Abstract:
The present invention provides for a disinfecting radiation base for working in conjunction with a storage case for an ophthalmic lens. The disinfecting radiation base provides disinfecting radiation for disinfecting an ophthalmic lens. The disinfecting radiation base may also include a processor and digital memory for automated functions associated with the base.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/961,616 which was filed on Dec. 7, 2010 and entitled “OPHTHALMIC LENS DISINFECTING BASE,” which claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/346,162, filed on May 19, 2010 and entitled “OPHTHALMIC LENS DISINFECTING BASE,” the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF USE 
       [0002]    This invention describes a case for storing an ophthalmic lens and, more specifically, in some embodiments, a base for receiving a case with disinfecting functionality while storing an ophthalmic lens such as a contact lens. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is well known that contact lenses can be used to improve vision. Various contact lenses have been commercially produced for many years. Early designs of contact lenses were fashioned from hard materials. Although these lenses are still currently used in some applications, they are not suitable for all patients due to their poor comfort and relatively low permeability to oxygen. Later developments in the field gave rise to soft contact lenses, based upon hydrogels. 
         [0004]    Hydrogel contact lenses are very popular today. These lenses are often more comfortable to wear than contact lenses made of hard materials. Many hydrogel contact lenses may be worn for more than one day. However, a build-up of microbial life and bacteria on the lenses generally makes it desirable to periodically remove the lenses and disinfect them. 
         [0005]    Disinfection of contact lenses traditionally entails placing the contact lens in a container or case and subjecting the contact lens to a chemical disinfectant. However, chemical disinfectants are not always as efficacious as may be desired. From time to time, a contact lens with a bacterium, mold, fungus or other type of adverse life form is reinserted into a user&#39;s eye with the result being a diseased eye. In addition, disinfecting solutions tend to be expensive and add to the total cost of using contact lenses for vision correction or cosmetic enhancement. New methods and approaches are therefore needed to disinfect contact lenses. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Accordingly, the present invention includes a base for an ophthalmic lens storage case for storing reusable contact lenses and disinfecting the lenses during the storage. The lens storage case is capable of receiving disinfecting radiation in a wavelength and intensity suitable to kill unwanted bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi and the like on a contact lens. The base is capable of providing disinfecting radiation in a wavelength and intensity suitable to kill the unwanted bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi and the like on a contact lens. 
         [0007]    In addition, in some embodiments, the base provides vibrational frequency mechanically sufficient to effectively dislocate expired microbials and provide increased exposure of unexpired microbials to life extinguishing radiation. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, in some embodiments, a disinfecting radiation base includes one or more reflective surfaces, such as a mirror, for reflecting disinfecting radiation towards an ophthalmic lens stored in a storage case mounted in the disinfecting radiation base. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a lens storage case in a base unit according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates some embodiments of alignment of a disinfecting radiation source with an ophthalmic lens in a lens storage case according to the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a close up view of a storage case with one cap removed according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates aspects of a base unit according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates a base unit in a closed state with a display. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a cut-away view of a portion of a base unit with a germicidal bulb surrounding a lens storage case compartment according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a cut-away view of a portion of a base unit with a germicidal bulb beneath a lens storage case compartment according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates some embodiments of alignment of a disinfecting radiation source germicidal bulb with an ophthalmic lens in a lens storage case according to the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates some embodiments of alignment of a disinfecting radiation source germicidal bulb with a lens storage case according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  illustrates a close up view of a storage case with a change indicator according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  illustrates aspects of a base unit with sensors to capture information about the state of a storage case change indicator according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11A  illustrates aspects of a base unit with an electromagnet to impart vibrational movement according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11B  illustrates a close up view of a storage case with a magnet or metallic area to effect vibrational movement according to some embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The present invention includes methods and apparatus for disinfecting an ophthalmic lens. In addition, the present invention includes a storage case for holding an ophthalmic lens while it is disinfected with disinfecting radiation. 
         [0023]    In the following sections detailed descriptions of embodiments of the invention will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative embodiments are exemplary embodiments only, and it is understood that to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that said exemplary embodiments do not limit the scope of the underlying invention. 
