Contact lens case

Abstract

A contact lens case is described which, in some embodiments, includes a housing having at least one contact lens receiving receptacle, an electrical power source mounted to the housing; and at least one light emitting device mounted to the housing. At least a portion of the contact lens receiving receptacle is substantially light transmittable. When a contact lens is placed in a receptacle and light is emitted from the light emitting device, light is transferred through the receptacle and the contact lens is illuminated to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to cases for containing contact lens cases. More particularly the disclosure relates to contact lens cases adapted to enhance the ability of a contact lens user to see a contact lens while a contact lens is resting in the contact lens case.

It is well known that contact lenses have broad use in improving the eyesight of the visually impaired. Such contact lenses typically comprise a clear pliable concave formed plastic shell that is placed in contact to the eye of the visually impaired person. Such contact lenses typically need to be cleaned in a cleaning and moisturizing solution from time to time. Further, a means for storing such contact lenses is needed when the lenses are not in use on the user's eye. To satisfy the need to clean, moisturize, and store contact lenses, various contact lens cases have been developed and are in use by manufacturers and users of contact lenses.

Common contact lens cases typically comprise molded plastic containers having separate snappingly or threadingly sealable cavities or compartment for both left and right contact lenses. Such lens cases commonly include differentiation means such as different colors or molded or printed indicia to differentiate between left and right contact lens storage compartments. However, because a contact lens typically comprises clear plastic, it is often difficult to distinguish or see the lens when the lens is resting in a lens case compartment. Added to this inherently difficult task is the fact that the user of contact lenses is visually impaired. Because when a user needs to withdraw a contact lens from a contact lens case, the user is not already wearing contact lenses, seeing the contact lens in the contact lens case can be extremely difficult.

SUMMARY

The above-mentioned drawbacks associated with existing contact lens cases are addressed by embodiments of the present application.

In one embodiment, a contact lens case comprises a housing having at least one contact lens receiving receptacle, an electrical power source mounted to the housing, and at least one non-white light emitting device mounted to the housing. At least a portion of the contact lens receiving receptacle is substantially light transmittable. When a contact lens is placed in a receptacle and non-white light is emitted from the non-white light emitting device, non-white light is transferred through the receptacle and the contact lens is illuminated to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

In another embodiment, a contact lens apparatus comprises a base comprising an electrical power source, at least one light emitting device, and a contact lens case receiving recess. The apparatus further comprises a contact lens case comprising at least one contact lens receiving receptacle, at least a portion of the receptacle being substantially light transmittable. The contact lens case is configured to cooperate with the contact lens case receiving recess such that, when a contact lens is placed within the receptacle and the case is placed in the case recess, light emitted from the light emitting device is transmitted through the receptacle and the contact lens is illuminated to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

In another embodiment, a contact lens apparatus comprises a base unit comprising an electrical power source and at least one light emitting device. The apparatus further comprises at least one contact lens case comprising a contact lens receiving receptacle, at least a portion of the receptacle being substantially light transmittable. The case is hingedly connected to the base unit by at least one connecting arm such that in response to a selected load being placed upon the case, the connecting arm moves the case from a first position to a second position. When a contact lens is placed within the receptacle and the case is in the second position, light emitted from the light emitting device is transmitted through the receptacle and the contact lens is illuminated to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

In another embodiment, a contact lens case comprises a substantially cylindrically shaped housing having a first end and a second end, an electrical power source mounted to the housing, at least one light emitting device mounted to the housing, and at least one contact lens receiving receptacle connected to the first end of the housing. At least a portion of the contact lens receiving receptacle is substantially light transmittable. When a contact lens is placed in the receptacle and light is emitted from the light emitting device, light is transferred through the receptacle and the contact lens is illuminated to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

The details of one or more embodiments of the present application are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present application, or may be combined in yet other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the present application and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a substantially isometric view of a first embodiment of a contact lens case according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the contact lens case shown in FIG. 1. The cross-section is taken substantially through the plane indicated by the cross-section arrows 2-2 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a substantially isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a contact lens apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the contact lens apparatus shown in FIG. 3. The cross-section is taken substantially through the plane indicated by the cross-section arrows 4-4 shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 displays a “peel pack” type contact lens case according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The foil of the contact lens case is shown partially peeled open.

