CA2100575A1 - Improved method and apparatus for the sterilization of contact lenses utilizing mechanical agitation - Google Patents

Improved method and apparatus for the sterilization of contact lenses utilizing mechanical agitation

Info

Publication number
CA2100575A1
CA2100575A1 CA002100575A CA2100575A CA2100575A1 CA 2100575 A1 CA2100575 A1 CA 2100575A1 CA 002100575 A CA002100575 A CA 002100575A CA 2100575 A CA2100575 A CA 2100575A CA 2100575 A1 CA2100575 A1 CA 2100575A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
hydrogen peroxide
decomposition
contact lenses
agitation
sterilization
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002100575A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Steven C. Perlaky
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ciba Vision Corp
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2100575A1 publication Critical patent/CA2100575A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L12/00Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L12/08Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L12/12Non-macromolecular oxygen-containing compounds, e.g. hydrogen peroxide or ozone
    • A61L12/124Hydrogen peroxide; Peroxy compounds
    • A61L12/128Hydrogen peroxide; Peroxy compounds neutralised with catalysts
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61LMETHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L12/00Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L12/08Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L12/086Container, accessories or devices therefor

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Eyeglasses (AREA)

Abstract

Contact lenses are disinfected in a method including treating the contact lenses with an aqueous system of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst, and mechanically agitating the system in order to accelerate decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the system is approximately 3-4 % and the mechanical agitation promotes decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide to a concentration of 50 parts per million or less within 6 hours following initial contact of the catalyst with the system. The catalytic decomposition can be performed in a conventional lens sterilization vessel (12) which is secured to a drive mechanism (26) for repeated motion of the reaction vessel (12) in order to maintain continuous agitation of the sterilization system (10) therein.

Description

WO9~/12737 2 ~ ~ O ~ ~ 5 PCT~US92/~0271 IMPROVED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
THE STERILIZATION OF CONTACT LENSES
UTILIZING MECHANICAL AGITATION

BACKGRO~ND OF THE INVENTION
This invention:relat:es to steriliza~ion o~
contact lenses using hydrogen peroxide as the di~infectant, and more particularly relates to improved ~atalytic control of the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in the lens disinfection process.
The well-known, commercialized so~t contact lens disinfection process ~mploying hydrog~n peroxide solution as a bactericide is described for ~xample in U.S. patents 4,750~610; 4,013,410 and 3,912,451. Recent improvements in contact lens cases for conducting such disinfection process are described in co-pending U.S.
Pa~ent application Serial No. 364,471 filed June 9, 1989, the disclosure of which is incorporated by 2~ reference herein. :tn such process, the contact lenses are immersed overnight in a weak bactericidal solution of hydxogen peroxide, approximately 3~, which solution is also subjected to a platinum catalyst to promote gradual decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide, viz., SU~;TITUTE SHET

WO~2/12737 2 ~ O ~ j 7 ~ P~T/US9~/00271 into water and liberated oxygen. This decomposition is critical, since significant hydrogen peroxide residues upon contact lenses can cause harm and irritation to the eyes of contact lens wearers. It has generally been recommended not only to allow sufficient tim~ for nearly complete decomposition of the hydrogen pe~oxide, but additionally to employ a rinsing solution to flush any potential hydrogen peroxide residues from the lenses before insertion into the eyes.
In addition to the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide, it is also important that the lenses be exposed to the relevant maximum strength of the disinfectant solution for sufficient time to destroy the harmful bacteria. Thus, the decomposition must not be too rapid, otherwise the lenses will not be thoroughly disinfected. The decomposition process~ however, must be complete after a period of ti~e to protect the eyes.
One object of the present inventi.on is to improve the catalytic control over the hydrogen peroxide lens disinfection process, while additionally ensuring that upon completion of the lens disinfection process, the terminal hydrogen peroxide concentration is sufficiently reduced for ~afe contact by residues adhering to the disinfected lenses with the eyes of the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INV~NTION
In accordance with the present invention, contact lenses are disinfected in a method including treating the contact lenses with an aqueous system of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst, and mechanically agitating the system in order to accelerate decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide. Since the initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide is desirably maintained above 1% for SUBSTITUTE SHET

