Contact Lens Packaging with Phosphorylcholine Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact lenses often cause discomfort due to dryness and eye irritation, particularly during extended wear, as existing packaging solutions do not adequately maintain lens hydration and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system using a sealed container with an aqueous solution containing a phosphorylcholine polymer, maintaining an osmolality of at least 200 mOsm/kg and pH between 6 to 8, which includes a copolymer of phosphorylcholine and another comonomer, along with optional non-ionic surfactants and buffering agents, to enhance lens comfort and prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packaging solutions (saline or deionized water) are used, then the lens can be stored and packaged, but the lens material tends to stick to itself and the lens package, causing folding and discomfort during wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the packaging solution by incorporating phosphorylcholine polymer and other specific additives in controlled concentrations, transforming the solution from simple saline to a sophisticated formulation that prevents lens sticking while maintaining storage stability
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging solution is formulated as a composite system containing multiple components including phosphorylcholine polymer, surfactants, buffering agents, and tonicity adjusters, where each component contributes specific functions to prevent lens adhesion and maintain lens integrity during storage
2Duration of action of moving object
If contact lenses are worn for extended periods, then convenience is improved, but dryness and eye irritation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging solution is designed to pre-condition the lens with phosphorylcholine polymer and other beneficial components before the lens is inserted into the eye, so that the lens already possesses protective and lubricating properties that prevent dryness and irritation during extended wear
Solution Approach 2:
The phosphorylcholine polymer and surfactants in the packaging solution act as intermediary substances that remain on the lens surface, providing a protective barrier between the lens material and the eye, thereby reducing direct contact-induced dryness and irritation during extended wear periods
3Reliability
If disinfecting agents are added to the packaging solution, then lens sterility is improved, but lens comfort and corneal health deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable sterile packaging system where sterility is achieved through the sterile packaging process itself rather than through residual disinfecting agents in the solution, allowing the use of gentle, non-irritating packaging solution components that prioritize lens comfort and corneal health
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts or removes harmful disinfecting agents from the packaging solution formulation, relying instead on sterile packaging techniques and the inherent properties of the lens and solution components to maintain sterility without compromising comfort or corneal health
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The packaging system ensures contact lenses are more comfortable to wear by maintaining hydration and reducing irritation, allowing for extended wear without adverse effects on the cornea.
Implementation Method 1
The packaging solution has an osmolality of at least about 200 mOsm/kg
Implementation Method 2
The packaging solution comprises a phosphorylcholine polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging system for the storage of an ionic, hydrogel contact lens employs an aqueous packaging solution including a phosphorylcholine polymer. Preferably, the solution has an osmolality of at least about 200 mOsm/kg, a pH of about 6 to about 8 and is heat sterilized.