Contact lens package having an absorbent member

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved contact lens package and methods of use and manufacture / assembly. The contact lens package may include a first cavity containing a contact lens and packaging solution, and a second cavity containing an absorbent member. In one aspect, the first cavity and the second cavity may be fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] In conventional contact lens packages, contact lenses are typically placed in a molded plastic base with a cavity (or "bowl") that accommodates the contact lens in a concave-side-up orientation. As a result, the user experience for transferring a contact lens from the package to the eye generally involves the user "fishing" the contact lens out of the bowl with their fingers and then inverting the lens to properly orient it on their fingers for placement on the eye. This process requires multiple touches of the lens, which can transfer contaminants or pathogens from the hand to the lens and ultimately to the eye. This handling experience is not only unhygienic, but is also overly cumbersome and messy, and mechanically stresses the lens, which can tear, break, or distort when excessively manipulated. While some packages are designed to present the lens in a convex-side-up orientation to eliminate the need to invert the lens, many still require the lens to be "fished" out of the packaging solution or otherwise manipulated and / or touched multiple times to achieve transfer of the lens to the eye.

[0002] In light of increasing awareness of eye health and consumer demand for a more convenient experience, a need has arisen for contact lens packaging that allows for a less cumbersome and more hygienic contact lens handling process. The solution in which the lenses are packaged can affect the releasability of the lens from the package and fingers. That is, a hydrophilic lens with excess liquid reduces the surface tension between a person's finger and the lens, making it difficult to achieve proper adhesion between the lens and finger and making it difficult to remove the lens from the package, while a liquid solution in the bowl makes it more difficult to remove the lens from the bowl.

[0003] Among other considerations, variations in the amount of packaging solution adhering to the lens and package can affect the process of placing the lens on the finger, and therefore it is desirable for the wearer to be able to drain any packaging solution that may affect the ability to adhere the lens to the finger. A mechanism for efficiently draining packaging solution from the lens in the package prior to removing the lens from the opened contact lens package onto the user's finger can aid in the removal and insertion process. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There remains a need for a contact lens package that provides a mechanism for consistently draining solution from a contact lens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] It has now been discovered that some or all of the foregoing and related objects can be achieved in a contact lens package having one or more aspects described herein. According to certain embodiments, the contact lens package may include a first cavity containing a contact lens and packaging solution, and a second cavity containing an absorbent member. As described herein, in some embodiments, the first and second cavities may be fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state, and the first and second cavities may be fluidly connected to each other when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In certain embodiments, the package may be configured to allow at least a portion, and in some cases a majority, of the packaging solution to flow from the first cavity to the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In this manner, as described herein, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb at least a portion, and in some cases a majority, of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the inflow of packaging solution from the first cavity to the second cavity when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state can result in a significant amount of packaging solution being expelled from the contact lens, thereby improving the ability to adhere the lens to a user's finger for removal from the package and placement on the user's eye. Additionally, including an absorbent member in the second cavity of the package can improve the user experience by reducing spillage of packaging solution associated with opening the package, as a significant amount of solution can be absorbed and contained by the absorbent member. The present disclosure provides various embodiments of contact lens packages, methods of packaging contact lenses, and methods of opening contact lens packages.

[0006] In one aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package may include a first cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution, and a second cavity for containing an absorbent member. The first cavity and the second cavity may be fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be in fluid communication with each other when the package is transitioned 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 package solution when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb a majority of the package solution when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the package may be configured to allow at least a portion of the package solution to flow from the first cavity to the second cavity when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the package may be configured to allow a majority of the package solution to flow from the first cavity to the second cavity when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and the absorbent member may be in the expanded state when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, the absorbent member may be in a compressed state when the package is in an unopened state, and the absorbent member may be configured to transition from the compressed state to the expanded state when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a superabsorbent polymer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the contact lens package may also include a base and a lid connected to the base, wherein the first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and the second cavity is formed between the base and the lid. In some embodiments, the base and the lid may collectively surround the first cavity, and the base and the lid may collectively surround the second cavity. In some embodiments, the base and the lid may collectively define the first cavity, and the base and the lid may collectively define the second cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may be sealed to the base along the interface between the first and second cavities when the package is in an unopened state, and the seal between the lid and the base may be at least partially broken when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may be sealed to the base along the entire perimeter of the first cavity, and the lid may be sealed to the base along the entire perimeter of the second cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the contact lens when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may not cover the contact lens when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may not cover the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may at least partially extend over the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be positioned in the first cavity such that the convex side of the contact lens faces the lid when the package is in an unopened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be positioned in the first cavity such that the convex side of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to the user when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be placed in the first cavity such that the concave side of the contact lens faces the base when the package is in an unopened state.In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the base. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the lid.

[0009] 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 with the concave surface of the contact lens. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the lens support may define a portion of the first cavity. In some embodiments, the lens support may also include an outer surface disposed opposite 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 convex portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating nesting of multiple packages. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the lens support when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may not cover the lens support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the base may also include an absorbent member support that supports an absorbent member within the second 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 second cavity. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support may also include an outer surface disposed opposite 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, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member support when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may not cover the absorbent member support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member support when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may at least partially extend over the absorbent member support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support may be disposed adjacent to the lens support. In some embodiments, the lens support may extend above the absorbent member support and may be configured to promote drainage of package solution toward the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state.In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid and the lid may be flexible. In some embodiments, the base may be flexible and the lid may be flexible. In some embodiments, the lid may include a foil layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the base may include a barrier disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in an unopened state. In some embodiments, a lid may be sealed to the barrier when the package is in an unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state. In some embodiments, the lid may be opened from the barrier when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly connected to each other when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the barrier may define an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, and the lid may block the opening when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in the unopened state, and the opening may be unblocked by the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly connected to each other when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens package may also include a gate, and the barrier may define an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity. The gate may block the opening when the package is in an unopened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state. The opening may be unblocked by the gate when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly connected to each other when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the gate may be connected to the lid and move with the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be concentrically arranged.

[0011] In another aspect, a contact lens package is provided. The contact lens package may include a base and a lid connected to the base. The base and lid may collectively define a first cavity for containing a contact lens and packaging solution, and the base and lid may collectively define a second cavity for containing an absorbent member. The first cavity and the second cavity may be fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be in fluid communication with each other when the package is transitioned 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 package solution when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to absorb a majority of the package solution when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the package may be configured to allow at least a portion of the package solution to flow from the first cavity to the second cavity when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the package may be configured to allow a majority of the package solution to flow from the first cavity to the second cavity when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and the absorbent member may be in the expanded state when the package is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, the absorbent member may be in a compressed state when the package is in an unopened state, and the absorbent member may be configured to transition from the compressed state to the expanded state when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a superabsorbent polymer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first cavity may be formed between the base and the lid, and the second cavity may be formed between the base and the lid. In some embodiments, the base and the lid may collectively surround the first cavity, and the base and the lid may collectively surround the second cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may be sealed to the base along the interface between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in an unopened state, and the seal between the lid and the base may be at least partially broken when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may be sealed to the base along the entire perimeter of the first cavity, and the lid may be sealed to the base along the entire perimeter of the second cavity. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the contact lens when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may not cover the contact lens when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may not cover the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may extend at least partially over the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be positioned in the first cavity such that the convex side of the contact lens faces the lid when the package is in an unopened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be positioned in the first cavity such that the convex side of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to the user when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens may be positioned in the first cavity such that the concave side of the contact lens faces the base when the package is in an unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the base. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may be connected to the lid.

[0014] 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 with the concave surface of the contact lens. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the lens support may define a portion of the first cavity. In some embodiments, the lens support may also include an outer surface disposed opposite 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 convex portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating nesting of multiple packages. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the lens support when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may not cover the lens support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the base may also include an absorbent member support that supports an absorbent member within the second 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 second cavity. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support may also include an outer surface disposed opposite 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, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member support when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may not cover the absorbent member support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the lid may extend over and cover the absorbent member support when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid may at least partially extend over the absorbent member support when the package is in an opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support may be disposed adjacent to the lens support. In some embodiments, the lens support may extend above the absorbent member support and may be configured to promote drainage of package solution toward the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state.In some embodiments, the base may be substantially rigid and the lid may be flexible. In some embodiments, the base may be flexible and the lid may be flexible. In some embodiments, the lid may include a foil layer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the base may include a barrier disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in an unopened state. In some embodiments, a lid may be sealed to the barrier when the package is in an unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state. In some embodiments, the lid may be opened from the barrier when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly connected to each other when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the barrier may define an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, and the lid may block the opening when the package is in the unopened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in the unopened state, and the opening may be unblocked by the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly connected to each other when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the contact lens package may also include a gate, and the barrier may define an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity. The gate may block the opening when the package is in an unopened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state. The opening may be unblocked by the gate when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly connected to each other when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the gate may be connected to the lid and move with the lid when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be concentrically arranged. In some embodiments, the second cavity may surround the first cavity.

[0016] In yet another aspect, a method of packaging a contact lens is provided, which may include disposing a contact lens and packaging solution in a first cavity of the package, disposing an absorbent member in a second cavity of the package, and sealing each of the first and second cavities such that the first and second cavities are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state.

