One-touch contact lens package

Abstract

This invention relates to a contact lens package that allows lenses to be removed from the lens package with a single touch. [Solution] The lens package includes a lens support that holds the lens in a convex position. When the package is ejected, the contact area between the support and the wet contact lens is smaller than the contact area between the user's finger and the contact lens, providing the desired one-touch transfer.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] For many years, it has been a common understanding that the ideal solution is to provide contact lens wearers with a "one-touch" package—a package that allows them to remove the lens from the lens storage package with a single touch of one of their fingers, and then, with that same touch, correctly position the lens in their eye. Such a design eliminates the need to transfer and manipulate the lens from one finger to another (which is now common) before placing it over the eye. Providing such a one-touch package not only streamlines the lens preparation and insertion process but also reduces the likelihood of dropping the lens or exposing it to additional bacteria on the wearer's other fingers while it is being prepared for orientation and insertion over the eye, thus reducing the likelihood of touching the sides of the lens intended to come into contact with the eye.

[0002] The design of one-touch lens packaging faces several different challenges. Ideally, the user should be able to consistently position and adhere the lens to their finger while removing it from the package, and then consistently release the lens from their finger onto their eye. Each contact lens (both reusable and daily disposable types) has its own unique surface, bulk, and geometric properties. Finger size and the force that contact lens wearers apply to the lens during transport can also vary. These factors can affect the process of taking the lens from the package onto the finger and then placing it on the surface of the eye. Among other considerations, variations in the amount of packaging solution adhering to the lens and package can affect the process of positioning the lens on the finger, so it would be desirable for the user to be able to expel any packaging solution that could affect the ability to adhere the lens to their finger. Also, wearers may have concerns about the possibility of transferring external products such as bacteria or cosmetics to the contact lens, and naturally, the manufacturing of the packaging itself should conform to expected industry standards recognized by medical and commercial provider organizations.

[0003] Furthermore, one-touch packaging should ideally not result in an exorbitant increase in the cost of goods compared to current contact lens packaging, as this could lead to increased costs for the user population. The packaging should not make it difficult to hold the lens when it is removed from the package. In addition, if the packaging design maintains or even reduces the volume of solution required to package the lens, this would reduce the ecological impact of the lens packaging. Similarly, it would be beneficial if all or part of the packaging could be made from recycled materials and / or be entirely or partially recyclable.

[0004] In addition, it would be advantageous if the package were made of materials that have already been approved by various regulatory bodies and, ideally, do not require any changes to the chemical properties of the solution or the lens composition. Optimally, and moreover, the function of the package is preferably to avoid incorporating any electronic or other electrical components, where such components could adversely affect the performance of either the package or the lens.

[0005] There are several desirable attributes that make achieving the functionality of a one-touch package difficult and are often lacking in known attempts to create one-touch packages. These attributes include, for example, the following: • Ideally, the packaging should protect the lens. It should ensure the lens's integrity while preventing shattering or damage to the lens. Lens packaging should maintain the hydration of the lenses during storage. This preserves the properties of the lenses. The lenses in the package should be fully immersed in the packaging solution as needed, but the packaging should be configured so that such solution is removed when the lenses are ready to be transferred to the wearer's fingers. The packaging should generally have a retortable seal to contain both the lenses and the solution. The packaging should preferably maintain the lens in the desired convex orientation relative to the wearer. The lens should be precisely positioned on the lens support so that it can be easily removed by the user. The packaging should allow the packaging solution to be effectively drained from the lens upon opening and before removal, facilitating easier transfer to the wearer's fingers and then to the eye.

[0006] International Publication No. 2014 / 195588, International Publication No. 2009 / 069265, and Japanese Patent No. 6339322 disclose a package that presents a lens in a configuration with a convex bowl facing downwards. However, the lens support structure substantially matches the shape of the contact lens, thereby providing an undesirable contact area between the lens and the lens support. These references also do not mention a mechanism for effective solution drainage from the lens and lens support.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 20190046353 discloses a contact lens storage container that facilitates easier lens removal. However, this package requires the user to pour out the packaging solution and does not provide the desired consistent one-touch removal.

[0008] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20200229560 discloses a lens support for supporting the concave (front or anterior) surface of a contact lens, or a package having a grid for supporting the periphery of a contact lens and allowing the packaging solution to be discharged through the grid into a bottom chamber when the lens package is opened. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, there is still a need for contact lens packaging that provides a consistent one-touch lens removal experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention provides a contact lens package in which the lens is placed on a lens support made of a suitable material that enables the functionality of the package while simultaneously meeting all other standard packaging requirements, such as adequate strength, sterility, and ease of opening. The package is filled with saline solution so that the lens remains hydrated during transport and storage. When the package is in a closed position, such as during storage or transport, the lens and lens support are covered by a bottom base and a top lid that function as a protective cover or shell (in addition to other functions described herein). The lid is shaped so that when the package is opened, a certain volume of air enters the package cavity beneath the lid and the convex side of the lens. The inflow of air prevents an suction force from forming between the lens and the lid, so that the lens remains on the lens support with the concave side of the lens facing down. As the solution drains from the package, the lens loses surface tension with respect to the lens support surface. In this position, the finger exerts a greater suction force on the lens due to surface tension than the suction force exerted on the lens by the lens support, so that the lens can be attached by transfer to the user's finger. Therefore, the lens is held in the user's finger with the convex side facing outwards, and the user can move the concave side of the lens onto the surface of the eye. In contrast to current methods of applying contact lenses, in a single action, the user can remove the lens from the package and place it on their eye.

[0011] The present invention Regarding a contact lens package that includes a support for maintaining the contact lens in a convex position on the support during storage and when the package is opened, The lens has a periphery and lens profile, The support has a profile that does not substantially match the lens profile, and the wet contact between the support and the lens is approximately 20 mm. 2 Less than 18mm 2 Less than 15mm 2 It is less than.

[0012] The present invention further relates to a contact lens package including a package base, a package lid, and a support for holding a contact lens having a periphery and a lens profile in a convex position with respect to the package base. The base and the lid are sealed to form a cavity containing the support, the contact lens, and a packaging solution. The lens support includes a plurality of peripheral supports, the plurality of peripheral supports having distal ends that extend at least 1 mm beyond the contact lens periphery, and along the peripheral supports, providing at least 3, 3 to 14, 4 to 14, 3 to 8, or 4 to 8, 4 to 6, or 6 contact points with the contact lens edge, and the wetting contact between the support and the lens after the package is opened and the packaging solution is directed away from the lens and the support is less than about 20 mm 2 less than, 18 mm 2 less than, or 15 mm 2 less than.

[0013] The present invention further relates to a contact lens package. a support for holding a contact lens having a convex surface in a convex position with respect to the support, a lens facing surface including at least one air inlet guide, the at least one air inlet guide being configured to guide air entering the package onto the convex surface of the contact lens when the user opens the package, so as to reduce the incidence of the lens adhering to the inner surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] The present invention will be better understood from the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] Diagrams of various lens support configurations. [Figure 1B] Diagrams of various lens support configurations. [Figure 1C] Diagrams of various lens support configurations. [Figure 1D] Diagrams of various lens support configurations. [Figure 1E]This is a diagram showing various lens support configurations. [Figure 1F] This is a diagram showing various lens support configurations. [Figure 1G] This is a diagram showing various lens support configurations. [Figure 1H] This is a diagram showing various lens support configurations. [Figure 1I] This is a diagram showing various lens support configurations. [Figure 1J] This is a diagram showing various lens support configurations. [Figure 1K] This is a diagram showing various lens support configurations. [Figure 1L] This is a diagram showing various lens support configurations. [Figure 1M] This is a diagram showing various lens support configurations. [Figure 1N] This is a diagram showing various lens support configurations. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing various lens support configurations. [Figure 2A] This is a diagram of the base of the contact lens package of the present invention. [Figure 2B] This is a diagram of the base and lid of the contact lens package according to the present invention. [Figure 3A] This is a diagram of a lid illustrating an example of airflow management features within the scope of the present invention. [Figure 3B] This is a diagram of a lid illustrating an example of airflow management features within the scope of the present invention. [Figure 3C] This is a diagram of a lid illustrating an example of airflow management features within the scope of the present invention. [Figure 3D] This is a diagram of a lid illustrating an example of airflow management features within the scope of the present invention. [Figure 3E] This is a diagram of a lid illustrating an example of airflow management features within the scope of the present invention. [Figure 3F] This is a diagram of a lid illustrating an example of airflow management features within the scope of the present invention. [Figure 3G] This is a diagram of a lid illustrating an example of airflow management features within the scope of the present invention. [Figure 3H] This is a diagram of a lid illustrating an example of airflow management features within the scope of the present invention. [Figure 4A]This figure shows an example of the air-capturing feature within the present invention. [Figure 4B] This figure shows an example of the air-capturing feature within the present invention. [Figure 5A] This figure shows a contact lens package according to the present invention. [Figure 5B] This figure shows a contact lens package according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a graph of the contact lens RMS value as a function of the package filling volume. [Figure 7] This is a diagram of the inside of the package lid. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The present invention relates to a contact lens package, such as for hydrogel contact lenses, that allows the user to remove the contact lens from the package by touching the top of the contact lens with their fingertip or near the top of the lens. Once the lens is transferred to the fingertip, it is in a position suitable for placement in the wearer's eye, thereby facilitating removal of the lens from the package and insertion into the eye.

[0016] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

[0017] The advantage of the lens package of the present invention is that it provides consistent one-touch lens transfer from the package to the wearer's finger, and then from the finger to the wearer's eye, without the lens being inverted, dropped from the finger, or subjected to further handling. Consistent lens transfer includes a transfer rate of at least about 70%, at least about 80%, or at least about 90% of the initial touch of the finger (or "dab"). The lens also, preferably, "stands up" on the finger without collapsing or inverting, and then transfers to the eye when placed in the eye. The package of the present invention can provide desired one-touch transfer over a range of finger sizes and dob pressures. Environmental conditions, such as temperature and whether the finger is wet or dry, can also affect the transfer rate, with higher temperatures generally improving lens transfer. The lens transfer evaluated in the present invention was performed at room temperature.

[0018] "Contact lenses" refer to ophthalmic devices placed on the eye. They generally have a hemispherical shape and can provide optical correction, cosmetic enhancement, UV shielding and reduction of visible light or glare, wound healing, therapeutic effects including delivery of drugs or nutritional supplements, diagnostic evaluation or monitoring, or any combination thereof. The term "lens" generally includes soft hydrogel contact lenses, which are supplied to consumers in a hydrated state package 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.

[0019] Hydrogels are hydrated crosslinked polymer systems that contain water in equilibrium and can contain at least about 25%, or at least 35%, of water in their hydrated state. Hydrogels are typically oxygen-permeable and biocompatible, making them excellent materials for the manufacture of contact lenses.

[0020] Conventional hydrogel contact lenses do not contain silicone components and generally have higher water content, lower oxygen permeability, elastic modulus, and shape memory than silicone hydrogels. Conventional hydrogels are prepared from monomer mixtures mainly containing hydrophilic monomers such as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate ("HEMA"), N-vinylpyrrolidone ("NVP"), or polyvinyl alcohol. U.S. Patents 4,495,313, 4,889,664, and 5,039,459 disclose conventional hydrogel formations. Conventional hydrogels can be ionic or nonionic and include polymacon, etafilcon, nelfilcon, ocufilcon, and lenefilcon. The oxygen permeability of these conventional hydrogel materials is typically less than 20-30 bars.

[0021] Examples of 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 an elastic modulus in the range of 60-200, 60-150, or 80-130 psi, and a water content in the range of 20-60%. Examples of silicone hydrogels include acquafilcon, asmofilcon, balafilcon, comfilcon, delefilcon, enfilcon, fanfilcon, formofilcon, galyfilcon, lotrafilcon, narafilcon, riofilcon, and samfilcon. In addition to amfilcon, senofilcon, somofilcon, and stenfilcon (including all variations thereof), U.S. Patent Nos. 4,659,782, 4,659,783, 5,244,981, 5,314,960, 5,331,067, 5,371,147, 5,998,498, 6,087,415, 5,760,100, 5,776,999, 5,789,461, 5,849,811, 5,965,631, and 6,367,No. 929, No. 6,822,016, No. 6,867,245, No. 6,943,203, No. 7,247,692, No. 7,2 No. 49,848, No. 7,553,880, No. 7,666,921, No. 7,786,185, No. 7,956,131, No. 8 , 022,158, 8,273,802, 8,399,538, 8,470,906, 8,450,387, No. 8,487,058, No. 8,507,577, No. 8,637,621, No. 8,703,891, No. 8,937,110 Examples include silicone hydrogels prepared in Patent Nos. 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, 9,297,929, as well as International Publication Nos. 03 / 22321, 2008 / 061992, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0048847. These patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Silicone hydrogels can have higher shape memory than conventional contact lenses.

[0022] Hydrogel lenses are viscoelastic materials. Contact lenses can form optical distortion when the lens interacts 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 varies depending on the chemical properties and, to a lesser extent, depending on the geometric shape of the lens. Conventional lens materials, such as polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate lenses like Etafilcon A or Polymacon, have lower loss modulus and tandelta compared to silicone hydrogels and can form less and less significant optical distortion as a result of contact with the packaging. The incorporation of silicone (generally increasing bulk elastic response), wetting agents such as PVP (generally increasing viscous response), or coatings of conventional hydrogel materials (which may decrease 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 rigid crosslinking agents and / or curing agents may have short shape memory and be less susceptible to deformation during storage. When used herein, hydrogels with high or higher shape memory exhibit an optical strain of at least about 0.18 after accelerated aging at 55°C for 5 weeks from contact with air bubbles or packaging. Viscoelastic properties, including loss modulus and tan delta, can be measured using dynamic mechanical analysis.

[0023] The contact lens may have any geometric shape or force, but is generally hemispherical in shape and has a concave posterior side that remains stationary against the eye during use, and a convex anterior side that faces away from the eye and comes into contact with the eyelid during blinking.

[0024] The center of the lens is the center of the lens's optical zone. The optical zone provides optical correction and can have a diameter of approximately 7 to 10 mm. The periphery or edge of the lens is the edge where the front and rear sides meet.

[0025] The wet lens is the contact lens and any residual packaging solution adhering to it after the packaging solution has been discharged. The wet contact is the total contact area between the wet lens and the lens support.

[0026] A contact lens package includes a lens support surrounded by a reversibly sealable chamber. The chamber may have any convenient configuration and may comprise a package base having one or more compartments or base segments, a lens support, and at least one lid, each of which is described in detail below. As used herein, the terms “the lid,” “a lid,” “the base,” and “a base” encompass both singular and plural forms. The lid and the package base are sealed to each other to form a cavity that keeps the contact lens, support, and packaging solution sterile during transport and storage before use. The contact lens package is made from a material that is compatible with the contact lens and solution, and is also retortable and biologically inert.