FIG. 6 is a substantially isometric view of another alternate embodiment of a contact lens case according to the present disclosure. The left contact lens receptacle is shown in a stowed position and the right contact lens receptacle is shown in an extended position.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the contact lens apparatus shown in FIG. 6. The cross-section is taken substantially through the plane indicated by the cross-section arrows 7-7 shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a substantially isometric view of yet another alternate embodiment of a contact lens case according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an exploded substantially isometric view of a contact lens receptacle of the contact lens case shown in FIG. 8. The contact lens receptacle is shown as being rotated 90 degrees upward from the orientation shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the contact lens case shown in FIG. 8. The cross-section is taken substantially through the plane indicated by the cross-section arrows 10-10 shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit used in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Where appropriate, like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings represent like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific illustrative embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 11, the present disclosure is directed to a contact lens case 20 comprising a housing 30 which includes a left contact lens receptacle 31 and a right contact lens receptacle 32. The contact lens case further comprises a battery 40, a left light emitting device 42, a right light emitting device 44, an electrical switch 46, a left light conducting member 50, and a right light conducting member 60. In the illustrated embodiment, battery 40, left light emitting device 42, right light emitting device 44, electrical switch 46, left light conducting member 50, and right light conducting member 60 are mounted to housing 30.

Contact lens receptacles 31 and 32 of the contact lens case 20 each form a sealed contact lens retaining chamber by having left receptacle lid 70 and right receptacle lid 71 being in threadingly removable attachment to contact lens receptacles 31 and 32 respectively. At least a portion of each of lids 70 and 71 are preferably transparent such that the inner contents of receptacles 31 and 32 may be viewed with the lids 70 and 71 assembled to the receptacle.

Light conducting members 50 and 60 are preferably formed of clear plastic and are capable of transmitting light in a “fiber optic” type transmission method. Left light conducting member 50 is connected to housing 30 such that left light conducting member first end 52 is positioned in near proximity to left light emitting device 42. Left light conducting member 50 is supported by left light conducting member support 38. Left light conducting member second end 54 is positioned within left contact lens receptacle 31 such that left light conducting member sealing flange 58 forms a lower seal of left contact lens receptacle 31 so as to provide for optional sealing containment of a contact lens solution within left contact lens receptacle 31. A substantially central portion of left light conducting member second end 54 forms platform 56 upon which a left contact lens 73 rests. Contact of left contact lens interface 74 and platform 56 form a fiber optic type light conducting path such that when light is transferred through left light conducting member 50, light is emitted from left contact lens outer edge 75.

Right light conducting member 60 is connected to housing 30 such that right light conducting member first end 62 is positioned in near proximity to right light emitting device 44. Right light conducting member 60 is supported by right light conducting member support 39. Right light conducting member second end 64 is positioned within right contact lens receptacle 32 such that right light conducting member sealing flange 68 forms a lower seal of right contact lens receptacle 32 so as to provide for optional sealing containment of a contact lens solution within right contact lens receptacle 32. A substantially central portion of right light conducting member second end 64 forms platform 66 upon which a left contact lens 77 rests. Contact of right contact lens interface 78 and platform 66 form a fiber optic type light conducting path such that when light is transferred through right light conducting member 60, light is emitted from right contact lens outer edge 79.

Light emitting devices 42 and 44 preferably comprise low power consumption light emitting diodes or LEDs. Battery 40 is electrically connected to the light emitting devices 42 and 44 by means of an electrical switch 46 such that when the electrical switch 46 is in a first position, light emitting devices 42 and 44 are not electrically energized and do not emit light, and when electrical switch 46 is in a second position, light emitting devices 42 and 44 are electrically energized and emit light.

Light emitting devices 42 and 44 may emit light of a single predetermined light type or color, such as for instance an antimicrobial light, an ultraviolet light, a laser light, a blue light, a red light, a green light, a purple light, a yellow light, or an orange light. Alternately, each of light emitting devices 42 and 44 may emit light of a unique color. For instance, left light emitting device 42 may emit a green colored light and right light emitting device 44 may emit a red colored light. In practice, when contact lens 73 is placed on the platform 56 and contact lens 77 is placed on the platform 66, and electrical switch 46 is placed into the second switch position, the light emitting devices 42 and 44 are energized. As a result, green light is transmitted through the left light conducting member 50 and into contact lens 73 in contact with platform 56, and green light is emitted from contact lens outer edge 75 in the left contact lens receptacle 31. In addition, red light is transmitted through the right light conducting member 60 and into contact lens 77 in contact with the platform 66, and red light is emitted from the contact lens outer edge 79 in the right contact lens receptacle 32.

