second values ​​may also be employed for the given parameter). For example, if a parameter X is exemplified herein as having a value A and also as having a value Z, it is contemplated that parameter X may have a range of values ​​from about A to about Z. Similarly, the disclosure of two or more ranges of values ​​for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or separate) is contemplated to encompass all possible combinations of the ranges of values ​​that may be claimed using the endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if a parameter X is exemplified herein as having a value in the range of 1 to 10, or 2 to 9, or 3 to 8, it is contemplated that parameter X has other ranges of values, including 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 2 to 10, 2 to 8, 2 to 3, 3 to 10, and 3 to 9.

[0036] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "comprising," "containing," and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as the order of performance. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0037] When an element or layer is described as being "on", "engaged", "connected" or "coupled" to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged with, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between" and "directly between", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein, the terms "and / or" and "at least one" include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] Terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first", "second", and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply any order or sequence unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0039] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "inside," "outside," "below," "below," "downward," "above," and the like may be used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature depicted in the figures to another element(s) or feature(s). The spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device depicted in the figures were turned over, elements described as "below" or "below" the other element or feature would be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" may encompass both an orientation above and below. The device may be oriented in another way (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein would be interpreted accordingly.

[0040] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended that the disclosure be exhaustive or limiting of the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but where applicable, may be interchangeable and used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be modified in various ways. Such variations should not be considered as departures from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 100, 200 packages 102, 232 base 104, 204 Support 106, 206 Contact lenses 108, 230 Lidstock 110, 210 Scaffolding 112 Porous Materials 114 Grip part 224 tabs

Claims

1. 1. A contact lens package comprising: A first layer, a support coupled to the first layer, the support comprising a scaffold and a porous member attached to the scaffold, the porous member comprising a curved surface; a lens having a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the lens being disposed on the curved surface of the porous member; and a second layer coupled to the first layer to seal the support and the lens between the first layer and the second layer; 1. A contact lens package comprising:

2. 10. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the first layer is a rigid plastic tray and the second layer is a foil lidstock.

3. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the scaffold is integrally formed with the first layer.

4. 10. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the first layer is a foil lidstock and the second layer is a hard plastic blister.

5. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the scaffolding includes at least one protrusion to which the porous member is attached.

6. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the porous member is hemispherical.

7. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the porous member is a sintered material.

8. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the porous member exhibits antimicrobial properties.

9. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the porous member is a hydrogel capable of absorbing at least 5% of a buffered saline solution.

10. 10. The contact lens package of claim 9, wherein the buffered saline includes an antimicrobial agent that can diffuse into the lens.

11. 10. The contact lens package of claim 9, wherein the buffered saline solution includes a wetting agent that can be applied to the lens.

12. 10. The contact lens package of claim 9, wherein the buffered saline includes an antihistamine that is capable of diffusing into the lens.

13. 10. The contact lens package of claim 9, wherein the buffered saline solution comprises nutraceuticals capable of diffusing into the lens.

14. 10. The contact lens package of claim 9, wherein the buffered saline includes a osmotic protectant that is capable of diffusing into the lens.

15. 10. The contact lens package of claim 9, wherein the buffered saline comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of erythritol, glycerol, mannitol, sorbitol, and propylene glycol.

16. 10. The contact lens package of claim 9, wherein the buffered saline comprises one or more block copolymers comprising a combination of polyethylene oxide and polypropylene oxide blocks.

17. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first layer and the second layer includes perforations.

18. 1. A contact lens package comprising: base, a cover coupled to the base, the base and the cover defining a container for a contact lens; a support disposed within the vessel, the support including a dome-shaped porous member and a scaffold, the porous member attached to the scaffold; and a contact lens including a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface of the contact lens being disposed on the porous member; 1. A contact lens package comprising:

19. The contact lens package of claim 18 , wherein the support is connected to the base.

20. The contact lens package of claim 18 , wherein the support is connected to the cover.

21. 20. The contact lens package of claim 18, wherein the porous member is a hydrogel capable of absorbing buffered saline.

22. 20. The contact lens package of claim 18, wherein the porous member exhibits antimicrobial properties.

23. The contact lens package of claim 18 , wherein the cover includes perforations.

24. The contact lens package of claim 18 , wherein the cover is hermetically sealed to the base.

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