[0027] A “film” or “multilayer film” is a film used to seal a package and is often called a lid stock. Multilayer films used in conventional contact lens packaging can be used in the package of the present invention as a base, a component of the lid, or both. A multilayer film comprises multiple layers, including a barrier layer or coating containing a foil layer, a sealing layer that seals the film to the rest of the package, and may also include additional layers selected from a peel-initiating layer, a lamination layer, 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.

[0028] The multilayer film may include PET, BON, or OPP film layers to enhance rigidity and heat resistance, or EVOH or PVdC coatings to improve barrier resistance to oxygen or water vapor.

[0029] The packaging solution is any physiologically compatible solution with the selected lens material and packaging. The packaging solution includes a buffer solution having a physiological pH, such as buffered saline solution. The packaging solution may contain known components, including buffers, pH and elasticity modifiers, lubricants, wetting agents, nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, and packaging coating components.

[0030] The package base can form the bottom of the package. It can be made from any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including foil or a flat sheet of plastic, a laminated film, or plastic. The bottom of the lens support is positioned on the base surface facing the package cavity and is supported by the base surface. The lens support may also be integral with the base. The lens support may rest on the inner surface of the package base, and the package base may be horizontal or inclined to maintain the lens support and lens in an inclined position when the bottom of the base is horizontal. If the base is positioned at an angle, the angle is preferably at least about 15°, at least about 20°, about 20° to about 80°, about 20° to about 60°, or about 20° to about 40° relative to the horizontal.

[0031] The packaging lid forms the top structure of the package and seals to the base, forming a cavity containing the lens support, lens, packaging solution, and any other incorporated packaging features. The lid can be made from any material suitable for packaging medical devices, including foil or a flat or molded sheet of plastic, a laminated film, or plastic. Packages comprising plastic for one structure and foil or laminated film as the other, or packages comprising foil or laminated film as the outer layer of the lid and base, are known in the art and are examples of suitable combinations.

[0032] Lens support and transport During transportation and storage, it is preferred that the lens support holds the lens in the desired convex orientation (bowl down with respect to the base) and position (centered on the support). The lens support is designed to provide an open structure under the lens bowl, allowing the packaging solution to be discharged from the lens and the support without trapping water between the supports when opened, and providing a sufficient number of contact points with the lens to prevent the lens from falling over, rotating, or moving across the support on the support. This can support the apex of the lens by the elastic rigidity of the lens itself or minimize the sag of the lens apex while limiting the contact area between the support and the lens. Excessive contact between the support and the lens after solution discharge and excessive water trapped between the support and the lens can generate a surface tension between the lens and the water on and around the lens support that is greater than the surface tension between the wearer's finger and the lens, preventing efficient lens transfer. The total contact between the lens and the lens support when the package is opened and the solution is discharged from the lens and the lens support is the total contact area, which is about 20 mm 2 less than, 18 mm 2 less than, or 15 mm 2 less and may be distributed at least around the lens periphery, as described herein.

[0033] For lenses made from polymers with longer shape memory, the lens support can be designed to limit contact between the lens and the support during storage. Such contact can be distributed around the lens periphery. The contact between the lens optical zone, the lens support, and the interior of the lid (including any air inlet guides) may be temporary or there may be no contact between the optical zone and the support, lid, or air inlet guide. Lenses such as conventional hydrogels with shorter shape memory are less susceptible to distortion due to packaging contact and can have contact points distributed throughout the periphery and the entire lens profile, including the lens central zone (about 9 mm or about 5 mm in diameter).

[0034] The lens support of the present invention allows both the fingertip and the lens to deform to conform to each other's shape during dubbing, without causing lens inversion or damage to the lens during removal from excessively high pressure during dubbing. Therefore, the manner in which the lens is removed from this package may involve controlling the ratio of the contact area between the finger and the lens to the area between the lens and the lens support, so that the contact area between the finger and the lens exceeds the contact surface area of ​​the lens support on the underside of the lens. This ensures that the surface tension between the finger and the lens exceeds the surface tension between the lens and the lens support. Thus, the lens adheres to the finger for lens transfer and placement on the eye.

[0035] Figures 1A to 1P show examples of lens supports useful for the present invention. Each of these lens supports may be useful with any of the packages described herein. The lens supports can provide light resistance to the lens during lens transport to allow the lens to adhere to the finger. As shown in Figures 1A to 1P, the lens supports can be designed in a variety of configurations. It should be understood that the configurations shown herein are illustrative examples. Configurations not shown, or configurations combining aspects of the illustrated exemplary configurations, are possible within the scope of the appended claims, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in consideration of the remainder of this disclosure.

[0036] The lens support provides at least 2, at least 3, 3–14, 4–14, 3–8, or 4–8, 4–6, or 6 contact points with the contact lens edge along the peripheral support 105. If two peripheral supports are used, they may be wider to provide stability without exceeding the desired contact area for consistent lens transport. Peripheral contact points can be distributed in a number of configurations that prevent the lens from rotating away from the lens, and the space between the furthest adjacent contacts is smaller than the diameter of the lens. In embodiments employing three contact points, the contact points may be arranged in an acute triangle, as shown in Example 16. All (Figures 1B, 1C, 1H, 1K, and 1L) or most (Figures 1M–1O) of the peripheral supports may be evenly distributed around the lens periphery. As the number of peripheral supports increases, the possibility of residual packaging solution forming film and solution bridges between adjacent peripheral supports and between the support and the lens may increase during discharge. Peripheral supports, such as those in the form of screens or strainers, which have less than 50% open space, generally provide insufficient discharge to ensure one-touch transfer.

[0037] Figure 1G shows a lens support comprising six planar peripheral supports 105 joined at the center of the lens support and extending outward to the unsupported distal end. A channel member 115 is one structure that may be used to facilitate the discharge of the packaging solution and is described in detail below.

[0038] The peripheral support 105 provides a path for draining the packaging solution from the lens when the package is opened. To facilitate the drainage of the packaging solution, the peripheral support is generally lateral to the lens edge, which helps prevent the lens from wrapping around the support, and is linear and may extend outward to a distance of at least 1 mm beyond the contact lens periphery. If the distal end of the peripheral support extends less than 2 mm beyond the lens edge, the packaging solution may, undesirably, be trapped under the lens, potentially hindering effective lens transport. If the central peripheral ends (such as the "V" notch of the peripheral support 105 in Figure 1D) are not connected to the central support, they may extend toward the center of the support at least about 3 mm from the contact point with the lens, as shown by the exemplary configuration in Figure 1D. If the peripheral support extends less than 3 mm toward the lens from the lens contact point, the lens may slip off the peripheral support.

[0039] The peripheral supports 105 may be arranged radially around the center of the support. They may be attached to one another as shown in Figure 1G, or attached at the elbow 104 as the end portion of the lens support arm as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The peripheral supports 105 may extend inward from at least a portion of the peripheral ring 109 as shown in Figures 1C and 1D. The peripheral supports 105 may also be connected to the central column or cylinder 107, or any combination thereof, as shown in Figure 1E. When the peripheral supports extend inward, they may be in contact at a single central point (Figure 1G), column, or cylinder 107 (Figure 1E). One or more of the peripheral supports 105 may be in contact with an adjacent peripheral support, forming an open center, as shown in Figure 1D. Alternatively or additionally, one or more peripheral supports 105 may extend inward from their distal ends in at least a portion of the peripheral ring to the unsupported proximal end on the inside around the lens, or to another point on the peripheral ring, as shown in Figure 1C. The peripheral supports may be planar, as shown in Figures 1B to 1G, or angled, as shown in Figure 1A. If angled, the angle may be 0° to about 30° from the horizontal, or 0° to about 15°, and may be inclined toward the center of the support or toward the distal end of the peripheral support.

[0040] The distal ends of adjacent peripheral supports 105 may be connected to each other via end cross pieces that form a partial peripheral ring 109, as shown in Figures 1B and 1D, or a complete ring 109, as shown in Figure 1C. For example, Figure 1D shows a lens support with a partial peripheral ring 109 having a planar peripheral support 105 in the form of an asterisk shape with six open arms arranged radially around the center of the lens support.

[0041] If a complete or partial peripheral ring is included, the peripheral ring may have a diameter at least 4 mm larger than the contact lens (at least 2 mm from all contact lens edges) to facilitate the drainage of the packaging solution from the lens and lens support. In the case of a partial peripheral ring with a complex shape, such as the partial peripheral ring in Figure 1D, at least the diameter of the partial peripheral ring may be centered on the center of the lens support and measured across opposing partial peripheral ring sections 109. Peripheral ring diameters of approximately 16–25 mm, 18–25 mm, or 18–24 mm are suitable for commercially available contact lenses.

[0042] The peripheral ring, if included, may rest on the base during storage, be fixedly attached to the base, or be attached to a vertical support such as a foot, a support column 110 as shown in Figure 1K, an elevated base fin section as shown in Figure 1L, a central column or cylinder that keeps it elevated from the base. The vertical support may extend about 4 to 5 mm from the base for a horizontally positioned lens support, or about 2 to 5 mm, 2.5 to 5 mm, or 3 to 4 mm for a lens support that is inclined when the package is closed, such as an inclined lens support as shown in Figure 1H. If included, the vertical support may be the same length or may be of different lengths to maintain the lens at a certain angle to the horizontal. The upper limit of the height of the vertical support is limited by the desired size of the package, as increasing the length of the vertical support increases the overall height of the package and the amount of solution required. The peripheral ring may also be attached to a lifting or pivoting structure, such as a lever or extension channel member as described below, to facilitate raising the lens support from the base and to help drain the packaging solution from the lens.

[0043] The package base may also be designed such that the peripheral support 105 (shown as part of the rise fins in an exemplary embodiment of Figure 1H) is at the same height as one another, but the base floor 120 and lens support 136 are positioned at a certain angle (Figure 1H). The lens support may be a separate structure or may be part of the base as shown in Figure 1H.

[0044] The lens support may further include at least one positioning structure (not shown) to prevent the lens from moving horizontally across the lens support, particularly with respect to angled supports within the package, or during opening and removal. These positioning structures may include notches, projections, or stops along the outer peripheral support around the lens, an open center support (described below), or positioning pins or tabs on the inside of the lens near the periphery, or a combination thereof, which are angled more steeply, such as when the lens surface is located outside the lens's central zone (approximately 5 mm, 6 mm, or 7 mm in diameter).

[0045] As shown in Figures 1E, 1J, and 1H, the lens support may further comprise an open-structure central support to provide additional resistance, an ejection path, and / or to increase the contact area between the finger and the lens during lens transport. The profile of the central support may be designed to keep the lens in a convex position, preferably at the center of the support, without significant contact during transport and storage, and to provide a desired lens contact area after ejection and before contact by the user's finger. The central support may be configured to form a gap between the lens support and the lens, for example, by having a substantially flat top, so that the top of the lens is deformed by the finger, the pad of the finger flattens, and a desired bias is formed in the surface area. If present, the central support may be flat or slightly concave, preferably providing at least 0.5 mm between the lens apex and the top of the central support during ejection (to minimize contact between the lens apex and the support) and providing a lens-finger contact area larger than the contact area between the lens and the rest of the lens support ("substantially flat top" or "flat top"). If slightly curved, the central support may have a slightly concave curvature with a radius of curvature of at least about 10 mm or at least about 6 mm, or preferably a slightly convex curvature of about 10 mm or more. It may be desirable to design the central support so that it does not come into contact with the lens optical zone until lens transport.

[0046] The upper part of the central support may have a diameter of approximately 1 to 10 mm, 3 to 9 mm, 5 to 9 mm, or 6 to 9 mm. In central supports with a flat upper region having a diameter of less than 5 mm, an additional positioning structure may be desirable. The upper part of the central support may be oriented parallel to the periphery of the lens to form a column, as shown in Figures 1A to 1F. The upper part of the central support also provides resistance to the finger when the user presses down on the apex of the lens to initiate lens transport.

[0047] The central support may be formed from multiple arms. The arms may form a flat upper section 101 and be supported by one or more struts 108 extending upward from the base, as shown in Figure 1J. This may consist of at least one periphery support 105 as shown in Figures 1A, B, C, E, and F, and at least one arm as shown in Figure 1D, or a fin-shaped vertical support 110 as shown in Figure 1H, or an open support 110 as shown in Figure 1K. If the arms extend beyond the flat upper section, the arms may include an optional lateral section 103, a shoulder transition 102 connecting the flat upper section 101 and the optional lateral section 103, a periphery support 105, and an optional elbow transition 104 connecting the optional lateral section 103 and the periphery support 105. The flat upper sections of the arms may be joined centrally at point 106, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. The arms may be connected to a column 108, a ring, or an open, full or partial cylinder 107, as shown in Figure 1i, or the arms may be connected to the package base as a solid fin having a gap 106a in the center of a substantially flat upper section 101 (Figure 1H). The arms may also be attached to the bottom of a lens support, as shown in Figure 1K, which has six arms with curved lateral sections 103 and a flat upper section 101 formed by the upward ends of the arms. The distal ends of the peripheral support 105 may also be connected from the base to individual supports, as shown in Figure 1K, or directly to the base (Figure 1L).

[0048] As shown in Figures 1H and 1M, the fins, bases, or both may be hollow to minimize the amount of packaging material used. Hollow or solid fins also replace the packaging solution, reducing the amount required. The arms may be radially distributed around the center of the support structure.

[0049] The flat upper section may also include an arbitrary central fillet 106a centered in the flat upper section, as shown in Figures 1A, 1O, and 1N. The central fillet may each be included in a lens support with or without a central column, as shown in Figures 1N and 1A, etc. If a central fillet is included, it may have a width over its longest dimension of about 0.1 to about 3 mm, about 0.1 to about 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm. The central fillet may have any shape, including a circle, triangle, or square with a smooth or wavy edge. The points of the triangle or square may be located on the arm, offset from the arm, rounded, or pointed.

[0050] Upon opening, the periphery of the contact lens rests on the peripheral support 105, and the lens may further rest on the central support or a portion of the central support, such as the shoulder transition 102. The side sections 103 may have any shape that provides minimal contact with the contact lens during packaging opening and discharge, preferably without contact, so that a desired contact area difference is achieved during lens transport. The side sections may be straight (uncurved), as shown in Figures 1B to 1F. The lens may also not have side supports, as shown in Figure 1J, with the flat upper section 101 supported by the central column 108. As the solution is discharged, the lens may collapse toward the central support. The configuration of the peripheral support and the profile of the lens support of the present invention, including the central support (if present), is substantially contrary to the lens profile and prevents the lens from deforming or interacting with the lens support during discharge so that the lens recovers its shape and does not adhere to the central support during lens transport. Preferably, a lens support profile that does not substantially match the lens profile includes a central support profile that provides a gap between the lens and the lateral support (if any) provided by a linear angled lateral section having an outward angle of at least about 10° or less from the vertical, and a central support without lateral sections, or a lateral section having a concave curved portion. It will be understood that lenses with a higher modulus of elasticity (such as silicone hydrogel) may require a central support with less deformation and less mismatch.