The light, and more especially the colored light emitted from contact lenses 73 and 77 increases the observability and distinguishability of the contact lenses 73 and 77. Exemplary electrical circuit 200 schematically defines an electrical circuit that can be used in embodiments of the present application. Circuit 200 includes an electrical switch 202, a first light emitting device 204, a second light emitting device 206, a battery 208, and a ground 209 electrically connected as shown in FIG. 11.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 an alternate embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a contact lens apparatus 80 having a contact lens case 90, a base member 100, a power source 110, a light emitting device 112, and an electrical switch 114. Contact lens case 90 includes a left contact lens receptacle 91 having a substantially light transmissible portion 93 and a right contact lens receptacle 92 having a substantially light transmissible portion 95.

Base member 100 includes an electrical switch bracket 101, a contact lens case receiving recess 102, a left light passage 103, a right light passage 104, a left light exit opening 105, a right light exit opening 106, and a light emitting device chamber 107. In the illustrated embodiments, power source 110, light emitting device 112, and electrical switch 114 are mounted to base member 100, with light emitting device 112 being positioned in light emitting device chamber 107 and electrical switch 114 being connected to electrical switch bracket 101. In some embodiments, power source 110 comprises one or more batteries, whereas in other embodiments, base member 100 is powered via an AC power source.

Light transmissible portions 93 and 95 of receptacle 91 and 92 of case 90 are adapted to be substantially light transmissible such that a light introduced to an outer surface of contact lens case 90 will transmit through light transmissible portions 93 and 95 and allow light to be cast upon the inner contents of receptacles 91 and 92. Receptacles 91 and 92 of contact lens case 90 are adapted to sealingly retain contact lenses 122 and 123 and preferably include threadingly attachable and detachable lids 120 and 121. At least a portion of each of lids 120 and 121 is preferably transparent such that the inner contents of receptacles 91 and 92 may be viewed with lids 120 and 121 assembled to receptacles 91 and 92.

Light emitting device 112 preferably comprises a low power consumption light emitting diode or LED. Power source 110 is electrically connected to the light emitting device 112 via electrical switch 114 such that when electrical switch 114 is in a first position, light emitting device 112 is not electrically energized and does not emit light, and when the electrical switch 114 is in a second position, the light emitting device 112 is electrically energized and emits light.

Base 100 is adapted such that when light from light emitting device 112 is emitted, indirect or reflected light is emitted through light passages 103 and 104 and out light exit openings 105 and 106. Light emitting device 112 may emit a conventional white light but preferably emits an antimicrobial light, an ultraviolet light, a laser light, a blue light, a red light, a green light, a purple light, a yellow light, or an orange light. In practice, contact lenses 122 and 123 can be placed in contact lens receptacles 91 and 92 respectively, and case 90 can be rested in case receiving recess 102 of base member 100 such that lower case surface 95 presses against electrical switch 114. In this configuration, case 90 automatically moves electrical switch 114 into the second switch position and light emitting device 112 is energized. As a result, light is transmitted through light passages 103 and 104, out light exit openings 105 and 106, through light transmissible portion 93 and 94 of receptacles 91 and 92, and light is cast onto contact lenses 122 and 123 resting in the contact lens receptacles 91 and 92. The light, and more especially the colored light cast onto contact lenses 122 and 123 increases the observability and distinguishability of contact lenses 122 and 123.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, contact lens apparatus 80 may alternately employ at least one “peel pack” contact lens case 130 in conjunction with base member 100. Contact lens case 130 comprises a case having relatively thin and relatively clear plastic walls and includes a receptacle 134 containing a contact lens 125 and preferably contact lens solution, with contact lens 125 being sealing covered by substantially thin aluminum foil 138 adhered to receptacle 134. When contact lens case 130 is employed, foil 138 is at least partially removed from case 130 and case 130 is rested in case receiving recess 102 of the base member 100.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 6 and 7, another alternate embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a contact lens case 140 having a base member 150, a left contact lens receptacle 160, a right contact lens receptacle 170, left hinge arms 180 and 182, and right hinge arms 184 and 186. Contact lens receptacles 160 and 170 are further adapted to sealingly retain a contact lens and preferably include threadingly attachable and detachable lids 166 and 176, respectively. A lower portion 164 and 174 of each of receptacles 160 and 170 respectively are substantially light transmissible and a portion 168 and 178 of each of lids 166 and 176 is preferably substantially transparent. Accordingly, when light is introduced to contact lens receptacles 160 and 170, inner contents of contact lens receptacles 160 and 170 are illuminated, and the illuminated contents are readily visible by viewing through a receptacle lids 166 and 176.

