Abstract: A system for disinfecting a contact lens includes a first container section holding a first liquid medium containing hydrogen peroxide. A second container section is provided and holds a second liquid medium containing a hydrogen peroxide destroying component. The first and second container sections are configured to substantially simultaneously provide the first liquid medium and the second liquid medium to form a combined liquid medium containing an amount of hydrogen peroxide from the first liquid medium effective to disinfect a contact lens contacted with the combined liquid medium and an amount of hydrogen peroxide destroying component from the second liquid medium effective to destroy at least a major amount of the hydrogen peroxide in the combined liquid medium.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating a contact lens very effectively and conveniently provide enhanced contact lens wearability by reducing the actual or perceived ocular sensitivity which results from exposing a contact lens to non-oxidative antimicrobial components. The present system takes advantage of inactivating or deactivating a non-oxidative antimicrobial component located on or in a contact lens to reduce the ocular sensitivity caused by placing the lens in the eye.

Abstract: A disinfection solution, primarily for use in conjunction with contact lenses is disclosed comprising an amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable ionic salt which is equivalent in ionic strength to at least 5% w/v sodium chloride, at least one of a C.sub.2-6 alkanol and a C.sub.3-8 alkylene glycol, a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant, optionally a buffer, and water.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: Water-soluble borate-polyol complexes are useful as buffers and/or antimicrobials in aqueous ophthalmic compositions, including those containing polyvinyl alcohol. These compositions have greater antimicrobial activity than comparable compositions containing typical borate buffers and unexpectedly increase the antimicrobial efficacy of other antimicrobial agents when used in combination. In addition, use of the borate-polyol complexes avoids the incompatibility problem typically associated with the combination of borate buffer and polyvinyl alcohol; therefore, the compositions disclosed herein may also contain polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: Enzyme compositions and methods employing enzyme compositions are disclosed which are useful for cleaning contact lenses. In one embodiment, a composition in accordance with the present invention comprises an enzyme component effective when released in a liquid medium to remove debris from a contact lens located in the liquid medium; and an activity regulating component effective when released in the liquid medium to deactivate the enzyme component located in the liquid medium. This composition is preferably structured so that the enzyme component is released in the liquid medium before the activity regulating component is so released. The period of time between the release of the enzyme component and the activity regulating component is sufficient to allow the enzyme component to effectively remove debris from a contact lens which is introduced into the liquid medium before or at the same time the enzyme component is released in the liquid medium.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses include a liquid medium containing hydrogen peroxide and a defined ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer. An advantageously reduced amount of foaming occurs when the hydrogen peroxide is destroyed, particularly by the action of catalase.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a histamine antagonist, an interleukin-1 antagonist and/or a TNF alpha anlagonist in a cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological composition for treating sensitive skins. It relates especially to the use of a histamine antagonist, an interleukin-1 antagonist and/or a TNF alpha antagonist for preventing and/or combating skin irritations and/or sores and/or erythema and/or dysaesthetic sensations and/or sensations of inflammation and/or pruritus and/or prickling and/or tingling and/or discomfort and/or tightness of the skin and/or mucosae. It also relates to a composition containing a histamine antagonist, an interleukin-1 anlagonist and/or a TNF alpha antagonist which limits or eliminates the irritant side-effects of certain products, and in particular of certain cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical active agents.

Abstract: A composition for delaying release of an active component into an aqueous fluid is taught which includes a capsule that swells in the presence of an aqueous fluid allowing moisture to enter the capsule into contact with a capsule decomposing agent activated by the entering moisture such that the agent decomposes the capsule sufficiently to release the active agent at a predetermined delayed time after the capsule contacts the aqueous fluid. A preferred capsule composition is gelatin and decomposing agents are a proteolytic enzyme or a salt that effects the osmotic gradient of the system. The controlled release composition of the invention is preferably utilized in a soft contact lens disinfecting system wherein a solution of hydrogen peroxide disinfects the lenses followed by neutralization of residual hydrogen peroxide wherein release of the neutralizing agent is delayed by means of the capsule proteolytic enzyme or salt composition.

Abstract: The use of certain amidoamines to disinfect contact lenses and preserve ophthalmic compositions is described. Ophthalmic compositions containing these compounds as disinfecting agents or preservatives are also described. The amidoamines utilized in the present invention have potent antibacterial and antifungal activity, and are chemically compatible with inorganic ions and other materials utilized in ophthalmic compositions.