[0051] The height of the flat upper section (if present) is measured from the point of contact between the lens and the peripheral support to the top of the shoulder and may vary depending on the sagittal depth and curvature of the contact lens. For effective transport, a deflection of at least about 0.5 mm, about 0.5 to about 2 mm, 0.5 to about 1.5 mm, or about 0.8 to about 1 mm from the apex of the undeformed contact lens may be desirable. For a contact lens with a sagittal depth of 3.8 mm, a flat upper with a height of about 2 mm to about 3.3 mm, about 2.5 to about 3.3 mm, or about 3 to about 3.5 mm can be used. If the column height is less than about 2 mm, it may trap the packaging solution within the support base and encourage the lens to deform and buckle at the center. Whether these heights are measured from the apex of the lens to the top of the flat upper (if present) or from the base, they provide the desired contact area between the finger and the lens and provide consistent lens transport without inverting the lens.

[0052] Removing the central column and leaving a void in the center can also provide the desired lens transport, particularly with lenses having a neutral shape after discharge. The void can have a diameter between approximately 5 mm and the diameter of the lens (this provides a support with peripheral support only, as shown in Figures 1F and 1M). The void may be transparent to or beneath the base of the lens. The void is preferably at least 5 mm overall to provide proper discharge.

[0053] Any structure beneath the void preferably has a low surface area so as not to obstruct the discharge of the packaging solution. For example, in the case of a void extending to the base of the lens, at least about 50% of the void area at the base is transparent. Voids extending below the base of the lens may have structures with a larger surface area, as long as those structures do not protrude above the base.

[0054] The length of the arm may also vary depending on where and to what the arm is attached in the flat upper region, and whether the arm has a peripheral support. An arm attached to a central support, as shown in Figure 1A, may have a length of approximately 1.5 to 4.5 mm, 2.5 to 4.5 mm, or 3 to 4.5 mm from the shoulder to the center point. The length of the arm's side section (if any) is determined by the height of the lens support and may be approximately 1.5 to 4.5 mm, 1.5 to 3.5 mm, or 2 to 3.5 mm.

[0055] The side sections may be perpendicular to the base, or they may have any angle 103a (Figure 1A) or curve less than the curvature of the lens, so as not to exceed the desired contact area. Preferred angles include up to about 15° outward from the vertical, or about 1° to about 10°.

[0056] The angle 103b at the elbow transition between the lateral section and the peripheral support (when connected to the arm) may be approximately 60° to approximately 120°, or approximately 80° to approximately 100°.

[0057] The number and shape of the arms may also be modified, insofar as they provide a desired balance between efficient discharge of the packaging solution when open and the contact area with the lens. The package of the present invention may have one or more, 3 to 8, or 3 to 6 arms forming a central support, which may be designed to provide a desired contact area between the lens and the finger and resistance along the flat upper surface to finger contact, but only temporary contact with the contact lens at any lateral sections and shoulder transitions. The shoulder transitions may be radially arranged around the center of the support. The shoulder transitions may be spaced at approximately equal angles from the center. The arms may be planar as shown in Figure 1A, or curved, for example, in a U-shape (not shown), or branched in a straight or curved "Y" shape 101b, U-shape or T-shape as shown, for example, in Figure 1B. Branching of the arm(s) may occur within the flat upper region as shown in Figure 1B, or at the peripheral support 105c as shown in Figure 1C. The support may have all planar arms, all branched arms, or a combination of planar and branched arms, for example, two branched arms and two straight arms as shown in Figure 1C, three branched arms as shown in Figure 1b, or all planar arms as shown in Figure 1A. Examples of preferred arm configurations include 3 to 8 or 3 to 6 planar arms, 3 straight or curved Y-shaped arms, 2 to 4 planar arms and 2 branched arms (which may be straight or curved Y-shaped, U-shaped or T-shaped), and 2 planar arms and 2 branched arms (which may be straight or curved Y-shaped, U-shaped or T-shaped). The arm configuration may provide shoulders and periphery support contact points arranged along the arm plane (Figure 1A), or shoulders and periphery support contact points offset from each other (Figure 1C).

[0058] Each arm has a cross-section sufficient to provide a lens support with resistance to prevent lens collapse during ejection or excessive contact between the lens and the lens support during lens transport. The lens support is preferably formed from a rigid material, and the resistance of the arm can be controlled by the modulus of elasticity of the selected lens support material and the dimensions of the arm. Rigid plastics suitable for injection molding small parts, such as polypropylene homopolymers and copolymers (COPs), cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs), and mixtures thereof, are suitable materials. Depending on the additive package included, polypropylene homopolymers and copolymers generally have a flexural modulus in the range of 1100 to 1800 MPa, COPs and COCs have a flexural modulus in the range of 1800 to 2900 MPa, and blends of polypropylene with COP or COCs may have a flexural modulus in the range of 1100 to 2900 MPa. The polypropylene may be nucleated, controlled rheology, or both, and both Ziegler-Natta and metallocene-catalyzed polypropylenes may be used. Polypropylene polymers may also contain additives, including processing aids such as glycerol monostearate, zinc stearate, and calcium stearate, and fillers that can modify the properties of polypropylene.

[0059] Throughout this description, references to conventional injection molding processes and the use of materials conventionally applied to injection molding should be understood as illustrative examples. Those skilled in the art will understand that other manufacturing means, including but not limited to alternative molding processes, thermoforming, and 3D printing, are possible within the scope of the attached claims.

[0060] The width of the arm may vary between the limits of the selected molding process and the width required for efficient discharge of the packaging solution upon opening.

[0061] Suitable arm widths include approximately 0.5 to 1.5 mm, 0.5 to 1 mm, or 0.5 to 0.7 mm, and it will be understood that lens support designs with fewer contact points can have thicker arms.

[0062] The height of the arm may vary from the limit of the injection molding process to the height of the arm from the base, in which case the arm is a fin as shown in Figures 1E and 1H, and the fin may be attached to the base, molded as part of the base, or rest on the base. If the arm is not a fin, it can have a height of 0.5 to about 1.5 mm, about 0.5 to about 1 mm, or about 0.5 to about 0.7 mm. It will be understood that materials with lower modulus of elasticity may benefit from an arm having a larger profile in either height, width, or both.

[0063] A suitable material for the lens support must also be sterilizable, non-leaching, suitable for use with biomedical devices, and inexpensive. Preferably, the material is also recyclable. The lens support material may be optically transparent, but does not need to be. The lens support material may be nonpolar to facilitate the discharge of the packaging solution. Nonpolar materials are those that have a contact angle greater than 90° by a droplet method using deionized water at 25°C.

[0064] As can be seen from the figures, the lens support of the present invention can have a range of arm and peripheral support configurations and features, and is not limited to the specific combinations shown in the figures and described herein.

[0065] Further combinations of arm configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art by referring to the teachings of this application. The only design limitations of the arms are their ability to form the lens support, as well as the number and orientation of contact points for balancing the lens support with the desired discharge when open.

[0066] Packaging solution discharge The package of the present invention may have additional features that allow the packaging solution to be discharged from the lens and lens support, along with the lens support. The additional discharge features provide a discharge path for the packaging solution. When open, the discharge path generates an angled fluid film formed between two solid members, such as an adjacent peripheral support; a substantially vertical fluid film formed between two solid members, such as a central column and a side section; or a steep or substantially vertical path along a smooth solid surface, such as a side section. The shallower the angle of the discharge path, the easier it is to disrupt the flow path and promote the formation of a trapped packaging solution (including a reservoir and residual film) between the lens and the lens support. An inclined discharge path with an angle of 10° to about 90° is preferred. Lens supports and discharge features with sharp edges and very long paths can also disrupt the discharge path.

[0067] As described above, an integrally angled or raised lens support can provide the desired discharge. The lens support may also be positioned horizontally on the lens base and may include a lifting structure, as described below. The discharge channel, if present, works in cooperation with the lifting structure to create a temporary film of packaging solution flowing out of the lens and a path for discharging that film in cooperation with gravity. In this way, the discharge channel helps minimize the accumulation of packaging solution between the rear of the lens and the lens support structure when the package is opened and the lens support is raised or tilted away from the packaging solution. The discharge channel comprises at least one channel member extending outward from an arc formed by the arc of the peripheral ring, at least a partial peripheral ring, or the distal end of a non-extended peripheral support. The discharge channel includes a gap between two adjacent members, or, if a single member is used, a crack within the single member. In the case of a lens support without a full-circumferential ring, the discharge channel gap may begin at any point on the inside of the lens periphery. In the case of a support having a full-circumferential ring as shown in Figures 1C, 1I, and 1M-1O, the discharge channel gap may begin at the inner edge of the peripheral ring, as shown in Figure 1C, or at any point inside the lens periphery. If the peripheral ring is not included, the discharge channel may extend beyond the peripheral ring or lens periphery for a length of at least 2 mm, about 2-4 mm, or about 2.5-3.5 mm. The discharge channel gap may provide space outside the periphery of the contact lens for airflow, ensuring that air and packaging solution from the concave surface of the lens can be discharged when open without drawing the lens onto the lens support. Thus, in Figure 1E, the portion of the gap 111 inside the periphery of the lens is substantially not involved in discharge.

[0068] The upper limit of the discharge channel length is determined by the final package size and, if any, the lifting structure.

[0069] Referring to Figure 1B, the discharge channel member 115 may be formed by extending an adjacent peripheral support portion 105 beyond the arc of at least a portion of the peripheral ring 109 and joining its distal end via a cross piece 114 to form a gap or open passage 111 between the discharge channel members 115. As shown in Figure 1C, the channel member 115 may be attached to at least a portion of the peripheral ring 109 and coplanar therewith. As shown in Figure 1D, the discharge channel 113 may also be formed by extending a ring support structure 105 from a point 112 inside the lens edge to a point beyond the arc of at least a portion of the peripheral ring and joining its distal end via a cross piece 114. The discharge channel may also be formed by attaching the channel member 115 to an arm at any point, including the bottom of the fin, when the arm is a fin, as shown in Figure 1F. The discharge channel may also be formed by providing a gap within the peripheral ring with a planar arm extending therefrom, such that the peripheral ring and the discharge slot 113 form a keyhole shape, as shown in Figure 1C. If present, the peripheral ring / partial peripheral ring may be connected to an elongated arm.

[0070] The discharge channel member 115 may be straight as shown in Figures 1C to 1G, curved as shown in Figure 1B, flared out in the arc of the peripheral ring and tapered from the arc toward the distal end, or tapered from at least a portion of the peripheral ring toward the distal end of the discharge channel. The taper may be straight or curved. If the discharge channel is tapered, the channel is tapered toward the cross piece 114. The discharge channel may have a width of about 0.8 to about 3 mm, and if tapered, it may have a width of about 1 mm or about 0.8 mm at the distal end or cross piece.

[0071] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in consideration of the remainder of this disclosure, other discharge channel configurations not shown, or combinations of the exemplary configurations shown, are possible and within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the discharge channel may be omitted entirely. For example, as shown in Figure 1H, when the lens support is fixedly inclined with respect to the bottom of the base, a discharge channel is unnecessary, and the angle of the lens support provides the desired discharge when the package is opened.

[0072] Lens presentation The package of the present invention may also include a lifting structure for lifting the lens support from the lens solution. The lifting structure can present the lens support and lens from the base and packaging solution by any suitable means, including tilting the lens support upward, tilting the base downward, raising the lens support upward from the base, lowering the base downward, or any combination thereof.

[0073] The discharge channel may, in cooperation with other features of the package, function as a means for lifting, or the means for lifting may include additional structures such as springs, hinges, levers, pivot arms, folds, mechanical traps, handles, and combinations thereof. The lifting member may comprise a rigid, elongated member extending outward from a structure positioned along the bottom of the lens support, which may form part of the discharge channel. For example, a lens support having an elongated discharge channel 115 may include a hinge line at the base of the package, as shown in Figure 2. Such a hinge line may be formed of a flexible sheet as the bottom layer of the base of the package and has molded plastic rear and front sections that may abut each other along the line of the fold 216 or be detachably attached to each other, thereby allowing the front 217 and rear 218 of the base to pivot along the fold 216 and lift the lens support and lens 200 out of the packaging solution. If a fold is included, it is preferably located outside the arc of the peripheral ring, traversing the discharge channel and discharge gap, as shown in Figure 2. If included, the fold should define the distal end of the discharge channel, and if not included, it should be located at least partially beyond the peripheral ring or lens perimeter for a length of at least 1 mm, about 2 to about 4 mm, or about 2.5 to about 3.5 mm. The position of the fold along the channel member may be selected to provide desired lift separation from the package and discharge of the packaging solution from the lens support and lens, so that when the lid is separated from the base and the package is opened, the distal end of the lift structure pivots downward along the pivot line, lifting the lens support from the packaging solution and discharging the solution from the lens. When opened, the lift structure pivots around the fold line to angles of about 15° to about 80°, about 20° to about 70°, about 30° to about 60°, or about 40° to about 60° relative to the horizontal.

[0074] In lens supports with shorter channel members, such as the keyhole configuration shown in Figure 1C, the fold may be adjacent to the peripheral ring arc if the peripheral ring is larger than 4 mm than the contact lens diameter. In lens supports with longer channel members, the fold may be located between approximately 0.2 mm from the distal end of the discharge channel, approximately 1 mm from the distal end, and approximately 2 mm from the peripheral ring arc to the distal end of the discharge channel length.

[0075] The discharge channel member is preferably rigid along the fold line and may be fixedly attached to the front of the base sheet. Any means may be used to attach the distal portion of the channel member to the base, including but not limited to adhesives, glues, any suitable welding (including, but not limited to, thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, or laser welding), or mechanical traps.

[0076] If the discharge channel also functions as a lifting mechanism, the discharge channel may have any suitable configuration as a discharge channel, including at least two elongated peripheral supports extending beyond the arc of at least a portion of the peripheral ring, a channel member extending from the peripheral ring, or a separate channel member extending from the bottom of the lens support, any of which may be connected at their distal ends.

[0077] The lifting mechanism may also be a flexible attachment 245 between the lens support 236 and the lid 235, located opposite the lid removal tab 228, as shown in Figure 2B. The flexible attachment can have any preferred structure, including hinges, flexible folds, pivot arms, mechanical traps, etc. The action of lifting the tab 228 and the lid 235 opens the package and also lifts the lens support 236 from the base 240, presenting the lens 200 for removal by the user.

[0078] A simple loop, tab, or handle can replace the hinge 245 as a lifting mechanism. The user can raise the lens support out of the solution by opening the lid and lifting the tab or handle.

