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: 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: A method and apparatus for correcting refractive errors of the eye are disclosed. Accelerated reshaping of the corneal tissue is accomplished by administering one or more enzymes and/or other agents to the eye which temporarily soften the cornea. The cornea is thereafter fitted with a rigid contact lens or a series of lenses which have a concave curvature that will correct a refractive error. The softened cornea then rapidly reshapes its convex curvature to the concave curvature of the contact lens or series of lenses, thereby rendering the eye emmetropic. The enzymes and/or other agents then dissipate from the cornea, and the cornea "hardens" to retain the new emmetropic shape. After "hardening" has occurred, the lens rendering the eye emmetropic is removed.

Abstract: Coatings for surgical instruments which comprise substituted fluoroalkyl or perfluoroalkyl monomers having anionic, cationic, and/or nonionic surface active functionality in the unsaturated fluorophobic ends.

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: 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: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, 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 lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

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: There are disclosed compositions and methods for cleaning contact lenses using water soluble enzyme-polymer conjugates. A preferred method includes providing the subject enzyme-polymer conjugates in a tablet form, dissolving the tablet in an aqueous solution and subsequently soaking a contact lens in the resulting solution. Other methods include providing the enzyme-polymer conjugate in a liquid form and contacting a contact lens therewith.

Abstract: In an ophthalmic solution comprising an antimicrobial preservative having a quaternary ammonium type cationic group, there are blended a cyclodextrin, EDTA or its salt, and boric acid and/or borax. The solution has an excellent antimicrobial activity and is effective for inhibiting the antimicrobial preservative from adsorbing to contact lenses. It can be instilled to eyes with contact lenses on.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method of disinfecting a contact lens with an ophthalmically safe disinfecting aqueous solution comprising about 2.0 to about 8.0 ppm of a bis(biguanide) having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of branched or unbranched alkyl having 4-12 carbon atoms, ether or thioether radical having 4-12 carbon atoms, or cycloalkyl or cycloalkyl-alky radical having 5-12 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl having 1-12 carbon atoms, alkoxyalkyl having 1-12 carbon atoms, or cycloalkyl or cycloalkyl-alkyl having 5-12, carbon atoms; R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl radical having 1-6 carbon atoms, and A in the above formula is selected from the group consisting of a divalent alkyl, alkyloxyalkyl, or alkylsufide radical each having 4-12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and disinfecting a contact lens, including a treating portion which is brought into contact with the contact lens, wherein at least the treating portion is formed of a water-absorbing solid soft material to which a disinfectant is fixed, and a method of disinfecting a contact lens comprising the steps of: preparing the device for disinfecting the contact lens; impregnating at least the treating portion of the device with a wetting agent; and contacting the contact lens with the treating portion such that a surface of the contact lens to be disinfected is brought into contact with and held by the treating portion.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, 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 lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: N,N-dialkyl and N'-alkylethylene diamines of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are as described in the specification. The compounds are useful in disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses and preserving ophthalmic products.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting a contact lens includes a first container section holding a first liquid medium containing hydrogen peroxide. A second container section is provided and holds a second liquid medium containing a hydrogen peroxide destroying component. The first and second container sections are configured to substantially simultaneously provide the first liquid medium and the second liquid medium to form a combined liquid medium containing an amount of hydrogen peroxide from the first liquid medium effective to disinfect a contact lens contacted with the combined liquid medium and an amount of hydrogen peroxide destroying component from the second liquid medium effective to destroy at least a major amount of the hydrogen peroxide in the combined liquid medium.

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.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

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: The invention discloses stabilized enzymes suitable for use in a contact lens cleansing composition. Specific stabilizers for the protease enzyme include sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, lauroyl-L-glutamic triethanolamine, sodium myristyl sarcosinate, 2-alkyl-N-carboxymethyl-N-hydroxyethylimidazolinium betaine, hydrochloric alkyldiaminoglycine, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene castor oil 60, polyoxyl 40 stearate, and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether. The invention further discloses that the enzyme and surfactant mixture are lyophilized.

