Abstract: A sterilizing solution for contact lenses particularly those formed of a hydrophilic polymer comprises (a) an alkali metal salt of formic acid, and (b) an iodophor selected from the group consisting of complexes of iodine with hydrophilic polymer and non-ionic surface active agent. The alkali metal salt and the iodophor are present in predetermined quantities such that the sterilizing solution contains sufficient alkali metal salt to reduce the available iodine level of the sterilizing solution to substantially zero within a period of from 30 minutes to 8 hours at a temperature of from 20.degree. to 25.degree. C. The iodophor and the alkali metal salt of formic acid may be packaged in solid or powdered form, particularly in unit doses, and made into solution at the point of use.

Abstract: Watersoluble terpolymers based on three monomer units all of formula: ##STR1## (or possibly the 5-membered ring analogue) wherein the N-substituents are respectively (A) low-low e.g. dimethyl (B) low-medium e.g. methyloctyl and (C) low-higher e.g. methyllauryl or methylcetyl, in molecular size; B:C being usually 5:1 to 0.333:1 (perferably 2:1 to 1:1) in weight ratio, and species less than 10,000 or preferably 20,000 m.w. usually being removed, have surprisingly effective sterilizing activity e.g. against Candida while (a) not accumulating in soft contact lenses, whereby they can be used as an overnight nonirritant aqueous sterilant solution at concentrations below 0.1 weight percent e.g. 0.05 or less and (b) not penetrating skin or like membrane whereby aqueous formulations can be used as topical disinfectants without systemic side-effects.

Abstract: A light-sensitive and oxygen-sensitive liquid such as an adrenalin solution for ophthalmic use is sealed within a polymer vessel provided with a dropper spout, the closed vessel itself being sealed within a light-tight gas-impermeable envelope which is purged with a non-reactive gas or is under vacuum. The envelope is preferably a three-component laminate of nylon aluminum foil and polypropylene.