Fenestrated lens for increased tear flow and method of making the same

A fenestrated contact lens comprising:

• a lens body adapted for placement adjacent a surface of an eye, said lens body having an inner surface and an outer surface;
• said lens body having a first plurality of fenestrations extending therethrough, wherein said first plurality of fenestrations are formed so as to direct a flow of lachrymal fluid outward from a first location between the surface of said eve and the inner surface of said contact lens to a second location adjacent the outer surface of the contact lens;
• said lens body also having a second plurality of fenestrations extending therethrough, wherein said second plurality of fenestrations are formed so as to direct a flow of lachrymal fluid inward from a third location adjacent the outer surface of the contact lens to a fourth location between the surface of the eye and the inner surface of said contact lens;
• and
• wherein said fenestrations are coated with a polyelectrolyte coating to increase their hydrophilicity and prevent blockage.

A fenestrated contact lens comprising:

• a lens body adapted for placement adjacent a surface of an eye, said lens body having an inner surface and an outer surface;
• said lens body having a first plurality of fenestrations extending therethrough, wherein each of said first plurality of fenestrations comprises at least one flexible member acting as a check valve to direct a flow of lachrymal fluid outward from a location between the surface of said eye and the inner surface of said contact lens to a location adjacent the outer surface of the contact lens;
• and
• said lens body also having a second plurality of fenestrations extending therethrough, wherein each of said second plurality of fenestrations comprises at least one flexible member acting as a check valve to direct a flow of lachrymal fluid inward from a location adjacent the outer surface of the contact lens to a location between the surface of the eye and the inner surface of said contact lens.