Abstract: The use of NIPAM polymers to prevent or reduce the formation of protein deposits on the surfaces of medical devices is described. The invention is particularly directed to reduction of the adsorption of proteins on surfaces of contact lenses and other medical prosthetics.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition comprising a polymeric biguanide composition having less than 18 mol % of terminal amine groups and 55 mol % or greater of terminal guanidine groups as measured by 13C NMR, and 0.005 w/v % to 0.04 w/v % hyaluronic acid. Alternatively, the ophthalmic composition comprises a polymeric biguanide composition comprising less than 18 mol % of terminal amine groups and 40 mol % or greater of terminal cyanoguanidino groups as measured by 13C NMR, and 0.005 w/v % to 0.04 w/v % hyaluronic acid. The compositions can be used for cleaning, disinfecting or packaging a contact lens.

Abstract: An aqueous contact lens storage solution comprises a viscoelastic rheology modifier; and not more than 0.3% w/v of an alkali metal salt; the solution has a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0 and an osmolality of between 100 and 400 mOsm/kg, and the solution has viscoelastic properties, even if heat sterilized at 121° C. for at least 15 minutes. The viscoelastic rheology modifier may be selected from the following acids or their alkali metal salts: hyaluronic acid, poly (acrylic acid), crosslinked poly (acrylic acid), poly (methacrylic acid), carboxymethyl cellulose, alginic acid and mixtures thereof. The alkali metal salt may be present in an amount of from 0.01% to 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the occurrence of superficial punctate staining comprising the step of packaging, storing or contacting an uncoated ophthalmic lens comprising at least one polymeric wetting agent and polymer units derived from at least one silicone containing component in a solution comprising an osmolality of about 220 mOsm/kg or greater.

Abstract: A polymeric biguanide composition comprising less than 18 mol % of terminal amine groups as measured by 13C NMR. The polymeric biguanide composition also is characterized by a relative increase in the molar concentration of terminal guanidine groups or terminal cyanoguanidino groups. The invention is also directed to ophthalmic compositions comprising the polymeric biguanide compositions. The polymeric biguanide compositions can be used as an antimicrobial component in an ophthalmic lens care solution, or as a preservative to in a pharmaceutical composition or other health care product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that modulate the shikimate pathway and/or a pathway branching from the shikimate pathway in members of the Amoebida Order. In particular these compounds may be useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases caused or contributed to by members of the Amoebida Order.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting, cleaning or packaging a contact lens by contacting the lens with an ophthalmically acceptable lens care composition. The composition comprises a fatty acid monoester and a cationic antimicrobial component. The fatty acid monoester comprises an aliphatic fatty acid portion having six to fourteen carbon atoms, and an aliphatic hydroxyl portion. The invention is also directed to an ophthalmically acceptable lens care composition comprising a fatty acid monoester and a cationic antimicrobial component.

Abstract: Compositions effective as disinfecting solutions for ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses are provided. The compositions include a microbicide, preferably polyhexamethylene biguanide or alexidine, and a water soluble salt of a bis-aminopolyol, preferably 1,3-bis(tris[hydroxymethyl]methylamino)propane, as a buffering agent.

Abstract: A method of making a disinfecting solution that is effective at disinfecting contact lenses. The method includes the step of combining water, one or more antimicrobial agents and a reduced amount of solid content into a dissolved liquid mixture. The process results in an improved disinfection efficacy compared to a reference solution.

Abstract: A method of treating contact lens intolerance includes the steps of: providing a solution comprising an essential fatty acid, and applying the solution to a surface of the contact lens. Preferably, the essential fatty acid is an omega-3 fatty acid. The contact lens can be soaked in a container holding a supply of the solution, or the solution can be applied via a dropper directly to the contact lens in the eye or while on a surface or in a container. The contact lens can have the solution applied during manufacture as a part of the contact lens material or as a solution saturated into the contact lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant ?-amylases that may be produced at high yield from recombinant microorganisms.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an aqueous composition and methods for clean lipid deposits on contact lenses. In particular, a combination of non-ionic surfactants, branched and/or straight poly(ethylene oxide-propylene oxide) (PEO-PPO) block copolymers having HLB value greater than or equal to 18, with an additional straight poly(ethylene oxide-propylene oxide) (PEO-PPO) block copolymers having HLB value less than or equal to 15, has been found to improve the lipid cleaning properties of an aqueous composition for contact lenses and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, yeast and molds without adversely affecting the comfort or safety in terms of the level of toxicity to eye tissue.