[0017] In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a superabsorbent polymer. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be concentrically disposed. In some embodiments, the package may include a base and a lid, the first cavity may be formed between the base and the lid, and the second cavity may be formed between the base and the lid, and enclosing each of the first cavity and the second cavity may include connecting the lid to the base such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other.

[0018] In another aspect, a method of opening a contact lens package is provided. The method may include holding a package, the package comprising a first cavity containing a contact lens and packaging solution, and a second cavity containing an absorbent member, the first cavity and the second cavity being fluidly isolated from each other. The method may also include at least partially opening the first cavity so that the contact lens is uncovered, and at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other can include allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow out of the contact lens. In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other can include allowing a majority of the packaging solution to flow out of the contact lens. In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other can include allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow into the absorbent member. In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other can include allowing a majority of the packaging solution to flow into the absorbent member. In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other can include allowing the absorbent member to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution. In some embodiments, at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other may include allowing the absorbent member to absorb a majority of the packaging solution. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member may comprise a superabsorbent polymer. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the first cavity and the second cavity may be concentrically disposed.In some embodiments, the package may include a base and a lid, a first cavity may be formed between the base and the lid, a second cavity may be formed between the base and the lid, and at least partially opening the first cavity may include at least partially separating the lid from the base, and at least partially opening the second cavity may include further separating the lid from the base.

[0020] These and other aspects and improvements of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more particular description of specific embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary contact lens package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the contact lens package in an unopened state. [Figure 1B] 1B is an exploded perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1A, showing the base, lid, contact lens, and absorbent member of the contact lens package. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional side view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1A taken along line 1C-1C of FIG. 1A, showing the contact lens package in an unopened state, with the contact lens and packaging solution contained in a first cavity of the contact lens package and the absorbent member contained in a second cavity of the contact lens package. [Figure 1D] 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the contact lens package of FIG. 1A showing the contact lens package in an opened state with the lid at least partially removed from the base, thereby allowing at least a portion of the package solution to be expelled from the contact lens and absorbed by the absorbent member, exposing the contact lens for removal by a user. [Figure 2A] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary contact lens package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the contact lens package in an unopened state. [Figure 2B] 2B is an exploded perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 2A, showing the base, lid, gate, contact lens, and absorbent member of the contact lens package. [Figure 2C] 2C-2C in FIG. 2A, showing the contact lens package in an unopened state, with a contact lens and packaging solution contained in a first cavity of the contact lens package, an absorbent member contained in a second cavity of the contact lens package, and a gate blocking an opening between the first cavity and the second cavity. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional view of the contact lens package of FIG. 2A showing the contact lens package in an opened state, with the lid at least partially removed from the base, thereby allowing at least a portion of the package solution to be expelled from the contact lens and absorbed by the absorbent member, and the opening no longer blocked by the gate, exposing the contact lens for removal by the user. [Figure 3A] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary contact lens package according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the contact lens package in an unopened state. [Figure 3B] 3B is an exploded perspective view of the contact lens package of FIG. 3A, showing the base, lid, contact lens, and absorbent member of the contact lens package. [Figure 3C] 3C-3C is a side cross-sectional view of the contact lens package of FIG. 3A taken along line 3C-3C of FIG. 3A, showing the contact lens package in an unopened state, with the contact lens and packaging solution contained in a first cavity of the contact lens package and the absorbent member contained in a second cavity of the contact lens package. [Figure 3D]FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view of the contact lens package of FIG. 3A showing the contact lens package in an opened state with the lid at least partially removed from the base, thereby allowing at least a portion of the package solution to be expelled from the contact lens and absorbed by the absorbent member, exposing the contact lens for removal by the user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where reference numerals indicate particular elements. The following description is not intended to limit the myriad embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments, as defined by the appended claims.

[0023] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "an example embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, aspect, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it is believed to be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0024] Lens(s) or contact lens(es) refer to ophthalmic devices that reside on the eye. They generally have a hemispherical shape and can provide optical correction, cosmetic enhancement, UV protection and visible light or glare reduction, wound healing, therapeutic effects including delivery of medicines or nutritional supplements, diagnostic evaluation or monitoring, or any combination thereof. The term lens includes soft hydrogel contact lenses, which are generally provided to consumers in a package in a hydrated state and have a relatively low modulus of elasticity that allows them to conform to the cornea. Contact lenses suitable for use with the package of the present invention include all hydrated contact lenses, including conventional hydrogel contact lenses and silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

[0025] Hydrogels are hydrated crosslinked polymeric systems that contain water in an equilibrium state and may contain at least about 25%, or at least 35%, water in the hydrated state. Hydrogels are typically oxygen permeable and biocompatible, making them excellent materials for the manufacture of contact lenses.

[0026] Conventional hydrogel contact lenses do not contain silicone-containing components and generally have higher water content, lower oxygen permeability, modulus, and shape memory than silicone hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels are prepared from monomer mixtures 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 formulations of conventional hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels can be ionic or nonionic and include polymacon, etafilcon, nelfilcon, ocufilcon, lenefilcon, and the like. The oxygen permeability of these conventional hydrogel materials is typically less than 20-30 barrers.

[0027] Silicone hydrogel formulations include balafilcon, samfilcon, lotrafilcon A and B, delfilcon, galyfilcon, senofilcon A, B, and C, narafilcon, comfilcon, formofilcon, riofilcon, fanfilcon, stenfilcon, somofilcon, and kalifilcon. "Silicone hydrogel" refers to a polymer network made from at least one hydrophilic component and at least one silicone-containing component. Silicone hydrogels can have moduli ranging from 60 to 200, 60 to 150, or 80 to 130 psi, and water contents ranging from 20 to 60%. Examples of silicone hydrogels include acquafilcon, asmofilcon, balafilcon, comfilcon, delefilcon, enfilcon, fanfilcon, formofilcon, galyfilcon, lotrafilcon, narafilcon, riofilcon, and samfilcon. In addition to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,659,782, 4,659,783, 5,244,981, 5,314,960, 5,331,067, 5,371,147, 5,998,498, 6,087,415, 5,760,100, 5,776,999, 5,789,461, 5,849,811, 5,965,No. 631, No. 6,367,929, No. 6,822,016, No. 6,867,245, No. 6,943,203, No. 7,247 ,692, No. 7,249,848, No. 7,553,880, No. 7,666,921, No. 7,786,185, No. 7,956 ,131, No.8,022,158, No.8,273,802, No.8,399,538, No.8,470,906, No.8,45 No. 0,387, No. 8,487,058, No. 8,507,577, No. 8,637,621, No. 8,703,891, No. 8,93 Nos. 7,110, 8,937,111, 8,940,812, 9,056,878, 9,057,821, 9,125,808, 9,140,825, 9,156,934, 9,170,349, 9,244,196, 9,244,197, 9,260,544, 9,297,928, and 9,297,929, as well as silicone hydrogels such as those prepared in International Publication Nos. WO 03 / 22321, WO 2008 / 061992, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0048847, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Silicone hydrogels can have a longer shape memory than conventional contact lenses.

[0028] Hydrogel lenses are viscoelastic materials. Contact lenses can develop optical distortion when they interact with the packaging or any air bubbles within the packaging. The degree of optical distortion and the length of time required for the distortion to relax vary depending on the chemistry and, to a lesser extent, the lens geometry. Conventional lens materials, such as polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate-based lenses like etafilcon A or polymacon, have lower loss moduli and tan deltas than silicone hydrogels and can develop less and less significant optical distortion as a result of contact with the packaging. The incorporation of silicone (which generally increases the bulk elastic response), wetting agents such as PVP (which generally increase the viscous response), or coatings of conventional hydrogel materials (which can reduce the elastic response at the lens interface) can alter the viscoelastic properties of the lens. Conventional hydrogel contact lenses and silicone hydrogel contact lenses with short or stiff crosslinkers and / or curing agents may have a short shape memory and be less susceptible to deformation during storage. As used herein, a high or higher shape memory hydrogel exhibits an optical strain of at least about 0.18 after 5 weeks of accelerated aging from contact with an air bubble or packaging at 55° C. Viscoelastic properties, including loss modulus and tan delta, can be measured using dynamic mechanical analysis.

[0029] Contact lenses can be of any geometric shape or power, have a generally hemispherical shape, and have a concave posterior surface that rests against the eye in use, and a convex anterior surface that faces away from the eye and contacts the eyelid during blinking.

[0030] The center or apex of the lens is the center of the lens optic zone. The optic zone provides optical correction and may have a diameter of about 7 mm to about 10 mm. The lens periphery or edge is the edge where the anterior and posterior surfaces meet.

[0031] A wet lens is a contact lens and any residual packaging solution that adheres to it after the packaging solution has been expelled. Wetting contact is the total contact area between the wet lens and the lens support.

[0032] Embodiments may include a lens support surrounded by a sealable cavity, also referred to interchangeably as a chamber. The cavity may have any convenient form and may include a package base and at least a lid, each of which is described in detail below. As used herein, the phrases "the lid," "a lid," "the base," and "a base" include both the singular and the plural. The lid and package base are sealed together to form a cavity that keeps the contact lens, support, and package solution sterile during shipping and storage prior to use. The contact lens package is made of a material that is compatible with the contact lens and solution, yet is retortable and biologically inert.