[0079] Other hinge and lever configurations are known in the art, including those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 20140027462, German Patent No. 4415003, and Japanese Patent No. 6339322. Alternatively, the side sections of the lens support may be deformable, replaced by a spring structure, or the spring structure may be incorporated beneath the peripheral support or peripheral ring, so that in the closed position, the lid engages with the lens support and compresses the support without compressing the lens. When the package is opened, the spring relaxes, and the lens support raises the lens above the packaging solution. In this configuration, the peripheral support and the upper section of the central support (if present) are preferably made of a rigid material to limit contact between the lens and the lens support and to provide resistance during lens transport. Any deformable structure incorporated beneath the peripheral support should be designed so as not to impair any discharge features contained in the lens (including the peripheral support and ring).

[0080] It will be understood that a lifting mechanism that raises the lens parallel to its base does not require a separate discharge channel.

[0081] The rear, front, or both may further comprise a reservoir 219 for capturing the packaging solution as the lens is raised from the base. The bottom of the package may comprise a retortable film containing a multilayer film used for packaging contact lenses, may be formed from molded plastic, or may have a retortable film bottom attached to a molded plastic bottom wall. Any combination of materials can be used for the base, as long as the described performance requirements are met.

[0082] lid The package of the present invention also further includes a lid. In conventional contact lens packages, the contact lens is housed in a molded plastic base and has a bowl that receives the contact lens in a concave bowl-up position. A laminated foil sheet is heat-sealed to the molded plastic base. In the package of the present invention, the laminated foil sheet forms the outer layer of the base of the package and optionally forms a lid. The lens support and optional package sidewalls are attached to the base, and the molded plastic lid, or the molded plastic frame between the flexible foil sheet and the lid sheet and the lens, is removably attached to the package base via a retortable seal, forming a cavity containing the lens solution, lens and lens support. If the lid comprises a flexible sheet and a molded plastic frame, they may be separated or joined together by any preferred means, including adhesives, glues, thermal bonding, welding such as heat, ultrasonic or laser welding, or mechanical trapping.

[0083] In addition to sealing the package, the lid may also be designed to control the airflow into the package when opened. It is desirable that the contact lens remain on the lens support when opened, rather than sticking to the lid. To achieve this, the air entering the package when opened may be directed to first move over the top of the lens.

[0084] Two features have been found to be beneficial in directing air onto the lens when open. These are an air inlet guide along the inner lid surface and an air inlet scoop at a designed opening point, such as inside a retortable seal. The package of the present invention may include one or both of these features, or neither.

[0085] The air inlet guide provides space for air to move over the lens without being trapped or diverted, and, in cooperation with the lens support, can prevent the lens from lifting or sliding off the support structure until some air enters the package over the lens. The contact area between the air inlet guide and the lens is preferably small, about 50 mm². 2 Less than or approximately 30 mm 2 It is less than.

[0086] The air inlet guide may be molded into the lid as a projection on the inner surface of the lid or from the lid, or it may be a separate structure positioned between the lens and the lid when the package is sealed. When the package is opened, the air inlet guide directs the air entering the package along a designed path over the top of the lens, ensuring that the lens remains on the lens support in the desired convex orientation. The air inlet guide is positioned along the direction in which the package lid moves when the package is opened. The air inlet guide can have any orientation other than perpendicular to the desired airflow path. If the package is designed to open from the front, the air inlet guide is preferably positioned from the front to the back of the package, with the intentionally designed path over the lens from the front to the back of the package.

[0087] A suitable air inlet guide may include projections 321 that protrude from the lid around the periphery of the lens, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The projections may be rigidly attached to a support ring or molded plastic ring (Figure 3A), or flexibly attached to a flexible sheet such as a lid stock (Figure 3B). The projections may be arranged radially around the periphery of the contact lens, generally within 1 mm of the lens edge. The air inlet guide may include projections arranged around the entire periphery, or mainly along the front, sides, or front and sides. The projections may be adjacent to each other, as shown in Figure 3B, or spaced apart, as shown in Figure 3A. When radial projections are used, the optical zone of the lens may be free of projections, and the projections facilitate the movement of air over the top of the lens while keeping the lens edge from sticking to the lid.

[0088] The air inlet guide may also be in the form of continuous or discontinuous (discontinuous) ribs. The ribs may be attached to the inner surface of the molded lid (Figure 3C) or may be included via a separate molded structure (Figure 3D). The ribs are aligned parallel to the air entry path when the package is opened. The ribs may be spaced at least about 2 mm apart, about 2 to about 5 mm apart, or 2 to about 4.5 mm apart. The ribs may extend in a straight line from front to back (Figures 3C and 3D) or curved around the optical zone (Figure 3E) to prevent interaction between the ribs and the contact lens, which may cause optical distortion in the high shape memory hydrogel. The ribs may extend "edge to edge" across the inner lid surface, or their start or end may be offset from the edge as shown in Figure 3G.

[0089] The ribs may also extend away from the lens and form recesses 337 that project upward from the lid surface, as shown in Figure 3H. Such recesses can function as air inlet guides when open, as well as as air trapping spaces, as will be described below.

[0090] The rib may have straight walls, be wedge-shaped, have an arc, or have one straight wall and one angled or arcuate wall. The angled or arcuate wall may be inclined along the curvature of the contact lens.

[0091] The height of the rib may be the same from the front to the rear of the rib (outer rib in Figure 3B), or the front may be greater than the rear (Figures 3C and 3G). The rib may have a shorter profile across the optical zone, as shown by the central rib in Figure 3C, or there may be gaps within the rib ("break rib" 322b), as shown in Figure 3F. An air inlet guide including a central rib in which the height of the rib decreases progressively across the optical zone is effective in directing air in the desired direction while minimizing contact between the contact lens and the optical zone. Different height profiles and shapes can be incorporated into a single air inlet guide structure, as shown in the figures.

[0092] The ribs may have a height of at least approximately 2 mm and may extend from the inside of the lid toward the contact lens, or they may extend away from the contact lens and define a separate air inlet channel. The rib height may be at least approximately 2 mm at its highest point, such as 522 (air inlet guide outside the optical zone), and may be 0 to approximately 0.5 mm at its lowest point, such as the rear of the rib in Figures 3C and 3G, or the middle of the central rib in Figures 3D, 3E, and 3F. If the peak rib height is less than 2 mm in at least part of the rib, air bubbles may not propagate across the entire top of the lens, and the lens may adhere to the bowl. Rib heights exceeding approximately 4 mm may undesirably increase the package size and the volume of packaging material and packaging solution required.

[0093] When a straight rib with a shorter profile is used in the central rib 322a (Figure 3D), the maximum length of the tapering profile along the rib is approximately 8.5 mm. When a curved rib with a shorter profile is used in the central rib 322a (Figure 3D), the maximum length of the tapering profile along the rib is approximately 9 mm.

[0094] In addition to minimizing the height profile of any portion of rib 322a that crosses the optical zone of the contact lens, adjacent ribs 322b may be curved outside the optical zone. If curved ribs are included, the diameter of the curved rib region may be up to 11 mm, or approximately 7 to 11 mm, or approximately 8 to 11 mm.

[0095] If the rib is part of a separate molded plastic frame, a cross support can be provided on the back of the rib. However, the height of the rib should ideally maintain a gap of at least about 2 mm between the lens and the cross support in order to provide the desired airflow. Preferably, if a cross support is used, it is located on the back of the rib and does not protrude or extend into the passage defined by the air inlet guide. Preferably, the air inlet guide structure does not include a cross structure such as a cross support, or has fewer than three, one, or no cross supports at all.

[0096] If the air inlet guide is a separate structure from the lid, as shown in Figures 3D to 3F, the air inlet guide may also comprise a full or partial ring around the air inlet guide, as shown as 327a in Figure 3E and 327b in Figure 3B, respectively. When used, such an air inlet guide may be attached to a lens support by a hinge (not shown) facing the front of the air inlet guide to form a clamshell structure around the lens, and it can then be sealed within a single folded laminated sheet or between two separate laminated sheets, which may be the same or different.

[0097] In addition to forming a sealed cavity for holding the lens and packaging solution, the lid of the present invention can also work with the lens support to minimize contact between the optical zone of the lens and the support and lid, thereby keeping the lens centered around the support. With respect to lenses having high shape memory, the ribs can be designed so that any contact between the lens and the lid or lens support is temporary while the package is sealed.

[0098] A second feature that may contribute to airflow control is the air inlet scoop 324, shown in Figures 3G and 3H, and as 224 in Figure 2B. If included, the air inlet scoop is located at a designed opening inside the retortable seal, which is the front of the package in Figure 3G. The scoop may be directly aligned with the opening tab, as shown in Figures 3G and 3H, or it may be offset but aligned with the opening tab 228, as shown in Figure 2B. In this embodiment, the scoop 324 protrudes at least about 1 mm or at least about 2 mm from the periphery of the contact lens edge and is located within the seal. The length of the protrusion is limited only by the desired size of the package. The air inlet scoop has a width between about 2 mm and the inner diameter of the seal arc 325. As shown in Figure 3G, the air inlet scoop may be shallower than the lid and may be inclined into the lid cavity. Apart from the above dimensions, the scoop may have any shape, including but not limited to circular, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or irregular shapes. The package of the present invention eliminates the need for a separate air inlet scoop by providing a gap of at least about 2 mm between the inner lid wall and the lens support in the opening tab.

[0099] Figure 3G is an internal view of the package lid and skirt area. The lid is sealed to the film base along the seal line 326. The air inlet scoop 324 is located at the front of the lid and has a front portion of three broken air inlet guide ribs 322a (which traverses the center of the optical zone but has a shallow height within the optical zone) and 322b (which curves around the optical zone of the lens). The package is opened by pulling up the tab 328, which separates the lid from the base, starting from the distal end of the air inlet tab. The tab may have any form including a foil or plastic tab, a grip, a ring pull, a handle, etc.

[0100] Bubble management For some lenses, it may be desirable to minimize contact between the lens and air bubbles within the package while the package is sealed. While it is possible to design a bubble-free package when sealing (for example, by using a double-sided foil pouch as the outer base and lid layers), air can still diffuse within the package over the lens's shelf life. Therefore, it may be desirable to include features within the package to trap air bubbles away from the lens, preferably in all storage directions. As mentioned above, this may be more desirable for lenses with longer shape memory.

[0101] The lid of the present invention may further comprise at least one air-trapping space away from the lens optical zone for the air within the sealed package to occupy. The air-trapping space is designed so that air remains within the air-trapping space away from the lens, regardless of the orientation of the package. The air-trapping space may have a volume equal to or slightly larger than the volume of air sealed within the package, and any air that may diffuse within the package during storage, and any air that may diffuse during storage, is kept away from the lens optical zone to ensure all air present at the time of sealing is retained.

[0102] The air-trapping space can be designed in many ways. For example, as shown in Figure 3G, the lid may further include a recess or dimple 329 above the center of the lens support to push trapped air up around the periphery 330 of the dimple 329, away from the lens apex (not shown). The depth of the dimple is selected so that when the package is sealed, the lowest point of the dimple inside the lid or any air inlet guide does not come into contact with the lens apex. The gap between the optical zone and any air inlet guide or dimple is about 0.25 to about 2 mm. Figure 4A is an external view of the package including the lid of the present invention. The dimple 430 is surrounded by an air-trapping channel 431. The recess formed by the dimple moves the trapped air into the air-trapping channel. The dimple may have a diameter at least approximately the diameter of the optical zone of the lens. The combination of the dimple and the air-trapping channel holds the trapped air in a position ranging from upright (base down) to 90°. When the package is upside down, the air bubbles are on the edge of the lens and are not a problem.

[0103] The channel 431 may have a ring shape as shown in Figure 4A, or it may have any other connected shape that provides a section higher than the center of the lid. For example, the air trapping space may have a continuous channel shape around the inner seal edge, with upper and lower sections above the apex of the lid, with three rising channel sections 431a, as shown in Figure 4B. The dimensions of the air trapping channel can be determined based on the volume of air contained in the package and the amount of air that diffuses during storage, which can be easily calculated. The channel may have any cross-sectional shape, including a rounded edge, semicircular or semielliptical, rectangular or square. In some embodiments, the channel may have an internal width of about 1.5 to about 3 mm, or about 2 to about 3 mm.

[0104] Instead of a channel, or incorporated into a channel, the air-trapping space may comprise at least two air pods protruding from the lid along the inner seal edge. The rising channel portion 431a in Figure 4B is an example of three air pods connected to a continuous channel. The air pods 331a may be linear or arc-shaped (as shown in Figure 3H), parallel or transverse to the air inlet direction, separated by dimples, or connected by connecting channels 337. The air-trapping space may comprise at least one, two, three, or more air pods, with or without connecting channels. The air pods may be wider or taller than the connecting channels, or both wider and taller.

[0105] The air pods and connecting channels may have any moldable cross-sectional shape, including rounded edges, semicircular or semi-elliptical, rectangular or square. The connecting channels may have an internal width of about 1.5 to about 3 mm if it is desirable for bubbles to pass between the pods, or an internal width of about 0.5 to about 2 mm in designs intended to prevent bubbles from escaping from the pods.

[0106] The air capture channel and air pod may be included in a lid with or without dimples.

[0107] The lens support and lid may be designed to cooperate to keep the lens centered around the support structure without resting on the support structure or lid when in the sealed orientation. This is more important for lenses with longer shape memory, such as silicone hydrogel lenses, where the lens optics can be distorted by prolonged contact with any packaging features or any air bubbles trapped within the package. Contact between the support, lid, and contact lens during storage and transport may be acceptable for conventional hydrogel contact lenses, as they have shorter shape memory.

[0108] The lens support may be designed in several configurations to provide the desired discharge and support, as long as the primary function of providing sufficient discharge and contact with the lens to ensure consistent "one-touch" lens transfer to the finger is fulfilled. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of packaging that the packaging features described herein may be used in various combinations to achieve the desired one-touch package. For example, if the packaging solution is trapped between the lens and the support, the efficiency of the discharge path may be increased, with or without means for tilting or lifting, or a combination thereof, by, for example, increasing the open area below the lens support, decreasing the contact area between the lens and the support, reducing sharp edges and shallow discharge paths, or adding discharge channels. If the lens adheres to the lid when opened, an air inlet guide and / or air inlet scoop may be added.

[0109] The advantages of the present invention's packaging become apparent during use. Figures 5A and 5B include examples of the present invention's packaging with different combinations of features. The drawings and description are illustrative and should not be considered limiting to the packaging design of the present invention.

[0110] Figure 5A shows an open package 500. Package 500 includes, from top to bottom, a molded plastic lid 535 with a leak-proof seal 526 around the outer circumference of the lid cavity. Below the lid 535 is an air inlet scoop 524. In Figure 5A, the air inlet scoop is an integral part of the lid, but it may be a separate structure from the lid. The air inlet guide 522 is in the form of a broken rib and directs the airflow over the lens 550 so that the lens does not stick to the lid 535 when package 500 is opened.