Abstract: A preservative for ophthalmic solutions having an active ingredient is provided, having a hydrogen peroxide content of about 0.001% to about 0.10% by weight; and diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or a physiologically compatible salt thereof, present at about 0.002% to 0.03% by weight and/or 0.005% to about 0.20% by weight of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, or physiologically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating contact lenses comprising the use of an iodine-chromophore to indicate neutralization of oxidative disinfectants.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: An improved method for rapid disinfection of contact lenses in a convenient and reliable manner is disclosed in which a series of oxidation-reduction reactions are employed. Specifically, dichloroisocyanurate and potassium iodide react to form iodine species for disinfecting the contact lens. An amount of ascorbate is then added to neutralize the iodine species.

Abstract: A method for using a composition including a neutralizing system and a sequestering agent which prevents the accumulation of inorganic deposits on contact lenses, particularly when used regularly in a conventional hydrogen peroxide disinfection regimen. The neutralizing system includes at least one reducing agent, a reductase, or both. The sequestering agent preferably is gluconic acid, a polymetaphosphate or their salts. Sodium hexametaphosphate is the most preferred sequestering agent; catalase is the most preferred agent for use as the neutralizing system.

Abstract: The use of certain amidoamines to disinfect contact lenses and preserve ophthalmic compositions is described, Ophthalmic compositions containing these compounds as disinfecting agents or preservatives are also described, The amidoamines utilized in the present invention have potent antibacterial and antifungal activity, and are chemically compatible with inorganic ions and other materials utilized in ophthalmic compositions.

Abstract: With a specific aim to preventing the proteolytic enzyme in a preparation for contact lenses containing a proteolytic enzyme from deterioration in the state of aqueous solution, the present invention provides (1) a method of stabilizing a preparation for contact lenses containing a proteolytic enzyme, which comprises formulating the said preparation with a pyrrolidone compound, (2) a process for producing a prepration for contact lenses and (3) a preparation for contact lenses.The preparation according to the present invention can be processed into the liquid or solid preparation form, wherein the liquid preparation can be processed into a one-component type preparation. The liquid preparation as well as the solid preparation, even after being dissolved in water, can maintain the activity of the proteolytic enzyme over a prolonged period of time, and can be used effectively for cleansing and cleaning, preservation and sterilization of contact lenses.

Abstract: PEO-containing quaternary ammonium compounds have good broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. These compounds are useful in pharmaceutical compositions as preservatives and in contact lens care compositions as preservatives and/or disinfectants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for disinfecting a contact lens are disclosed. The apparatus includes a color indicator element comprising an iodine component substantially irreversibly bonded to a solid material, preferably an anion exchange resin. The color indicator element is located in an oxidative disinfectant-containing liquid medium. This color indicator element provides a color indication of the presence of the oxidative disinfectant, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, in the liquid medium, and preferably a different color indication of the substantial absence of the oxidative disinfectant in the liquid medium.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: A water soluble, antimicrobial composition having antifungal activity useful for disinfecting a contact lens comprise (a) polyhexamethylene biguanide and (b) iodopropynylbutyl carbamate, in a weight ratio of (a):(b) of at least 100:1.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a hydrogen peroxide stable contact lens is provided wherein a contact lens is contacted with a hydrogen peroxide solution in a container and a hydrogen peroxide decomposition means is provided in said container, which means is adapted to permit the contact lens to have a cumulative (% peroxide) (min) exposure from the time said decomposition means contacts said peroxide containing solution, time zero, over a period of no greater than 12 hours of at least 20% peroxide.multidot.minute. An apparatus capable of carrying out such method is also provided herein. The hydrogen peroxide decomposition means may be, for example, a prepoisoned catalyst, a catalyst partially enclosed in a tube, a dual catalyst control system or a distributed catalyst control system.

Abstract: An improved method for rapid disinfection of contact lenses in a convenient and reliable manner is disclosed in which a series of oxidation-reduction reactions are employed. Specifically, dicheoroisocyanurate and potassium iodide react to form iodine species for disinfecting the contact lens. An amount of ascorbate is then added to neutralize the iodine species.

Abstract: A composition including a neutralizing system and a sequestering agent is described which prevents the accumulation of inorganic deposits on contact lenses, particularly when used regularly in a conventional hydrogen peroxide disinfection regimen. The neutralizing system includes at least one reducing agent, a reductase, or both. The sequestering agent preferably is gluconic acid, a polymetaphosphate or their salts. Sodium hexametaphosphate is the most preferred sequestering agent; catalase is the most preferred agent for use as the neutralizing system.