Abstract: The use of NIPAM polymers to prevent or reduce the formation of protein deposits on the surfaces of medical devices is described. The invention is particularly directed to reduction of the adsorption of proteins on surfaces of contact lenses and other medical prosthetics.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method of selecting a contact lens suitable for a wearer and/or a care system therefor, by which the occurrence of problems (for example, worsening in the feel during wearing, lowering in the oxygen permeability of the lens, shortening in the lens life, lowering in the visual acuity, corneal injury, etc.) can be minimized to thereby ensure a high safety for the eye, namely, a method which comprises collecting the lacrimal fluid of a wearer, detecting the protein content and/or the lipid content in the lacrimal fluid thus obtained (Step S5), estimating the dirt adhesion characteristics of the wearer to a contact lens based on the protein content and/or lipid content thus detected, and then selecting a contact lens suitable for the wearer and/or a care system therefor from among a plurality of contact lenses and a plurality of care systems (Step S6).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic solution for soft contact lenses for controlled release of polyethers into an eye's tear film. Polyether components of the subject solution are released from the soft contact lens material matrix over long time periods to produce longer lasting wetting performance, improved lubricity, improved end-of-the-day comfort and reduced feeling of dryness from wearing contact lenses. The present invention also includes the use of cationic polyelectrolytes for controlling the swelling of hydrogel contact lenses typically caused by the absorption of high concentrations of polyethers.

Abstract: A liquid preparation for a contact lens is provided, including at least one disinfectant selected from the group consisting of germicidal biguanides and germicidal quaternary ammonium salts (Component A), glycolic acid and/or asparatic acid (Component B), and 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol or a salt thereof (Component C). Component B and Component C are provided in a sufficient amount to fulfill a predetermined molar ratio.

Abstract: A multi-purpose contact lens care solution having high activity against fungi and certain bacteria comprising, in liquid aqueous medium, an alkylamine having the following formula, where R1 is a C13-17 alkyl, and R2 and R3 are each independently H or —CH3, and a non-ionic surfactant. The solution may optionally also include additional antimicrobial components, a buffer component, a viscosity inducing component, a surfactant, taurine, propylene glycol and/or a tonicity component. This solution additionally prevents losses in ocular tissue membrane integrity during contact lens wear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contact lens care product comprising dexpanthenol. The invention similarly relates to the usage of a contact lens care compositions of this kind for cleaning and optionally disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: Multi-purpose solutions for contact lens care provide substantial lens wearer/user comfort and/or acceptability, with minimal, if any, corneal epithelial punctate fluorescein staining. Such solutions may include an aqueous liquid medium; an antimicrobial component comprising polyquarternium-1 and a hexamethylene biguanide polymer having a number average molecular weight in the range of from about 4,000 to about 45,000; a surfactant component, preferably a poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block copolymer surfactant, in an effective amount; a buffer component in an effective amount; a viscosity-inducing component, preferably selected from cellulosic derivatives, in an effective amount; and a tonicity component in an effective amount. Such solutions have substantial performance, comfort and acceptability benefits, which, ultimately, lead to ocular health advantages and avoidance of problems caused by contact lens wear.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions include a polycation material to enhance antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria such as E. coli. The compositions include eye drop and contact lens treating solutions. A preferred polycation material is cationic cellulose derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic solution for soft contact lenses for controlled release of polyethers into an eye's tear film. Polyether components of the subject solution are released from the soft contact lens material matrix over long time periods to produce longer lasting wetting performance, improved lubricity, improved end-of-the-day comfort and reduced feeling of dryness from wearing contact lenses. The present invention also includes the use of cationic polyelectrolytes for controlling the swelling of hydrogel contact lenses typically caused by the absorption of high concentrations of polyethers.