[0111] In the sealed state, the lens 550 is maintained within a space (lens cavity) formed between the package lid 535 and the lens support 536. The lens cavity may be designed so that the lens 535 (particularly within the optical zone) is not compressed during transport, has minimal contact with the internal features of the package, and maintains its integrity until the package is opened. Furthermore, the lens cavity should not provide too large a gap between the lens and the internal package features so that the lens is held in the desired convex orientation relative to the package base during transport and storage.

[0112] The contact lens 550 rests on the lens support 536 and is placed under the lid 535. The lens support can have various configurations as detailed above. Generally, the lens support 536 ensures efficient transfer of the lens to the user's finger by holding the lens in the desired convex position with minimal contact area when the package 500 is opened. The lens support 536 is positioned on the base 540, which has a front base section 516, a base fold line 517, and a base rear section having a reservoir 519. Since the lens support is attached to the front base section 516, the lens support and lens can pivot upward from the rear base section 518 along the fold line 517 when opened. When the package is closed and sealed, the base and lid form an inner chamber 544. The inner chamber 544 is designed to hold a precise volume of saline solution to allow the lens, lens support 536, and lid 535 to cooperate properly. Finally, the base 540 also includes an outer reservoir 519, which captures any replacement solution discharged from the inner chamber 544 when the package is opened.

[0113] The package is opened by pulling tab 528 upward, which breaks the seal 526. Air is introduced into the package in a controlled manner and guided into the package by air inlet guide 522, as a result biasing the lens away from the package lid 535 and holding it on the lens support 536. This gentle force works in conjunction with the draining of the solution from the lens 550 and lens support 536 so that the lens is held in a roughly “ready to use” position on the lens support 536. When the lid 535 is lifted, the front of the base 540 is lowered, pivoting the lens support 536 around the fold line 517 to drain the packaging solution from the lens 550 and lens support 536 and present the lens for transfer to the wearer's finger. The central optical zone of the lens 550 is generally not in contact with the arm, except for the peripheral support 505. The flat upper region 501 provides resistance to enhance the ability to transfer the lens 550 to the finger with a “one touch”.

[0114] The lid 535 and reservoir 519 may be polypropylene or any other material that can be used for medical device packaging, and the base 540 may generally be formed of a foil or laminated film structure that is sealed to the lid 535 by heat welding or any other method that can form a retortable seal.

[0115] Figure 5B shows an enlarged view of another package of the present invention. The air inlet guide has a full-circumferential ring 527 and is a separate structure from the lid 535. The air inlet guide peripheral ring 527 is connected to the lens support 536 via a flexible connection part 545 such as a hinge or fold. The air inlet guide and lens support enclose the lens 550 like a clamshell, protecting the lens 550 from damage and keeping it in the desired position. The base 540 and lid 535 may be made from any sheet or laminated film, and may be a single sheet folded opposite the pull tab 528, or may be two separate sheets made from the same or different materials.

[0116] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the package features, including the lens support, lid, and air inlet guide, may be designed to interact with the lens outside the optical zone to prevent damage to the lens optical zone, regardless of how they are manufactured.

[0117] When the package is opened, for example by lifting the lid 535 from the base 540, the air inlet tab 524 and guide 522 direct air onto the lens 550, gently biasing the lens away from the inside of the lid and ensuring that the lens remains on the lens support 536. The packaging solution contained in the package 500 is discharged from the lens 550 and lens support 536, leaving only a minimal amount of packaging solution on the back of the lens 550 and lens support 536.

[0118] This gentle force, along with the drainage of the solution and the arms of the lens support, results in the lens generally being presented in the "ready to use" position on the lens support.

[0119] The contact area between the lens 550 and the lens support 536 is minimized, and the packaging solution is effectively removed, so that the wearer can remove the lens 550 from the package with a single touch of their finger and attach the convex side of the lens 550 to their finger. Thus, the apex of the lens 550 is positioned on the finger, and its concave portion is positioned directly on the eyeball, allowing for direct application to the eye. There is no need for the wearer to transfer the lens from the fingers of one hand to the fingers of the other, as is common in currently designed contact lens packages. This improved series of steps is not only easier and more convenient for the user, but also reduces contamination by bacteria carried on the user's fingers.

[0120] Therefore, the present invention provides a package that effectively guides the packaging solution from the lens and lens support, controls the ratio of the contact area between the finger and the lens compared to the area between the lens and the lens support, and ensures that the surface tension between the finger and the lens exceeds the surface tension between the lens and the lens support. The lens thus presented adheres consistently to the finger, providing the wearer with a "one-touch" lens transfer experience.

[0121] The packaging of the present invention can be manufactured using known materials and processes. The packaging material may be virgin, recycled, or a combination thereof. The volume within the packaging cavity can vary depending on the selected design.

[0122] As described above, it is not necessary to incorporate all the features described herein into every package, and those skilled in the art can use the teachings herein to combine these features to provide a wide variety of improved one-touch packages. For example, a lens support with a central lens support may be desirable for lenses with an elastic modulus of less than about 25 psi, for new wearers unfamiliar with one-touch lens removal, or for wearers with a stronger touch. Experienced wearers and those with a lighter touch may require a package with only a peripheral support. It will also be understood that the packages of the present invention offer many opportunities, including decorative designs and features in the design of the peripheral support and rings, arms, fins, air management pods and channels, as well as the overall package shape and profile.

[0123] In summary, the contact lens package of the present invention incorporates several novel features that, when combined in a wide variety of combinations as described herein, can provide a desired one-touch package including the following:

[0124] Preventing the lens from rotating and detaching from the support can be achieved by including a minimum of three contact points around the lens, which may be arranged in an acute triangle.

[0125] Preventing the lens from moving horizontally across the support may be achieved by horizontal or nearly horizontal contact near the periphery of the lens where the lens surface is at a steeper angle (located outside the central region having a diameter of at least about 5 mm, about 6 mm, or about 7 mm), or the contact may be just outside the periphery of the lens.

[0126] To maintain the lens in its neutral or near-neutral shape after ejection, for presentation during lens transfer.

[0127] This can be achieved by minimizing contact between the lens apex and the support, which can be done by providing a central lens support having a gap of approximately 0.5 to 2 mm, 0.5 to 1.5 mm, or 0.8 to 1 mm between the top of the flat upper section and the lens apex, or by leaving a gap that is at least 6 mm in diameter and clear from the lens apex to approximately the level of the base of the lens.

[0128] Resistance to fingers when dubbing Increasing the surface area of ​​the fingers, along with controlling the dubbing force and contact time during dubbing, is beneficial.

[0129] For lenses with a low modulus of elasticity, this requires a rigid structure below the apex of the lens, which can also improve transport consistency for lenses with a higher modulus of elasticity, including silicone hydrogel. If present, the height of the structure is greater than or equal to the base of the lens. The support structure may also be less than 2 mm below the apex of the lens. The surface shape may be flat or slightly concave (for example, up to a radius of curvature of about 10 mm), but less preferably slightly convex (up to a radius of curvature of about 10 mm) or more concave (for example, up to a radius of curvature of about 6 mm). The surface diameter should be approximately 1-10 mm, preferably 6-9 mm (to match fingertip size). • The surface does not need to be continuous and may consist of a series of points or lines.

[0130] The optical zone is freely suspended, and contact with the lens support during storage is temporary or nonexistent. This can be achieved by making any central support slightly lower than the lens profile (resulting in the lens only contacting the support at its periphery).

[0131] The following test methods were used in the examples.

[0132] The root mean square wavefront error ("RMS error" or "RMS") measures the deviation of a lens wavefront from the intended design wavefront. When the intended design is unknown (for example, when measuring commercially supplied contact lenses), RMS can be measured by comparing the wavefront of a lens packaged and sterilized in a conventional "bowl-up" lens package with the same lens repackaged and sterilized in the package of the present invention.

[0133] Using a calibrated dual interferometer method, the root mean square (RMS) path wavefront deviation from the lens design target ("RMS") was measured in micrometers or microns (μm), with spherical / cylindrical refractive power and coma aberration removed so that they could be measured using a 6.5 mm aperture. The instrument consists of a custom interferometer and a Lumetrics OptiGauge® II low-coherence interferometer for measuring wavefront parameters. The two combined individual instruments are similar to Lumetrics Clearwave® Plus, and the software is similar to Lumetrics OptiGauge Control Center v7.0 or later. In Clearwave® Plus, a camera is used to locate the lens edge, then the lens center is calculated, and this is then used to align a 1310 nanometer interferometer probe to the lens center to measure sagittal height and center thickness. The transmitted wavefront is also continuously collected using a wavefront sensor (Shack-Hartmann sensor). Several parameters are measured from the transmitted wavefront of the contact lens, and other parameters are calculated from these measurements.

[0134] Difference terms are calculated from the collected data by comparing the measured values ​​with those from the target. These include the root mean square optical path wavefront deviation (removed spherical / cylindrical refractive power and coma aberration) from the lens design target in μm units, measured using a 6.5 mm aperture (RMS_65).

[0135] The lenses were placed concave-side down in optical-quality glass cuvettes free of scratches, cleaning streaks, water droplets, or condensation, and filled with packaging solution. Only lenses free from visual defects (non-circular edges, chips, and / or edge tears, folded, or inverted in packaging) were selected for measurement. The lenses were placed in a free-floating position without trapping air beneath them. The lenses were placed in a free-floating position within the cuvette, taking care not to deform or damage the optical zone and to prevent air from being trapped beneath the lens. The cuvettes with lenses were placed in the interferometer, and measurements were taken at 20°C. [Examples]

[0136] The following test methods were used in the examples.

[0137] The root mean square wavefront error ("RMS error" or "RMS") measures the deviation of a lens wavefront from the intended design wavefront. When the intended design is unknown (for example, when measuring commercially supplied contact lenses), RMS can be measured by comparing the wavefront of a lens packaged and sterilized in a conventional "bowl-up" lens package with the same lens repackaged and sterilized in the package of the present invention.

[0138] Using a calibrated dual interferometer method, the root mean square (RMS) path wavefront deviation from the lens design target ("RMS") was measured in micrometers or microns (μm), with spherical / cylindrical refractive power and coma aberration removed so that they could be measured using a 6.5 mm aperture. The instrument consists of a custom interferometer and a Lumetrics OptiGauge® II low-coherence interferometer for measuring wavefront parameters. The two combined individual instruments are similar to Lumetrics Clearwave® Plus, and the software is similar to Lumetrics OptiGauge Control Center v7.0 or later. In Clearwave® Plus, a camera is used to locate the lens edge, then the lens center is calculated, and this is then used to align a 1310 nanometer interferometer probe to the lens center to measure sagittal height and center thickness. The transmitted wavefront is also continuously collected using a wavefront sensor (Shack-Hartmann sensor). Several parameters are measured from the transmitted wavefront of the contact lens, and other parameters are calculated from these measurements.

[0139] Difference terms are calculated from the collected data by comparing the measured values ​​with those from the target. These include the root mean square optical path wavefront deviation (removed spherical / cylindrical refractive power and coma aberration) from the lens design target in μm units, measured using a 6.5 mm aperture (RMS_65).

[0140] The lenses were placed concave-side down in optical-quality glass cuvettes free of scratches, cleaning streaks, water droplets, or condensation, and filled with packaging solution. Only lenses without visual defects (non-circular edges, chips, and / or edge tears, folded, or inverted in packaging) were selected for measurement. The lenses were placed in the cuvettes to float freely, taking care not to deform or damage the optical zone and to prevent air from being trapped beneath the lens. The cuvettes with lenses were placed in the interferometer, and measurements were taken at 20°C.

[0141] (Examples) The following will be used in the following examples.

[0142] Buffer solution: 1000 g of DI water, 13.55 g m of NaCl, 27 g m of boric acid, 5 g m of sodium borate, 0.3 g m of EDTA, and with a pH of approximately 7.4.

[0143] Packaging solution: RevitaLens Complete (alexidine 0.00016%; polyquaternium-1 0.0003% (PQ-1); EDTA).

[0144] Polypropylene: Isotactic polypropylene homopolymer with MFR of 24 g / 10 min, from total (Lumicen M3766).

[0145] Lid stock: A multilayer film containing layers of oriented polypropylene (12 μm), aluminum foil (50 μm), and polyester film (12 μm).

[0146] Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-2 Several lens support structures were evaluated to determine a support mechanism capable of providing desirable lens support, package solution discharge, and lens transfer. Each of the evaluated lens supports was 3D printed on a Form 2 using Formlabs Clear Resin. The lens supports were printed with discharge channels terminated by 90° levers, allowing the support and lens to be lowered and raised from a packaging solution chamber having dimensions of 30mm × 45mm × 25mm.

[0147] On day 1, the ACUVUE MOIST contact lenses were removed from their packaging and placed on each lens support. The supports were immersed in the packaging solution to thoroughly wet them, and the lenses were centered on the supports. The lens supports and lenses were immersed in the packaging solution chamber for at least 5 seconds to ensure complete submersion and that no air bubbles remained beneath the lenses. Using an eyedropper, the packaging solution was removed, exposing the peripheral supports. The supports were then slowly pivoted using a lever to allow the solution to drain from the remaining packaging solution until it appeared that the solution had been discharged from the lenses and supports, or after approximately 10 seconds, whichever came first. The lenses were evaluated for the persistent fluid film, solution reservoir, and internal bridging between the lens and the support. Photographs were taken to evaluate lens centration, the area of ​​fluid trapped between the lens support arm and the lens, and lens deformation.

[0148] To ensure a consistent DAB surface and simulate low-adhesion fingers, rubber nitrile gloves were worn on the hands used for DAB testing. The tests were repeated at least five times for each support design, with the lenses replaced after two repetitions.

[0149] The results are shown in Table 1, along with representative photographs and CAD drawings illustrating the lens support configuration.

[0150] [Table 1-1]

[0151] [Table 1-2]

[0152] The emission characteristics of each lens were classified based on the following properties. A permanent fluid film ("Perm. film") is a film formed between the lens support structure and the (outer) surface of the lens that does not break down after discharge. The following evaluation scale was used. • Severe (more than 50% of the lens periphery is covered) • Moderate (less than 50% of the lens periphery is covered) ·none

[0153] The solution reservoir is a larger volume of solution that is held inside the lens after drainage has occurred. The following evaluation scale was used. • Large (A large amount of fluid is visible; the total volume is estimated to be >50 μl) • Medium (Some fluid is visible, and the total volume is estimated to be 20-50 μl) • Small (The fluid is barely visible / not visible at all, and the total volume is estimated to be less than 20 μl)

[0154] The internal fluid bridge, or "bridge," is the region where the fluid meniscus bridges the gap between the support structure and the lens. The following evaluation scale was used. • Severe (linear bridge > 15mm) • Medium (linear bridge 5-15mm) • Mild (<5mm linear bridge)

[0155] The efflux rate is the time from when the lens is removed from the solution until no further change in efflux is observed. The following evaluation scale was used. ·Slow speed (>5 seconds) Medium speed (2-5 seconds). ·High speed (<2 seconds)

[0156] As the packaging solution is discharged from the contact lens, a film of the packaging solution may form between the lens edge and the peripheral ring. The film formed at the start of discharge is good, and for lens supports with good discharge, the film breaks before discharge is complete. The residual film remaining after discharge has stabilized may hinder lens transport. The film shown in the table is the residual film remaining after discharge has stabilized.

