US20010017271A1 - Soft contact lens cleaning and storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

A unique container system for holding and cleaning a soft contact lens over a period of time. The system includes a container base having a substantially dry cavity. A hydrophilic fixation and cleaning member is wetted and disposed within the substantially dry cavity. The contact lens is placed on the hydrophilic fixation member and held in a desired orientation while remaining hydrated due to the moisture from the hydrophilic fixation member. Also, a cover is disposed over the substantially dry cavity to enclose the hydrophilic fixation member and the contact lens during storage.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates generally to contact lens containers, and particularly to a unique, soft contact lens holder that utilizes a hydrophilic member to maintain the contact lens in an optimal state during periods of shipment and/or storage.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• A variety of contact lens cases currently are known and available. Some of the contact lens packages are used for shipping the contact lenses to a desired recipient, such as an end user or optician. Other contact lens holders are designed for use by the contact wearer. These latter holders or cases permit the contact lens to be stored over periods of time, e.g. through the night, when the individual is not wearing the contact lens.[0002]
• Regardless of the particular contact lens container style, such containers typically include a well or wells for receiving at least one contact lens as well as sufficient saline solution to submerge each contact lens. Generally, the well is enclosed by a cover that is sufficiently sealed to prevent loss of the saline solution.[0003]
• The advent of soft contact lenses, such as daily wear or disposable contact lenses, has made it imperative, that the lens be maintained in a moist or hydrated condition during periods of non-use. Without the moistening liquid, the thin plastic material of the contact lens rapidly dries and ultimately becomes unusable.[0004]
• Simply placing a contact lens in a well with an appropriate saline-based solution, however, can be problematic. For example, the use of sufficient saline-based solution to maintain a contact lens submerged requires sufficiently large packaging to accommodate both the contact lens and the well of contact lens solution. This adds to the size and the weight of the contact lens package, which is disadvantageous, particularly for the distribution of large numbers of contact lenses. Furthermore, the use of liquid within the contact lens holder can create messy spills during opening of the package and/or application of the contact lens to an eye of an individual.[0005]
• Using wells of saline-based solution also creates difficulty in locating and removing the contact lens from its container when a wearer is ready to apply the lens. Furthermore, the size of the well necessary to contain the liquid and contact lens, as well as the free-flowing motion of the liquid, permits inadvertent reorientation of the contact lens while in the container. For example, the contact lens may become inverted in the container, thereby inducing the wearer to apply the contact to his or her eye in an inverted or reverse orientation. This can lead to irritation of the eye and discomfort to the wearer. Additionally, the soft material of the contact lenses can become folded which leads to added difficulty in applying the contact lens to an eye, and also can result in damage to the contact lens.[0006]
• It would be advantageous to have a contact lens packaging system that would maintain a contact lens in a moist state without incurring the size and use disadvantages of maintaining the contact lens in a well of liquid.[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention features a package for holding a contact lens over a period of time without permitting dehydration of the contact lens. The package includes a container base having a substantially dry cavity. A hydrophilic fixation member is disposed in the substantially dry cavity. Additionally, a contact lens is disposed in the substantially dry cavity. An appropriate liquid is used to wet the hydrophilic fixation member, which absorbs the liquid. A cover encloses the hydrophilic fixation member and the contact lens within the substantially dry cavity.[0008]
• According to another aspect of the invention, a contact lens container system is provided for maintaining a contact lens in a usable state during a period of storage. The container system includes a sealed container having an internal cavity. A hydrophilic member and a contact lens are disposed in the internal cavity. Additionally, a moistening agent is applied to the hydrophilic member.[0009]
• According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for storing a contact lens. The method includes preparing a container with a cavity of sufficient size to receive a contact lens. The method also includes placing a moisture absorbent member in the cavity, and moistening the absorbent member. Furthermore, the method includes enclosing the contact lens within the cavity.[0010]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The invention will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and:[0011]
• FIG. 1 is a top view of a contact lens container system, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention;[0012]
• FIG. 2 is a front view of the contact lens container system illustrated in FIG. 1;[0013]
