Soft contact lens wetting solution containing preservative system and method

摘要

Preservative systems which may be incorporated into aqueous compositions for the wetting and re-wetting of contact lenses and especially silicone copolymer (gas-permeable) and soft contact lenses are provided. The perservative system includes trimethoprim, a salt of EDTA and sorbic acid or ascorbic acid as adjuvant bactericides. The use of preservatives which are known to cause eye irritation, such as thimerosal, benzalkonium chloride and chlorhexidine is eliminated. Wetting and re-wetting compositions which incorporate the preservative system and include thickening and wetting agents are also provided. The wetting and rewetting solutions can be instilled directly into the eye during contact lens wearing periods and are especially useful for wetting silicone copolymer contact lenses. A method of wetting silicone copolymer lenses is also provided.