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: An ophthalmically acceptable solution and a method useful for disinfecting and/or cleaning a contact lens. The solution comprises an oxidizing agent and a polyvinyl pyrrolidone having a molecular weight ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 daltons and reactive towards a chlorite oxidizing agent. The end groups of the polyvinyl pyrrolidone are preferably aldehydes. The oxidizing agent of this invention preferably is selected from the group comprising chlorine oxides. The solution preferably has a pH ranging from about 6 to about 8.5. The method of the invention comprises the steps of forming this solution and then contacting a contact lens with the solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating contact lenses and compositions for the same. The present invention includes contacting a lens with an aqueous solution comprising a sulfobetaine compound represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 is an alkyl group having from 8 to 30 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are individually hydrogen or alkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R.sub.4 is an alkyl group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the subject compounds are used in combination with antimicrobial agents for providing simultaneous disinfection and cleaning of contact lenses.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

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: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, 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 lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for delaying release of an active component into an aqueous fluid is taught which includes a capsule that swells in the presence of an aqueous fluid allowing moisture to enter the capsule into contact with a capsule decomposing agent activated by the entering moisture such that the agent decomposes the capsule sufficiently to release the active agent at a predetermined delayed time after the capsule contacts the aqueous fluid. A preferred capsule composition is gelatin and decomposing agents are a proteolytic enzyme or a salt that effects the osmotic gradient of the system. The controlled release composition of the invention is preferably utilized in a soft contact lens disinfecting system wherein a solution of hydrogen peroxide disinfects the lenses followed by neutralization of residual hydrogen peroxide wherein release of the neutralizing agent is delayed by means of the capsule proteolytic enzyme or salt composition.

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 use of certain amidoamines to disinfect contact lenses and preserve ophthalmic compositions is described. Ophthalmic compositions containing these compounds as disinfecting agents or preservatives are also described. The amidoamines utilized in the present invention have potent antibacterial and antifungal activity, and are chemically compatible with inorganic ions and other materials utilized in ophthalmic compositions.

Abstract: A preservative for ophthalmic solutions having an active ingredient is provided, having a hydrogen peroxide content of about 0.001% to about 0.10% by weight; and diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) or a physiologically compatible salt thereof, present at about 0.002% to 0.03% by weight and/or 0.005% to about 0.20% by weight of 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, or physiologically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The contact lens made of hydrophilic gels contains substantially 20 to 65 percent by weight of a swelling agent in the equilibrium swollen state. An example of the swelling agent can be physiological saline, water, or buffer with pH 6.5 to 7.5. The lens contains inhibitors of endoproteases and exoproteases such as aprotinin, elastatinal, and soybean. The lens may also include some type of steroidal and/or nonsteroidal antiphlogistics. The lens may also contain antibiotics. The contact lens is used for longer term wearing and may also be used for the treatment of various lesions of the anterior eye segment.

Abstract: Compositions containing a stable, liquid, 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 lens. Methods for a daily use regimen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating contact lenses comprising the use of an iodine-chromophore to indicate neutralization of oxidative disinfectants.

Abstract: A composition for cleaning and wetting contact lenses comprises a polyethyleneoxide-containing material having a hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) of at least about 18, a surface active agent having cleaning activity for contact lens deposits, and a wetting agent.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: A method for using a composition including a neutralizing system and a sequestering agent which prevents the accumulation of inorganic deposits on contact lenses, particularly when used regularly in a conventional hydrogen peroxide disinfection regimen. The neutralizing system includes at least one reducing agent, a reductase, or both. The sequestering agent preferably is gluconic acid, a polymetaphosphate or their salts. Sodium hexametaphosphate is the most preferred sequestering agent; catalase is the most preferred agent for use as the neutralizing system.

Abstract: The invention concerns the discovery of the surprising and unexpected therapeutic effects of hydroxyl ions. The observed medicinal properties of these ions are both novel and broad in scope. When used appropriately as companions with hydroxyl ions, these modulating compounds obviate and attenuate the harmful effects of hydroxyl ions, unmasking and revealing their previously unknown and undemonstratable therapeutic properties. These novel hydroxyl ion modulating compounds are generally characterized as N,N-disubstituted-aminoacetate salts and substituted N,N-substituted-aminoacetate salts. Processes for preparing the present hydroxyl ion modulating components are disclosed and are within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalases obtained from a strain of Scytalidium thermophilum or Humicola insolens which retains at least 75% residual activity after 20 minutes at 70.degree. C. and a pH in the range of 9.0-10.5 in the presence of 40 mM polyvinyl pyrrolidone and methods for producing and using same.