Abstract: A method is provided for the sterilization or disinfection of an object in need of such treatment. The object is immersed in a sterilizing or disinfecting solution containing an antimicrobial effective amount of at least one cationic or at least one anionic antimicrobial agent in the presence of a scavenger element containing a scavenger material which is a cationic exchange resin or an anionic exchange resin. Over a period of time, the scavenger element removes from the solution the cationic or anionic antimicrobial agent at a rate which permits sterilization or disinfection of the object and which prevents undesirable build-up of the antimicrobial agent in or on the object. The object is allowed to remain in the solution for a time sufficient for the scavenger element to remove a sufficient amount of the antimicrobial agent to render the object safe for use for its intended purpose and the object is then removed from the solution.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: Certain alkenyl diamines, the use of same for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses and preserving ophthalmic products, and associated ophthalmic compositions are described.

Abstract: A rapid cleaning and disinfecting method and composition for ophthalmic devices, e.g. contact lenses. The composition includes, on a weight basis, 10-50% of a C.sub.3-8 alkylene glycol, 2-30% of a lower alkanol, 2-15% of a surfactant, 0-2% pH adjusting agent, 0-5% tonicity builder, viscosity enhancing agent in an amount from 0 to the amount required to bring the solution viscosity to 100 cps, and the balance water. The method involves mechanically rubbing the ophthalmic device with the cleaning/disinfecting composition followed by rinsing the device.

Abstract: A disinfection solution, primarily for use in conjunction with contact lenses is disclosed comprising an amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable ionic salt which is equivalent in ionic strength to at least 5% w/v sodium chloride, at least one of a C.sub.2-6 alkanol and a C.sub.3-8 alkylene glycol, a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant, optionally a buffer, and water.

Abstract: Compositions for treating contact lenses, particularly rigid, gas permeable contact lenses, comprise a quaternary nitrogen-containing ethoxylated alkyl glucoside.

Abstract: Certain amidoamines, the use of same for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses and preserving ophthalmic products, and associated ophthalmic compositions are described.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions, such as those used to care for contact lenses, methods of preserving such compositions, and methods for disinfecting contact lenses using such compositions are disclosed. The compositions may comprise an ophthalmically acceptable, liquid aqueous medium and, included therein, an effective preserving or disinfecting amount of grapefruit seed extract.

Abstract: A one-step process for sterilizing a contact lens using an aqueous solution of a sterilant which may be a peroxygen disinfectant, an inorganic hypochlorite compound or a hypochlorite precursor compound. The process involves the step of contacting the lens with a solution containing a sterilant (e.g. hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, etc.) and activated carbon for a period of time to effect sterilization of the lens and to decompose substantially all of any sterilant remaining after sterilization of the lens to ophthalmologically innocuous by-products. The activated carbon has a surface area in excess of about 500 m.sup.2 /g and a pore volume of at least about 0.75 ml/g.

Abstract: Contact lenses are cleaned by contacting the lenses with a composition containing an effective amount of one or more cyclodextrins. The compositions can also be employed at elevated temperatures or may contain suitable antimicrobial agents in order to simultaneously clean and disinfect the lenses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for disinfecting a contact lens are disclosed. The apparatus includes a color indicator element comprising a redox polymer containing a repeating unit which has a stable oxidized state and a stable reduced state. This color indicator element provides a color indication of the presence of the oxidative disinfectant, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, in the liquid medium.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses includes forming a disinfection solution containing an ophthalmically safe amount of a disinfecting agent, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, and providing an effective amount of a proteolytic enzyme, such as subtilisin A. The disinfecting agent and proteolytic enzyme are selected such that in the working solution, the disinfection efficacy of the disinfecting agent is at least maintained. Preferably, after cleaning and disinfection, the lens can be rinsed with the disinfection solution, whereby the lens may then be directly inserted in the eye of the contact lens user without further rinsing.

