GB2344435A - Contact lens container with tubular holding member - Google Patents

Abstract

A container 1 contains a tubular member 4 within which a hydrophilic contact lens 6 may be held on its edge. The tubular member 4 can have an internal constriction 5 to help hold the lens 6. The lens 6 can also be immersed in liquid within the container 1 which may include a removable cap 2 and a seal 3. The tubular member 4 may also have compressible arms (7 figures 3a and 4) to allow the member 4 to be easily inserted into the container 1.

Description

LENS CONTAINER Field of the Invention This invention relates to a lens container.

Background of the Invention An intraocular lens (IOL) is a small lens inserted into the eye during the surgical correction of vision. It may be of a hydrophilic material and, as such, is required to be stored in a polar liquid environment. Typically, this will be saline solution.

Typically, an IOL is stored, immersed in liquid, in a simple container. The IOL rests on the base of the container, on one face. This poses a problem of retrieval of the IOL from the container. The IOL is typically thin, and made of a very soft, slippery material. It may therefore be difficult for the surgeon or assistant to pick up the IOL using a pair of forceps.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention, a container comprising a hydrophilic lens and saline or any other appropriate liquid also includes a tubular member within which an IOL can be held edgewise, so that it is presented to the surgeon in such a way as to be easily and quickly removed using a pair of forceps or other suitable instrument. The tubular member may comprise an internal constriction providing a surface capable of supporting the lens on its edge. Alternatively, the tubular member may comprise opposed slots in which the lens may rest on its edge.

Description of the Invention The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 3a and 3b are cross-sectional and plan views of a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 3c is a schematic plan view of an alternative component to that shown in Fig. 3b; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an intermediate stage of combining the components of Figure 3a; Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of a component for use in this invention; and Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Figs. 1,2,3 and 6 each show a conventional container 1 having a removable cap 2 and (optionally) a seal 3. In addition, each container includes a tubular member 4, comprising an internal constriction 5, to provide a shelflike surface upon which a lens 6 may rest on its edge.

This surface is of sufficient depth from the top of the container that the lens is completely immersed in liquid, whilst remaining easily removable.

The internal dimensions of the member are sufficient to accommodate the lens. For this purpose, the member may be, say, 6 mm in internal diameter, the constriction being 20 mm from the top end of the member. The external diameter of the member may be, say, 8 mm.

The member may be adapted to suit a range of containers. If a member having an external diameter of, say, 8 mm, is to be used within a container having a larger internal diameter, modifications may be made to the external surface of the member, to ensure that it is securely held within the container. As shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, these modifications may be in the form of compressible arms 7 on the side of the member, allowing the member to be inserted into the container, as shown in Fig.

4, whereupon they expand and hold the member centrally within the container. The long arrow in Fig. 4 is the direction of insertion; the short arrows indicate the direction of compression of the arms 7. Fig. 3c shows another embodiment of a member having compressible arms.

Fig. 5 shows a tubular member, similar to those illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, further comprising lens location slots 8 on opposite sides of the member. The member may be of a diameter narrower than that of a conventional lens, whereby the lens location slots may accommodate the lens and thus provide increased stability.

Preferably, a tubular member according to the present invention comprises means to prevent the lens from floating to the top of the container. The means may be a second constriction of the internal wall of the member. This is illustrated by the internal flange 9, in Fig. 6.

Alternatively, if the member comprises guide slots 8 of the type shown in Fig. 5, the means may be a projection, or notch, located in the guide slots. The constriction or projection should be sized to allow the lens to be removed without undue force.

In an alternative embodiment, a conventional container includes a tubular member, comprising opposed slots in which a lens may rest on its edge. The slots should extend sufficiently from the top of the member to accommodate the lens.

The member may be manufactured from a material such that it can remain in the liquid for an extended period of time without degrading in, or tainting, the liquid.

Further, it may be transparent so as to allow the user to view the lens.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS 1. A container containing a tubular member within which a hydrophilic lens may be held on its edge.
2. 2. A container according to claim 1, wherein the member comprises an internal constriction.
3. 3. A container according to claim 2, wherein the member further comprises opposed grooves on its inner surface.
4. 4. A container according to any preceding claim, further comprising a hydrophilic lens immersed in a liquid.
5. 5. A containing according to claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.