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 non-provisional filing claiming priority to provisional application, U.S. 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. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    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. 
         [0015]    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 
       [0016]    In this description and claims directed to the presented invention, various terms may be used for which the following definitions will apply: 
         [0017]    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. 
         [0018]    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. 
         [0019]    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. 
         [0020]    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. 
         [0021]    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. 
         [0022]    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. 
         [0023]    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. 
         [0024]    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. 
         [0025]    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. 
         [0026]    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 . 
         [0027]    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. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary a 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. 
         [0029]    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. 
         [0030]    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. 
         [0031]    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. 
         [0032]    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 . 
         [0033]    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 . 
         [0034]    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. 
         [0035]    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 . 
         [0036]    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 . 
         [0037]    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. 
         [0038]    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 . 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, the electrical communication connector  404  may include a simple source of AC or DC current. 
         [0040]    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. 
         [0041]    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. 
         [0042]    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 pattern may include, for example, strobes of a set frequency or variable frequencies. 
         [0043]    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 . 
         [0044]    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 . 
       CONCLUSION 
       [0045]    The present invention, as described above and as further defined by the claims below, provides apparatus for disinfecting an ophthalmic lens.