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: 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: The invention provides a method for inhibiting the binding of a biguanide antimicrobial in aqueous solution to a hydrogel in contact with said solution comprising providing in said solution an amount of cyclodextrin sufficient to inhibit sorption of the biguanide antimicrobial to a hydrogel.

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: The invention provides a packaging solution for use with hydrophobic contact lenses. The packaging solution of the invention substantially prevents adherence of the lenses to the packages' surfaces, thus preventing deformation or breakage of the lens.

Abstract: An ophthalmic solution with viscosity enhancing and detergent properties for contact lenses, comprising one or more physiologically acceptably viscosity enhancing agents in aqueous solution having a non-Newtonian rheological behaviour, and one or more physiologically acceptable non-ionic surfactants. The non-ionic surfactant may be selected among esters of fatty acids, sorbitan polyoxyethylates (i.e. polysorbates, such as “Tween”), or block copolymers polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene (i.e. poloxamers, such as “Pluronic”). The viscosity enhancing agent may be selected among hyaluronic acid or its salts with alkali or alkaline-earth metals, ethers or esters of cellulose, chitosans, gellans, alginates or carboxyvinyl polymers of the kind Carbopolol® (or carbomer).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for inhibiting the binding of a biguanide antimicrobial in aqueous solution to a hydrogel in contact with said solution comprising providing in said solution an amount of cyclodextrin sufficient to inhibit sorption of the biguanide antimicrobial to a hydrogel.

Abstract: An improved, simplified process for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses is described. The process employs a multi-purpose solution containing a non-oxidative antimicrobial agents, and does not include or require rubbing of the lenses.

Abstract: An ophthalmic composition having regulated viscosity characterized in that it contains polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol or polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene-substituted ethylenediamine in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable thickener and has a viscosity ranging from 1 cps to 8 cps at 200° C., which is useful as contact lens wetting solution, eye drops, cleaning agent, and preservative for contact lenses.

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; 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: The present invention is a liquid protectant which protects and extends the life of anti-reflective, hydrophobic (water repellent) and mirror coatings and all types of plastic lenses from scratches, abrasions and “wear-off” of the coatings by upgrading the performance of cleaning liquids and provides the highest level of protection against abrasion as well as optical clarity, ease of cleaning and anti-static properties. The present invention apparatus and method of producing the same is used to both clean and coat all types of optical lenses which includes a coating in the nature of an optical lens coating which bonds to the exterior surface of an anti-reflective coated optical lens to create a barrier between the anti-reflective coating and the cleaning surfaces.

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; 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: The present invention is based on the unexpected finding that the combination of a carboxylate containing anionic polymer, of molecular weight greater than about 1000 daltons, with cleaning agents, provides improved contact lens cleaning preparations. The present invention includes contacting a soiled contact lens with an aqueous solution comprising an anionically charged polymer and a surfactant or surfactant combination selected from the classes of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants.

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: 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: An aqueous composition for cleaning and wetting a contact lens includes: a non-amine polyethyleneoxy-containing material having an HLB value of at least about 18; a first non-ionic surface active agent having cleaning activity for contact lens deposits that comprises a poloxamine; c) a second non-ionic surface active agent having cleaning activity for contact lens deposits and that comprises a non- poloxamine surface active agent; and a wetting agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent for contact lenses, which contains an oxo-acid compound and/or a polyacid compound. The agent for contact lenses of the present invention can remove protein as, for example, a protein remover, irrespective of the kind of contact lens and without using a special cleaning device. In addition, washing with water after protein removal is not necessary.

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 hydroxy-propylmethyl 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: An improved, simplified process for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses is described. The process employs a multi-purpose solution containing a non-oxidative antimicrobial agents, and does not include or require rubbing of the lenses.

Abstract: Water-soluble borate-polyol complexes are useful as buffers and/or antimicrobials in aqueous ophthalmic compositions, including those containing polyvinyl alcohol. These compositions have greater antimicrobial activity than comparable compositions containing typical borate buffers and unexpectedly increase the antimicrobial efficacy of other antimicrobial agents when used in combination. In addition, use of the borate-polyol complexes avoids the incompatibility problem typically associated with the combination of borate buffer and polyvinyl alcohol; therefore, the compositions disclosed herein may also contain polyvinyl alcohol.

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; 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: Improved stability, liquid enzyme compositions containing an alkylated trypsin and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with an aqueous composition are disclosed for the cleaning or simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solution for contact lenses which comprises an amino acid type cationic surfactant and at least one nonionic surfactant.