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line[0014]3-3 of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternate contact lens container system, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;[0015]
• FIG. 5 is a front view of the contact lens container system illustrated in FIG. 4;[0016]
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line[0017]6-6 of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 7 illustrates the cleaning of a contact lens using a hydrophilic material; and[0018]
• FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the contact lens container system illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6.[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Referring generally to FIGS. 1 and 2, a package or[0020]container system10 is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary container is used for storing at least one, and typically two contact lenses.Container10 includes acontainer base12 that has an elongatelower portion14 from which a pair of generallyannular walls16 extend upwardly. Acover18 is connected to eachannular wall16.
• Internally, the elongate[0021]lower portion14,annular walls16 and covers18 cooperate to create a pair of internal cavities for receiving and separating, for instance, the left contact lens and the right contact lens of an individual wearer. Both cavities or wells are largely the same, and the description below of an individual well applies equally to the other.
• Referring generally to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view taken generally along line[0022]3-3 of FIG. 1 is provided.Container base12 includes at least one and preferably a pair ofwells20, each designed for receiving anindividual contact lens22, typically a soft contact lens. Preferably, well20 is a substantially dry cavity. Substantially dry cavity refers to the lack of free-flowing liquid that would otherwise reside in the well of a contact lens holding package. The present, unique packaging system does not require the submersion ofcontact lens22, even whencontact lens22 comprises a thin plastic, daily-wear or disposable contact lens.
• [0023]Contact lens22 is maintained in its moistened or hydrated state by ahydrophilic member24 disposed in the substantially dry cavity or well20.Hydrophilic member24 is designed to hold or retain aliquid26 when wetted with the liquid. Anexemplary liquid26 is a saline-based solution, such as a buffered saline solution used for the conventional submersion of contact lenses within conventional contact lens containers.Hydrophilic member24 transmits, by capillary action, sufficient moisture tosoft contact lens22 to maintain the contact lens in a soft and supple condition ready for application to the eye of a wearer. The saline-based solution also may include surfactants and other cleaning agents or sterilizing agents to help maintainlens22 in a desirable condition.
• Preferably,[0024]hydrophilic member24 also serves as a contact lens fixation member that holdscontact lens22 in a desired position. Certain materials have an affinity for the polymeric material ofsoft contact lens22 and tend to grip or hold the lens in a desired position within well20. Additionally,hydrophilic member24 may have a contouredsurface28 to facilitate the holding ofcontact lens22 in a desired orientation.
• In the preferred embodiment,[0025]hydrophilic member24 comprises asponge material30. It has been determined that a preferred sponge material for holding and maintainingcontact lens22 in a usable state is a Merocel™ sponge material, available from the Solan company, having a place of business at 6743 Southpoint Drive North in Jacksonville, Fla. The Merocel™ sponge material works well, because it is lint free, chemically stable and readily holdsliquid26. The Merocel™ material is able to transfer moisture tocontact lens22 by capillary action while holdingcontact lens22 in a desired orientation because of its affinity for the contact lens material. By using Merocel™ sponge material,hydrophilic member24 is able to maintaincontact lens22 in a ready-to-use state over substantial storage periods of weeks, months or more depending on overall package design.
• In the preferred embodiment,[0026]hydrophilic member24 is affixed at a desired location withindry cavity20 so thatcontact lens22 may be held at a desired position or orientation. For example, thehydrophilic member24 may be affixed by an adhesive31, such as a glue or a wax, to a lower,interior surface32 ofcontainer base12. Alternatively, thehydrophilic member24 can be connected to aninterior surface34 ofcover18.
• Furthermore, it also may be desirable to provide a second[0027]hydrophilic member36. In the preferred embodiment, secondhydrophilic member36 also is a sponge material, most preferably the Merocel™ sponge material discussed above. As illustrated, secondhydrophilic member36 is affixed tointerior surface34 ofcover18 such thatcontact lens22 is pressed betweenhydrophilic member24 and secondhydrophilic member36 whencover18 is placed over its correspondingannular wall16.
• In the illustrated embodiment, cover[0028]18 is threadably engaged withannular wall16 via a threadedregion38. Preferably,hydrophilic member24 and secondhydrophilic member36 engagecontact lens22 during the threading ofcover18 into and out of engagement withcontainer base12. The Merocel™ sponge material has a substantial cleaning action when rubbed againstcontact lens22. Thus, proteins, mucus and other contaminants are removed fromcontact lens22 during assembly and disassembly ofcontainer10. Preferably, the threaded engagement ofcover18 withcontainer base12 also provides a sufficient seal to prevent dissemination ofliquid26 to the exterior ofcontainer10.