Abstract: A composition for disinfecting a contact lens comprising an effective disinfecting amount of hydrogen peroxide and a surfactant comprising a copolymer of hydrophobe and hydrophile blocks the structure: HO-(hydrophobe)x-(hydrophile)y-(hydrophobe)x-H or HO-(hydrophile)y-(hydrophobe)x-(hydrophile)y-H where x and y are integers reflecting the respective hydrophile and hydrophobe blocks of said copolymer; and the hydrophile component of the block copolymer constitutes less than 50 weight percent of the block copolymer. The block copolymer has a Ross-Miles foam height (ASTM designation D-1173-53; 0.1%, at 50° C.) of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions for contact lenses are described. The compositions contain multifunctional anionic surfactants that include at least two hydrophilic dissociating head groups. The multifunctional surfactants described (e.g., LED3A) possess both surface active and chelating properties, and have been found to be particularly effective in removing protein deposits from contact lenses.

Abstract: Alkylpolypropyleneoxide amidotriamines having antimicrobial activity are described. The compounds are useful as antimicrobial preservatives in various types of pharmaceutical compositions. Ophthalmic compositions containing these compounds as disinfecting agents or preservatives are also described.

Abstract: A method and composition for disinfecting a contact lens is disclosed. The method includes treating a lens with an aqueous solution having reduced toxicity to the eye which contains an effective amount of a monoperphthalic acid compound in a concentration of less than about 0.5% by weight of the solution. The lens disinfecting solution is capable of disinfecting contact lenses without irritating the eye due to reduced toxicity of the composition.

Abstract: Multi-purpose solutions for contact lens care provide substantial lens wearer/user comfort and/or acceptability, with minimal, if any, corneal epithelial punctate fluorescein staining. Such solutions may include an aqueous liquid medium; an antimicrobial component comprising polyquarternium-1 and a hexamethylene biguanide polymer having a number average molecular weight in the range of from about 4,000 to about 45,000; a surfactant component, preferably a poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block copolymer surfactant, in an effective amount; a buffer component in an effective amount; a viscosity-inducing component, preferably selected from cellulosic derivatives, in an effective amount; and a tonicity component in an effective amount. Such solutions have substantial performance, comfort and acceptability benefits, which, ultimately, lead to ocular health advantages and avoidance of problems caused by contact lens wear.

Abstract: An in-eye method for cleaning contact lenses comprises use of a cleaner using water-containing beads. The water-containing beads are prepared such that the bead size is smaller than the punctual opening. They are easily flushed from the ocular environment by normal tear flow. The cleaner may also be used to clean contact lenses, with the cleaner applied directly to the lens and digitally rubbed to remove accumulated debris on the lens.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the adherence of lenses to hydrophobic packing materials using compounds of Formula I are disclosed herein, where R1-R12, a, b, z, x, q, m, and n are defined herein

Abstract: An automatic eyeglass cleaner is provided in accordance with the invention. A specially formulated cleaning and conditioning solution is also provided for use with the automatic cleaner. A tank in the automatic cleaner is filled with the cleaning and conditioning solution; the eyewear is folded up and clipped to the bottom of the open lid of the cleaner, then the lid is closed to lower the eyewear into the solution. The cleaning cycle starts with the push of a button and the eyewear is agitated in the solution. The cleaning cycle stops automatically after a pre-set time, the lid pops up and any excess solution is shaken off the eyewear by the cleaner leaving a thin film on the lenses. A microfiber cloth is used to give the lenses a final touch-up that helps fill in microscopic scratches.

Abstract: An in-eye method for cleaning contact lenses comprises use of a cleaner using water-containing beads. The water-containing beads are prepared such that the bead size is smaller than the punctal opening. They are easily flushed from the ocular environment by normal tear flow. The cleaner may also be used to clean contact lenses, with the cleaner applied directly to the lens and digitally rubbed to remove accumulated debris on the lens.