W092/12737 2 ~ ~a~j7 , PCT/US92/~271 lens disinfection during the initial period of lens contact in the system, for example a period of one-half s to one full hour, and since the catalytic decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide by many catalytic elements during this initial period is not limited,by transport of the hydrogen peroxide molecules to the'catalytic surface, the activation of mechanical agitation of the disinfection system can be optionally delayed without lengthening the desired decomposition progress. In preferred embodimPnts of the method, the initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the system is approximately 3~4% and even delayed mechanical agitation promotes decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide to a concentration of less than 50 parts per million within less than 6 hours f~llowing initial contact of the catalyst with the. system. Generally, even the delayed mechanical agitation can achieve reduction of the hydrogen peroxide concentration to less than 10 ppm in a shorter period of total elapsed time of catalyst contact with the system, so that the required duration of the lens disinfection operation ca:n be reduced.
The catalytic decomposition can be performed in a sonventional lens sterilization vessel which is secured to a drive mechanism for repeated ~otion of the reaction vessel in a time delayed manner, in order to maintain continuous agitation of the sterilization system therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an elevation view illustrating of a ,: conventional contact lens sterilization case containing a hydrogen peroxide system, which is inserted into a receptacle which has an electrically powered motion generator of any conventional design which agitates the vessel and the contained sterilization system;

SU~STITUl E SHE~T

, .. , . . " . . , . " . . ..

W09~ 737 P~T/US92/00271 210~5 1~ -4-FI~. 2 is a sectional view of the receptacle in FIG. 1 showing the inserted lens case in phantom illustratîon and an oscillatory motion generated to agikate th~ lens case in one embodiment of the invention.
_ 10 D~:SCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, a typical sterilizing appliance or lens case which can be employed in accordance with the present invention is designated generally by reference numeral 10. Appliance 10 includes a generally cylindrical reaction vessel 12 which has an open top on which the cap member 14 is removably threaded. The reaction vessel ~2 is designed to contain a contact lens sterilizing solution of aqueous hydrogen peroxide 16. The conventional solution 20 16 is approximately 3~ 4% hydrogen peroxide buffered for sterilization of typical soft contact lenses. Initial concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution can be va~ied to suit the steriliæatic)n application and decomposition catalyst.
Depending from and welded to the cap 14 is a lens support structure generally designated by reference numeral 18~which projects downwardly into the container 12 to immerse a pair o~ contact lenses 20 in the sterilization solution when the cap 14 is mounted thereon as shown. The support structure includes a pair of pivotal lens holder cover members 22 which enclose a respective lens 20 within the support structure while enabling the passage of the steriliæation solution therethrough in conventional manner. A hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst ~lement 24 is removably inserted and retained at the bottom of the container 12 in conventional manner. Examples of typical lens cases of the general type referred to above can be found in SUBSTlTllT~ SHEET

WO~2/12737 2 1 ~ U ., 7 ~ PCT~U~92/00271 United S~ates Patent Nos. ~,956,156; 4,013,410; and 4,750,610, the disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In the present invention, suitable hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalysts include ~etals from Periods 4, 5 and 6 of the Periodic Chart of Elements and the Lanthanide elements which are disposed on a carrier or substrate t9 extend the active surface of the catalytic metal. Among the metal hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalysts belonging to the aforementioned Periods 4, 5 and 6 are, for example, Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, Re, Au, Ag, Cu, Cr, Os, Co, Fe, Mo, W, Mn, Ce and Th.
Particularly for commercial reasons, platinum is the preferred hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalytic metal. Preferably, the platinum is disposed on an inexpensive support material which can be fabricated to provide a resulting catalytic element with extensive active surface area. Particularly suitable materials for the substrate support include polymeric materials on which the catalytic platinum can be securely disposed. The platinum metal can be deposited on the polymeric substrate using metal deposition techniques such as chemical d~position, vapor deposition, vacuum metalization, electroplating, or sputtering as more fully described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent 3,912,451.
In use, the contact lenses ~0 are placed within khe lens support structure 22. Hydrogen peroxide sterilization solution is then poured into the vessel 12 which contains the catalytic element. Alternatively, the catalytic element may be carried on the lens support structure so that the lenses and the catalytic element are immersed in the hydrogen peroxide solution at ~he same time as more fully described in co-pending U.S.
Pate3lt Application Serial No. 07,'361,471 filed ;rune 9, SUBSTITUTE SHEET

