APPARATUS FOR STERILIZING CONTACT LENSES

摘要

Apparatus is provided for use in the sterilization of contact lenses or the like, wherein lenses are disposed within a sterilizing solution (32) contained within a reaction vessel (22), which sterilizing solution (32) is capable of being decomposed through contact with a catalytic agent (62). The apparatus comprises a reaction vessel (22) capable of containing a sterilizing solution (32) and comprising a container portion (22), a cover (30) and structure (40) for supporting an article in contact with sterilizing solution (32) in the container (22). Further structure is provided for mounting a catalytic agent (62) on the supporting means (40) such that the catalytic agent (62) is removable for replacement by a user as the catalytic agent (62) becomes exhausted in use. The mounting of the catalytic agent (62) on the article supporting structure (40) prevents contact of the catalytic agent (62) with the solution (32) in the container (22) until the article supporting structure (40) with the contact lenses (52) therein is placed in the solution (32) in the container (22) for beginning the sterilizing process, to thereby prevent premature breakdown of the sterilizing solution (32) prior to the introduction of contact lenses (52) for sterilization therein.