[0033] A "film" or "multilayer film" is a film used to seal a package, often referred to as lidstock. Multilayer films used in conventional contact lens packaging can be used in the packages of the present invention as the base, the lid component, or both. The multilayer film includes multiple layers, including a barrier layer, including a foil layer, or a coating, a sealing layer that seals the film to the rest of the package, and can also include additional layers selected from peel initiator layers, lamination layers, and layers that improve other package properties, such as rigidity, heat resistance, printability, puncture resistance, and barrier resistance to water or oxygen. The multilayer film forms a steam sterilizable (retortable) seal. The multilayer film can include a PET, BON, or OPP film layer to increase rigidity and heat resistance, or an EVOH or PVDC coating to improve barrier resistance to oxygen or water vapor.

[0034] As used herein, "unopened" or "unopened" refers to a contact lens package that is closed and contains a contact lens in a solution.

[0035] As used herein, "opened state" or "open" refers to a contact lens package after the sterilization seal has been broken. Depending on the context described herein, the opened state extends to the state of the package when a user manipulates the package, causing the user to lift and remove the lens from the package solution.

[0036] As used herein, "wearer" or "user" refers to a person who opens a contact lens package. A user is generally considered to be a person who opens the package and transfers the contact lens contained therein to their eye. However, a user in some contexts may be a person who handles the lens package on behalf of the wearer, such as an eye care provider ("ECP") or another individual demonstrating for or assisting the wearer.

[0037] The packaging solution may be any physiologically compatible solution that is compatible with the selected lens material and package. Packaging solutions include buffer solutions having a physiological pH, such as buffered saline solutions. Packaging solutions may contain known ingredients, including buffers, pH and elasticity adjusters, lubricants, humectants, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, package coating ingredients, and the like.

[0038] The package base may form the bottom of the package. It may be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including plastic. The package lid generally resides in the upper portion of the package and seals the base to form a cavity that contains the lens support, lens, and at least a portion of the packaging solution. The lid may be made of any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including a molded foil or plastic sheet, a laminated film, or plastic. Packages that include plastic for one structure and foil or laminated film for the other, or foil or laminated film as the outer layer of the lid and base, are known in the art and are examples of suitable combinations.

[0039] References throughout this description to injection molding processes and the use of materials conventionally applied in injection molding should be understood as exemplary. Those skilled in the art will understand that other means of manufacturing are possible within the scope of the appended claims, including, but not limited to, alternative molding processes, thermoforming, 3D printing, and the like. Similarly, references to heat sealing and heat sealing are exemplary of the embodiments described herein. Other means of securing package components will be apparent to those skilled in the art, including the use of adhesives, glues, thermal bonding, welding such as heat, ultrasonic, or laser welding, or mechanical traps.

[0040] Certain aspects of the present invention can help reduce or prevent significant optical damage to contact lenses due to air bubbles or interactions with the interior of the lens package that may occur during storage or shipping due to gravity or other forces, such as mechanical pressure applied from outside the package. As used herein, significant optical damage means a root mean square (RMS) value of about 0.08 μm or greater.

[0041] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A-1D show an exemplary contact lens package 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the contact lens package 100 may include a base 110, a lid 150, a contact lens 160, a packaging solution 170, and an absorbent member 180. The contact lens package 100 may have an unopened state as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C and an opened state as shown in FIG. 1D. When the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, the contact lens 160 and the packaging solution 170 may be contained within a first cavity 122 formed between the base 110 and the lid 150, and the absorbent member 180 may be contained within a second cavity 124 formed between the base 110 and the lid 150. As described below, the first cavity 122 and the second cavity 124 may be fluidly isolated from one another when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, allowing a packaging solution 170 to be placed in contact with and around the contact lens 160 to maintain hydration of the contact lens 160. In this manner, when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, the packaging solution 170 may be contained within the first cavity 122, while the second cavity 124 and the absorbent member 180 contained therein may be devoid of any of the packaging solution 170. If desired, a user may open the contact lens package 100 by at least partially removing the lid 150 from the base 110 to allow access to the contact lens 160. Such opening of contact lens package 100 places first cavity 122 and second cavity 124 in fluid communication with one another, allowing packaging solution 170 to flow from first cavity 122 into second cavity 124, causing absorbent member 180 to absorb a substantial amount of packaging solution 170 and effectively draining packaging solution 170 from contact lens 160. In this manner, such draining of packaging solution 170 from contact lens 160 may allow a user to more easily remove contact lens 160 from contact lens package 100.At least partial removal of the lid 150 from the base 110 may expose the contact lens 160, allowing a user to engage and remove the contact lens 160 with the user's fingers. As shown, the lens support 130 of the base 110 may maintain the position and orientation of the contact lens 160 within the cavity 122 when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state. As shown in FIG. 1C , the contact lens 160 may be contained within the first cavity 122 and supported by the lens support 130 such that the convex surface of the contact lens 160 faces the lid 150 when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state. In this way, once the contact lens package 100 is opened, the user can engage the convex surface to remove the contact lens 160 and subsequently place the contact lens 160 on the user's eye, allowing for a streamlined experience and avoiding the shortcomings of certain existing contact lens packages.

[0042] According to the illustrated example, the base 110 may have a first end 112 (which may also be referred to as a “rear end” in certain embodiments) and a second end 114 (which may also be referred to as a “front end” in certain embodiments) that are disposed opposite each other. As shown, the base 110 may have a first side 116 (which may also be referred to as an “upper side” in certain embodiments) and a second side 118 (which may also be referred to as a “lower side” in certain embodiments) that are disposed opposite each other and each extend from the first end 112 to the second end 114. The base 110 may also have a pair of side surfaces 120 that are disposed opposite each other and each extend from the first end 112 to the second end 114. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 110 may include certain portions that have a planar shape and other portions that have a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 110 may include a main portion having a planar shape, an absorbent member support 140 recessed relative to the main portion and having a planar shape, and a lens support 130 extending upward from the absorbent member support 140 beyond the main portion and having a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 110 may define a first base cavity that forms a portion of the overall first cavity 122 of the contact lens package 100 and a second base cavity that forms a portion of the overall second cavity 124 of the contact lens package 100. In some embodiments, as shown, a barrier 126 of the base 110 may be disposed between the first cavity 122 and the second cavity 124. As noted above, the base 110 may be formed from any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the base 110 may be substantially rigid. In other embodiments, the base 110 may be flexible.

[0043] The lens support 130 can at least partially define the first cavity 122 and can support the contact lens 160 in a desired position and orientation within the first cavity 122. As shown, the lens support 130 can extend upwardly relative to the absorbent member support 140 and can support the contact lens 160 between the base 110 and the lid 150. In some embodiments, the lens support 130 can be integrally formed with the remainder of the base 110, as shown. In other embodiments, the lens support 130 can be formed separately and connected to the remainder of the base 110. In some embodiments, the lens support 130 can be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the first cavity 122 between the base 110 and the lid 150 and connected to the base 110 by, for example, adhesive or other attachment means. As shown, the lens support 130 can include an inner surface 132 (which in certain embodiments can also be referred to as a “support surface”) that engages and supports the contact lens 160 within the cavity 122. In particular, the inner surface 132 may engage the concave surface of the contact lens 160. In some embodiments, the inner surface 132 may be convex, although other shapes for 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 absorbent member support 140, and the inner surface 132 may be the convex outer surface of the dome. As shown, the lens support 130 may include an outer surface 134 disposed opposite the inner surface 132 and defining an outer portion of the contact lens package 100. In some embodiments, the outer surface 134 may be convex, the convex shape facilitating nesting of multiple contact lens packages 100 positioned adjacent to one another, such as in a stack, although other shapes for the outer surface 134 may be used in other embodiments. The lens support 130 may be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the lens support 130 may be substantially rigid.

[0044] The absorbent member support 140 can at least partially define the second cavity 124 and can support the absorbent member 180 in a desired position and orientation within the second cavity 124. As shown, the absorbent member support 140 can be recessed relative to a major planar portion of the base 110 and can support the absorbent member 180 between the base 110 and the lid 150. In some embodiments, as shown, the absorbent member support 140 can be integrally formed with the remainder of the base 110. In other embodiments, the absorbent member support 140 can be formed separately and connected to the remainder of the base 110. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support 140 can be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the second cavity 124 between the base 110 and the lid 150 and connected to the base 110 by, for example, adhesive or other attachment means. As shown, the absorbent member support 140 may include an inner surface 142 (which may also be referred to as a "support surface" in certain embodiments) that engages and supports the absorbent member 180 within the second cavity 124. In particular, the inner surface 142 may engage a bottom surface of the absorbent member 180. In some embodiments, the inner surface 142 may be planar, as shown, although other contoured shapes for the inner surface 142 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the absorbent member support 140 may include an outer surface 144 disposed opposite the inner surface 142 and defining an outer portion of the contact lens package 100. In some embodiments, the outer surface 144 may be planar, although other shapes for the outer surface 144 may be used in other embodiments. The absorbent member support 140 may be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support 140 may be substantially rigid.

