Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid medium containing dissolved chlorine dioxide comprises a reservoir which defines a receptacle adapted for holding a precursor liquid medium having chlorine dioxide precursor dissolved therein and a tip assembly into which the precursor liquid medium passes after the precursor liquid exits the receptacle. The tip assembly comprises a chamber in which is located a promoter component effective to promote the generation of chlorine dioxide from the chlorine dioxide precursor in the liquid medium present in the chamber, an outlet providing a path for the liquid medium containing dissolved chlorine dioxide to exit the chamber, and an isolation assembly acting to effectively separate the precursor liquid medium in the reservoir from the promoter when it is desired that the precursor liquid medium from the reservoir be separated from the catalyst.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a lens is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a lens to be disinfected in a liquid medium with at least one chlorine dioxide precursor in the presence of at least one acidic component effective to increase the rate of formation of chlorine dioxide from the chlorine dioxide precursor, thereby disinfecting the lens; and adjusting the acidity of the liquid medium containing the disinfected lens. Compositions useful in the above-noted method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a contact lens is disclosed. This method comprises contacting a contact lens to be disinfected in a liquid medium with chlorine dioxide present in an amount effective to disinfect the contact lens to be disinfected.