• Referring generally to FIG. 4, 5 and[0029]6, an alternate embodiment of container/package10 is illustrated and labeled aspackage50. In this contact lens container system, acontainer base52 is designed to hold at least onecontact lens54, such as a daily-wear or disposable contact lens. Again,container base52 includes a substantiallydry cavity56 that is enclosed by acover58. In this embodiment, theexemplary cover58 is a peelable style cover that is adhered tocontainer base52 by heat sealing or an appropriate adhesive to seal and enclosecontact lens54 withincavity56. This type of package orcontainer50 might readily be used for shipping contact lenses to a desired recipient.
• As illustrated best in FIG. 6, a[0030]hydrophilic member60 is disposed incavity56.Hydrophilic member60 is wetted with a liquid62, such as a saline solution appropriate forcontact lens54. Preferably,hydrophilic member60 is asponge material64, such as the Merocel™ sponge material.
• Although[0031]hydrophilic member60 can be loosely disposed withincavity56, it is preferred thatmember60 be affixed at a specific, desired location withindry cavity56. By affixinghydrophilic member60, the positioning and orientation ofcontact lens54 may be controlled for ready retrieval and/or application by the contact lens wearer. The optimal location ofhydrophilic member60 will vary with package design and the desired functionality ofpackage50. By way of example, however,sponge material64 may be affixed to aninterior surface66 along the lower portion ofcavity56, as illustrated in FIG. 6. As discussed above,hydrophilic member60 also may include a contoured surface68, such as a surface designed to match either the convex or concave curvature ofcontact lens54.
• Furthermore,[0032]package50 may include a secondhydrophilic member70. For example, secondhydrophilic member70 may be attached to aninterior surface72 ofcover58 to engagecontact lens54 on a surface oppositesponge material64. Secondhydrophilic member70 preferably is formed from the Merocel™ material. Bothhydrophilic member60 and secondhydrophilic member70 may be attached to their respective surfaces by an adhesive73, such as a glue or a wax.
• Optionally,[0033]package50 may include asecond cavity74 designed to contain a cleaningmaterial76 that may be utilized in scrubbingcontact lens54. Preferably, cleaningmaterial76 comprises a sheet of material, such as sponge material. In the embodiment illustrated, cover58 simply is peeled further to exposecavity74 such that cleaningmaterial76 may be removed. Additionally, cleaningmaterial76 may be wetted with a desired liquid, such as a saline-based solution or a solution containing surfactants, to facilitate the cleaning ofcontact lens54.
• A preferred[0034]exemplary cleaning material76 is aMerocel™ sponge78. TheMerocel™ sponge78 may be formed in a sheet, such as the sheet illustrated in FIG. 7. Upon removal, the sheet ofMerocel™ sponge78 may be wrapped aroundcontact lens54 and gripped by a user, e.g. between athumb80 and a forefinger82. It has been determined that the Merocel™ sponge material works extremely well in removing proteins, mucus and other contaminants fromcontact lens54 without damaging the contact lens. Sheets of other sponge material having the desired stiffness to remove contaminants without damaging the contact lens may also be available.
• A third exemplary embodiment of[0035]package10 is illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, a container orpackage90 is formed from a pair of flexible sheets including a container base sheet92 and acover sheet94.Sheets92 and94 are flexible materials that are connected along aperimeter seal96 to form aninternal cavity98.
• Disposed within[0036]internal cavity98 is a contact lens100 and ahydrophilic member102. Preferably,hydrophilic member102 is wetted with anappropriate liquid104, such as a buffered saline-based solution. Contact lens100 preferably is disposed adjacenthydrophilic member102 and is maintained in a moist and usable condition.
• Optionally, a second[0037]hydrophilic member106, shown in dashed lines, may be added to contact the contact lens100 on an opposing surface relative tohydrophilic member102.Hydrophilic member102 and secondhydrophilic member106 may have contoured surfaces to match the general contour of contact lens100. Additionally,hydrophilic member102 and secondhydrophilic member106 preferably are formed from a sponge material, such as the Merocel™ sponge material described above.
• Regardless of the specific configuration of[0038]package10,50,90, the use of the hydrophilic member permits construction of a smaller package that contains very little and preferably no free-flowing liquid. This permits the “dry” packaging and storage of contact lenses, and avoids the added container volume, container weight and potential mess necessitated by conventional containers that hold the contact lens in a submerged or at least semi-submerged state within a reservoir of liquid.
• It will be understood that the foregoing description is of preferred embodiments of this invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific forms shown. For example, a variety of materials may be used in construction of the packaging; a variety of hydrophilic member configurations may be utilized, depending on the package and the desired functionality; different liquids may be used to wet the hydrophilic member; and the hydrophilic member may be positioned in a variety of locations to facilitate retrieval and/or application of the contact lens. These and other modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.[0039]