Abstract: An ophthalmic solution or contact lens solution comprising at least one germicidal/preservative component. The ophthalmic solution further comprises at least one selected amino-acid-based component, 0-0.2 wt. % of sodium chloride, and 0-0.5 wt. % of phosphate. The contact lens solution further comprises at least one selected acidic component and 0-0.2 wt. % of sodium chloride. Alternatively, the contact lens solution further comprises at least one selected amino-acid-based component, at least one selected acidic compound, and 0-0.2 wt. % of sodium chloride.

Abstract: Preparation of self-emulsifying compositions which are prepared without mechanical homogenization is described. These self-emulsifying compositions are prepared using one or two surfactants. This provides the advantage of a low weight ratio of emulsifying component to oil component and fewer chemical toxicity concerns, resulting in comfort and safety advantages over emulsions employing more than two emulsifiers. Consequently, the self-emulsifying compositions described are ideally suited for ophthalmic applications including administration of therapeutics to the eye. Self-emulsifying compositions prepared by the disclosed method are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmic solution for soft contact lenses for controlled release of polyethers into an eye's tear film. Polyether components of the subject solution are released from the soft contact lens material matrix over long time periods to produce longer lasting wetting performance, improved lubricity, improved end-of-the-day comfort and reduced feeling of dryness from wearing contact lenses. The present invention also includes the use of cationic polyelectrolytes for controlling the swelling of hydrogel contact lenses typically caused by the absorption of high concentrations of polyethers.

Abstract: Benzyldimethyl{2-[2-(p-1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutylphenoxy)ethoxy]ethyl} ammonium chloride (BDT) forms the basis of contact lens solutions that are unusually effective at reducing the number and wide variety of pathogenic microorganisms that may infect rigid gas permeable or soft contact lenses. Furthermore, it has been discovered that natural occurring compounds alone and in combination with chemical agents can be used in ophthalmic solutions such as contact lens solution to enhance and complement their anti-microbial, cleaning and wetting activity or to reduce irritation to the eye. The basic contact lens solution comprises an effective concentration of BDT (preferably 1 to 100 parts per million), with naturally occurring plant products possessing activities complementary to BDT, in an isotonic diluent buffered with a physiologically acceptable buffer to a physiologically natural range.

Abstract: Contact lens cleaning compositions comprising preserved surfactant-containing solutions of a poly(oxypropylene)-poly(oxyethylene) adduct of ethylene diamine having a molecular weight from about 7500 to as high as 27,000 wherein at least 40 weight percent of the adduct is poly(oxyethylene) hydrophilic units. The solutions are effective in removing protein/lipid tear film deposits on both hard and soft contact lenses while providing a prophylactic-like action in retarding the formation of subsequent tear film deposits. The compositions provide effective cleaning and conditioning action using both ambient and high temperature disinfection methods.

Abstract: An buffered aqueous contact lens disinfecting solution having much lower concentration of disinfecting agents, and less irritating to the eye. The solutions have a tonicity of 200 to 450 mOsm/kg, a pH of between 6 and 8, and a concentration of chloride ions below 1500 ppm. Despite having less than 1 ppm of antimicrobial, the solutions are effective against C. albicans within 15 minutes of contact.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions for contact lenses are described. The compositions contain multifunctional anionic surfactants that include at least two hydrophilic dissociating head groups. The multifunctional surfactants described (e.g., LED3A) possess both surface active and chelating properties, and have been found to be particularly effective in removing protein deposits from contact lenses.

Abstract: The use of compositions containing anionic chitosan derivatives to treat contact lenses is described. The compositions are particularly useful for removing protein deposits from contact lenses, but also serve to lubricate the surfaces of the lenses and enhance the comfort of the lenses when worn on the eyes.

Abstract: The use of compositions containing chitin derivatives to treat contact lenses is described. The compositions are particularly useful for removing protein deposits from contact lenses, but also serve to lubricate the surfaces of the lenses and enhance the comfort of the lenses when worn on the eyes. The chitin derivatives are preferably nonionic (e.g., ethylene glycol chitin), and facilitate the removal of protein deposits from contact lenses by functioning as a substrate for the lysozyme contained in those deposits.