[0045] The lid 150 may be connected to the base 110 or may extend over at least a portion of the base 110. As shown, when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, the lid 150 and base 110 may seal the contact lens 160 and packaging solution 170 in the first cavity 122 and the absorbent member 180 in the second cavity 124. In this manner, the base 110 and lid 150 together can form the sealed first cavity 122 that contains the contact lens 160 and packaging solution 170 and the sealed second cavity 124 that contains the absorbent member 180, respectively, until a user desires to open the contact lens package 100 and remove the contact lens 160 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, the lid 150 can extend over and cover the lens support 130, the absorbent member support 140, and other respective portions of the base 110 when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state. When the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, each portion of the lid 150 can be sealed to a respective adjacent portion of the base 110, such as the barrier 126 and the portion of the main portion of the base 110 surrounding the lens support 130 and absorbent member support 140, such that the contact lens 160 and packaging solution 170 are contained within the first cavity 122 formed by the base 110 and the lid 150, and the absorbent member 180 is contained within the second cavity 124 formed by the base 110 and the lid 150. The seal between the lid 150 and the base 110 can be at least partially broken when the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state for removal of the contact lens 160. As mentioned above, the lid 150 can be formed from any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as shown, the lid 150 can be flexible.

[0046] The absorbent member 180 may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution 170 when the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state such that the first cavity 122 and the second cavity 124 are in fluid communication with each other. 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 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be compressible and configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be biased toward the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be in an expanded state when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be in a compressed state when the contact lens package 100 is in the unopened state, and the absorbent member 180 may transition from the compressed state to the expanded state when the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In this manner, when the contact lens package 100 is in an unopened state, the absorbent member 180 may be compressed between the base 110 and the lid 150 and maintained in a compressed state, and when the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state, the absorbent member 180 may automatically transition from the compressed state to the expanded state. As described above, such transition of the absorbent member 180 from the compressed state to the expanded state may allow the absorbent member 180 to rapidly absorb the packaging solution 170, thereby further facilitating drainage of the packaging solution 170 from the contact lenses 160. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be formed from or may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be formed from or may include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 180 may be formed from or may include a superabsorbent polymer. Various other suitable configurations and materials may be used for the absorbent member 180.

[0047] 1C and 1D illustrate an exemplary method of opening a contact lens package 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the contact lens package 100 may be provided and stored in an unopened state, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, until a user desires to open the package 100. With the contact lens package 100 in an unopened state, a user may hold the base 110 and grasp an end region of the lid 150, such as an end region of the lid 150 that is not directly connected to the base 110, as shown in FIG. 1C. The user may at least partially remove the lid 150 from the base 110 by pulling the end region of the lid 150 away from the base 110. In this manner, at least a portion of the seal between the lid 150 and the base 110 may be broken. As shown in FIG. 1D, the lid 150 may be removed from the base 110 such that the contact lens 160, the lens support 130, and at least a portion of the absorbent member 180 are no longer covered by the lid 150. In some embodiments, the entire absorbent member 180 may be exposed, as shown. In some embodiments, the lid 150 can be completely removed from the base 110. As described above, the lid 150 can be at least partially removed from the base 110 such that the first cavity 122 and the second cavity 124 are in fluid communication with each other, thereby allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution 170 to flow from the first cavity 122 into the second cavity 124, be absorbed by the absorbent member 180, and be drained from the contact lens 160. As shown in FIG. 1D , after at least partially removing the lid 150 from the base 110, 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, in which the lens support 130 supports the concave surface of the contact lens 160, a user can engage the convex surface of the contact lens 160 to remove the contact lens 160 from the lens support 130.As described 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, a user can easily engage and hold the contact lens 160 on the user's finger. In this manner, the contact lens 160 can be conveniently removed from the lens support 130 and held on the user's finger in a desired concave-side-up orientation, ready to be positioned on the user's eye.

[0048] 2A-2D show another exemplary contact lens package 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the contact lens package 200 may include a base 210, a lid 250, a gate 252, a contact lens 260, a packaging solution 270, and an absorbent member 280. The contact lens package 200 may have an unopened state as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C and an opened state as shown in FIG. 2D. When the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state, the contact lens 260 and the packaging solution 270 may be contained within a first cavity 222 formed between the base 210 and the lid 250, and the absorbent member 280 may be contained within a second cavity 224 formed between the base 210 and the lid 250. As described below, the first cavity 222 and the second cavity 224 may be fluidly isolated from one another when the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state, allowing a packaging solution 270 to be placed in contact with and around the contact lens 260 to maintain hydration of the contact lens 260. In this manner, when the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state, the packaging solution 270 may be contained within the first cavity 222, while the second cavity 224 and the absorbent member 280 contained therein may be devoid of any of the packaging solution 270. If desired, a user may open the contact lens package 200 by at least partially removing the lid 250 from the base 210 to allow access to the contact lens 260. Such opening of the contact lens package 200 places the first cavity 222 and the second cavity 224 in fluid communication with one another, allowing the packaging solution 270 to flow from the first cavity 222 into the second cavity 224, causing the absorbent member 280 to absorb a substantial amount of the packaging solution 270, effectively draining the packaging solution 270 from the contact lens 260. In this manner, such draining of the packaging solution 270 from the contact lens 260 may allow a user to more easily remove the contact lens 260 from the contact lens package 200.At least partial removal of the lid 250 from the base 210 may expose the contact lens 260, allowing a user to engage and remove the contact lens 260 with the user's fingers. As shown, the lens support 230 of the base 210 may maintain the position and orientation of the contact lens 260 within the cavity 222 when the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state. As shown in FIG. 2C , the contact lens 260 may be contained within the first cavity 222 and supported by the lens support 230 such that the convex surface of the contact lens 260 faces the lid 250 when the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state. In this way, once the contact lens package 200 is opened, the user can engage the convex surface to remove the contact lens 260 and subsequently place the contact lens 260 on the user's eye, allowing for a streamlined experience and avoiding the shortcomings of certain existing contact lens packages.

[0049] According to the illustrated example, base 210 may have a first end 212 (which may also be referred to as a “rear end” in certain embodiments) and a second end 214 (which may also be referred to as a “front end” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite each other. As shown, base 210 may have a first side 216 (which may also be referred to as an “upper side” in certain embodiments) and a second side 218 (which may also be referred to as a “lower side” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite each other and each extending from first end 212 to second end 214. Base 210 may also have a pair of side surfaces 220 disposed opposite each other and each extending from first end 212 to second end 214. In some embodiments, as shown, base 210 may include certain portions having a planar shape and other portions having a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 210 may include a main portion having a planar shape, an absorbent member support 240 recessed relative to the main portion and having a planar shape, and a lens support 230 extending upward from the absorbent member support 240 beyond the main portion and having a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 210 may define a first base cavity that forms a portion of the overall first cavity 222 of the contact lens package 200 and a second base cavity that forms a portion of the overall second cavity 224 of the contact lens package 200. In some embodiments, as shown, a barrier 226 of the base 210 may be disposed between the first cavity 222 and the second cavity 224, and the barrier 226 may define an opening 228 therethrough that extends from the first cavity 222 to the second cavity 224. As discussed above, the base 210 may be formed from any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the base 210 may be substantially rigid. In other embodiments, the base 210 may be flexible.

[0050] The lens support 230 can at least partially define the first cavity 222 and can support the contact lens 260 in a desired position and orientation within the first cavity 222. As shown, the lens support 230 can extend upwardly relative to the absorbent member support 240 and can support the contact lens 260 between the base 210 and the lid 250. In some embodiments, the lens support 230 can be integrally formed with the remainder of the base 210, as shown. In other embodiments, the lens support 230 can be formed separately and connected to the remainder of the base 210. In some embodiments, the lens support 230 can be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the first cavity 222 between the base 210 and the lid 250 and connected to the base 210 by, for example, adhesive or other attachment means. As shown, the lens support 230 can include an inner surface 232 (which in certain embodiments can also be referred to as a “support surface”) that engages and supports the contact lens 260 within the first cavity 222. In particular, the inner surface 232 may engage the concave surface of the contact lens 260. In some embodiments, the inner surface 232 may be convex, although other shapes for the inner surface 232 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the lens support 230 may be formed as a dome extending upward from the absorbent member support 240, and the inner surface 232 may be the convex outer surface of the dome. As shown, the lens support 230 may include an outer surface 234 disposed opposite the inner surface 232 and defining an outer portion of the contact lens package 200. In some embodiments, the outer surface 234 may be convex, the convex shape facilitating nesting of multiple contact lens packages 200 positioned adjacent to one another, such as in a stack, although other shapes for the outer surface 234 may be used in other embodiments. The lens support 230 may be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the lens support 230 may be substantially rigid.