Abstract: With a specific aim to preventing the proteolytic enzyme in a preparation for contact lenses containing a proteolytic enzyme from deterioration in the state of aqueous solution, the present invention provides (1) a method of stabilizing a preparation for contact lenses containing a proteolytic enzyme, which comprises formulating the said preparation with a pyrrolidone compound, (2) a process for producing a prepration for contact lenses and (3) a preparation for contact lenses.The preparation according to the present invention can be processed into the liquid or solid preparation form, wherein the liquid preparation can be processed into a one-component type preparation. The liquid preparation as well as the solid preparation, even after being dissolved in water, can maintain the activity of the proteolytic enzyme over a prolonged period of time, and can be used effectively for cleansing and cleaning, preservation and sterilization of contact lenses.

Abstract: PEO-containing quaternary ammonium compounds have good broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. These compounds are useful in pharmaceutical compositions as preservatives and in contact lens care compositions as preservatives and/or disinfectants.

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: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: Compositions for the care of contact lenses include a silicone polymer containing an alkyleneoxide side chain.

Abstract: Saline solutions useful in treating contact lenses are described. Unlike prior saline solutions used for similar purposes, the present solutions do not contain conventional antimicrobial agents which are potentially toxic to ocular tissues. Rather, the solutions contain a combination of a borate-polyol complex, one or more anionic or nonionic surfactants, and a low molecular weight amino acid (e.g., glycine). It has been found that this combination effectively preserves the saline solutions from antimicrobial contamination, is relatively nontoxic to ocular tissues, and is compatible with oxidizing agents used in certain contact lens disinfecting systems. The combination also facilitates the cleaning of contact lenses.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a hydrogen peroxide stable contact lens is provided wherein a contact lens is contacted with a hydrogen peroxide solution in a container and a hydrogen peroxide decomposition means is provided in said container, which means is adapted to permit the contact lens to have a cumulative (% peroxide) (min) exposure from the time said decomposition means contacts said peroxide containing solution, time zero, over a period of no greater than 12 hours of at least 20% peroxide.multidot.minute. An apparatus capable of carrying out such method is also provided herein. The hydrogen peroxide decomposition means may be, for example, a prepoisoned catalyst, a catalyst partially enclosed in a tube, a dual catalyst control system or a distributed catalyst control system.

Abstract: A composition including a neutralizing system and a sequestering agent is described which prevents the accumulation of inorganic deposits on contact lenses, particularly when used regularly in a conventional hydrogen peroxide disinfection regimen. The neutralizing system includes at least one reducing agent, a reductase, or both. The sequestering agent preferably is gluconic acid, a polymetaphosphate or their salts. Sodium hexametaphosphate is the most preferred sequestering agent; catalase is the most preferred agent for use as the neutralizing system.

Abstract: The present invention covers a method for disinfecting a contact lens including contacting the lens with an isotonic aqueous solution comprising 0.6 to 2 weight percent tromethamine (preferably 0.8 to 1.5 percent) for a time sufficient to disinfect the lens. Other aspects include adding to the solution from 0.01 to 1 weight percent chelating agent (preferably disodium EDTA) and/or additional microbicide.

Abstract: A rapid cleaning and disinfecting method and composition for ophthalmic devices, e.g. contact lenses. The composition includes, on a weight basis, 10-50% of a C.sub.3-8 alkylene glycol, 2-30% of a lower alkanol, 2-15% of a surfactant, 0-2% pH adjusting agent, 0-5% tonicity builder, viscosity enhancing agent in an amount from 0 to the amount required to bring the solution viscosity to 100 cps, and the balance water. The method involves mechanically rubbing the ophthalmic device with the cleaning/disinfecting composition followed by rinsing the device.

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.

Abstract: Compositions for treating contact lenses, particularly rigid, gas permeable contact lenses, comprise a quaternary nitrogen-containing ethoxylated alkyl glucoside.

Abstract: A disinfectant or preservative composition particularly adapted for use in ophthalmic preparations such as contact lens disinfecting, cleaning, cushioning, wetting, soaking and reconditioning solutions and additionally in topical medications and tear substitutes, which uses a hydrophilic polymeric antimicrobial agent, namely poly[oxyethylene(dimethylimino) (ethylene dimethylimino)ethylene dichloride] with additional agents including EDTA and alkali salts thereof and a boric acid/borate buffer system.