Abstract: Ophthalmic compositions such as eye drop and contact lens treating solutions include a polycationic material to enhance antimicrobial efficacy against protozoans such as acanthamoebae. One preferred class of polycationic materials is cationic cellulose derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new and improved solutions for packaging contact lenses and to methods for treating contact lenses with such solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear. In particular, the present invention is directed to packing solutions comprising certain non-ionic surfactants containing a poly(oxyalkylene) copolymer and having a molecular weight of 4000 to 30,000. Such surfactants are retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, thereby providing significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

Abstract: The novel quaternary ammonium salt according to the invention has two quaternary ammonium groups connected to a benzene ring, wherein two C4-12 alkyl groups and one C1-2 alkyl group are connected per one nitrogen atom constituting the quaternary ammonium. The compound is used as an antimicrobial agent, exhibits a high safety to human as compared with known antimicrobial agents, exerts an excellent sterilizing effect itself and exhibits a wide sterilizing spectrum. In particular, the compound is used as a presevative for eye drop.

Abstract: Contact lens wetting solutions for reducing friction between the contact lens and ocular tissues, and maintaining such effect for a long time, are disclosed. The wetting solution is composed only of a particular ratio of a lubricant composed of copolymer (A) obtained by polymerizing a monomer composition comprising 2-(meth)acryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine and alkyl(meth)acrylate, a buffer, an inorganic chloride, a preservative, a chelating agent, and water. The copolymer (A) has a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 to 1,000,000, and satisfies the formula 80≦N×R≦240, provided that 4≦N≦18 and 10%≦R≦60%, wherein N stands for the carbon number of the alkyl group in monomer Y constituting copolymer (A), and R stands for a molar fraction of the unit derived from monomer Y with respect to the sum of the units derived from monomers X and Y.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved ophthalmic solutions that employ allantoin in order to more effectively preserve solutions and to reduce the degree to which cationic preservatives will deposit on contact lenses. Ophthalmic solutions are here understood to include contact lens treatment solutions, such as cleaners, soaking solutions, conditioning solutions and lens storage solutions, as well as wetting solutions and in-eye solutions for treatment of eye conditions.

Abstract: A method for cleaning contact lenses employs a composition that includes tromethamine in an amount effective to reduce the amount of denatured protein on the contact lens, thus rendering the contact lenses easier to clean. Additionally, by soaking contact lenses in the composition prior to inserting the lens on the eye, the compositions provide a prophylactic effect in preventing protein denaturation while the contact lens is worn.

Abstract: Multi-purpose solutions for contact lens care provide substantial lens wearer/user comfort and/or acceptability. Such solutions include an aqueous liquid medium; an antimicrobial component, preferably a biguanide polymer present in an amount of less than about 5 ppm; propylene glycol or glycerin in an amount sufficient to increase antimicrobial activity; a surfactant component, preferably a poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) block copolymer surfactant, in an effective amount; a phosphate buffer component in an effective amount; a viscosity inducing component, preferably selected from cellulosic derivatives, in an effective amount; and a tonicity component in an effective amount. Such solutions have substantial performance, comfort and acceptability benefits, which, ultimately, lead to ocular health advantages and avoidance of problems caused by contact lens wear.

Abstract: Methods of reducing the adherence of lenses to hydrophobic packing materials using compounds of Formula I are disclosed herein, where R1-R12, a, b, z, x, q, m, and n are defined herein.

Abstract: Contact lenses are simultaneously cleaned and disinfected by contacting the lenses with an aqueous system containing an antimicrobial agent and a proteolytic enzyme for a period sufficient to clean and disinfect the lenses. The aqueous solutions have suitable osmotic values which do not substantially inhibit the activity of the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: Solutions useful to clean contact lenses include a surfactant component in an effective amount; and a viscosity inducing component, preferably selected from cellulosic derivatives and more preferably hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, in an effective amount. Such solutions, which may include one or more additional components, have substantial contact lens cleaning benefits which, ultimately, lead to ocular health advantages and avoidance of problems caused by contact lens wear.

Abstract: A composition for conditioning a contact lens comprising a surfactant comprising a copolymer of hydrophobe and hydrophile blocks the structure: