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: A system and method for cleaning, conditioning, storing and wetting rigid gas permeable contact lenses is provided. The system includes a cleaning, conditioning 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, conditioning 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.In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a preservative system is provided for a contact lens solution that comprises high purity benzyl alcohol.

Abstract: Preservative systems which may be incorporated into aqueous compositions for the wetting and re-wetting of contact lenses and especially silicone copolymer (gas-permeable) and soft contact lenses are provided. The preservative system includes trimethoprim, a salt of EDTA and sorbic acid or ascorbic acid as adjuvant bactericides. The use of preservatives which are known to cause eye irritation, such as thimerosal, benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine is eliminated. Wetting and re-wetting compositions which incorporate the preservative system and include thickening and wetting agents are also provided. The wetting and re-wetting solutions can be instilled directly into the eye during contact lens wearing periods and are especially useful for wetting silicone copolymer contact lenses. A method of wetting silicone copolymer lenses is also provided.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions for the wetting and rewetting of contact lenses and especially silicone, silicone copolymer (gas-permeable) and soft contact lenses are provided that include a preservative system. The preservative system includes trimethoprim, and benzyl alcohol as an adjuvant bactericide and optionally a salt of EDTA. The use of preservatives which are known to cause eye irritation and lens discoloration such as thimerosal, sorbic acid, potassium chloride and chlorhexidine is eliminated. Wetting and re-wetting compositions which incorporate the preservative system and include thickening and wetting agents are also provided. The wetting and re-wetting solutions can be instilled directly into the eye during contact lens wearing periods and are especially useful for wetting silicone, silicone copolymer and soft daily and extended wear contact lenses.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions for the ambient temperature or cold disinfection of soft contact lenses during non-wearing periods is provided. The composition includes water and a disinfectant composition comprising an effective amount of trimethoprim for killing bacteria, usually between about 0.05% and 4.0% by weight of the total aqueous composition and an effective amount of benzyl alcohol as agent to and adjuvant bactericide, usually between about 0.50% and 5.0% by weight of the total composition and optionally a salt of EDTA. A method is provided for treating the lenses to kill bacteria associated with the lenses.

Abstract: Preservative systems which may be incorporated into aqueous compositions for the daily cleaning of silicone copolymer (gas-permeable) and soft contact lenses are provided. The preservative system may comprise solely trimethoprim. Adjuvant bactericides may also be present, such as a salt of EDTA, sorbic acid, ascorbic acid or benzyl alcohol. One suitable cleaning composition which incorporates the preservative system includes three types of detergents. The cleaning composition is effective in removing both proteins and lipids and calcium from the surfaces of soft contact lenses and aids in preventing deposits from forming and binding to the lenses.

Abstract: Preservative systems which may be incorporated into aqueous compositions for the wetting and re-wetting of contact lenses and especially silicone copolymer (gas-permeable) and soft contact lenses are provided. The perservative system includes trimethoprim, a salt of EDTA and sorbic acid or ascorbic acid as adjuvant bactericides. The use of preservatives which are known to cause eye irritation, such as thimerosal, benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine is eliminated. Wetting and re-wetting compositions which incorporate the preservative system and include thickening and wetting agents are also provided. The wetting and rewetting solutions can be instilled directly into the eye during contact lens wearing periods and are especially useful for wetting silicone copolymer contact lenses. A method of wetting silicone copolymer lenses is also provided.

Abstract: Preservative systems which may be incorporated into aqueous compositions for the daily cleaning of silicone copolymer (gas-permeable) and soft contact lenses are provided. The preservative system includes trimethoprim, a salt of EDTA and an adjuvant bactericide that is either sorbic acid or ascorbic acid. One suitable cleaning composition which incorporates the preservative system includes three types of detergents. The cleaning composition is effective in removing both proteins and lipids from the surfaces of soft contact lenses and aids in preventing deposits from forming and binding to the lenses.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions for the ambient temperature or cold disinfection of soft contact lenses during non-wearing periods is provided. The composition includes water and a disinfectant composition comprising an effective amount of an ascorbic acid compound for killing bacteria, generally between about 0.1% and 20% by weight of the total aqueous composition, calculated as ascorbic acid. The disinfectant composition may also include a potentiating agent to further enhance the kill factor of ascorbic acid with respect to fungi, yeasts and viruses. A method is provided for treating the lenses to kill bacteria associated with the lenses.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions for the ambient temperature or cold disinfection of soft contact lenses during non-wearing periods is provided. The composition includes water and a disinfectant composition comprising an effective amount of an ascorbic acid compound for killing bacteria, generally between about 0.1% and 20% by weight of the total aqueous composition, calculated as ascorbic acid. The disinfectant composition may also include a potentiating agent to further enhance the kill factor of ascorbic acid with respect to fungi, yeasts and viruses.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for cleaning rinsing and cold disinfecting of soft contact lenses during non-wearing periods is provided. The composition comprises a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer having a molecular weight between about 1,100 and 14,000, a water solubility in excess of about 10 grams per 100 milliliters, a cloud point in 1% aqueous solution above about 32.degree. C. and a foam height in excess of 30 millimeters; a physiologically acceptable nonionic surface acting agent having a water solubility in excess of one gram per 100 milliliters, a cloud point in 1% aqueous solution of from about 65.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. and a foam height in excess of 25 millimeters; a humectant, preservative, antimicrobial and fungal growth inhibitor composition which is physiologically compatible and compatible with soft and semi-hard contact lenses which includes ascorbic acid in a concentration of from about 0.1 percent to about 10.0 percent of the total aqueous composition.

Abstract: An improved container for storing and conditioning both hard and soft contact lenses. A pair of lens-retaining baskets are pivotally mounted within the cap of a fluid-tight container. With the cap removed and inverted, the baskets may be folded outwardly to allow unimpaired access to the lenses therein. The basket lids open in a common direction, providing immediate identification of right and left lens baskets.