Contact lens packages having an absorbent member

Abstract

The present invention relates to improved contact lens packages and methods of use and manufacture/assembly. A contact lens package may include a first cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution, and a second cavity that houses an absorbent member. In one aspect, the first cavity and the second cavity may be in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in an unopened state.

1 . A contact lens package comprising:
 a first cavity that houses a contact lens and packaging solution; and   a second cavity that houses an absorbent member;   wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid isolation from one another when the package is in an unopened state.   
     
     
         2 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication with one another when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. 
     
     
         3 . The contact lens package of  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein the absorbent member is configured for absorbing at least a portion of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. 
     
     
         4 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent member is configured for absorbing a majority of the packaging solution when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. 
     
     
         5 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the package is configured such that at least a portion of the packaging solution flows from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. 
     
     
         6 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the package is configured such that a majority of the packaging solution flows from the first cavity into the second cavity when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to an opened state. 
     
     
         7 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent member is configured for transitioning between an expanded state and a compressed state, and wherein the absorbent member is in the expanded state when the package is in the unopened state. 
     
     
         8 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent member is configured for transitioning between an expanded state and a compressed state, wherein the absorbent member is in the compressed state when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the absorbent member is configured for transitioning from the compressed state to the expanded when the package is transitioned from the unopened state to opened state. 
     
     
         9 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent member comprises a sponge. 
     
     
         10 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent member comprises a foam. 
     
     
         11 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent member comprises a superabsorbent polymer. 
     
     
         12 . The contact lens package of  claim 1 , further comprising a base and a lid connected to the base, wherein the first cavity is formed between the base and the lid, and wherein the second cavity is formed between the base and the lid. 
     
     
         13 . The contact lens package of  claim 12 , wherein the base and the lid collectively surround the first cavity, and wherein the base and the lid collectively surround the second cavity. 
     
     
         14 . The contact lens package of  claim 12 , wherein the base and the lid collectively define the first cavity, and wherein the base and the lid collectively define the second cavity. 
     
     
         15 . The contact lens package of  claim 12 , wherein the lid is sealed to the base along an interface between the first cavity and the second cavity when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the seal between the lid and the base is at least partially broken when the package is in an opened state. 
     
     
         16 . The contact lens package of  claim 12 , wherein the lid is sealed to the base along an entirety of a perimeter of the first cavity, and wherein the lid is sealed to the base along an entirety of a perimeter of the second cavity. 
     
     
         17 . The contact lens package of  claim 12 , wherein the lid extends over and covers the contact lens when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the contact lens when the package is in an opened state. 
     
     
         18 . The contact lens package of  claim 12 , wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid does not cover the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. 
     
     
         19 . The contact lens package of  claim 12 , wherein the lid extends over and covers the absorbent member when the package is in the unopened state, and wherein the lid extends at least partially over the absorbent member when the package is in an opened state. 
     
     
         20 . The contact lens package of  claim 12 , wherein the contact lens is disposed within the first cavity such that a convex surface of the contact lens faces the lid when the package is in the unopened state.