       GLOSSARY 
       [0024]    In this description and claims directed to the presented invention, various terms may be used for which the following definitions will apply: 
         [0025]    Disinfecting Radiation: as used herein refers to a frequency and intensity of radiation sufficient to diminish the life expectancy of a life form receiving a Disinfecting Radiation Dose. 
         [0026]    Disinfecting Radiation Dose: as used herein refers to an amount of radiation to reduce an amount of life by at least two logs on a logarithmic scale and preferably three logs or more, wherein life includes at least bacteria, viruses, molds and fungi. 
         [0027]    Lens: refers to any ophthalmic device that resides in or on the eye. These devices can provide optical correction or may be cosmetic. For example, the term lens can refer to a contact lens, intraocular lens, overlay lens, ocular insert, optical insert or other similar device through which vision is corrected or modified, or through which eye physiology is cosmetically enhanced (e.g. iris color) without impeding vision. In some embodiments, the preferred lenses of the invention are soft contact lenses made from silicone elastomers or hydrogels, which include but are not limited to silicone hydrogels, and fluorohydrogels. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an ophthalmic lens disinfecting system  100  is illustrated including a radiation disinfecting base  101 , a radiation disinfecting storage case  102  and a disinfecting radiation source  103 . According to the present invention, a radiation disinfecting storage case  102  is positioned within the path of radiation from the radiation disinfecting source  103 , such that one or more ophthalmic lenses stored within the radiation disinfecting storage case  102  are exposed to radiation emanating from the radiation disinfecting source  103  and life forms existing on, or in proximity to, the ophthalmic lenses are exposed to the disinfecting radiation, provided by a radiation disinfecting source, and killed, essentially disinfecting the ophthalmic lens. 
         [0029]    As illustrated, the radiation disinfecting storage case  102  is positioned in an open state with a radiation disinfecting base  101  and a lid  106 . In some preferred embodiments, the radiation disinfecting storage case  102  includes a positioning artifact  105  for aligning the disinfecting radiation source  103  with the radiation disinfecting storage case  102 . As illustrated, the positioning artifact  105  includes an annular depression for receiving an annular arrangement of disinfecting radiation source  103 . Positioning artifacts  105  may include almost any polygon shaped depression. Other embodiments may include one or more alignment pins. In still other embodiments, a positioning artifact  105  may include a snap, a threaded joining or other removably fixed type of joining. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the positioning artifact  105  aligns the radiation disinfecting radiation source  103  in a position generally orthogonal to an apex of a contact lens stored within the radiation disinfecting storage case  102 . In additional embodiments, a positioning artifact  105  aligns the radiation disinfecting radiation source  103  in a position generally orthogonal to a plane extending across a bottom perimeter of a contact lens. 
         [0031]    In another aspect, in some embodiments, the positioning artifact may also be capable of transmitting a vibrational frequency from a radiation disinfecting base  101  to the radiation disinfecting storage case  102  and ultimately to a lens stored within the radiation disinfecting storage case  102 . The vibrational frequency may be a frequency capable of causing expired life forms to be moved from within a path of radiation to an unexpired life form. Moving the expired life forms allows for more efficacious disinfecting by exposing more unexpired life forms to a direct path of radiation. 
         [0032]    The radiation disinfecting radiation source  103  may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In some preferred embodiments, the LEDs include ultraviolet (UV) emitting LEDs. Preferred embodiments include LEDs which emit light radiation with a wavelength of between about 250 nanometers of light radiation and about 280 nanometers of light radiation, preferably, the wavelength is between 250 nanometers and 275 nanometers, and most preferably 254 nanometers. 