Contact lens receptacles 160 and 170 further include receptacle hinge pins 169 and 179 respectively. Contact lens receptacles 160 and 170 are adapted to be readily detachable and reattachable to left hinge arms 180 and 182 and right hinge arms 184 and 186 so as to readily facilitate the removal and cleaning of contact lens receptacles 160 and 170.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, base member 150 includes a left contact lens receptacle receiving recess 152, a right contact lens receptacle receiving recess 154, a left hinge pin 156 and a right hinge pin 158. Base member 150 further comprises a battery 190, a left light emitting device 192, a right light emitting device 194, and an electrical switch 196. In the illustrated embodiments, the battery 190, light emitting devices 192 and 194, and electrical switch 196 are mounted to base member 150.

Light emitting devices 192 and 194 preferably comprise low power consumption light emitting diodes or LEDs. Battery 190 is electrically connected to light emitting devices 192 and 194 by means of electrical switch 196. When electrical switch 196 is in a first position, light emitting devices 192 and 194 are not electrically energized and do not emit light, and when electrical switch 196 is in a second position, the light emitting devices 192 and 194 are electrically energized and emit light.

Light emitting devices 192 and 194 may emit light of a single predetermined light type or color, such as for instance an antimicrobial light, an ultraviolet light, a laser light, a blue light, a red light, a green light, a purple light, a yellow light, or an orange light. Alternately, light emitting devices 192 and 194 may each emit light of a unique type and/or color. For instance left light emitting device 192 may emit a green colored light and right light emitting device 194 may emit a red colored light.

Left receptacle hinge pin 169 is hingedly connected to left hinge arms 180 and 182, and left hinge arms 180 and 182 are hingedly connected to left base member hinge pin 156. Right receptacle hinge pin 179 is hingedly connected to right hinge arms 184 and 186, and right hinge arms 184 and 186 are hingedly connected to right base member hinge pin 158.

Receptacles 160 and 170 are thus hingedly connected to base 150. Therefore, when a relatively small downward load is introduced to contact lens receptacles 160 and 170, contact lens receptacles 160 and 170 hingedly move from a stowed position to an extended position. Contact lens case 140 is further adapted to provide for a resetting of the contact lens receptacles 160 and 170 by moving contact lens receptacles 160 and 170 back to a stowed position.

In practice, a contact lenses 198 and 199 can be placed in contact lens receptacles 160 and 170 of contact lens case 140. In addition, contact lens receptacles 160 and 170 can be placed in a stowed position such that contact lens receptacles 160 and 170 rest in respective contact lens receptacle receiving recesses 152 and 154. When a small load is applied to contact lens receptacles 160 and 170, contact lens receptacles 160 and 170 are hingedly moved by respective hinge arms 180, 182, 184 and 186 from the stowed position to the extended position. In addition, electrical switch 196 is automatically moved into the second switch position. As a result, light emitting devices 192 and 194 are energized, light is directed to light transmissible portions 164 and 174 and light is cast onto contact lenses 198 and 199 resting in a contact lens receptacles 160 and 170. The light, and more especially the colored light cast onto the contact lenses increases the observability and distinguishability of the contact lenses.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, another alternate embodiment of the disclosure is directed to a contact lens case 210 having a generally hollow cylindrically shaped housing 220 which includes a left end 221 and a right end 222. The housing 220 further comprises a generally cylindrically shaped left contact lens receptacle 230, a generally cylindrically shaped right contact lens receptacle 240, a battery 250, a light emitting device 252, and an electrical switch 254.

In the illustrated embodiment, battery 250, light emitting device 252, and electrical switch 254 are mounted to the housing 220. Light emitting device 252 is positioned in light emitting device chamber 225, and battery 250 is positioned in battery chamber 227 formed by mounting bracket 224.

Left and right receptacles 230 and 240 are removably fastened to left and right housing ends 221 and 222 respectively. Receptacles portions 234 and 244 of receptacles 230 and 240 respectively are adapted to be substantially light transmissible. Thus, a light introduced to an outer surface of receptacles 230 and 240 will cause light to transmit through the light transmissible receptacles portions 234 and 244 and allow light to be cast upon the inner contents of receptacles 230 and 240.

Receptacles 230 and 240 are adapted to sealingly retain a contact lens and preferably include threadingly attachable and detachable lids 236 and 246 respectively. Portions 238 and 248 of each of lids 236 and 246 respectively are preferably transparent such that the inner contents of receptacles 230 and 240 may be viewed with lids 236 and 246 assembled to receptacles 230 and 240 respectively.