Claims (26)

What is claimed is:

1. A package for holding a contact lens over a period of time without permitting dehydration of the contact lens, comprising:

a container base having a substantially dry cavity;

a hydrophilic fixation member disposed in the substantially dry cavity;

a contact lens disposed in the substantially dry cavity; and

a cover disposed over the substantially dry cavity to enclose the hydrophilic fixation member and the contact lens therein, wherein the hydrophilic fixation member is wetted with a liquid.

2. The package as recited in

claim 1

, wherein the contact lens is a soft contact lens.

3. The package as recited in

claim 1

, wherein the hydrophilic fixation member comprises a sponge material.

4. The package as recited in

claim 3

, wherein the sponge material comprises a Merocel™ sponge material.

5. The package as recited in

claim 3

, wherein the sponge material is fixed at a specific location within the substantially dry cavity.

6. The package as recited in

claim 5

, further comprising an upper sponge material affixed to the cover such that the contact lens is sandwiched between the sponge material and the upper sponge material to create a frictional cleaning of the contact lens.

7. The package as recited in

claim 3

, wherein the liquid comprises a saline-based solution.

8. The package as recited in

claim 3

, wherein the cover comprises a peel-away cover.

9. The package as recited in

claim 3

, wherein the cover is threadably engaged with the container.

10. A contact lens container system for maintain a contact lens in a usable state during a period of storage, comprising:

a sealed container having an internal cavity;

a hydrophilic member disposed in the internal cavity;

a contact lens disposed in the internal cavity; and

a moistening agent applied to the hydrophilic member.

11. The contact lens container system as recited in

claim 10

, wherein the hydrophilic member comprises a sponge material.

12. The contact lens container system as recited in

claim 11

, wherein the sponge material is a Merocel™ material.

13. The contact lens container system as recited in

claim 10

, wherein the hydrophilic member is affixed to the sealed container at a location selected to prevent movement of the contact lens in the internal cavity.

14. The contact lens container system as recited in

claim 14

, wherein the moistening agent is applied to the hydrophilic member in an amount that is readily retained by the hydrophilic member to prevent the occurrence of free-flowing liquid within the internal cavity.

15. The contact lens container system as recited in

claim 10

, further comprising a cleaning material to clean the contact lens, wherein the cleaning material is held by the sealed container.

16. The contact lens container system as recited in

claim 15

, wherein the cleaning material comprises a sheet of Merocel™ sponge material.

17. A method for storing a contact lens, comprising:

preparing a container with a cavity of sufficient size to receive a contact lens;

placing a moisture absorbent member in the cavity;

moistening the moisture absorbent member; and enclosing the contact lens within the cavity.

18. The method as recited in

claim 17

, wherein placing comprises affixing a sponge to the container.

19. The method as recited in

claim 18

, further comprising fixating the contact lens at a desired location and in a desired contour.

20. The method as recited in

claim 19

, further comprising maintaining the cavity in a substantially dry state.

21. The method as recited in

claim 20

, further comprising forming the sponge from a Merocel™ material.

22. The method as recited in

claim 20

, wherein preparing includes attaching a cover to a base container to seal the contact lens within the cavity.

23. The method as recited in

claim 18

, further comprising rubbing the contact lens against the sponge to clean the contact lens.

24. A contact lens container system, comprising:

a container having at least one internal cavity;

a contact lens disposed in the at least one internal cavity; and

a contact lens cleaner formed from a sponge material and disposed in the at least one internal cavity.

25. The contact lens container system as recited in

claim 24

, wherein the contact lens cleaner is formed from a sheet of Merocel™ sponge material.

26. The contact lens container system as recited in

claim 25

, wherein the at least one internal cavity includes a first cavity for receiving the contact lens and a second cavity for receiving the sheet of Merocel™ sponge material.

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