         [0033]    Some embodiments include a reflective surface  107  in the lid area above the radiation disinfecting storage case  102 . A reflective surface  108  may also be included in the area below the radiation disinfecting storage case  102 . Reflective surfaces may include, by way of non-limiting example, Teflon PTF-E, aluminum, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, and Alzak®. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a block diagram illustrates some embodiments of alignment of a radiation disinfecting source  200 , such as one or more UV LEDs radiating disinfecting radiation  202  in the UV spectrum towards a contact lens  201 . In some preferred embodiments, UV LEDs will be arranged such that a radiation disinfecting storage case will align in a specific position in relation to the contact lens  201 . The alignment is maintained via an alignment artifact. In some embodiments, a radiation disinfecting storage case is aligned to direct UV radiation  202  at an angle essentially orthogonal to a plane  203  touching an apex  204  of the contact lens  201  retained in a radiation disinfecting storage case. 
         [0035]    In other embodiments, radiation disinfecting storage case may be aligned to direct disinfecting radiation  202 A from one or more UV emitting LEDs  200 A at an angle essentially orthogonal to a plane  205  across a perimeter edge  207  of the contact lens  201 . 
         [0036]    In another aspect, in some embodiments, one or more optics  208  may be used to focus disinfecting radiation onto a lens stored in a disinfecting radiation storage case. An optic may be included in a base or in a part of a storage case. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary radiation disinfecting storage case  300  is illustrated. The radiation disinfecting storage case  300  includes one or more lens storage compartments  301 . A storage compartment  301  is capable of receiving and storing one or more ophthalmic lenses, such as a contact lens. 
         [0038]    Some embodiments include one or more lens alignment mechanisms  302  for positioning an ophthalmic lens stored in a storage compartment  301  included in a radiation disinfecting storage case  300 . A lens alignment mechanism  302  may include for example a pedestal with an arcuate surface generally of a similar size and shape as an inside dimension of an ophthalmic lens. A convex surface may include an arc generally equivalent to an arc of a concave surface of an ophthalmic lens to be stored within the radiation disinfecting storage case  300 . Other embodiments may include a lens alignment mechanism  306  comprising a bowl generally of a similar size and shape as an outside dimension of an ophthalmic lens. 
         [0039]    Preferred positioning aligns the stored lens in a direct path of disinfecting radiation. However, other embodiments may include one or reflective surfaces  306 . A reflective surface  306  may essentially include a mirror and be formed from a glass, a plastic, a metal or a coating that is functional to reflect disinfecting radiation in a direction desired. Generally, the direction will be towards a lens stored in a storage case  300  positioned in the base. In some embodiments, reflective surface  306  may be generally proximate to, and/or generally parallel to, a surface of a stored lens. Other embodiments may include a reflective surface  306  generally around a perimeter of a stored lens. 
         [0040]    One or more radiation windows  303 - 304  are included in the storage compartments  301 . The radiation windows  303 - 304  provide portions of the radiation disinfecting storage case that are at least partially transparent to wavelengths of disinfecting radiation. Preferably the radiation windows  303 - 304  will be as close to 100% transparent as possible to disinfecting radiation transmitted into the storage compartment  301 . Plastics that are injection moldable may be 90% or more or even 98% or more transparent to UV radiation. Specific wavelengths may include between about 254 nanometers to 280 nanometers. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, a radiation window may also include an optic for directing disinfecting radiation towards areas of an ophthalmic lens stored in the stored compartment  301 . 
         [0042]    Examples of materials from which the radiation windows  303 - 304  may be formed include, for example: cyclic olefins, TOPAS, ZEONOR or other injection moldable plastic. Other plastics or glass may also be utilized as a material for the radiation window  303 - 304 . The area of the radiation windows  303 - 304  should be sufficient to admit enough disinfecting radition into the storage compartments to kill life forms present on an ophthalmic lens stored in the storage compartment  301 . 
         [0043]    Some preferred methods of manufacture of a radiation disinfecting storage case include injection molding processes. Other methods include, for example, lathing, stereo lithography, and three dimensional printing. 