Light emitting device 252 preferably comprises a low power consumption light emitting diode or LED. Battery 250 is electrically connected to light emitting device 252 by means of electrical switch 254. When electrical switch 254 is in a first position, light emitting device 252 is not electrically energized and does not emit light, and when the electrical switch 254 is in a second position, light emitting device 252 is electrically energized and emits light.

Light emitting device 252 may emit a conventional white light but preferably emits an antimicrobial light, an ultraviolet light, a laser light, a blue light, a red light, a green light, a purple light, a yellow light, or an orange light. In practice, when contact lenses 256 and 258 are placed in contact lens receptacles 230 and 240 of contact lens case 210 and electrical switch 254 is moved into the second switch position, light emitting device 252 is energized. As a result, light is directed to light transmissible receptacles portions 234 and 244 and cast onto the contact lenses 256 and 258 resting in the contact lens receptacles 230 and 240 respectively. The light, and more especially the colored light cast onto the contact lenses increases the observability and distinguishability of contact lenses 256 and 258.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments that do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined only by reference to the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A contact lens case comprising:

a housing having at least one contact lens receiving receptacle;

an electrical power source mounted to the housing; and

at least one non-white light emitting device mounted to the housing,

wherein at least a portion of the contact lens receiving receptacle is substantially light transmittable, and

wherein when a contact lens is placed in a receptacle and non-white light is emitted from the non-white light emitting device, non-white light is transferred through the receptacle and the contact lens is illuminated to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

2. The contact lens case of claim 1, wherein the non-white light emitting device emits at least one non-white light of one of the following group of non-white lights consisting of an antimicrobial light, an ultraviolet light, a laser light, a blue light, a red light, a green light, a purple light, a yellow light, and an orange light.

3. The contact lens case of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a left contact lens receptacle and a right contact lens receptacle.

4. The contact lens case of claim 1, wherein the electrical power source comprises a battery.

5. The contact lens case of claim 1, wherein the case includes a first light emitting device and a second light emitting device, and wherein the first light emitting device emits a light of a first color and wherein the second light emitting device emits a light of a second color.

6. The contact lens case of claim 5, wherein the housing includes a first contact lens receptacle having a contact lens receiving platform and a second contact lens receptacle having a contact lens receiving platform, and wherein when a first contact lens is placed in contact with the first platform and a second contact lens is placed in contact with the second platform and light is emitted from the light emitting devices, a first colored light is transferred through the first light emitting device and into the first contact lens and the first contact lens emits a first colored light and a second colored light is transferred through the second light emitting device and into the second contact lens and the second contact lens emits a second colored light to improve visual detectability of the contact lenses.

7. The contact lens case of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a main body portion and at least one receptacle portion and wherein the receptacle is detachable and reattachable to the main body portion of the housing.

8. The contact lens case of claim 7, wherein the at least one receptacle is hingedly connected to the main body portion of the housing by at least one connecting arm such that in response to a predetermined load being placed upon the receptacle, the connecting arm moves the receptacle from a first position to a second position.

9. The contact lens case of claim 1, wherein the receptacle removably contains a contact lens and wherein the contact lens emits light to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

10. A contact lens apparatus comprising:

a base comprising an electrical power source, at least one light emitting device, and a contact lens case receiving recess; and

a contact lens case comprising at least one contact lens receiving receptacle, at least a portion of the receptacle being substantially light transmittable,

wherein the contact lens case is configured to cooperate with the contact lens case receiving recess such that, when a contact lens is placed within the receptacle and the case is placed in the case recess, light emitted from the light emitting device is transmitted through the receptacle and the contact lens is illuminated to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the contact lens case comprises a peel pack contact lens case.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the light emitting device emits at least one light of the following group of lights consisting of an antimicrobial light, an ultraviolet light, a laser light, a blue light, a red light, a green light, a purple light, a yellow light, and an orange light.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the case includes a left contact lens receptacle and a right contact lens receptacle.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the base includes a first light emitting device and a second light emitting device, and wherein the first light emitting device emits a light of a first color and wherein the second light emitting device emits a light of a second color.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the case includes a first contact lens receptacle having a contact lens receiving platform and a second contact lens receptacle having a contact lens receiving platform, and wherein when a first contact lens is placed in contact with the first platform and a second contact lens is placed in contact with the second platform and light is emitted from the light emitting devices, a first colored light is transferred through the first light emitting device and into the first contact lens and the first contact lens emits a first colored light and a second colored light is transferred through the second light emitting device and into the second contact lens and the second contact lens emits a second colored light to improve visual detectability of the contact lenses.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the case comprises a main body portion and at least one receptacle portion and wherein the receptacle is detachable and reattachable to the main body portion of the housing.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one receptacle is hingedly connected to the housing main body portion by at least one connecting arm such that in response to a predetermined load being placed upon the receptacle, the connecting arm moves the receptacle from a first position to a second position.