[0157] Examples of lens deformation and wrapping around the support structure tend to retain more solution within the lens. This can be detrimental to dubbing (Comparative Example 1) or can delay drainage (Example 4). The arrangement of both peripheral and central supports is important in reducing and preventing wrapping. Lens wrapping is significantly reduced with six peripheral supports (Example 3) compared with four peripheral supports (Example 4). Central supports with poor distribution (Comparative Example 1) had far more wrapping than central supports with good distribution (Example 3).

[0158] The peripheral ring can also reduce lens wrap-around due to the surface tension of the film formed around the periphery of the lens. Example 1 showed less lens wrap-around than Example 2 (without the ring).

[0159] Example 5 uses the same lens support as Example 3, but with the addition of a peripheral ring around the peripheral support. Both Examples 5 and 3 exhibited excellent discharge speeds (medium-high and high speeds, respectively) and excellent discharge efficiency, which was demonstrated by the absence of a permanent fluid film, a small solution reservoir, and only light internal fluid bridging.

[0160] Example 6 has the same lens support design as Example 2, but the arm is a solid fin connected to the peripheral support. Filling within the arm structure slowed the discharge speed, but the discharge efficiency was the same as in Example 2, confirming that the lens support of the present invention with an open arm or solid fin can provide good discharge and consistent lens transport. The comparison between Example 2 and Example 6 also shows that the discharge speed can be reduced by removing the structure beneath the lens support (such as a solid fin).

[0161] The lens support in Comparative Example 2 had a similar structure to that of Example 1, but had a curved side section. This curved side section formed a significant internal fluid bridge that caused the lens to adhere to the lens support, resulting in an undesirably large contact area between the lens and the support. The increased contact resulted in a 0% transfer rate when dubbing a finger. Therefore, support structures that form more solution bridges are less likely to dub successfully. The lens support in Comparative Example 3 had a fully curved lens support with a smaller radius than the lens support in Comparative Example 2, but still exhibited undesirable solution reservoirs and internal fluid bridges. Comparative Example 3 also had a fully curved top section, which provided insufficient contact area between the lens and the finger during dubbing (0% success rate on the first dubbing).

[0162] Comparative Examples 3-4 and 7-8 Using the lens supports shown in Table 2, the lens support test was repeated as described in Example 1.

[0163] [Table 2]

[0164] The lens support of Example 7 had the same structure as Example 1, except that four side sections were removed, which resulted in faster and more efficient discharge. The lens supports of Examples 1, 5, and 7 demonstrate that a lens support having a substantially flat upper region and peripheral supports with various side or central support structures provides both excellent discharge and lens transport. Examples 8 and 9 demonstrate that discharge can be improved by removing some or all of the side sections from the lens support. Comparative Examples 3 and 4 and Example 8 demonstrate that the arms of the flat upper section can be removed, and the upper parts of the side sections can provide the function of the flat upper section. Comparing Example 8 with Comparative Example 4, it can be seen that discharge and lens transport can be improved by widening the central gap at the base. The lens support of Comparative Example 4 provided slightly worse discharge than Example 8 because the packaging solution could accumulate at the base of the cone of Comparative Example 4. This was easily improved by widening the central gap at the base (Example 8). Comparing Example 8 with Comparative Example 3, it is shown that increasing the angle of the side arm away from the lens reduces solution bridging and improves the discharge rate.

[0165] Comparative Example 5 Example 2 was repeated, but the discharge gap between the elongated peripheral supports was filled. The results (data copied from Example 2 for ease of reference) are shown in Table 3 below.

[0166] [Table 3]

[0167] Examples 9-10 and Comparative Examples 6-7 The procedure of Example 1 was repeated, but the lens support, including a peripheral support without a central support, was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 4 below.

[0168] [Table 4]

[0169] Examples 9, 10 and Comparative Example 6 exhibited considerable lens movement during opening, which could be improved by providing one or more positioning guides along the top of one or more peripheral supports. Examples 9 and 10 demonstrate that a lens support having only peripheral supports and no central column can provide good discharge and lens transport. Example 10 had an 8 mm gap between opposing peripheral supports, with one side of the discharge channel extending to the center of the support. The lens support of Comparative Example 6 was similar to the lens support of Example 10, but lacked a peripheral support arm extending below the center of the lens. The lack of structure at the center of the lens caused the lens to collapse at the center during discharge or when attempting lens transport, and also provided insufficient resistance during lens transport. The ACUVUE Moist lens used has a very low modulus of elasticity, and lenses with a higher modulus of elasticity, such as silicone hydrogel, do not collapse so easily. As shown by Examples 9 and 10, extending at least one peripheral support arm below the center of the lens reduces lens collapse at the center and provides good lens transport. A flat dome can be designed to have a sufficient surface area to attract the lens to the dome in order to prevent the lens from moving (comparative example 10), but it will prevent dubbing.

[0170] Examples 11-14 As shown in Table 5, Example 7 was repeated by changing the diameter of the peripheral ring. The support with a 16 mm peripheral ring trapped the solution between the lens and the support. Both supports with 18 mm and 25 mm peripheral rings provided good drainage with little to no reservoir of trapped packaging solution. The 16 mm diameter used for the support in Example 14 is too small for lenses with a diameter of 14.2 mm, but acceptable for lenses with smaller diameters.

[0171] [Table 5]

[0172] Examples 15-16, Comparative Examples 8-10 Several lens support structures were evaluated to determine a support mechanism that could provide desirable lens support, package solution discharge, and lens transfer. Each of the evaluated lens supports was 3D printed on a Form 2 using Formlabs Formlabs white resin. The lens supports had "L"-shaped grips printed on both sides to allow the support and lens to be lowered and raised from a packaging solution chamber with dimensions of 30 mm × 45 mm × 25 mm.

[0173] On day 1, the ACUVUE MOIST contact lenses were removed from their packaging and placed on each lens support. The supports were submerged in the packaging solution to ensure complete wetting, and the lenses were centered on the supports. The lens supports and lenses were submerged in the packaging solution chamber for at least 5 seconds to ensure complete submersion and that no air bubbles remained beneath the lenses. The lens holders were slowly lifted from the chamber and set on supports of similar size to the solution chamber but with only two sides for supporting the grips. After the lens holders could be evacuated for approximately 10 seconds (until the evacuation stopped changing), the evacuation and lens transfer were evaluated. Photographs were taken to evaluate lens centration, the area of ​​fluid trapped between the lens support arm and the lens, and lens deformation.

[0174] To ensure a consistent DAB surface and simulate low-adhesion fingers, rubber nitrile gloves were worn on the hands used for DAB testing. The tests were repeated at least five times for each support design, with the lenses replaced after two repetitions.

[0175] The results are shown in Table 6, along with representative photographs and CAD drawings illustrating the lens support configuration.

[0176] [Table 6]

[0177] If a vertical or highly inclined fluid film is formed between the lens and the discharge reservoir (the base of the pack or test setup) and is destroyed before dubbing, discharge and therefore dubbing are better. Example 15 formed a fluid film between the periphery of the lens and the lower peripheral ring and discharged well. Comparative Examples 10 and 9, despite having shapes very similar to Example 15, did not form a vertical film and both had insufficient discharge. The lens support of Example 15 had a flat upper section and a straight lateral section with an elbow width of 7 mm, which minimized contact between the lens and the lens support and provided good discharge, which provided consistent initial transfer (80%) during finger dubbing.

[0178] In Example 15, when the film was destroyed prematurely, the lens was not ejected in the same manner.

[0179] The horizontal film is insufficient for ejection. In comparative example 8, a film is formed between the lens and the outer ring, but the lens has not yet been ejected. The horizontal film also tends to be much more difficult to break, and therefore hinders lens removal.

[0180] Example 17-2 and Comparative Example 11 ACUVUE OASYS 1 Day lenses were packaged in a polypropylene package having the general configuration shown in Figure 5A (a polypropylene lid with a polypropylene lens support fixed to a laminated foil base, having a cavity volume of approximately 1150 μL). The lenses were sealed in the package with the buffer solution shown in Table 8, and steam sterilized at 121°C for 18 minutes with the package base at the bottom and the lid at the top ("foil up"). The lenses were kept at room temperature in a foil-up configuration. RMS values ​​were given for each lens, and the results are shown in Table 10 below. The number of samples used in each packaging solution is listed in the second column of Table 10. The control lenses were ACUVUE OASYS 1 Day lenses in their original unopened packages, which were re-sterilized together with the lenses from Examples 17–20. RMS values ​​were measured and reported as the average.

[0181] [Table 7]

[0182] Both the magnitude and variability of the RMS values ​​decreased as the volume of the packaging solution increased to the maximum fill value, and the number of bubbles decreased accordingly. With the dome at the top and the lens in the convex position, the bubbles remained stationary on the optical zone of the contact lens, interacting with the optical zone and inducing optical distortion, as indicated by the higher and more variable RMS values ​​for Examples 17 and 18. Since the volume of the solution in Example 20 filled the cavity, there were no bubbles interacting with the contact lens, and the lens of Example 20 showed an average RMS of 0.029 + / - 0.008. Example 19 also showed acceptable RMS values, but they were more variable than the lens of Example 20. A contact lens wearer may notice distortion with an RMS value of approximately 0.1.

[0183] Polypropylene allows some air to diffuse into the package cavity over time, so even if the cavity is filled with a packaging solution (bubble-free), bubbles may form during storage. Packages with a foil sheet as an outer layer can prevent bubble formation.

[0184] The present invention includes the following embodiments / elements / features in any order and any combination.

[0185] Embodiment 1. A contact lens package, Includes a support for maintaining the contact lens in a convex position on the support during storage and when the package is opened. The lens has a periphery and lens profile, The support has a profile that does not substantially match the lens profile, and the wet contact between the support and the lens is approximately 20 mm. 2 Less than 18mm 2 Less than 15mm 2 A contact lens package that is less than [amount missing].

[0186] Embodiment 2. A contact lens package, Package base and The package lid and Includes a support for holding a contact lens having a periphery and lens profile in a convex position relative to the base of the package, The base and lid are sealed to form a cavity containing the support, contact lens, and packaging solution. The lens support comprises multiple peripheral supports, each having a distal end extending at least 1 mm beyond the periphery of the contact lens, providing at least 3, 3 to 14, 4 to 14, 3 to 8 or 4 to 8, 4 to 6 or 6 contact points with the contact lens edge along the peripheral supports, and after the package is opened and the packaging solution is directed away from the lens and support, the wet contact between the support and the lens is approximately 20 mm 2 Less than 18mm 2 Less than 15mm2 A contact lens package that is less than [amount missing].

[0187] Embodiment 3. The contact lens package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support does not trap the packaging solution between the lens and the lens support, and when removed from the packaging solution, the packaging solution is discharged from the lens and the support.

[0188] Embodiment 4. The contact lens package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lens further comprises an optical zone, and the lens support further comprises a substantially flat upper section having an open structure below at least a portion of the contact lens optical zone.

[0189] Embodiment 5. The contact lens package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support further includes a void beneath at least a portion of the contact lens optical zone.

[0190] Embodiment 6. The contact lens package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact lens is maintained in an uncompressed state when the package is sealed.

[0191] Embodiment 7. The contact lens package according to claim 1, wherein the support comprises at least two peripheral supports.

[0192] Embodiment 8. The contact lens package according to claim 2 or 7, wherein the peripheral support is distributed around the periphery of the lens.

[0193] Embodiment 9. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lens has a vertex with its center in the optical zone, and the support further comprises a central support having a height of 0.5 mm or less below the vertex of the contact lens, measured from the periphery of the lens.

[0194] Embodiment 10. The contact lens package according to claim 9, wherein the central lens support further includes a diameter of about 1 to about 10 mm, about 3 mm to about 9 mm, about 5 mm to about 9 mm, or about 6 mm to about 9 mm.

[0195] Embodiment 11. The contact lens package according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the central lens support has an open structure.

[0196] Embodiment 12. The contact lens package according to claim 11, wherein the central lens support includes a central column below the lens apex.

[0197] Embodiment 13. The central lens support comprises a plurality of arms, and each arm The contact lens package according to claim 11, comprising a flat upper section, an optional lateral section and an optional peripheral support, a shoulder transition section connecting the upper section and the optional lateral section, and an optional elbow transition section connecting the optional lateral section and the optional peripheral support.

[0198] Embodiment 14. The contact lens package according to claim 13, wherein a plurality of arms in a flat upper section are connected to each other at a central point below the lens apex, or to an open, complete or partial ring with a center below the lens apex.

[0199] Embodiment 15. The contact lens package according to claim 13, wherein a plurality of arms are in the form of fins connected to the base of the package.

[0200] Embodiment 16. The contact lens package according to claim 13, wherein at least one end of a plurality of arms is attached to a peripheral lens support and protrudes upward, and the distal ends of the arms form a flat upper section.

[0201] Embodiment 17. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least some of the distal ends of the peripheral support are connected to a vertical support that raises the peripheral support from the lens base.

[0202] Embodiment 18. The package according to claims 2 to 17, further comprising at least a partial ring around the distal end of the peripheral support, extending at least 2 mm beyond the periphery of the contact lens.

[0203] Embodiment 19.3 - The package according to claims 13-18, further comprising eight arms.

[0204] Embodiment 20.3 - The package according to claims 13-18, further comprising six arms.

[0205] Embodiment 21. The package according to claims 13-20, wherein at least two of the arms are Y-shaped.

[0206] Embodiment 22. The package according to claims 13-20, having three Y-shaped arms.

[0207] Embodiment 23. The package according to claims 13-20, comprising two straight arms and two Y-shaped arms.

[0208] Embodiment 24. The package according to claims 21-23, wherein the Y-shaped arm includes a curve that crosses the top of the Y.

[0209] Embodiment 25. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the arm is linear.

[0210] Embodiment 26. The package according to claim 18, wherein at least a partial ring has a diameter of about 16 to about 25 mm, about 18 to about 25 mm, or about 18 to about 24 mm.

[0211] Embodiment 27. The package according to claim 4, wherein the substantially flat top has, in an undeformed state, a deflection height of 0.5 mm, about 0.5 to about 2 mm, 0.5 to about 1.5 mm, or about 0.8 to about 1 mm from the apex of the contact lens.