         [0044]    In another aspect, radiation disinfecting storage case  300  may include a fastening mechanism  305 A- 305 B for securing and removing a cap  306  from a storage compartment  307 . The fastening mechanism  305 A- 305 B may include a threaded portion, a snap, and a tapered joint of other mechanism for removably securing the cap  308  to the case at the discretion of the user. While the cap  308  is secured to the storage compartment  307 , the cap seals off an ambient atmosphere from the storage compartment  307  and also contains an ophthalmic lens and, in some embodiments, a solution, such as, for example a saline solution, within the compartment  307 . 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a radiation disinfecting base unit  400  is illustrated with multiple disinfecting radiation source LEDs  401 - 402 . As illustrated, the disinfecting radiation source LEDs  401 - 402  may include one or both of overhead disinfecting radiation source LEDs  401  and lower disinfecting radiation source LEDs  402 . In addition to the overhead disinfecting radiation source LEDs  401  and lower disinfecting radiation source LEDs  402 , the base unit may include a processor board  403  with control electronics for controlling various aspects associated with the radiation disinfecting base  400 . 
         [0046]    The processor board  403  may be coupled to a digital storage  408 . The digital storage may include executable software that is executable upon command or automatically upon operation of the radiation disinfecting base unit  400 . The digital storage  408  may also store data related to operation of the radiation disinfecting case  400 . Operational data may include for example, time periods during which a radiation disinfecting base unit  400  is operated; serial numbers of lenses being disinfected; a period of time that a lens has been placed in use, or other information. In some embodiments, a radiation disinfecting base unit  400  may include a scanner  409  or other input means to input an identification number associated with a lens stored in a radiation disinfecting base unit  400 . For example, the scanner  409  may scan a bar code or other symbol on a lens package and log disinfecting information associated with the bar code number or symbol. Information that may be logged may include for example, a number of hours that a lens has been exposed to disinfecting radiation and a number of days that a lens has been placed into use. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, one or more of the disinfecting radiation source LEDs  401 - 402  may include integrated LED sensors. Other embodiments may include one or both of overhead LED sensors and lower LED sensors that are discrete from disinfecting radiation source LEDs  401 - 402 . LED sensors may be in logical communication with a processor board  403  which may store data in digital storage  408 . 
         [0048]    In another aspect, in some embodiments, one or more of overhead CCD image sensors  410  or lower CCD image sensors  411  may be included in a radiation disinfecting base unit  400 . CCD image sensors  410 - 411  may be in logical communication with a processor board  403  which may store data in digital storage  408 . 
         [0049]    The processor board  403  may analyze one or both of LED sensor data and CCD image sensor data for purposes including, but not limited to, detecting if disinfecting radiation source LEDs  401 - 402  are functional, detecting if disinfecting radiation source LEDs  401 - 402  are operating at acceptable levels, detecting if a radiation disinfecting storage case is present in a radiation disinfecting base unit  400 , detecting if a contact lens or contact lenses are present within a radiation disinfecting storage case, detecting contact lens cleanliness, determining if new contact lenses have been inserted in a radiation disinfecting storage case based on a comparison of previous lens cleanliness data and current lens cleanliness data, detecting correct placement of right and left contact lenses within a radiation disinfecting storage case when the user wears two different lens powers, and detecting lens brand based on comparison of two UV readings against profile signatures for different lens brands. 
         [0050]    An electrical communication connector  404  may also be included in the radiation disinfecting base unit  400 . The electrical communication connector  404  may include a universal serial bus (USB) connector or other type of connector. The connector may include a terminal for transferring one or both of data and electrical power. In some embodiments, the electrical communication connector  404  provides power to operate the radiation disinfecting base unit  400 . Some embodiments may also include one or more batteries  405  or other power storage device. In some preferred embodiments, the batteries  405  include one or more lithium ion batteries or other rechargeable device. The power storage devices may receive a charging electrical current via the electrical communication connector  404 . Preferably, the radiation disinfecting base unit  400  is operational via stored power in the batteries  405 . 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the electrical communication connector  404  may include a simple source of AC or DC current. 
         [0052]    In another aspect, the present invention may include a source of mechanical movement, such as a vibration generation device  406 . The vibration generation device  406  may include, for example, a piezoelectric transducer. A piezoelectric transducer offers a low power reliable device to provide mechanical or vibrational movement. 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, the vibrational movement will be adjusted to a frequency that effectively moves dead organisms stored within a storage case in the radiation disinfecting base unit  400 . Movement of the dead organisms exposes live organisms that may have otherwise been sheltered from disinfecting radiation. In another aspect, the vibrational movement will be adjusted to a frequency that effectively removes protein from contact lenses stored within a radiation disinfecting case. Protein removal may occur at the same vibrational frequency as organism removal, or at a different frequency. 
