Abstract: A method of treating contact lenses made from polymerizable materials by providing supercritical fluids to the lenses.

Abstract: Novel monomers of the general formula ##STR1## where b is 0 or 1, a is 1, 2, 3 or 4, R.sup.2 is a monovalent alkyl radical and R is an organic radical. The novel monomers may be employed to produce novel copolymers useful as hydrogel, soft non-hydrogel and/or rigid gas permeable contact lens materials.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lens having UV-absorbing properties involves charging to a mold a monomer mixture comprising lens-forming monomers and an essentially non-UV-absorbing compound, and curing the monomer mixture to form a lens, followed by treating the lens to convert the essentially non-UV-absorbing compound to a UV-absorbing agent.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for collecting and pooling the contents of a multiple number of individual sample containers, the apparatus comprising an autoclavable collection bottle capped with a closure-adaptor means having at least one passageway for transfering the fluid contents of the sample containers into the collection bottle. In one embodiment of the invention, the closure-adaptor means comprises a plastic retainer ring for securely holding a flanged cylindrical stopper in which the above-mentioned passageway is formed. Still another aspect of the invention relates to a method of sample testing comprising collecting a pooled sample of a solution or gel, inoculating and/or filtering the pooled sample, and analyzing the inoculated sample or the filter retentate for microbial contamination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confirming the presence of a contact lens in its intended package employs an infrared detection system that is able to detect the presence or absence of a contact lens in the package.

Abstract: A toric contact lens includes a posterior surface and an anterior surface, one of these surfaces including a toric optical zone, and these surfaces being shaped to form a ballast. A diameter of the posterior optical zone and a diameter of the anterior optical zone are selected to minimize thickness of the lens based on the cylindrical correction of the lens.

Abstract: A contact lens includes an anterior surface and a posterior surface where the posterior surface includes a central zone and a peripheral zone, where the radius of curvature of the central zone is at least 0.4 mm, and preferably at least 0.6 mm, greater than the radius of curvature of the peripheral zone.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods used as in-the-eye and/or out-of-eye inhibitors of proteinaceous deposits on hydrophilic contact lenses. Compositions of the present invention comprise moderately charged polyquaternium polymers that selectively bind to hydrophilic contact lenses to block the binding of proteinaceous materials. Compositions of the present invention may be used in multipurpose cleaning solutions for contact lenses and can eliminate the need for special enzyme cleaners and the like for removing proteinaceous materials.

Abstract: A contact lens package has a raised surface with an arcuate cross-section surrounding a well which holds a contact lens and solution. A flexible lidstock is removably sealed to the raised surface.

Abstract: Contact lenses include a posterior surface including a first identifiable marking, and an anterior surface includes a second identifiable marking different from the first marking, the first and second markings in combination designating the optical correction of the lenses. The lenses are useful in methods where the markings are used to identify characteristics of the lens.

Abstract: A method of treating contact lenses made from polymerizable materials by providing supercritical fluids to the lenses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confirming the presence of contact lens packages in a secondary carton is disclosed, where a sensor that detects the presence or absence of metallic lidstock of the packages through the secondary carton.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrating is provided for hydrating a lens and extracting residual materials from the lens. The apparatus includes a shaft; multiple arms extending radially from a lower end of the shaft about a central axis in a star-shaped pattern, each arm including a fin extending therebelow such that multiple fins also extend radially with respect to said central axis, wherein the fins including lower outer edges that converge and form a nozzle face. A fluid transport passage extends through the shaft and terminates at an opening in the nozzle face, whereby fluid can be evacuated from the lens through this passage. Preferably, at least one recessed channel is formed in the nozzle face where the fins converge, wherein each of these channels extends from the opening in the nozzle face that forms a terminus of the fluid transport passage to a space between two adjacent fins. The lower outer edges of the fins have an arcuate surface, the arcuate surfaces forming a convex-shaped nozzle face.

Abstract: A method for separating one mold section from another mold section and a contact lens molded in the two mold sections provides improved reliability that the lens is not damaged during this operation and that the lens is retained selectively on the desired. Various embodiments of apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to certain hydrophilic polymers. These polymers undergo negligible shrinkage when polymerized and are highly hydrophilic, rendering them useful in a variety of applications.

Abstract: There are disclosed compositions and methods for cleaning contact lenses using water soluble enzyme-polymer conjugates. A preferred method includes providing the subject enzyme-polymer conjugates in a tablet form, dissolving the tablet in an aqueous solution and subsequently soaking a contact lens in the resulting solution. Other methods include providing the enzyme-polymer conjugate in a liquid form and contacting a contact lens therewith.

Abstract: Low water silicone-containing elastomers are based on a hydroxy- or amino-terminated prepolymer derived from an ethylenically unsaturated silicon-containing monomer, and at least one monomer reactive with hydroxyl- or amino-functional radicals of the prepolymer. The elastomers are especially useful as contact lens materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for curing lenses involves supporting mold assemblies containing lens-forming mixture on plates, where the plates are stacked vertically with sufficient clearance to separate adjacent plates of mold assemblies.

Abstract: A contact lens button and a block are integrally formed together when the contact lens button is cast in a cup having an aperture formed in the center of the bottom wall of the cup. The block has a first elongated end forming a spindle and a second end which is of circular, generally planar configuration. The spindle end is inserted through the aperture in the bottom wall of the cup providing an interference fit with the circular end portion located inside the cup spaced parallel to and slightly upwardly from the bottom wall, and the first spindle end extends exteriorly of the cup. A quantity of liquid lens material is dispensed into the cup, completely surrounding the circular end portion of the block. The material cures around the block second end, with the formed button and block removable from the cup as a single unit. The block first end is secured to a lathe chuck for rotating the button to cut the concave base surface of the lens.

Abstract: A method of injection molding contact lens molds for cast molding contact lenses having a rotationally asymmetric lens surface, and apparatus for carrying out the method, are disclosed.