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: An aqueous solution for treating glaucoma comprises 0.1-5.0% of a specially purified catecholamine e.g., epinephrine, 0.5-5.0% of a thiol, e.g., N-acetyl-L-cysteine, an acid compound unless the thiol is acid) to solubilize the catecholamine and a base e.g., NH.sub.4 OH to bring the pH to 6.0-7.5, the solution being free from borate ions. The acid compound, if used can be e.g., lactic acid, which may be buffered with ammonium lactate, or ammonium dihydrogen phosphate; preferably alkali metal ions are avoided. Guanethidine or like compounds which potentiate epinephrine can also be present.