         [0054]    In still another aspect, in some embodiments, the processor board  403  or other electronic circuitry may control a pattern of light or radiation emitted by the disinfecting radiation source LEDs  401 - 402 . The light pattern may include, for example, pulsed UV or other form of strobed radiation of one or both of a set frequency or variable frequencies, wherein at least some of the frequencies are suitable for disinfecting microbes. Various embodiments may include one or more of: continuous wave cycles; continuous square wave cycles; variable wave cycles; and variable square wave cycles. 
         [0055]    In some preferred embodiments, disinfecting radiation source LEDs  401 - 402  provide optical power in the range of 50 microwatts to 5 watts. Equivalent doses of disinfecting radiation may be applied using continuous low optical power over an extended period of time, or using pulsed UV in which short bursts of high optical power are spread over time, most preferably a shorter period of time than used in continuous UV. Pulsed UV may be used to achieve more effective microbial extermination than continuous UV with an equivalent or smaller UV dose. 
         [0056]    The processor board  403  or other electronic circuitry may additionally adjust light patterns, disinfecting cycle time, and disinfecting intensity based on factors including but not limited to a number of times a lens has been disinfected, an amount of time since a lens was first disinfected, sensed lens cleanliness, and current bulb performance. 
         [0057]    Some embodiments may also include a display  407 . The display  407  will be in logical communication with the processor board  403  and be used to communicate, in human readable form, data relating to the operation of the radiation disinfecting base unit  400 . 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a radiation disinfecting base unit  500  is illustrated in a closed position. A radiation disinfecting base  501  is covered by a lid  502 , in the illustrated embodiments; the lid  502  is hinged to the radiation disinfecting base  501  and folds over on top of the radiation disinfecting base  501 . Other embodiments are also within the scope of the invention. As illustrated, a display  503  is located in the lid  502  and may provide an indication of a disinfecting cycle or procedure being executed by the radiation disinfecting base unit  500 . 
         [0059]    Referring now to  FIG. 6A , a cut-away view of a portion of a radiation disinfecting base unit  600 A is illustrated with a disinfecting radiation source germicidal bulb  601 A. As illustrated, a germicidal bulb  601 A may be contained within the radiation disinfecting base unit  600 A generally encircling the compartment containing the radiation disinfecting storage case  602 A. Some embodiments include a reflective surface  603 A in the lid area above the radiation disinfecting storage case  602 A. A reflective surface  604 A may also be included in the area below the radiation disinfecting storage case  602 A. Additionally, the germicidal bulb cavity  605 A may incorporate a reflective surface. Reflective surfaces may include, by way of non-limiting example, Teflon PTF-E, aluminum, magnesium oxide, zirconium oxide, and Alzak® 
         [0060]    In another exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 6B  depicts a cut-away view of a portion of a radiation disinfecting base unit  600 B with a disinfecting radiation source germicidal bulb  601 B positioned below the compartment containing the radiation disinfecting storage case  602 A. Reflective surfaces  603 B and  604 B may be present above and below the radiation disinfecting storage case  602 B respectively, as well as in the germicidal bulb cavity  605 B. 
         [0061]    In still other embodiments, a germicidal bulb may be contained within the lid of a radiation disinfecting base unit. Further embodiments may include multiple germicidal bulbs in a radiation disinfecting base unit, including in a lower portion of the base unit, a lid portion, or both. Germicidal bulbs may be present in a radiation disinfecting base unit in place of or in addition to UV LED bulbs that have been described in prior figures. 
         [0062]    A germicidal bulb may include, by way of non-limiting example, a low pressure mercury vapor bulb or a medium pressure mercury vapor bulb. In some preferred embodiments, the germicidal bulb emits ultraviolet light radiation. Preferred embodiments of the germicidal bulb emit ultraviolet (UV) light radiation with a wavelength of between about 250 nanometers of light radiation and about 280 nanometers of light radiation, preferably, the wavelength is between about 250 nanometers and 275 nanometers, and most preferably about 260 nanometers. 