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: Contact lens care compositions for the treatment of hard contact lenses are disclosed. The compositions are useful for rinsing, cleaning, disinfecting and storing of hard contact lenses. The compositions contain an unique gelling system involving galactomannan polysaccharides and borates to allow for the conditioning of the lens when it is reinserted in the eye of the user. Methods of using these compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods used as in-the-eye and/or out-of-eye inhibitors of proteinaceous deposits on hydrophilic contact lenses. Compositions of the present invention comprise moderately charged polyquaternium polymers that selectively bind to hydrophilic contact lenses to block the binding of proteinaceous materials. Compositions of the present invention may be used in multipurpose cleaning solutions for contact lenses and can eliminate the need for special enzyme cleaners and the like for removing proteinaceous materials.

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; 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: The present invention is based on the unexpected finding that the combination of a carboxylate containing anionic polymer, of molecular weight greater than about 1000 daltons, with cleaning agents, provides improved contact lens cleaning preparations. The present invention includes contacting a soiled contact lens with an aqueous solution comprising an anionically charged polymer and a surfactant or surfactant combination selected from the classes of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants.

Abstract: The aqueous maintenance solution according to the invention is characterized by the presence of an effective amount of polyethylene glycol 120 methylglucose dioleate.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning soiled contact lenses are disclosed. The methods involve contacting the soiled lens with a cleaning composition comprising carbon dioxide and carbonic acid as cleansing agents. The cleaning compositions do not require abrasive agents such as polymeric beads, nor ocularly irritating agents such as enzymes or surfactants in order to effectively clean proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous deposits from the surface of contact lenses.

Abstract: The aqueous maintenance solution according to the invention is characterized by the presence of an effective amount of polyethylene glycol 120 methylglucose dioleate. Application: to aqueous maintenance solutions for hard contact lenses.

Abstract: Stable liquid enzyme compositions containing an ophthalmically acceptable enzyme and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with a polymeric antimicrobial agent are disclosed for the simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lenses. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: An agent for contact lenses, which comprises an aqueous medium and synthetic smectites particulates consisting essentially of primary particles having a particle size of at most 200 nm, dispersed in the aqueous medium.

Abstract: Simple, efficacious, easily manufacturable, convenient to use and cost-effective contact lens care cleaning compositions comprising carbon dioxide and carbonic acid as cleansing agents are disclosed. The compositions do not require abrasive agents such as polymeric beads, nor ocularly irritating agents such as enzymes or surfactants in order to effectively clean proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous deposits from the surface of contact lenses. Also disclosed is a one-step cleaning and disinfecting regimen, whereby an effervescent tablet composition capable of generating carbon dioxide and carbonic acid is dissolved in a disinfecting solution or rinsing/disinfecting/storage solution.

Abstract: A cleaning solution for contact lenses is described that includes a carbohydrate that is a mono- or disaccharide, its alcohols or partially hydrolyzed esters or mixtures thereof. Preferred carbohydrates are sorbitol, glucose, maltose, sucrose, dulcitol, dextran, dextrin, mannitol, maltitol, or mannose, preferably in an amount of 0.001 to 10% by weight of an aqueous solution for cleaning the contact lenses. A preferred composition for cleaning contact lenses comprises sorbitol in an amount of about 0.1 to 1% by weight in an aqueous solution. A method for cleaning contact lenses with said carbohydrate cleaning solution is described and may be combined, for simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses, with a chemical, antimicrobial agent or thermal disinfecting regimen.