[0051] The absorbent member support 240 can at least partially define the second cavity 224 and can support the absorbent member 280 in a desired position and orientation within the second cavity 224. As shown, the absorbent member support 240 can be recessed relative to a major planar portion of the base 210 and can support the absorbent member 280 between the base 210 and the lid 250. In some embodiments, as shown, the absorbent member support 240 can be integrally formed with the remainder of the base 210. In other embodiments, the absorbent member support 240 can be formed separately and connected to the remainder of the base 210. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support 240 can be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the second cavity 224 between the base 210 and the lid 250 and connected to the base 210 by, for example, adhesive or other attachment means. As shown, the absorbent member support 240 may include an inner surface 242 (which may also be referred to as a "support surface" in certain embodiments) that engages and supports the absorbent member 280 within the second cavity 224. In particular, the inner surface 242 may engage a bottom surface of the absorbent member 280. In some embodiments, the inner surface 242 may be planar, as shown, although other contoured shapes for the inner surface 242 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the absorbent member support 240 may include an outer surface 244 disposed opposite the inner surface 242 and defining an outer portion of the contact lens package 200. In some embodiments, the outer surface 244 may be planar, although other shapes for the outer surface 244 may be used in other embodiments. The absorbent member support 240 may be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support 240 may be substantially rigid.

[0052] The lid 250 may be connected to the base 210 or may extend over at least a portion of the base 210. As shown, when the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state, the lid 250 and base 210 may seal the contact lens 260 and packaging solution 270 in the first cavity 222 and the absorbent member 280 in the second cavity 224. In this manner, the base 210 and lid 250 together can form the sealed first cavity 222 that contains the contact lens 260 and packaging solution 270 and the sealed second cavity 224 that contains the absorbent member 280, respectively, until a user desires to open the contact lens package 200 and remove the contact lens 260 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, the lid 250 can extend over and cover the lens support 230, the absorbent member support 240, and other respective portions of the base 210 when the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state. When the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state, respective portions of the lid 250 may be sealed to respective adjacent portions of the base 210, such as portions of the barrier 226 and portions of the main portion of the base 210 surrounding the lens support 230 and the absorbent member support 240, such that the contact lens 260 and packaging solution 270 are contained within the first cavity 222 formed by the base 210 and the lid 250, and the absorbent member 280 is contained within the second cavity 224 formed by the base 210 and the lid 250. The seal between the lid 250 and the base 210 may be at least partially broken when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state for removal of the contact lens 260. As mentioned above, the lid 250 may be formed from any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as shown, the lid 250 may be flexible.

[0053] The gate 252 may be connected to the lid 150 and configured to move with the lid when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state for removal of the contact lens 260. As shown, the gate 252 may be configured to block the opening 228 in the barrier 226 when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state. In particular, the gate 252 may be configured to fill the opening 228 in the barrier 226 and seal against an adjacent surface of the base 210 that includes the barrier 226 when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state. When the contact lens package 100 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state, the gate 252 may move with the lid 250 and out of the opening 228, such that the first cavity 222 and the second cavity 224 are in fluid communication with each other via the opening 228, thereby allowing the packaging solution 270 to flow from the first cavity 222 into the second cavity 224. The gate 252 may be formed from any suitable material.

[0054] The absorbent member 280 may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution 270 when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state such that the first cavity 222 and the second cavity 224 are in fluid communication with each other. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution 270 when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be compressible and configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be biased toward the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be in an expanded state when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be in a compressed state when the contact lens package 200 is in the unopened state, and the absorbent member 280 may transition from the compressed state to the expanded state when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In this manner, when the contact lens package 200 is in an unopened state, the absorbent member 280 may be compressed between the base 210 and the lid 250 and maintained in a compressed state, and when the contact lens package 200 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state, the absorbent member 280 may automatically transition from the compressed state to the expanded state. As described above, such transition of the absorbent member 280 from the compressed state to the expanded state may allow the absorbent member 280 to rapidly absorb the packaging solution 270, thereby further facilitating drainage of the packaging solution 270 from the contact lenses 260. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be formed from or may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be formed from or may include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 280 may be formed from or may include a superabsorbent polymer. Various other suitable configurations and materials may be used for the absorbent member 280.

[0055] 2C and 2D illustrate an exemplary method of opening a contact lens package 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the contact lens package 200 may be provided and stored in an unopened state, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, until a user desires to open the package 200. With the contact lens package 200 in an unopened state, a user may hold the base 210 and grasp an end region of the lid 250, such as an end region of the lid 250 that is not directly connected to the base 210, as shown in FIG. 2C. The user may at least partially detach the lid 250 from the base 210 by pulling the end region of the lid 250 away from the base 210. In this manner, at least a portion of the seal between the lid 250 and the base 210 may be broken. As shown in FIG. 2D, the lid 250 may be removed from the base 210 such that the contact lens 260, the lens support 230, and at least a portion of the absorbent member 280 are no longer covered by the lid 250. In some embodiments, the entire absorbent member 280 may be exposed, as shown. In some embodiments, the lid 250 can be completely removed from the base 210. As described above, the lid 250 can be at least partially removed from the base 210 such that the first cavity 222 and the second cavity 224 are in fluid communication with each other, thereby allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution 270 to flow from the first cavity 222 into the second cavity 224, be absorbed by the absorbent member 280, and be drained from the contact lens 260. As shown, the gate 252 can move with the lid 250 when the lid 250 is at least partially removed from the base 210 such that the gate 252 is removed from the opening 228 in the barrier 226. In this manner, when the gate 252 is removed from the opening 228, the first cavity 222 and the second cavity 224 can be in fluid communication with each other through the opening 228, allowing the packaging solution 270 to flow therethrough.As shown in FIG. 2D , after at least partially removing the lid 250 from the base 210, a user may engage the contact lens 260 while the contact lens 260 is exposed and supported by the lens support 230. According to the illustrated embodiment, in which the lens support 230 supports the concave surface of the contact lens 260, the user can engage the convex surface of the contact lens 260 to remove the contact lens 260 from the lens support 230. As described above, by allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution 270 to drain from the contact lens 260 and be absorbed and contained by the absorbent member 280, the user can easily engage and hold the contact lens 260 on the user's finger. In this manner, the contact lens 260 can be conveniently removed from the lens support 230 and held on the user's finger in the desired concave-side-up orientation, ready for positioning on the user's eye.

[0056] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an exemplary contact lens package 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the contact lens package 300 may include a base 310, a lid 350, a contact lens 360, a packaging solution 370, and an absorbent member 380. The contact lens package 300 may have an unopened state, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, and an opened state, as shown in FIG. 3D. When the contact lens package 300 is in the unopened state, the contact lens 360 and the packaging solution 370 may be contained within a first cavity 322 formed between the base 310 and the lid 350, and the absorbent member 380 may be contained within a second cavity 324 formed between the base 310 and the lid 350. As shown, the first cavity 322 and the second cavity 324 may be concentrically disposed, with the second cavity 324 surrounding the first cavity 322. As described below, the first cavity 322 and the second cavity 324 may be fluidly isolated from one another when the contact lens package 300 is in an unopened state, allowing packaging solution 370 to be placed in contact with and around the contact lens 360 to maintain hydration of the contact lens 360. In this manner, when the contact lens package 300 is in an unopened state, packaging solution 370 may be contained within the first cavity 322, while the second cavity 324 and the absorbent member 380 contained therein may be devoid of any of the packaging solution 370. If desired, a user may open the contact lens package 300 by at least partially removing the lid 350 from the base 310 to allow access to the contact lens 360. Such opening of the contact lens package 300 places the first cavity 322 and the second cavity 324 in fluid communication with each other, allowing the packaging solution 370 to flow from the first cavity 322 into the second cavity 324, thereby causing the absorbent member 380 to absorb a significant amount of the packaging solution 370 and effectively draining the packaging solution 370 from the contact lens 360.In this manner, such expulsion of the packaging solution 370 from the contact lens 360 may allow a user to more easily remove the contact lens 360 from the contact lens package 300. At least partial removal of the lid 350 from the base 310 may expose the contact lens 360, allowing a user to engage and remove the contact lens 360 with the user's fingers. As shown, the lens support 330 of the base 310 can maintain the position and orientation of the contact lens 360 within the first cavity 322 when the contact lens package 300 is in an unopened state. As shown in FIG. 3C , the contact lens 360 may be contained within the first cavity 322 and supported by the lens support 330 such that the convex side of the contact lens 360 faces the lid 350 when the contact lens package 300 is in an unopened state. In this manner, once the contact lens package 300 is opened, the user can engage the convex surface to remove the contact lens 360 and subsequently place the contact lens 360 on the user's eye, allowing for a streamlined user experience and avoiding the shortcomings of certain existing contact lens packages.

[0057] According to the illustrated example, base 310 may have a first end 312 (which may also be referred to as a “rear end” in certain embodiments) and a second end 314 (which may also be referred to as a “front end” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite each other. As shown, base 310 may have a first side 316 (which may also be referred to as an “upper side” in certain embodiments) and a second side 318 (which may also be referred to as a “lower side” in certain embodiments) disposed opposite each other, each extending from first end 312 to second end 314. Base 310 may also have a pair of side surfaces 320 disposed opposite each other, each extending from first end 312 to second end 314. In some embodiments, as shown, base 310 may include certain portions having a planar shape and other portions having a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 310 may include a main portion having a planar shape, an absorbent member support 340 recessed relative to the main portion and having a planar shape, and a lens support 330 extending upwardly beyond the main portion relative to the absorbent member support 340 and having a contoured shape. In some embodiments, as shown, the base 310 may define a first base cavity that forms a portion of the overall first cavity 322 of the contact lens package 300 and a second base cavity that forms a portion of the overall second cavity 324 of the contact lens package 300. In some embodiments, as shown, a barrier 326 of the base 310 may be disposed between the first cavity 322 and the second cavity 324. As noted above, the base 310 may be formed from any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the base 310 may be substantially rigid. In other embodiments, the base 310 may be flexible.