[0212] Embodiment 28. The package according to any one of claims 9 to 27, wherein the support further comprises a central fillet centered in a flat upper section having a width of about 0.1 to about 3 mm, about 0.1 to about 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm over its longest dimension.

[0213] Embodiment 29. The package according to claims 13 to 28, wherein each of the arm and the peripheral support has a width of about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm, about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm, or about 0.5 mm to about 0.7 mm.

[0214] Embodiment 30. The package according to claims 13 to 29, wherein the arm has a width that provides part moldability and efficient discharge of the packaging solution when opened.

[0215] Embodiment 31. The package according to claims 13 to 30, wherein each arm has a height of about 0.5 to about 5 mm in the flat upper section.

[0216] Embodiment 32. The package according to any one of claims 9 to 29, wherein the flat top has a central point at the center of the lens support, and the shoulders are arranged radially around the center of the flat top.

[0217] Embodiment 33. The package according to claim 32, wherein the arms are attached at a center point, and each arm has a length of approximately 1.5 to 4 mm from the shoulder to the center point.

[0218] Embodiment 34. The package according to any one of claims 9 to 33, wherein the angle from the vertical at the flat upper and side sections of the arm is at most about 15°, or about 1° to about 10°.

[0219] Embodiment 35. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the angle between the side section and the peripheral support is about 60° to about 120°, or about 80° to about 100°.

[0220] Embodiment 36. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the arms are connected at the center of the flat top.

[0221] Embodiment 37. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the arms are distributed radially around the center of the support structure.

[0222] Embodiment 38. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the base is substantially flat.

[0223] Embodiment 39. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the lens does not come into contact with the side section of the arm.

[0224] Embodiment 40. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the side section of the arm is straight.

[0225] Embodiment 41. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein at least one peripheral support is elongated and includes an opening that extends distally around or in front of the contact lens to form a drainage channel for draining the packaging solution from the contact lens and the support structure.

[0226] Embodiment 42. The package according to claim 41, wherein at least two peripheral supports are elongated and connected at their distal ends, with an opening between them to form an exhaust channel.

[0227] Embodiment 43. The package according to claims 41-42, wherein the partial ring is connected to an elongated arm.

[0228] Embodiment 44. The package according to claims 41-43, wherein the elongated arm is planar.

[0229] Embodiment 45. The package according to claim 2, wherein the partial ring comprises an outwardly extending tab having an open discharge channel for discharging the packaging solution from the contact lens and the support structure.

[0230] Embodiment 46. The package according to any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein the discharge channel is tapered toward the distal end of the outwardly extending tab, curved from the peripheral ring arc to the distal end, flares at the peripheral ring arc, and is tapered from the arc to the distal end.

[0231] Embodiment 47. The package according to any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein the discharge channel has a straight wall.

[0232] Embodiment 48. The package according to any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the discharge channel is about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm in length measured from the arc of the peripheral ring.

[0233] Embodiment 49. The package according to any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the discharge channel has a width of about 0.8 to about 3 mm.

[0234] Embodiment 50. The package according to any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the discharge channel is tapered and has a width of about 1 mm to about 0.8 mm at the distal end.

[0235] Embodiment 51. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 50, wherein the support is made of a polymer having a contact angle greater than 100°.

[0236] Embodiment 52. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 51, wherein the lens support is disposed at an angle of at least about 20° from the package base.

[0237] Embodiment 53. The package according to any one of claims 2 to 52, wherein the peripheral support is parallel to the package base and is at least about 4 mm or at least about 5 mm from the package base.

[0238] Package according to any one of claims 1 to 53, further comprising means for lifting the lens support from the lens solution.

[0239] Package according to claim 54, wherein the means for lifting is selected from a lever, a spring, a hinge, a pivoting arm, a fold, a mechanical trap, a handle, and combinations thereof.

[0240] Package according to claim 41, 42 or 45, wherein the means for lifting comprises a discharge channel fixedly attached at the distal end of the discharge channel to the package base, an arc formed by the distal end of at least a partial peripheral ring or peripheral support, and a hinge line within the package base that traverses the discharge channel between the fixed attachment point between the discharge channel and the package base.

[0241] Package according to claim 56, wherein when the peripheral ring is not included in the lens support, the hinge line is at least 1 mm, about 2 to about 4 mm, or about 2.5 to about 3.5 mm in length beyond at least a partial peripheral ring or the lens periphery.

[0242] Package according to claim 54, wherein the means for lifting raises the lens from the packaging solution by tilting the lens support and the base away from each other to an angle of about 15° to about 80°, about 20° to about 70°, about 30° to about 60°, or about 40° to about 60° with respect to the horizontal.

[0243] Package according to any one of claims 1 to 58, further comprising a reservoir for capturing the packaging solution when the lens and the support are separated from the package base.

[0244] A contact lens package, a support for holding a contact lens having a convex surface in a convex position relative to the support, A contact lens package comprising: a lens-facing surface having at least one air inlet guide, the at least one air inlet guide being configured to guide air into the package on the convex surface of the contact lens when the user opens the package, thereby reducing the likelihood of the convex lens surface adhering to the inner surface.

[0245] Embodiment 61. The inside of the package defines a cavity containing a support, at least one air inlet guide, a contact lens, and a packaging solution. The contact lens package according to claim 60, wherein, upon opening the package, the packaging solution is discharged from the lens, but before contact by the user's fingers, the lens maintains a convex shape on the lens support, and the support contacts the lens at at least two points dispersed around the periphery of the lens.

[0246] Embodiment 62. The package according to claim 60 or 61, wherein the lens has a profile and the support has a profile that does not substantially match the lens profile.

[0247] Embodiment 63. The contact area between the support and the lens after packaging is approximately 20 mm². 2 Less than 18mm 2 Less than 15mm 2 The package according to claims 60 to 62, which is less than [amount missing].

[0248] Embodiment 64. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 63, further comprising a base including a laminated foil sheet.

[0249] Embodiment 65. The contact area between at least one air inlet guide and the lens is approximately 50 mm². 2 Less than or approximately 30 mm 2 The package according to claims 60 to 64, which is less than [amount missing].

[0250] Embodiment 66. The package according to claims 60 to 65, wherein the air inlet guide is integral with the lens facing surface as a protrusion from the lens facing surface or as a recess in the lens facing surface.

[0251] Embodiment 67. The package according to claims 60 to 65, wherein the air inlet guide is part of a separate structure disposed between the convex lens surface and the lid lens facing surface.

[0252] Embodiment 68. The package according to claims 60 to 67, wherein the air inlet guide is aligned parallel to the path through which air enters when the package is opened.

[0253] Embodiment 69. The package according to claims 60 to 68, wherein the air inlet guide is spaced apart by at least about 2 mm, about 2 to about 5 mm, or 2 to about 4.5 mm.

[0254] Embodiment 70. The contact lens comprises an optical zone and a curved lens side section between the optical zone and the periphery, and the air inlet guide extends linearly from the front to the rear of the package, curves around the optical zone, or a combination thereof. The package according to claims 60 to 69.

[0255] Embodiment 71. The package according to claim 70, wherein the air inlet guide crossing the optical zone has a shorter profile across the optical zone.

[0256] Embodiment 72. The package according to claims 55 to 71, wherein the air inlet guide includes continuous ribs, discontinuous ribs, and combinations thereof.

[0257] Embodiment 73. The package according to claims 60 to 72, wherein the air inlet guide has a maximum height of at least about 2 mm or about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

[0258] Embodiment 74. The package according to claim 71, wherein the air inlet guide profile on the optical zone has a height of about 0.5 mm or less.

[0259] Embodiment 75. The lid-facing surface is the inner surface of the package lid, the package further includes a base, the base together with the lid forms a cavity for housing a lens support, a lens, and a packaging solution. The package according to claims 60-74, further comprising an opening tab for initiating separation of the lid from the base along a sealing line forming a cavity, and an air inlet scoop located inside the sealing line and aligned in a straight line with the opening tab.

[0260] Embodiment 76. The package according to claim 75, wherein the air inlet scoop protrudes at least about 1 mm or at least about 2 mm from the periphery of the contact lens edge.

[0261] Embodiment 77. The package according to claim 75 or 76, wherein the air inlet scoop has a width between approximately 2 mm and the inner diameter of the seal.

[0262] Embodiment 78. The package according to claims 75-77, further comprising an opening tab for initiating separation of the lid from the base along a seal line forming a sealed cavity, wherein there is a gap of at least about 2 mm between the seal line and the lens support in the opening tab.

[0263] Embodiment 79. The package according to claims 75-78, wherein the air inlet tab further comprises at least one air inlet guide.

[0264] Embodiment 80. The package according to claims 60-79, wherein the lens support, the lens-facing surface, and at least one air inlet guide cooperate to keep the lens centered around the support while minimizing contact between the lens, the support, and the at least one air inlet guide.

[0265] Embodiment 81. The package according to claim 80, wherein the contact between the lens, at least one air inlet guide, and the support is temporary.

[0266] Embodiment 82. The package according to claims 60-81, further comprising an air-trapping space away from the lens optical zone for the air within the cavity to occupy.

[0267] Embodiment 83. The package according to claim 82, wherein air remains in an air-capturing space away from the lens, regardless of the orientation of the package.

[0268] Embodiment 84. The package according to claims 82-83, wherein the air-trapping space has a volume equal to or slightly greater than the volume of air sealed within the package.

[0269] Embodiment 85. The package according to claims 82-83, wherein the air-trapping space has a volume equal to or slightly greater than the volume of air sealed within the package and any air that may diffuse within the package during storage.

[0270] Embodiment 86. The package according to claims 75-85, wherein the lid comprises a concave dome on a lens and a lens support, the concave dome comprising a centrally located recess on the lens support.

[0271] Embodiment 87. The package according to claims 82-87, wherein the air trapping space is inside the seal and comprises a channel around the periphery of the lid.

[0272] Embodiment 88. The package according to claim 86, wherein the air-trapping space is arranged around the periphery of the recess.

[0273] Embodiment 89. The package according to claims 82-86, wherein the air-trapping space comprises at least two air pods inside the seal, protruding from the lid along the periphery of the lid.

[0274] Embodiment 90. The package according to claim 88, further comprising one, two, three, or more air pods protruding from the lid along the inside of a sealing line.

[0275] Embodiment 91. The package according to claim 88, wherein the air pod is linear, arc-shaped, or a combination thereof.

[0276] Embodiment 92. The package according to claim 90, comprising two planar air pods spaced apart across the lid and oriented parallel or perpendicular to the opening tab.

[0277] Embodiment 93. The package according to claims 82-92, wherein the air pods are connected via connection channels.

[0278] Embodiment 94. The package according to claim 93, wherein the air pod is wider or taller than the connection channel, or is both wider and taller.

[0279] Embodiment 95. The package according to claims 93-94, wherein the channel has an internal width of about 1.5 to about 3 mm, or about 2 mm to about 3 mm.

[0280] Embodiment 96. The package according to claims 60-95, wherein when the package is sealed, there is a gap of at least about 0.25 mm to about 2 mm between the lens optical zone and any air inlet guide or dimple.

[0281] Embodiment 97. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 96, wherein the base and the lid are a single, integrated part.

[0282] Embodiment 98. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 97, wherein the base and the lens support are a single integrated component.

[0283] Embodiment 99. The package according to any one of claims 1 to 98, wherein the base, lens support and lid are a single integrated part.

[0284] It should be understood that the present invention should be determined from the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0285] [Implementation Method] (1) A contact lens package, a. The support includes for maintaining the contact lens in a convex position on the support during storage and when the package is opened. b. The lens has a periphery and a lens profile, c. The support has a profile that does not substantially match the lens profile, and the wet contact between the support and the lens is approximately 20 mm 2 Less than 18mm 2 Less than 15mm 2 A contact lens package that is less than [amount missing]. (2) A contact lens package, a. Package base and, b. Package lid and, c. A support for holding a contact lens having a periphery and lens profile in a convex position relative to the base of the package, d. The base and the lid are sealed to form a cavity containing the support, the contact lens and the packaging solution. e. The lens support comprises a plurality of peripheral supports, each having a distal end extending at least 1 mm beyond the periphery of the contact lens, providing at least 3, 3-14, 4-14, 3-8, or 4-8, 4-6, or 6 contact points with the contact lens edge along the peripheral supports, and after the package is opened and the packaging solution is directed away from the lens and the support, the wet contact between the support and the lens is approximately 20 mm 2 Less than 18mm 2 Less than 15mm 2 A contact lens package that is less than [amount missing]. (3) The contact lens package according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the support does not trap the packaging solution between the lens and the lens support, and when the support is removed from the packaging solution, the packaging solution is discharged from the lens and the support. (4) The contact lens package according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the lens further includes an optical zone, and the lens support further includes a substantially flat upper section having an open structure below at least a portion of the contact lens optical zone. (5) The contact lens package according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the support further includes a void below at least a portion of the contact lens optical zone.

[0286] (6) The contact lens package according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the contact lens is maintained in an uncompressed state when the package is sealed. (7) The contact lens package according to Embodiment 1, wherein the support comprises at least two peripheral supports. (8) The contact lens package according to embodiment 2 or 7, wherein the peripheral support is distributed around the periphery of the lens. (9) The contact lens package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the lens has a vertex centered in the optical zone, and the support further comprises a central support having a height of 0.5 mm or less below the vertex of the contact lens, measured from the periphery of the lens. (10) The contact lens package according to Embodiment 9, wherein the central lens support further includes a diameter of approximately 1 to approximately 10 mm, approximately 3 mm to approximately 9 mm, approximately 5 mm to approximately 9 mm, or approximately 6 mm to approximately 9 mm.

[0287] (11) The contact lens package according to embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the central lens support has an open structure. (12) The contact lens package according to embodiment 11, wherein the central lens support includes a central column below the lens apex. (13) The central lens support comprises a plurality of arms, each arm is A contact lens package according to Embodiment 11, comprising a flat upper section, an optional lateral section and an optional peripheral support, a shoulder transition section connecting the upper section and the optional lateral section, and an optional elbow transition section connecting the optional lateral section and the optional peripheral support. (14) The contact lens package according to embodiment 13, wherein the plurality of arms in the flat upper section are connected to each other at a central point below the lens apex, or to an open full ring or partial ring whose center is below the lens apex. (15) The contact lens package according to embodiment 13, wherein the plurality of arms are in the form of fins connected to the base of the package.

[0288] (16) The contact lens package according to embodiment 13, wherein at least one end of the plurality of arms is attached to the peripheral lens support and protrudes upward, and the distal ends of the arms form the flat upper section. (17) A contact lens package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein at least some of the distal ends of the peripheral support are connected to a vertical support that raises the peripheral support from the lens base. (18) The package according to embodiments 2 to 17, further comprising at least a partial ring around the distal end of the peripheral support, extending at least 2 mm beyond the periphery of the contact lens. (19) The package according to embodiments 13 to 18, further comprising 3 to 8 arms. (20) The package according to embodiments 13 to 18, further comprising 3 to 6 arms.