Abstract: Enzyme compositions and methods employing enzyme compositions are disclosed which are useful for cleaning contact lenses. In one embodiment, a composition in accordance with the present invention comprises an enzyme component effective when released in a liquid medium to remove debris from a contact lens located in the liquid medium; and an activity regulating component effective when released in the liquid medium to deactivate the enzyme component located in the liquid medium. This composition is preferably structured so that the enzyme component is released in the liquid medium before the activity regulating component is so released. The period of time between the release of the enzyme component and the activity regulating component is sufficient to allow the enzyme component to effectively remove debris from a contact lens which is introduced into the liquid medium before or at the same time the enzyme component is released in the liquid medium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ophthalmically safe disinfecting solution for contact lenses comprising the combination of a polymeric biguanide and a polyquaternium polymer of a substituted or unsubstituted vinylimidazole or its vinylimidazoliuum salt, which copolymer has a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 5,000,000. The invention is also directed to an improved method of disinfecting a contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to aqueous biguanide-containing disinfecting solutions containing an improved buffer system including both a phosphate and borate buffer. Preferred embodiments of the invention include methods and compositions for simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: Water-soluble borate-polyol complexes are useful as buffers and/or antimicrobials in aqueous ophthalmic compositions, including those containing polyvinyl alcohol. These compositions have greater antimicrobial activity than comparable compositions containing typical borate buffers and unexpectedly increase the antimicrobial efficacy of other antimicrobial agents when used in combination. In addition, use of the borate-polyol complexes avoids the incompatibility problem typically associated with the combination of borate buffer and polyvinyl alcohol; therefore, the compositions disclosed herein may also contain polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: Improved stability, liquid enzyme compositions containing an alkylated trypsin and methods involving the combined use of these compositions with an aqueous composition are disclosed for the cleaning or simultaneous cleaning and disinfecting of contact lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and disinfecting a contact lens, comprising the steps of: preparing a disinfectant which is an aqueous solution containing an iodine-complex polymer, and a diluent which is an aqueous solution containing ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and/or soluble salts thereof, and a nonionic surface active agent; mixing the disinfectant and the diluent to provide a mixed solution, such that an available iodine concentration of the mixed solution immediately after mixing is in a range of 0.01-50 ppm, and such that concentrations of the ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and/or the soluble salts thereof, and the nonionic surface active agent in the mixed solution are in a range of 0.0001-1.0 w/v % and in a range of 0.01-1.0 w/v %, respectively; and immersing the contact lens in the mixed solution for cleaning and disinfecting the contact lens, resulting in gradual reduction of the available iodine remaining in the mixed solution, by the ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and/or the soluble salts thereof.

Abstract: A pH controlled protein removal system and method in the substantial absence of (a) enzyme and (b) a surfactantly effective amount of a surfactant is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a [polymeric] substrate with a cleaning composition therefor, which compostion is substantially free of (a) enzyme and (b) surfactantly effective amount of a surfactant, for a period of time at an alkaline pH and removing said substrate from said composition.

Abstract: A liquid for contact lenses, containing a polymer (A) having a recurring unit represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein n is 0 or 1. The liquid for contact lenses can considerably decrease variation of the base curve of a contact lens during preservation, and shows excellent antiseptic effect and excellent antibacterial effect.

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; 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: The present invention provides a contact lens cleaning solution which is capable of, simultaneously and in a simplified manner, rendering surfaces of the contact lens hydrophilic and cleaning the contact lens for removal of protein deposits, without suffering from reduction of the cleaning effect of a protease, and also provides a method of cleaning a contact lens which is capable of rendering the surfaces of the contact lens hydrophilic while, at the same time, cleaning the contact lens for removal of the protein deposits, by using the contact lens cleaning solution as described above.A desired contact lens cleaning solution is prepared, which contains a protease in an amount effective for removing protein adhering or clinging to the contact lens and gum arabic as a hydrophilicity rendering component, wherein divalent metal ions in the gum arabic are removed or inactivated.

Abstract: A liquid agent for a contact lens containing, as a preservative or sterilizing component, a carboxylated amine represented by the following formula, ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents an alkyl group having 6-18 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 represents an alkylene group having 1-18 carbon atoms, A represents Na, K or H, and X represents H or --R.sub.3 COOZ group, wherein R.sub.3 represents an alkylene group having 1-18 carbon atoms and Z represents Na, K or H.

Abstract: A cleaning material for a contact lens formed of a polymer which is obtained by polymerizing a polymeric composition including at least a nonionic surface active agent having a polymerizable unsaturated double bond, and a cross-linking agent having a plurality of polymerizable unsaturated double bonds.

Abstract: Ophthalmic solutions include a material composed of (a) a hydrophobic core having at least three carbon atoms and (b) at least three hydrophilic polyethylene oxide chains attached to the core.Examples of such materials include ethoxylated derivatives of glucose, glycerin, sorbitol, and divinyl benzene.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-oxidative methods for treating contact lenses and compositions for the same. The present invention includes contacting a lens with an aqueous solution comprising a phosphonic acid compound. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the subject phosphonic compounds are used in combination with antimicrobial agents for providing simultaneous disinfection and cleaning of contact lenses including the prevention or removal of protein deposits.

Abstract: A disinfection solution, primarily for use in conjunction with contact lenses is disclosed comprising an amount of a pharmaceutically acceptable ionic salt which is equivalent in ionic strength to at least 5% w/v sodium chloride, at least one of a C.sub.2-6 alkanol and a C.sub.3-8 alkylene glycol, a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant, optionally a buffer, and water.