Contact lens package and storage case, holder, and system and method of making and using

Abstract

A contact lens package that is reusable as a case to store a contact lens between uses includes a lid, a base, one or more receptacles for a contact lens case, and a time keeping device. The time keeping device comprises an indicator for each one or more receptacles that indicates a period of time that has elapsed since the contact lens case currently in the receptacle was placed therein. When the period of time has expired, the indicator denotes a need to discard both the contact lens case and a contact lens associated with the contact lens case.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A reusable holder for contact lens cases comprising:
 at least case engagement member formed in said holder configured to couple a contact lens case;   a time keeping device formed in said holder;   wherein the time keeping device comprises an actuator for resetting the time keeping device and an indicator for said holder that indicates a period of time that has elapsed since the contact lens case currently coupled to the holder was coupled thereto to denote a need to discard said contact lens case and a contact lens associated with said contact lens case; and   at least one fully enclosed contact lens case coupled to said reusable holder;   wherein said fully enclosed contact lens case includes a bottom member having a fluid retaining well with a generally concave shape and a top sealing member, the top sealing member and the bottom member defining a fluid tight lens reception cavity.   
     
     
         2 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the bottom of the contact lens case is placed in engagement member and then rotated 90 degrees to snap the bottom of the case into the engagement member. 
     
     
         3 . The holder of  claim 1  wherein the time keeping device comprises an LCD indicator. 
     
     
         4 . The holder of  claim 3  wherein the indicator shows the period of time that has elapsed by a display selected from a word, a symbol, a number, day of the week, and a color. 
     
     
         5 . The holder of  claim 3  wherein the indicator shows the period of time that has elapsed by a number of days. 
     
     
         6 . The holder of  claim 3 , wherein the indicator shows the period of time that has elapsed changing from a first color to a second color, wherein said second color denotes a need to discard said contact lens case and a contact lens associated with said contact lens case. 
     
     
         7 . The holder of  claim 3 , wherein the holder is selected from a plastic and a metal. 
     
     
         8 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said actuator comprises a mechanical timer reset switch disposed in said engagement member;   wherein said mechanical timer reset switch is configured to engage a surface of a contact lens case being inserted into said engagement member and automatically reset the time keeping device when a contact lens case is inserted into the engagement member.   
     
     
         9 . The holder of  claim 1  further comprising a battery, wherein the battery powers the time keeping device. 
     
     
         10 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one engagement member is configured to be snap-fit onto said contact lens case.