[0058] The lens support 330 can at least partially define the first cavity 322 and can support the contact lens 360 in a desired position and orientation within the first cavity 322. As shown, the lens support 330 can extend upwardly relative to the absorbent member support 340 and can support the contact lens 360 between the base 310 and the lid 350. In some embodiments, the lens support 330 can be integrally formed with the remainder of the base 310, as shown. In other embodiments, the lens support 330 can be formed separately and connected to the remainder of the base 310. In some embodiments, the lens support 330 can be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the first cavity 322 between the base 310 and the lid 350 and connected to the base 310 by, for example, adhesive or other attachment means. As shown, the lens support 330 can include an inner surface 332 (which in certain embodiments may also be referred to as a “support surface”) that engages and supports the contact lens 360 within the cavity 322. In particular, the inner surface 332 may engage the concave surface of the contact lens 360. In some embodiments, the inner surface 332 may be convex, although other shapes for the inner surface 332 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the lens support 330 may be formed as a dome extending upward from the absorbent member support 340, and the inner surface 332 may be the convex outer surface of the dome. As shown, the lens support 330 may include an outer surface 334 disposed opposite the inner surface 332 and defining an outer portion of the contact lens package 300. In some embodiments, the outer surface 334 may be convex, the convex shape facilitating nesting of multiple contact lens packages 300 positioned adjacent to one another, such as in a stack, although other shapes for the outer surface 334 may be used in other embodiments. The lens support 330 may be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the lens support 330 may be substantially rigid.

[0059] The absorbent member support 340 can at least partially define the second cavity 324 and can support the absorbent member 380 in a desired position and orientation within the second cavity 324. As shown, the absorbent member support 340 can be recessed relative to a major planar portion of the base 310 and can support the absorbent member 380 between the base 310 and the lid 350. In some embodiments, as shown, the absorbent member support 340 can be integrally formed with the remainder of the base 310. In other embodiments, the absorbent member support 340 can be formed separately and connected to the remainder of the base 310. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support 340 can be provided as a separate component that is disposed within the second cavity 324 between the base 310 and the lid 350 and connected to the base 310 by, for example, adhesive or other attachment means. As shown, the absorbent member support 340 may include an inner surface 342 (which may also be referred to as a "support surface" in certain embodiments) that engages and supports the absorbent member 380 within the second cavity 324. In particular, the inner surface 342 may engage a bottom surface of the absorbent member 380. In some embodiments, the inner surface 342 may be planar, as shown, although other contoured shapes for the inner surface 342 may be used in other embodiments. As shown, the absorbent member support 340 may include an outer surface 344 disposed opposite the inner surface 342 and defining an outer portion of the contact lens package 300. In some embodiments, the outer surface 344 may be planar, although other shapes for the outer surface 344 may be used in other embodiments. The absorbent member support 340 may be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the absorbent member support 340 may be substantially rigid.

[0060] The lid 350 may be connected to the base 310 or may extend over at least a portion of the base 310. As shown, when the contact lens package 300 is in an unopened state, the lid 350 and base 310 may seal the contact lens 360 and packaging solution 370 in the first cavity 322 and the absorbent member 380 in the second cavity 324. In this manner, the base 310 and lid 350 together can form the sealed first cavity 322 that contains the contact lens 360 and packaging solution 370 and the sealed second cavity 324 that contains the absorbent member 380, respectively, until a user desires to open the contact lens package 300 and remove the contact lens 360 for use. In some embodiments, as shown, the lid 350 can extend over and cover the lens support 330, the absorbent member support 340, and other respective portions of the base 310 when the contact lens package 300 is in an unopened state. When the contact lens package 300 is in an unopened state, each portion of the lid 350 can be sealed to a respective adjacent portion of the base 310, such as the barrier 326 and the portion of the main portion of the base 310 surrounding the lens support 330 and absorbent member support 340, such that the contact lens 360 and packaging solution 370 are contained within the first cavity 322 formed by the base 310 and the lid 350, and the absorbent member 380 is contained within the second cavity 324 formed by the base 310 and the lid 350. The seal between the lid 350 and the base 310 can be at least partially broken when the contact lens package 300 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state for removal of the contact lens 360. As mentioned above, the lid 350 can be formed from any suitable material. In certain embodiments, as shown, the lid 350 can be flexible.

[0061] The absorbent member 380 may be configured to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution 370 when the contact lens package 300 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state such that the first cavity 322 and the second cavity 324 are in fluid communication with each other. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be configured to absorb a majority of the packaging solution 370 when the contact lens package 300 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be compressible and configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be biased toward the expanded state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be in an expanded state when the contact lens package 300 is in the unopened state. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be in a compressed state when the contact lens package 300 is in the unopened state, and the absorbent member 380 may transition from the compressed state to the expanded state when the contact lens package 300 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. In this manner, when the contact lens package 300 is in an unopened state, the absorbent member 380 may be compressed between the base 310 and the lid 350 and maintained in a compressed state, and when the contact lens package 300 is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state, the absorbent member 380 may automatically transition from the compressed state to the expanded state. As described above, such transition of the absorbent member 380 from the compressed state to the expanded state may allow the absorbent member 380 to rapidly absorb the packaging solution 370, thereby further facilitating drainage of the packaging solution 370 from the contact lens 360. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be formed from or may include a sponge. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be formed from or may include a foam. In some embodiments, the absorbent member 380 may be formed from or may include a superabsorbent polymer. Various other suitable configurations and materials may be used for the absorbent member 380.

[0062] 3C and 3D illustrate an exemplary method of opening a contact lens package 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the contact lens package 300 may be provided and stored in an unopened state, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C, until a user desires to open the package 300. With the contact lens package 300 in an unopened state, a user may hold the base 310 and grasp an end region of the lid 350, such as an end region of the lid 350 that is not directly connected to the base 310, as shown in FIG. 3C. The user may at least partially detach the lid 350 from the base 310 by pulling the end region of the lid 350 away from the base 310. In this manner, at least a portion of the seal between the lid 350 and the base 310 may be broken. As shown in FIG. 3D, the lid 350 may be removed from the base 310 such that the contact lens 360, the lens support 330, and at least a portion of the absorbent member 380 are no longer covered by the lid 350. In some embodiments, the entire absorbent member 380 may be exposed, as shown. In some embodiments, the lid 350 can be completely removed from the base 310. As described above, the lid 350 can be at least partially removed from the base 310 such that the first cavity 322 and the second cavity 324 are in fluid communication with each other, thereby allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution 370 to flow from the first cavity 322 into the second cavity 324, be absorbed by the absorbent member 380, and be drained from the contact lens 360. As shown in FIG. 3D , after at least partially removing the lid 350 from the base 310, a user can engage the contact lens 360 while the contact lens 360 is exposed and supported by the lens support 330. According to the illustrated embodiment, in which the lens support 330 supports the concave surface of the contact lens 360, a user can engage the convex surface of the contact lens 360 to remove the contact lens 360 from the lens support 330.As discussed above, by allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution 370 to drain from the contact lens 360 and be absorbed and contained by the absorbent member 380, a user can easily engage and hold the contact lens 360 on the user's finger. In this manner, the contact lens 360 can be conveniently removed from the lens support 330 and held on the user's finger in a desired concave-side-up orientation, ready to be positioned on the user's eye.

[0063] Certain aspects of the present invention can be further understood with reference to the following examples.

[0064] Example 1. A contact lens package comprising: a first cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a second cavity for accommodating an absorbent member; A contact lens package, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state.

[0065] Example 2. The contact lens package of Example 1, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0066] Example 3. The contact lens package of Examples 1-2, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion of the package solution when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0067] Example 4. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1-3, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb a majority of the package solution when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0068] Example 5. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the package is configured such that at least a portion of the package solution flows from the first cavity to the second cavity when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0069] Example 6. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the package is configured such that a majority of the package solution flows from the first cavity to the second cavity when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0070] Example 7. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and wherein the absorbent member is in the expanded state when the package is in an unopened state.

[0071] Example 8. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, the absorbent member being in the compressed state when the package is in an unopened state, and the absorbent member transitioning from the compressed state to the expanded state when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0072] Example 9. The contact lens package of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

[0073] Example 10. The contact lens package of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent member comprises a foam.

[0074] Example 11. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent member comprises a superabsorbent polymer.

[0075] Example 12. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, further comprising a base and a lid connected to the base, wherein a first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and a second cavity is formed between the base and the lid.

[0076] Example 13. The contact lens package of example 12, wherein the base and lid collectively enclose the first cavity, and the base and lid collectively enclose the second cavity.

[0077] Example 14. The contact lens package of Examples 12-13, wherein the base and lid collectively define a first cavity, and the base and lid collectively define a second cavity.

[0078] Example 15. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein when the package is in an unopened state, the lid is sealed to the base along the interface between the first cavity and the second cavity, and when the package is in an opened state, the seal between the lid and the base is at least partially broken.