[0289] (21) The package according to embodiments 13 to 20, wherein at least two of the arms are Y-shaped. (22) The package according to embodiments 13 to 20, having three Y-shaped arms. (23) The package according to embodiments 13 to 20, including two straight arms and two Y-shaped arms. (24) The package according to embodiments 21 to 23, wherein the Y-shaped arm includes a curve that crosses the upper part of the Y. (25) The package according to any one of embodiments 13 to 20, wherein the arm is linear.

[0290] (26) The package according to Embodiment 18, wherein at least a partial ring has a diameter of about 16 to about 25 mm, about 18 to about 25 mm, or about 18 to about 24 mm. (27) The package according to Embodiment 4, wherein the substantially flat upper portion, in an undeformed state, has a deflection height of 0.5 mm, about 0.5 to about 2 mm, 0.5 to about 1.5 mm, or about 0.8 to about 1 mm from the apex of the contact lens. (28) The package according to any one of embodiments 9 to 27, wherein the support further comprises a central fillet centered in the flat upper section, having a width of about 0.1 to about 3 mm, about 0.1 to about 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm over its longest dimension. (29) The package according to embodiments 13 to 28, wherein each of the arm and the peripheral support has a width of approximately 0.5 to approximately 1.5 mm, approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 1 mm, or approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 0.7 mm. (30) The package according to embodiments 13 to 29, wherein the arm has a width that provides part moldability and efficient discharge of the packaging solution when opened.

[0291] (31) The package according to embodiments 13 to 30, wherein each arm has a height of approximately 0.5 to approximately 5 mm in the flat upper section. (32) The package according to any one of embodiments 9 to 29, wherein the flat upper part has a center point at the center of the lens support, and the shoulders are arranged radially around the center of the flat upper part. (33) The package according to embodiment 32, wherein the arms are attached at the center point, and each arm has a length of approximately 1.5 to 4 mm from the shoulder to the center point. (34) The package according to any of embodiments 9 to 33, wherein the angles from the vertical at the flat upper section and the side section of the arm are at most about 15°, or about 1° to about 10°. (35) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 34, wherein the angle between the side section and the peripheral support is approximately 60° to approximately 120°, or approximately 80° to approximately 100°.

[0292] (36) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 35, wherein the arm is connected at the center of the flat upper part. (37) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 36, wherein the arms are distributed radially around the center of the support structure. (38) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 37, wherein the base is substantially flat. (39) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 38, wherein the lens does not come into contact with the side section of the arm. (40) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 39, wherein the arm side section is straight.

[0293] (41) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40, wherein at least one peripheral support is elongated and includes an opening that extends distally around or in front of the contact lens to form an outlet channel for discharging the packaging solution from the contact lens and the support structure. (42) The package according to embodiment 41, wherein at least two peripheral supports are elongated and connected at their distal ends, with an opening between them to form the discharge channel. (43) The package according to embodiments 41 to 42, wherein the partial ring is connected to the elongated arm. (44) The package according to embodiments 41 to 43, wherein the elongated arm is planar. (45) The package according to Embodiment 2, wherein the partial ring comprises an outwardly extending tab having an open discharge channel for discharging the packaging solution from the contact lens and the support structure.

[0294] (46) The package according to embodiments 41 to 45, wherein the discharge channel is tapered toward the distal end of the outwardly extending tab, curved from the peripheral ring arc to the distal end, flares out in the peripheral ring arc, and is tapered from the arc to the distal end. (47) The package according to embodiments 41 to 45, wherein the discharge channel has a straight wall. (48) The package according to embodiments 41 to 47, wherein the discharge channel has a length of about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm as measured from the arc of the peripheral ring. (49) The package according to embodiments 41 to 47, wherein the discharge channel has a width of about 0.8 to about 3 mm. (50) The package according to embodiments 41 to 47, wherein the discharge channel is tapered and has a width of about 1 mm to about 0.8 mm at the distal end.

[0295] (51) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 50, wherein the support is made from a polymer having a contact angle greater than 100°. (52) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 51, wherein the lens support is positioned at an angle of at least about 20° from the base of the package. (53) The package according to any one of embodiments 2 to 52, wherein the peripheral support is parallel to the package base and extends at least about 4 mm or at least about 5 mm from the package base. (54) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 53, further comprising means for lifting the lens support from the lens solution. (55) The package according to embodiment 54, wherein the means for lifting is selected from levers, springs, hinges, pivot arms, folds, mechanical traps, handles, and combinations thereof.

[0296] (56) The package according to embodiment 41, 42, or 45, wherein the means for lifting comprises the discharge channel fixedly attached to the package base at the distal end of the discharge channel, an arc formed by the distal end of at least a partial peripheral ring or the peripheral support, and a hinge line in the package base that traverses the discharge channel between the discharge channel and the fixed mounting point between the discharge channel and the package base. (57) The package according to Embodiment 56, wherein, if the peripheral ring is not included in the lens support, the hinge wire extends at least 1 mm, about 2 to about 4 mm, or about 2.5 to about 3.5 mm in length beyond the at least partial peripheral ring or lens periphery. (58) The package according to embodiment 54, wherein the means for lifting raises the lens out of the packaging solution by tilting the lens support and the base away from each other to an angle of about 15° to about 80°, about 20° to about 70°, about 30° to about 60°, or about 40° to about 60° with respect to the horizontal. (59) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 58, further comprising a reservoir for capturing the packaging solution when the lens and the support are separated from the package base. (60) A contact lens package, a. A support for holding a contact lens having a convex surface in a convex position relative to the support, b. A contact lens package comprising: a lens-facing surface having at least one air inlet guide, wherein the at least one air inlet guide is configured to guide air into the package on the convex surface of the contact lens when the user opens the package, thereby reducing the likelihood of the convex lens surface adhering to the inner surface.

[0297] (61) The inside of the package defines a cavity comprising the support, the at least one air inlet guide, the contact lens, and the packaging solution. a. The contact lens package according to Embodiment 60, wherein when the package is opened and the packaging solution is discharged from the lens, but before contact by the user's fingers, the lens maintains a convex shape on the lens support, and the support contacts the lens at at least two points distributed around the periphery of the lens. (62) The package according to embodiment 60 or 61, wherein the lens has a profile and the support has a profile that is substantially inconsistent with the lens profile. (63) The contact area between the support and the lens after packaging is approximately 20 mm 2 Less than 18mm 2 Less than 15mm 2 The packages described in embodiments 60 to 62 are less than the package described above. (64) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 63, further comprising a base including a laminated foil sheet. (65) The contact area between the at least one air inlet guide and the lens is approximately 50 mm 2 Less than or approximately 30 mm 2 The packages described in embodiments 60 to 64 are less than the package described in embodiments 60 to 64.

[0298] (66) The package according to embodiments 60 to 65, wherein the air inlet guide is integral with the lens-facing surface as a protrusion from the lens-facing surface or as a recess in the lens-facing surface. (67) The package according to embodiments 60 to 65, wherein the air inlet guide is part of a separate structure located between the convex lens surface and the lid lens facing surface. (68) The package according to embodiments 60 to 67, wherein the air inlet guide is aligned parallel to the path through which air enters when the package is opened. (69) The package according to embodiments 60 to 68, wherein the air inlet guides are spaced at least about 2 mm, about 2 to about 5 mm, or 2 to about 4.5 mm apart. (70) The package according to embodiments 60 to 69, wherein the contact lens comprises an optical zone and a curved lens side section between the optical zone and the periphery, and the air inlet guide extends in a straight line from the front to the rear of the package, curves around the optical zone, or a combination thereof.

[0299] (71) The package according to embodiment 70, wherein the air inlet guide traversing the optical zone has a shorter profile across the optical zone. (72) The package according to embodiments 55 to 71, wherein the air inlet guide includes continuous ribs, discontinuous ribs, and combinations thereof. (73) The package according to embodiments 60 to 72, wherein the air inlet guide has a maximum height of at least about 2 mm, or about 2 mm to about 4 mm. (74) The package according to embodiment 71, wherein the air inlet guide profile on the optical zone has a height of about 0.5 mm or less. (75) The lid-facing surface is the inner surface of the package lid, the package further includes a base, the base together with the lid forms the cavity for housing the lens support, the lens and the packaging solution, The package according to embodiments 60 to 74, further comprising: an opening tab for initiating the separation of the lid from the base along a seal line forming the cavity; and an air inlet scoop located inside the seal line and aligned in a straight line with the opening tab.

[0300] (76) The package according to embodiment 75, wherein the air inlet scoop protrudes at least about 1 mm or at least about 2 mm from the periphery of the contact lens edge. (77) The package according to embodiment 75 or 76, wherein the air inlet scoop has a width between approximately 2 mm and the inner diameter of the seal. (78) The package according to embodiments 75-77, further comprising an opening tab for initiating the separation of the lid from the base along a seal line forming the sealed cavity, wherein there is at least about 2 mm of clearance between the seal line and the lens support at the opening tab. (79) The package according to embodiments 75 to 78, wherein the air inlet tab further comprises at least one air inlet guide. (80) The package according to embodiments 60 to 79, wherein the lens support, the lens-facing surface, and the at least one air inlet guide cooperate to keep the lens centered around the support while minimizing contact between the lens, the support, and the at least one air inlet guide.

[0301] (81) The package according to embodiment 80, wherein the contact between the lens, the at least one air inlet guide, and the support is temporary. (82) The package according to embodiments 60 to 81, further comprising an air-trapping space away from the lens optical zone for the air in the cavity to occupy. (83) The package according to embodiment 82, wherein the air remains in the air-capturing space away from the lens, regardless of the orientation of the package. (84) The package according to embodiments 82 to 83, wherein the air-trapping space has a volume equal to or slightly greater than the volume of air sealed within the package. (85) The package according to embodiments 82 to 83, wherein the air-trapping space has a volume equal to or slightly greater than the volume of air sealed within the package and any air that may diffuse into the package during storage.

[0302] (86) The package according to embodiments 75 to 85, wherein the lid comprises a concave dome on the lens and the lens support, and the concave dome comprises a recess centered on the lens support. (87) The package according to embodiments 82 to 87, wherein the air trapping space is inside the seal and comprises a channel around the periphery of the lid. (88) The package according to embodiment 86, wherein the air trapping space is arranged around the periphery of the recess. (89) The package according to embodiments 82 to 86, wherein the air-trapping space comprises at least two air pods inside the seal, protruding from the lid along the periphery of the lid. (90) The package according to embodiment 88, further comprising one, two, three or more air pods protruding from the lid along the inside of the seal line.

[0303] (91) The package according to embodiment 88, wherein the air pod is linear, arc-shaped, or a combination thereof. (92) The package according to embodiment 90, comprising two planar air pods spaced apart across the lid and oriented parallel or perpendicular to the opening tab. (93) The package according to embodiments 82 to 92, wherein the air pod is connected via a connection channel. (94) The package according to embodiment 93, wherein the air pod is wider or taller than the connection channel, or is both wider and taller. (95) The package according to embodiments 93 to 94, wherein the channel has an internal width of about 1.5 to about 3 mm, or about 2 to about 3 mm.

[0304] (96) The package according to embodiments 60 to 95, wherein when the package is sealed, there is a clearance of at least about 0.25 mm to about 2 mm between the lens optical zone and any air inlet guide or dimple. (97) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 96, wherein the base and the lid are a single integrated part. (98) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 97, wherein the base and the lens support are a single integrated component. (99) The package according to any one of embodiments 1 to 98, wherein the base, the lens support and the lid are a single integrated part.

Claims

1. It is a contact lens package, A support for holding a contact lens having a convex surface in a convex position relative to the support, A contact lens package comprising: a lens-facing surface having at least one air inlet guide, wherein the at least one air inlet guide is configured to guide air into the contact lens package on the convex surface of the contact lens when the user opens the contact lens package, thereby reducing the likelihood of the convex surface adhering to the inner surface.

2. The inside of the package defines a cavity containing the support, the at least one air inlet guide, the contact lens, and the packaging solution. The contact lens package according to claim 1, wherein when the contact lens package is opened and the packaging solution is discharged from the contact lens, but before contact by the user's fingers, the contact lens maintains a convex shape on the support, and the support makes contact with the contact lens at at least two points distributed around the periphery of the lens.

3. The contact lens package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact lens has a profile and the support has a profile that does not substantially match the profile of the contact lens.

4. The contact area between the support and the contact lens after packaging is approximately 20 mm². ２ Less than 18 mm ２ Less than 15 mm ２ A contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the package is less than [amount missing].

5. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a base including a laminated foil sheet.

6. The contact area between the at least one air inlet guide and the contact lens is approximately 50 mm². ２ Less than or approximately 30 mm ２ A contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the package is less than [amount missing].

7. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air inlet guide is integral with the lens-facing surface as a protrusion from the lens-facing surface or as a recess in the lens-facing surface.

8. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the air inlet guide is part of a separate structure positioned between the convex surface of the contact lens and the lens-facing surface.

9. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the air inlet guide is aligned parallel to the path through which air enters when the package is opened.

10. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the air inlet guides are spaced at least about 2 mm, about 2 to about 5 mm, or 2 to about 4.5 mm apart.

11. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the contact lens comprises an optical zone and a curved lens side section between the optical zone and the periphery, and the air inlet guide extends linearly from the front to the rear of the contact lens package, curves around the optical zone, or a combination thereof.

12. The contact lens package according to claim 11, wherein the air inlet guide traversing the optical zone has a shorter profile across the optical zone.

13. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the air inlet guide includes continuous ribs, discontinuous ribs, and combinations thereof.

14. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the air inlet guide has a maximum height of at least about 2 mm, or about 2 mm to about 4 mm.

15. The contact lens package according to claim 12, wherein the profile of the air inlet guide on the optical zone has a height of about 0.5 mm or less.

16. The lens-facing surface is the inner surface of the package lid, and the contact lens package further includes a base, the base together with the package lid forming a cavity for housing the support, the contact lens, and the packaging solution. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising: an opening tab for initiating separation of the package lid from the base along a sealing line forming the cavity; and an air inlet scoop located inside the sealing line and aligned in a straight line with the opening tab.

17. The contact lens package according to claim 16, wherein the air inlet scoop protrudes at least about 1 mm or at least about 2 mm from the periphery of the edge of the contact lens.

18. The contact lens package according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the air inlet scoop has a width between approximately 2 mm and the inner diameter of the sealing wire.

19. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising an opening tab for initiating the separation of the package lid from the base along a seal line forming the sealed cavity, wherein there is at least about 2 mm of clearance between the seal line and the support at the opening tab.

20. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the air inlet tab further comprises at least one air inlet guide.

21. The contact lens package according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the support, the lens-facing surface, and the at least one air inlet guide cooperate to keep the contact lens centered around the support while minimizing contact between the contact lens, the support, and the at least one air inlet guide.

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