18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the receptacle removably contains a contact lens and wherein the contact lens emits light to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the electrical power source comprises one or more batteries.

20. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the electrical power source comprises an AC power source.

21. A contact lens apparatus comprising:

a base unit comprising an electrical power source and at least one light emitting device,

at least one contact lens case comprising a contact lens receiving receptacle, at least a portion of the receptacle being substantially light transmittable, and

wherein the case is hingedly connected to the base unit by at least one connecting arm such that in response to a selected load being placed upon the case, the connecting arm moves the case from a first position to a second position, and

wherein when a contact lens is placed within the receptacle and the case is in the second position, light emitted from the light emitting device is transmitted through the receptacle and the contact lens is illuminated to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the case moves into the second position, the light emitting device automatically emits light and wherein when the case returns to the first position, the light emitting device automatically ceases to emit light.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the case is detachable and reattachable to the base unit.

24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the light emitting device emits at least one light of the following group of lights consisting of an antimicrobial light, an ultraviolet light, a laser light, a blue light, a red light, a green light, a purple light, a yellow light, and an orange light.

25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the base unit includes a first light emitting device and a second light emitting device, and wherein the first light emitting device emits a light of a first predetermined color and wherein the second light emitting device emits a light of a second predetermined color.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the apparatus includes a first contact lens receptacle having a contact lens receiving platform and a second contact lens receptacle having a contact lens receiving platform, and wherein when a first contact lens is placed in contact with the first platform and a second contact lens is placed in contact with the second platform and light is emitted from the light emitting devices, a first colored light is transferred through the first light emitting device and into the first contact lens and the first contact lens emits a first colored light and a second colored light is transferred through the second light emitting device and into the second contact lens and the second contact lens emits a second colored light to improve visual detectability of the contact lenses.

27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the receptacle removably contains a contact lens and wherein the contact lens emits light to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

28. A contact lens case comprising:

a substantially cylindrically shaped housing having a first end and a second end;

an electrical power source mounted to the housing;

at least one light emitting device mounted to the housing; and

at least one contact lens receiving receptacle connected to the first end of the housing,

wherein at least a portion of the contact lens receiving receptacle is substantially light transmittable, and

wherein when a contact lens is placed in the receptacle and light is emitted from the light emitting device, light is transferred through the receptacle and the contact lens is illuminated to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.

29. The contact lens case of claim 28, wherein the light emitting device emits at least one light of the following group of lights consisting of an antimicrobial light, an ultraviolet light, a laser light, a blue light, a red light, a green light, a purple light, a yellow light, and an orange light.

30. The contact lens case of claim 28, wherein the case includes a left contact lens receptacle and a right contact lens receptacle.

31. The contact lens case of claim 28, wherein the case includes a first light emitting device and a second light emitting device, and wherein the first light emitting device emits a light of a first color and wherein the second light emitting device emits a light of a second color.

32. The contact lens case of claim 31, wherein the housing includes a first contact lens receptacle having a contact lens receiving platform and a second contact lens receptacle having a contact lens receiving platform, and wherein when a first contact lens is placed in contact with the first platform and a second contact lens is placed in contact with the second platform and light is emitted from the light emitting devices, a first colored light is transferred through the first light emitting device and into the first contact lens and the first contact lens emits a first colored light and a second colored light is transferred through the second light emitting device and into the second contact lens and the second contact lens emits a second colored light to improve visual detectability of the contact lenses.

33. The contact lens case of claim 28, wherein the receptacle is detachably and reattachably connected to the housing.

34. The contact lens case of claim 33, wherein the at least one receptacle is hingedly connected to the housing main body portion by at least one connecting arm such that in response to a predetermined load being placed upon the receptacle, the connecting arm moves the receptacle from a first position to a second position.

35. The contact lens case of claim 28, wherein the receptacle removably contains a contact lens and wherein the contact lens emits light to improve visual detectability of the contact lens.