         [0063]    Non-LED components described in earlier figures, including but not limited to positioning artifacts, reflective surfaces, vibration generation device, optics to focus radiation, processor board, digital storage, scanner, electrical connector, batteries, and display, may be included in a disinfecting base unit with germicidal bulb. 
         [0064]    Although the pulsed UV method may not be preferred with a germicidal bulb, a processor board or other electronic circuitry included in a radiation disinfecting base unit  600 A or  600 B may adjust light patterns, disinfecting cycle time, and disinfecting intensity based on factors including but not limited to a number of times a lens has been disinfected, an amount of time since a lens was first disinfected, and sensed lens cleanliness. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a block diagram illustrates some embodiments of alignment of a radiation disinfecting source  700 , such as one or more germicidal bulbs radiating disinfecting radiation  702  in the UV spectrum towards a contact lens  701 . In some preferred embodiments, germicidal bulbs will be arranged such that a radiation disinfecting storage case will align in a specific position in relation to the contact lens  701 . The alignment is maintained via an alignment artifact. In some embodiments, a radiation disinfecting storage case is aligned to direct UV radiation  702  at an angle essentially orthogonal to a plane  703  touching an apex  704  of the contact lens  701  retained in a radiation disinfecting storage case. 
         [0066]    In other embodiments, radiation disinfecting storage case may be aligned to direct disinfecting radiation  702 A from one or more UV emitting germicidal bulbs  700 A at an angle essentially orthogonal to a plane  705  across a perimeter edge  707  of the contact lens  701 . 
         [0067]    In another aspect, in some embodiments, one or more optics  708  may be used to focus disinfecting radiation onto a lens stored in a disinfecting radiation storage case. An optic may be included at a variety of positions within the path of radiation, some exemplary locations may include: in a base; in a part of a storage case; and as part of a radiation source, such as an LED or bulb. 
         [0068]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a block diagram illustrates some embodiments of alignment of a radiation disinfecting source  800 , such as one or more germicidal bulbs radiating disinfecting radiation  802  in the UV spectrum towards a contact lens storage case  801 . In some preferred embodiments, germicidal bulbs will be arranged such that a radiation disinfecting storage case will align in a specific position in relation to the contact lens storage case  801 . The alignment is maintained via an alignment artifact. 
         [0069]    In some embodiments, a radiation disinfecting storage case is aligned to direct UV radiation  802  at an angle essentially orthogonal to a plane  803  plane across a top portion of the contact lens storage case  801 . 
         [0070]    In other embodiments, radiation disinfecting storage case may be aligned to direct disinfecting radiation  802 A from one or more UV emitting germicidal bulbs  800 A at an angle essentially orthogonal to a plane  805  across a bottom of the contact lens storage case  801 . 
         [0071]    In another aspect, in some embodiments, one or more optics  804  may be used to focus disinfecting radiation onto a disinfecting radiation storage case  801 . An optic may be included in a base or in a part of a storage case. 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , an exemplary radiation disinfecting storage case with change indicator  900  is illustrated. The radiation disinfecting storage case with change indicator  900  includes one or more lens storage compartments  901 . A storage compartment  901  is capable of receiving and storing one or more ophthalmic lenses, such as a contact lens. As illustrated, a change indicator  902  may be included on a ledge of the radiation disinfecting storage case with change indicator  900 , generally between the two lens storage compartments  901 . In other embodiments, a change indicator  902  may include a ring encircling one or both lens storage compartments  901 , an area on a lens storage compartment cap  903 , an area on or completely encircling the radiation disinfecting storage case with change indicator  900 , or other location within the radiation disinfecting storage case with change indicator  900  or lens storage compartment cap  903 . 
         [0073]    In some embodiments, a change indicator  902  may be comprised of dye within or on the plastic or other material from which the radiation disinfecting storage case with change indicator  900  or lens storage compartment cap  903  is made. In other embodiments, a change indicator  902  may be a material embedded in or adhered to the radiation disinfecting storage case with change indicator  900  or lens storage compartment cap  903 . 