[0079] Example 16. The contact lens package of Example 15, wherein the lid is sealed to the base along the entire perimeter of the first cavity and the lid is sealed to the base along the entire perimeter of the second cavity.

[0080] Example 17. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12-16, wherein the lid extends over and covers the contact lens when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid does not cover the contact lens when the package is in an opened state.

[0081] Example 18. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 17, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid does not cover the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state.

[0082] Example 19. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 12 to 17, wherein when the package is in an unopened state, the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member, and when the package is in an opened state, the lid extends at least partially over the absorbent member.

[0083] Example 20. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 19, wherein the contact lens is positioned within the first cavity so that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the lid when the package is in an unopened state.

[0084] Example 21. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 20, wherein the contact lens is positioned within the first cavity such that the convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to the user when the package is in an open state.

[0085] Example 22. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 21, wherein the contact lens is positioned within the first cavity so that the concave surface of the contact lens faces the base when the package is in an unopened state.

[0086] Example 23. The contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 22, wherein the absorbing member is connected to the base.

[0087] Example 24. The contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 22, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the lid.

[0088] Example 25. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 24, wherein the base comprises a lens support that supports the contact lens within the cavity.

[0089] Example 26. A contact lens package according to example 25, wherein the lens support has an inner surface having a convex shape, the inner surface of the lens support engaging the concave surface of the contact lens.

[0090] Example 27. The contact lens package of example 26, wherein the inner surface of the lens support defines a portion of the first cavity.

[0091] Example 28. The contact lens package according to Examples 26-27, wherein the lens support further comprises an outer surface having a concave shape disposed opposite the inner surface of the lens support.

[0092] Example 29. A contact lens package as described in Example 28, wherein the concave shape of the outer surface of the lens support is configured to receive the convex portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating nesting of multiple packages.

[0093] Example 30. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 25 to 29, wherein the lid extends over and covers the lens support when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid does not cover the lens support when the package is in an opened state.

[0094] Example 31. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 25 to 30, wherein the base further comprises an absorbent member support that supports an absorbent member within the second cavity.

[0095] Example 32. The contact lens package of Example 31, wherein the absorbent member support has an inner surface having a planar shape.

[0096] Example 33. The contact lens package of example 32, wherein the inner surface of the absorbent member support defines a portion of the second cavity.

[0097] Example 34. The contact lens package according to Examples 32 to 33, wherein the absorbent member support further comprises an outer surface having a planar shape and disposed opposite the inner surface of the absorbent member support.

[0098] Example 35. The contact lens package according to any one of Examples 32 to 34, wherein the absorbent member is connected to an absorbent member support.

[0099] Example 36. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 32 to 35, wherein when the package is in an unopened state, the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member support, and when the package is in an opened state, the lid does not cover the absorbent member support.

[0100] Example 37. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 32 to 35, wherein when the package is in an unopened state, the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member support, and when the package is in an opened state, the lid extends at least partially over the absorbent member support.

[0101] Example 38. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 32 to 37, wherein the absorbent member support is disposed adjacent to the lens support.

[0102] Example 39. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 32 to 38, wherein the lens support extends above the absorbent member support and is configured to facilitate drainage of package solution toward the absorbent member when the package is in an open state.

[0103] Example 40. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 39, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible.

[0104] Example 41. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 39, wherein the base is flexible and the lid is flexible.

[0105] Example 42. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 41, wherein the lid comprises a foil layer.

[0106] Example 43. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 12 to 42, wherein the base comprises a barrier disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

[0107] Example 44. A contact lens package as described in Example 43, wherein the lid is sealed to the barrier when the package is in an unopened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state.

[0108] Example 45. A contact lens package as described in Example 44, wherein the lid may be opened from the barrier when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0109] Example 46. A contact lens package as described in Example 43, wherein the barrier defines an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, the lid blocks the opening when the package is in an unopened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state, and the opening is unblocked by the lid when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically connected to each other when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0110] Example 47. A contact lens package as described in Example 43, further comprising a gate, wherein the barrier defines an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, the gate blocks the opening when the package is in an unopened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state, and the opening is unblocked by the gate when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically connected to each other when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0111] Example 48. The contact lens package of example 47, wherein the gate is connected to the lid and moves with the lid when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0112] Example 49. The contact lens package of any one of Examples 1 to 48, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are spaced apart from each other.

[0113] Example 50. The contact lens package of any one of Examples 1 to 49, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are concentrically arranged.

[0114] Example 51. A contact lens package, With the base, a lid connected to the base, wherein the base and the lid collectively define a first cavity that contains a contact lens and a packaging solution, and the base and the lid collectively define a second cavity that contains an absorbent member, and wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state.

[0115] Example 52. A contact lens package according to Example 51, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0116] Example 53. The contact lens package of Examples 51-52, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion of the package solution when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0117] Example 54. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51 to 53, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb a majority of the package solution when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0118] Example 55. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 51 to 54, wherein the package is configured so that at least a portion of the package solution flows from the first cavity to the second cavity when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0119] Example 56. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 51 to 55, wherein the package is configured so that when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state, a majority of the package solution flows from the first cavity to the second cavity.

[0120] Example 57. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 51 to 56, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and the absorbent member is in the expanded state when the package is in an unopened state.

[0121] Example 58. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 51 to 56, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, the absorbent member being in a compressed state when the package is in an unopened state, and the absorbent member transitioning from the compressed state to the expanded state when the package transitions from the unopened state to the opened state.

[0122] Example 59. The contact lens package of any one of Examples 51 to 58, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

[0123] Example 60. The contact lens package of any one of Examples 51 to 58, wherein the absorbent member comprises a foam.

[0124] Example 61. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51 to 58, wherein the absorbent member comprises a superabsorbent polymer.

[0125] Example 62. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51 to 61, wherein a first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and a second cavity is formed between the base and the lid.

[0126] Example 63. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51-62, wherein the base and lid collectively surround the first cavity, and the base and lid collectively surround the second cavity.

[0127] Example 64. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 51 to 63, wherein when the package is in an unopened state, the lid is sealed to the base along the interface between the first cavity and the second cavity, and when the package is in an opened state, the seal between the lid and the base is at least partially broken.

[0128] Example 65. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51 to 64, wherein the lid is sealed to the base along the entire perimeter of the first cavity and the lid is sealed to the base along the entire perimeter of the second cavity.

[0129] Example 66. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51 to 65, wherein the lid extends over and covers the contact lens when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid does not cover the contact lens when the package is in an opened state.

[0130] Example 67. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 51 to 66, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid does not cover the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state.

[0131] Example 68. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 51 to 66, wherein when the package is in an unopened state, the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member, and when the package is in an opened state, the lid extends at least partially over the absorbent member.

[0132] Example 69. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 51 to 68, wherein the contact lens is positioned in the first cavity so that the convex surface of the contact lens faces the lid when the package is in an unopened state.

[0133] Example 70. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 51 to 69, wherein the contact lens is positioned in the first cavity such that the convex surface of the contact lens is exposed and accessible to the user when the package is in an open state.

[0134] Example 71. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 51 to 70, wherein the contact lens is positioned in the first cavity so that the concave surface of the contact lens faces the base when the package is in an unopened state.

[0135] Example 72. The contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51 to 71, wherein the absorbing member is connected to the base.

[0136] Example 73. The contact lens package of any one of Examples 51 to 71, wherein the absorbent member is connected to the lid.

[0137] Example 74. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51 to 73, wherein the base comprises a lens support that supports the contact lens within the cavity.

[0138] Example 75. A contact lens package according to example 74, wherein the lens support has an inner surface having a convex shape, and the inner surface of the lens support engages with the concave surface of the contact lens.

[0139] Example 76 The contact lens package of example 75, wherein the inner surface of the lens support defines a portion of the first cavity.

[0140] Example 77. The contact lens package according to Examples 75-76, wherein the lens support further comprises an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface of the lens support and having a concave shape.

[0141] Example 78. A contact lens package described in Example 77, wherein the concave shape of the outer surface of the lens support is configured to receive the convex portion of an adjacent package therein, thereby facilitating nested stacking of multiple packages.

[0142] Example 79. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 74 to 78, wherein the lid extends over and covers the lens support when the package is in an unopened state, and the lid does not cover the lens support when the package is in an opened state.

[0143] Example 80. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 74 to 79, wherein the base further comprises an absorbent member support that supports an absorbent member within the second cavity.

[0144] Example 81. The contact lens package of Example 80, wherein the absorbent member support has an inner surface having a planar shape.

[0145] Example 82. The contact lens package of example 81, wherein the inner surface of the absorbent member support defines a portion of the second cavity.

[0146] Example 83. The contact lens package according to Examples 81 to 82, wherein the absorbent member support further comprises an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface of the absorbent member support and having a planar shape.

[0147] Example 84. The contact lens package of any one of Examples 80 to 83, wherein the absorbent member is connected to an absorbent member support.

[0148] Example 85. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 80 to 84, wherein when the package is in an unopened state, the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member support, and when the package is in an opened state, the lid does not cover the absorbent member support.

[0149] Example 86. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 80 to 84, wherein when the package is in an unopened state, the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member support, and when the package is in an opened state, the lid extends at least partially over the absorbent member support.

