Computer-implemented method for contact lens care compliance

Abstract

A method for tracking ophthalmic lens care compliance, said method comprising the steps of: including at least one sensor with said ophthalmic product for monitoring at least one ambient condition and for logging and recording at least one parameter associated said at least one ambient condition, following a predetermined event; comparing said at least one parameter to a predetermined threshold and providing an outcome, said predetermined threshold corresponding to said at least one ambient condition, and issuing an alert based on said outcome.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
         1 . A method for tracking ophthalmic lens care compliance, said method comprising the steps of: including at least one sensor with said ophthalmic product for monitoring at least one ambient condition and for logging and recording at least one parameter associated said at least one ambient condition, following a predetermined event; comparing said at least one parameter to a predetermined threshold and providing an outcome, said predetermined threshold corresponding to said at least one ambient condition, and issuing an alert based on said outcome. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said alert is issued to at least one of a user of said ophthalmic product, eye professional, pharmacist, insurance provider, and a guardian or parent. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said sensed data is transmitted to a computing device for processing, automatically, periodically, or upon request. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said sensed data is transmitted wirelessly. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein said sensed data is transmitted via an RFID air-interface. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said at least one ambient condition provides sensed data related to at least one of protein concentration, composition of the lacrimal fluid, fungus, pathogens, virus, bacteria, concentrations of compounds in a lens care product, pH level, eye temperature, eye pressure, eye moisture, oxygen reaching the eye, blink rate, pressure from rubbing, frequency of wear, exposure to a lens care product, usage habits, vital signs, pulse rate, oxygen, lacrimal fluid content, protein content, temperature, geolocation coordinates, chemicals, chemical compounds, acoustic energy, moisture content, humidity, smoke, vibration, light, radiation, magnetic fields, air quality, power, motion, global positioning, geo-location, orientation, acceleration, or changes thereof. 
     
     
         7 . A computer-implemented method for tracking ophthalmic lens care compliance, the method comprising a computer-readable medium containing program instructions stored thereon, when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform operations comprising: causing at least one sensor included with a ophthalmic lens to emit a data signal periodically, automatically, or in response to a external signal from the at least one sensor via a communication interface; said at least one sensor for monitoring at least one ambient condition and for logging and recording at least one parameter associated said at least one ambient condition, following a predetermined event; comparing said at least one parameter to a predetermined threshold and providing an outcome, said predetermined threshold corresponding to said at least one ambient condition, issuing an alert based on said outcome. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said at least one of a said at least one ambient condition provides sensed data related to at least one of a protein concentration, composition of the lacrimal fluid, fungus, pathogens, viri, bacteria, concentrations of compounds in a lens care product, pH level, 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said at least one of a said at least one ambient condition provides sensed data related to at least one of a blink rate, pressure from rubbing, and light. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said at least one of a said at least one ambient condition provides sensed data related chemicals, chemical compounds, acoustic energy, humidity, smoke, air quality. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 7  wherein said at least one sensor is a member of a wireless sensor network. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said at least one of a said at least one ambient condition provides sensed data related to at least one of a lacrimal fluid content and protein content on said lens, whereby said sensed data triggers an issuance of an advisory signal. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said sensed data causes an order for a replacement lens to be initiated. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said sensed data is related to at least one of eye temperature, eye pressure, eye moisture, and pulse rate measurements. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said sensed data is related to vibration, radiation, magnetic fields, power, motion, global positioning, geo-location, orientation, acceleration, or changes thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said ophthalmic lens comprises data related to at least one of a SKU, unique ID, manufacturer, logo, material of manufacture, composition, lot, no., batch no., warehouse related data; promotional material, rebate for next pair purchase or free trials, lens features and benefits data, health warnings, data on potential risk or complications, insurance coverage data, regulatory data, authenticity data, fitting details, lens type data, lens care or handling information, recommended usage information such as wear schedule, filling pharmacy, health professional information, time, an ophthalmic product user's personal details, prescription information, right eye/left eye identification data, URI, lens case replacement schedule, eye exam schedule, eye appointments. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said sensed data is analyzed to determine whether a user is in compliance with a prescription, a wear schedule, replacement schedule, or recommended lens care. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said alert is at least one of health warnings, data on potential risk or complications, fitting details, lens care or handling information, recommended usage information such as wear schedule, prescription information, right eye/left eye identification data, lens case replacement schedule, eye exam schedule, eye appointments, and wherein said sensed data. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  said alert is issued to at least one of a user of said ophthalmic lens and a third party comprising at least one of a parent, guardian, eye care professional, pharmacy, retailer, store, virtual store and an insurance provider. 
     
     
         20 . A computer-implemented method for tracking ophthalmic lens care compliance, the method comprising a computer-readable medium containing program instructions stored thereon, when executed by the processor cause the processor to perform operations comprising: causing at least one sensor included with a ophthalmic lens to emit a data signal periodically, automatically, or in response to a external signal from the at least one sensor via a communication interface; said at least one sensor for monitoring at least one ambient condition and for logging and recording at least one parameter associated said at least one ambient condition, following a predetermined event; comparing said at least one parameter to a predetermined threshold and providing an outcome, said predetermined threshold corresponding to said at least one ambient condition, issuing an alert based on said outcome; and wherein said at least one of a said at least one ambient condition provides sensed data related to at least one of protein concentration, composition of the lacrimal fluid, fungus, pathogens, virus, bacteria, concentrations of compounds in a lens care product, pH level, eye temperature, eye pressure, eye moisture, oxygen reaching the eye, blink rate, pressure from rubbing, frequency of wear, exposure to a lens care product, usage habits, vital signs, pulse rate, oxygen, lacrimal fluid content, protein content, temperature, geolocation coordinates, chemicals, chemical compounds, acoustic energy, moisture content, humidity, smoke, vibration, light, radiation, magnetic fields, air quality, power, motion, global positioning, geo-location, orientation, acceleration, or changes thereof.