         [0074]    A change indicator  902  dye or material will change color or texture or both color and texture to indicate that the user should discard the current radiation disinfecting storage case with change indicator  900  and begin using a new one. The change indicator  902  color or texture may transform gradually over a period of time until it reaches a state generally recognized by the user as evidence that the radiation disinfecting storage case with change indicator  900  should be discarded. 
         [0075]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a radiation disinfecting base unit  1000  is illustrated with one or more of an LED sensor  1001 , a scanner  1002 , and a camera  1003 . An LED sensor  1001 , scanner  1002 , or camera  1003  captures information about the state of a change indicator on a radiation disinfecting storage case, as described in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0076]    A digital storage  1005 , which may be attached to, or otherwise in logical communication with the processor board  1004 , may store change indicator data. In some embodiments, the processor board  1004  compares the change indicator data to previously stored change indicator data to identify a magnitude of change in the data. A specified magnitude of change determines when it is time to change a radiation disinfecting storage case. In other embodiments, the processor board  1004  compares current change indicator data to stored target data to determine when a radiation disinfecting storage case should be changed. When the processor board  1004  logic determines that a radiation disinfecting storage case should be changed, the processor board  1004  causes a message to be displayed to the user on a display  1006 . 
         [0077]    In some embodiments, a radiation disinfecting base unit  1000  with processor board  1004  and digital storage  1005  are used to track the age, usage, or other criteria relevant to a radiation disinfecting storage case. For example, age may be tracked based on the date a new radiation disinfecting storage case was inserted into the radiation disinfecting base unit  1000 . Usage may be determined based on a number of disinfecting cycles that have occurred since a new radiation disinfecting storage case was inserted. When process board  1004  logic determines, based on age, usage, or other criteria, that a radiation disinfecting storage case should be changed, an appropriate user message is included on the display  1006 . 
         [0078]    In still other embodiments, processor board  1004  logic will analyze multiple variables related to a radiation disinfecting storage case, including by way of non-limiting example change indicator data, age records, usage figures, or other relevant information. The processor board  1004  logic will include algorithms to identify a combination of variables indicating a radiation disinfecting storage case should be changed. The processor board  1004  will then cause a message to be presented on the display  1006  informing the user it is time to change the radiation disinfecting storage case. 
         [0079]    Referring now to  FIG. 11A , a radiation disinfecting base unit  1100 A is depicted with an electromagnet  1101 A in the lower portion of the base unit. In other embodiments, an electromagnet  1101 A may be placed in a lid of a radiation disinfecting base unit  1100 A. 
         [0080]    Referring now to  FIG. 11B , a radiation disinfecting storage case  1100 B includes a permanent magnet  1101 B. When a radiation disinfecting storage case  1100 B with permanent magnet  1101 B is present in a radiation disinfecting base unit  1100 A, electrical current may be applied and removed from an electromagnet  1101 A, causing attraction and repulsion of a permanent magnet  1101 B and resulting in vibration of the radiation disinfecting storage case  1100 B. Adjustment of an electrical current applied to an electromagnet  1101 A allows control of one or more of frequency and amplitude of vibration. In some embodiments, a non-magnetic metallic area is implemented in place of a permanent magnet  1101 B, where the non-magnetic metallic area may be attracted by an electromagnet  1101 A resulting in vibration of a radiation disinfecting storage case  1100 B. 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, the vibrational movement will be adjusted to a frequency that effectively moves dead organisms stored within a radiation disinfecting storage case  1100 B, and from contact lenses contained therein. Movement of the dead organisms exposes live organisms that may have otherwise been sheltered from disinfecting radiation. In another aspect, the vibrational movement will be adjusted to a frequency that effectively removes protein from contact lenses stored within a radiation disinfecting case. Protein removal may occur at the same vibrational frequency as organism removal, or at a different frequency. 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0082]    The present invention, as described above and as further defined by the claims below, provides apparatus for disinfecting an ophthalmic lens.