Abstract: An ophthalmic solution useful for the reduction of corneal edema is provided. The preparation comprises an aqueous solution of pentahydric or hexahydric alcohols in optional combination with other eye-treating ingredients. Examples of appropriate alcohols include sorbitol, inositol, and xylitol with sorbitol being especially preferred.

Abstract: Chlorhexidine gluconate containing solutions are stabilized against precipitation upon freezing by the addition thereto of certain nonionic surfactants.

Abstract: Hard type contact lenses, such as those made of poly methyl methacrylate, are treated with an aqueous colloidal suspension of a physiologically inert inorganic hydrous oxide to render the lens surfaces wettable by lacrimal fluids thus decreasing eye irritation and increasing wearing comfort.

Abstract: Silicone and/or hydrophilic soft contact lenses are freed of proteinaceous and other deposits by rubbing them with an aqueous solution of a crystalline sodium silicate having a pH of 10.2 - 10.9 and rinsing. The solution may contain in addition sodium chloride in isotonic amount, viscosity agents, wetting agents, detergents and bactericides.

Abstract: A superior hydrophilic gel polymer and contact lenses therefrom are formed by bulk polymerization of about 100 parts by volume of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 10 parts by volume of isobutyl methacrylate, 0.136 parts by volume of trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, 1.35 parts by volume of methacrylic acid in the presence of 0.25 parts by volume of 2,5 dimethyl 2,5 bis (2-ethyl hexoyl peroxy) hexane at a temperature of about 65.degree. C to produce a material which, when hydrated, exhibits a water content of about 43% and a linear expansion of about 22%.

Abstract: Proteinaceous material on the surfaces of hydrophilic gel contact lenses is removed by contacting the lenses with an aqueous suspension of pancreatin without absorption of pancreatin into the lens structure. Pancreatin is formulated as tablets using sodium chloride and boric acid as binding agents thus providing a convenient, measured amount of pancreatin for cleaning a single pair of contact lenses.

Abstract: Herpes infections are treated topically with thimerosal (sodium ethylmercurithiosalicilate).

Abstract: Silicone and/or hydrophilic soft contact lenses are freed of proteinaceous and other deposits by rubbing them with a buffered, aqueous solution of a crystalline sodium silicate, and rinsing. Heavy encrustations or deposits remaining after the above treatment may be removed from the lenses by heating them in said solution, removing them and rinsing.

Abstract: An opthalmic solution is provided for treatment of "dry eye", providing lubricating and cushioning effects for traumatized eyes, including trauma caused by the wearing of hard or gel-type contact lenses, and as a carrier for opthalmic medicaments. The solution is an aqueous solution of polystyrene sulfonate, optionally and preferably including polyethylene glycol, and other optional ingredients.

Abstract: A superior hydrophilic gel polymer and contact lenses therefrom are formed by bulk polymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 1 to 20 weight percent N-(1,1-dimethyl-3-oxobutyl) acrylamide, or a mixture thereof with iso-butyl methacrylate, up to 5 weight percent cyclohexyl methacrylate, and about 0.01 to 0.50 weight percent trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate.

Abstract: An ophthalmic solution is provided for treatment of "dry eye", providing lubricating and cushioning effects for traumatized eyes, including trauma caused by the wearing of hard or gel-type contact lenses, and as a carrier for ophthalmic medicaments. The solution is an aqueous solution of polyethylene oxide, optionally polyethylene glycol, and other optional ingredients.