CONTACT LENS PRESERVING SOLUTION

摘要

This invention relates generally to a method and composition for sterilizing plastic hydrophilic or "soft" contact lenses. One of the problems connected with soft contact lenses is the method of their sterilization and cleaning. The very property of the hydrophilic soft lenses which allows them to absorb up to 150 percent by weight of water also allows preservatives which might otherwise be used for cleaning and sterilization to be absorbed and even concentrated and later released when the soft contact lens is on the eye. It has now been discovered that contact lens generally and especially plastic hydrophilic (soft) contact lenses may be effectively sterilized and used without deleterious effect to the lenses or the eyes of the user by the present invention. The sterilizing solution of this invention will not be absorbed by the lenses in significant quantities. In addition, to the extent, if any, that the sterilizing solution of this invention is absorbed by the lenses, it will not harm the lenses or the eyes of the wearer. This invention also solves the shelf life problem. According to the invention, there is provided a method for sterilizing contact lenses comprising contacting a contact lens for a period of time sufficient to sterilize the lens with a substantially isotonic, aqueous composition comprising a microbicidally effective amount of an enediol compound and a minor, catalytic amount of a catalytic metal compound.