[0150] Example 87. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 80 to 86, wherein the absorbent member support is disposed adjacent to the lens support.

[0151] Example 88. A contact lens package described in any one of Examples 80 to 87, wherein the lens support extends above the absorbent member support and is configured to facilitate drainage of package solution toward the absorbent member when the package is in an open state.

[0152] Example 89. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51 to 88, wherein the base is substantially rigid and the lid is flexible.

[0153] Example 90. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51 to 88, wherein the base is flexible and the lid is flexible.

[0154] Example 91. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51 to 90, wherein the lid comprises a foil layer.

[0155] Example 92. A contact lens package according to any one of Examples 51 to 91, wherein the base comprises a barrier disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in an unopened state.

[0156] Example 93. A contact lens package as described in Example 92, wherein the lid is sealed to the barrier when the package is in an unopened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state.

[0157] Example 94. A contact lens package as described in Example 93, wherein the lid may be opened from the barrier when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically connected to each other when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0158] Example 95. A contact lens package as described in Example 92, wherein the barrier defines an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, the lid blocks the opening when the package is in an unopened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state, and the opening is unblocked by the lid when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically connected to each other when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0159] Example 96. A contact lens package as described in Example 92, further comprising a gate, wherein the barrier defines an opening extending from the first cavity to the second cavity, the gate blocks the opening when the package is in an unopened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state, and the opening is unblocked by the gate when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically connected to each other when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0160] Example 97. The contact lens package of example 96, wherein the gate is connected to the lid and moves with the lid when the package is transitioned from an unopened state to an opened state.

[0161] Example 98. The contact lens package of any one of Examples 51 to 97, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are spaced apart from each other.

[0162] Example 99. The contact lens package of any one of Examples 51 to 98, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are concentrically arranged.

[0163] Example 100. The contact lens package of any one of Examples 51 to 99, wherein the second cavity surrounds the first cavity.

[0164] Example 101. A method for packaging contact lenses, comprising: placing a contact lens and packaging solution in a first cavity of the package; disposing an absorbent member within a second cavity of the package; and enclosing each of the first and second cavities such that the first and second cavities are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state.

[0165] Example 102 The method of example 101, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

[0166] Example 103 The method of example 101, wherein the absorbent member comprises foam.

[0167] Example 104 The method of example 101, wherein the absorbent member comprises a superabsorbent polymer.

[0168] Example 105. The method of any one of Examples 101-104, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are spaced apart from each other.

[0169] Example 106 The method of any one of Examples 101-105, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are concentrically arranged.

[0170] Example 107. The method of any one of Examples 101 to 106, wherein the package includes a base and a lid, a first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, a second cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and enclosing each of the first cavity and the second cavity includes connecting the lid to the base so that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other.

[0171] Example 108. A method for opening a contact lens package, comprising: holding a package, the package comprising a first cavity containing a contact lens and packaging solution and a second cavity containing an absorbent member, the first cavity and the second cavity being fluidly isolated from one another; at least partially opening the first cavity to expose the contact lens; and at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other.

[0172] Example 109. The method of Example 108, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other comprises allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow out of the contact lens.

[0173] Example 110. The method of Example 108, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other comprises allowing a majority of the packaging solution to flow out of the contact lens.

[0174] Example 111. The method of any one of Examples 108-110, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other comprises allowing at least a portion of the packaging solution to flow into the absorbent member.

[0175] Example 112. The method of any one of Examples 108-110, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other comprises allowing a majority of the packaging solution to flow to the absorbent member.

[0176] Example 113. The method of any one of Examples 108-112, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity such that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other comprises allowing the absorbent member to absorb at least a portion of the packaging solution.

[0177] Example 114. The method of any one of Examples 108-112, wherein at least partially opening the second cavity so that the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other comprises allowing the absorbent member to absorb a majority of the packaging solution.

[0178] Example 115 The method of any one of Examples 108-114, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge.

[0179] Example 116 The method of any one of Examples 108-114, wherein the absorbent member comprises a foam.

[0180] Example 117 The method of any one of Examples 108-114, wherein the absorbent member comprises a superabsorbent polymer.

[0181] Example 118. The method of any one of Examples 108-117, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are spaced apart from each other.

[0182] Example 119. The method of any one of Examples 108-118, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are concentrically arranged.

[0183] Example 120. The method of any one of Examples 108-119, wherein the package comprises a base and a lid, a first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and a second cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and at least partially opening the first cavity comprises:

[0184] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many of the specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

[0185] The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the inventors, and are therefore not intended to limit the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0186] The foregoing description of specific embodiments makes the general nature of the present invention fully apparent, and others, by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art, may readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various uses without undue experimentation and without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, and therefore should be interpreted by those skilled in the art in the light of the teaching and guidance.

[0187] The packages of the present invention can be manufactured using known materials and processes. The packaging materials can be virgin, recycled, or a combination thereof. The volume within the package cavity can vary depending on the design selected.

[0188] Not all features described herein need to be incorporated into every package; those skilled in the art can use the teachings herein to combine these features to provide a wide variety of improved contact lens packages. In summary, the contact lens packages of the present invention incorporate several novel features that can be combined in a wide variety of combinations as described herein to provide desired improved and / or one-touch packages. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0189] [Embodiment] (1) A contact lens package comprising: a first cavity for containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a second cavity for accommodating an absorbent member; A contact lens package, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state. (2) A contact lens package according to claim 1, wherein when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state, the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other. (3) A contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb at least a portion of the package solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. (4) A contact lens package according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is configured to absorb a majority of the package solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. (5) A contact lens package as described in embodiment 1, wherein the package is configured such that when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state, at least a portion of the package solution flows from the first cavity to the second cavity.

[0190] (6) A contact lens package as described in embodiment 1, wherein the package is configured such that when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state, a majority of the package solution flows from the first cavity to the second cavity. (7) A contact lens package as described in embodiment 1, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, and the absorbent member is in the expanded state when the package is in the unopened state. (8) A contact lens package as described in embodiment 1, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, the absorbent member being in the compressed state when the package is in the unopened state, and the absorbent member transitioning from the compressed state to the expanded state when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state. (9) The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge. (10) The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member comprises foam.

[0191] (11) The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member comprises a superabsorbent polymer. (12) The contact lens package of embodiment 1 further comprises a base and a lid connected to the base, wherein the first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and the second cavity is formed between the base and the lid. (13) The contact lens package of embodiment 12, wherein the base and the lid collectively surround the first cavity, and the base and the lid collectively surround the second cavity. (14) The contact lens package of embodiment 12, wherein the base and the lid collectively define the first cavity, and the base and the lid collectively define the second cavity. (15) The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein when the package is in the unopened state, the lid is sealed to the base along an interface between the first cavity and the second cavity, and when the package is in the opened state, the seal between the lid and the base is at least partially broken.

[0192] (16) The contact lens package of embodiment 12, wherein the lid is sealed to the base along the entire perimeter of the first cavity and the lid is sealed to the base along the entire perimeter of the second cavity. (17) The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the lid extends over and covers the contact lens when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid does not cover the contact lens when the package is in the opened state. (18) The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid does not cover the absorbent member when the package is in the opened state. (19) The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid extends at least partially over the absorbent member when the package is in the opened state. (20) The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the contact lens is positioned in the first cavity so that the convex side of the contact lens faces the lid when the package is in the unopened state.

Claims

1. 1. A contact lens package comprising: a first cavity containing a contact lens and a packaging solution; a second cavity for accommodating an absorbent member; A contact lens package, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from each other when the package is in an unopened state.

2. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with each other when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.

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

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

5. 10. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the package is configured such that when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state, at least a portion of the packaging solution flows from the first cavity to the second cavity.

6. 10. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the package is configured such that a majority of the package solution flows from the first cavity to the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.

7. 10. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, the absorbent member being in the expanded state when the package is in the unopened state.

8. 2. The contact lens package of claim 1, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transition between an expanded state and a compressed state, the absorbent member being in the compressed state when the package is in the unopened state, and the absorbent member transitioning from the compressed state to the expanded state when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to the opened state.

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

10. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the absorbent member comprises foam.

11. The contact lens package of claim 1 , wherein the absorbent member comprises a superabsorbent polymer.

12. 2. The contact lens package of claim 1, further comprising a base and a lid connected to the base, wherein the first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and the second cavity is formed between the base and the lid.

13. 13. The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the base and the lid collectively enclose the first cavity and the base and the lid collectively enclose the second cavity.

14. The contact lens package of claim 12 , wherein the base and the lid collectively define the first cavity, and the base and the lid collectively define the second cavity.

15. 13. The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the lid is sealed to the base along an interface between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the seal between the lid and the base is at least partially broken when the package is in the opened state.

16. 13. The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the lid is sealed to the base along the entire periphery of the first cavity and the lid is sealed to the base along the entire periphery of the second cavity.

17. 13. The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the lid extends over and covers the contact lens when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the contact lens when the package is in the opened state.

18. 13. The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the absorbent member when the package is in the opened state.

19. 13. The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and the lid extends at least partially over the absorbent member when the package is in the opened state.

20. 13. The contact lens package of claim 12, wherein the contact lens is positioned in the first cavity such that a convex side of the contact lens faces the lid when the package is in the unopened state.

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