Abstract: Aqueous ophthalmic compositions containing water-soluble borate-polyol complexes are useful in aqueous ophthalmic compositions containing polyvinyl alcohol. These compositions provide the benefits of a borate buffering system, such as enhanced antimicrobial activity, without the problems associated with the use of borate and pol, such as formation of borate-polyvinyl alcohol complexes which are water-insoluble.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses, for example, contact lenses, and to contact lens cases having antimicrobial properties. More particularly, the invention relates to lenses and contact lens cases made from materials which comprise polymeric materials and effective antimicrobial components.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in destroying residual oxidative disinfectant, e.g., used to disinfect a contact lens, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises contacting an oxidative disinfectant-containing liquid medium with a material selected from glutathione, oxidized glutathione and mixtures thereof, and a co-factor selected from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and mixtures thereof in the presence of glutathione reductase in an amount effective to promote the oxidation of the co-factor.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning, disinfecting, storing and wetting rigid gas permeable contact lenses is provided. The system includes a cleaning, disinfecting and storing solution and a separate wetting solution. Both solutions contain hydrophilic disinfectants or preservatives which do not inhibit proper wetting of rigid gas permeable contact lenses. The lenses are stored in the cleaning, disinfecting and storing solution during nonwearing periods. This storage also acts as a secondary or backup cleaning treatment to help remove any residual contaminants after the primary cleaning with this solution.

Abstract: Process for sterilizing a contact lens using an aqueous solution of a sterilant which may be a peroxygen disinfectant, an inorganic hypochlorite compound or a hypochlorite precursor compound. The process involves the steps of contacting the lens with the aqueous solution for a period of time sufficient to effect sterilization of the lens; and thereafter contacting the resultant aqueous solution and lens with an amount of activated carbon and for a period of time sufficient to decompose substantially all of any residual sterilant to ophthalmologically innocuous by-products.

Abstract: Novel polymeric antimicrobials having spacer moieties between amine and/or ammonium moieties have good antifungal activity. These compounds are useful in pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions as preservatives and in contact lens care compositions as preservatives and/or disinfectants.

Abstract: A contact lens polymer material cleaning and disinfecting solution has about 21% by weight of a C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 alkylene glycol, about 16% by weight of a lower alkanol, and 5% by weight of an ophthalmic device material compatible surfactant, about 1% by weight of a pH adjusting or regulating agent, about 1% by weight of a tonicity builder, about 0.1% of a viscosity enhancing agent, and water.

Abstract: The method of imparting antimicrobial activity to a contact lens composition by adding to the composition an effective amount of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a lens is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a lens to be disinfected in a liquid medium with at least one chlorine dioxide precursor in the presence of at least one acidic component effective to increase the rate of formation of chlorine dioxide from the chlorine dioxide precursor, thereby disinfecting the lens; and adjusting the acidity of the liquid medium containing the disinfected lens. Compositions useful in the above-noted method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition in the form of a gel is effective to disinfect contact lenses. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial composition comprises: water; hydrogen peroxide in an amount effective to disinfect a contact lens contacted with the antimicrobial composition; and a gelling component in an amount effective to maintain the antimicrobial composition as a gel.

Abstract: A novel aqueous solution for use in electrochemical cleaning and disinfecting is disclosed. The aqueous solution comprises hydrogen peroxide, a blend of a first ionizable salt and second ionizable salt, and a buffer, with the first ionizable salt being sodium chloride and the second ionizable salt including a metal of Group IA or IIA of the Periodic Table. Preferably a surfactant is included which is a non-ionic surfactant. Also, the preferred buffer is a phosphate buffer system. The preferred second ionizable salt is disclosed as being sodium sulfate.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid medium containing dissolved chlorine dioxide comprises a reservoir which defines a receptacle adapted for holding a precursor liquid medium having chlorine dioxide precursor dissolved therein and a tip assembly into which the precursor liquid medium passes after the precursor liquid exits the receptacle. The tip assembly comprises a chamber in which is located a promoter component effective to promote the generation of chlorine dioxide from the chlorine dioxide precursor in the liquid medium present in the chamber, an outlet providing a path for the liquid medium containing dissolved chlorine dioxide to exit the chamber, and an isolation assembly acting to effectively separate the precursor liquid medium in the reservoir from the promoter when it is desired that the precursor liquid medium from the reservoir be separated from the catalyst.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions, such as those used to care for contact lenses, methods of preserving such compositions, and methods for disinfecting contact lenses using such compositions are disclosed. The compositions may comprise an ophthalmically acceptable, liquid aqueous medium and, included therein, an effective preserving or disinfecting amount of an ophthalmically acceptable quaternary ammonium substituted matrix material, the matrix material being selected from the group consisting of proteinaceous materials, carbohydrate materials and mixtures thereof.