Use of PEO-PBO block copolymers in ophthalmic compositions

摘要

The use of poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses. Such compounds are also useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in various types of compositions for treating contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

主权项

1. A method of treating a contact lens to modify the surface characteristics of the lens or clean the lens, which comprises applying to a silicone hydrogel contact lens an ophthalmic composition comprising 0.01 to about 1 weight/volume percent of at least one poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymer wherein the poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymer is of the formula (EO)m(BO)n, wherein m is an integer having an average value of 20 to 45 and n is an integer having an average value of 5 to 14 and m is greater than n, having a molecular weight in the range of 500 to 100,000 Daltons and an ophthalmically acceptable vehicle therefor.