2 1 0~ 3 ~ -6-1989, entitled Apparatus for Sterilizing Contact Lenses which is incorporated by reference herein.
Optionally, after appropriate delay time of, for example, 1/2 to 1 hour~ the lens case or vessel 12 is then subjected to repeated mechanical agitation preferably in continuous oscillating motion lndicated by arrow A, for example, by securing the vessel to an electrically driven oscillator mechanism 26, or similar motion generator. The mechanism 26 may be of various designs, its purpose being to produce agitation of the lens case 10. For example r the unit 26 as illustrated includes a housing 28 in which there is mounted a support 30 :Eor the lens case 10. The support 30 is resiliently mounted by a mountîng means or spring 32. A
timer module 33 delays activation of an electrically driven oscillator 34 which imparts oscillating motion A
to the support 30 which in turn produces the desired oscillation of the lens case 10. The mechanical agitation of the vessel and contained aqueous system then promotes accelerated diffusion and transport of the progressively diluted hydrogen peroxide molecules into contact with the decomposition catalyst to reduce the concentration of any residual hydrogen peroxide remaining after sterilizatlon treatment of the contact lenses.
The following examples are illustrative of embodiments in accordance with the present invention but do not indicate limitation upon the scope of the claims.
!

EXAMPLES
The following table indicates the comparative performance of hydrogen peroxide decomposition within contact lens sterilization systems conducted both with and without mechanical agitation. In each of the indicated systems a pair of soft contact lenses was SU~STITUTE SHEET

WO92/12737 2 ~ ~ 0 5 ~ ~ PCT/~s92/0027l subjected to hydrogen peroxide decomposition steriliza~ion using a typical hydrogen peroxide buffered 5 solution of approximately 3 . 75% in a conventional appliance as illustrated in FIG. 1 containing a typical catalytic element provided by sputtered pl~tinum deposited on phenylene oxide polymeric support commercially supplied by General ~lectric Company under the trademark Noryl~, in conventional manner~ The mechanically agitated or vibrated system designated A
was evaluated by mounting the contact lens case on a small electrically driven vibration generator. The system designated B was not mechanically agitated.
H202 Concentration Vibrated System at 6 hr. duration A 6.9 ppm Unvibrated System B 250.8 ppm In both of systems A and B, the hydrogen peroxide concentration was reduced from initial concentration of approximately 3.75~ to approximately 1%
in generally the same time of approximately 23-25 minutes, however, hydrogen peroxide concentration of the ~ibrated system A was further reduced after six hours to less than 7 parts per million, while the hydrogen peroxide concentration of the unvibrated system B after ! ' SiX hours~was reduced only to a level of approximately 251 parts per million, representing a potential risk of eye irritation to a contact lens wearer and exceeding 35 th~ guideline maximum of.50 parts per million hydrogen peroxide for safe eye contact.
While particular embod . ments of the present invention have been described herein, it will be obvious SUBSTITUTE SHEET
,, , ~ , .

WO 92/12737 ~ I 0 ~3 S 7 ~ -8- PC~/US92/00271 to those skilled in the art that changes and modif ~ c:ations in various aspects may be made without 5 departing from the broad scope of the invention.
Consequen~ly, the scope of the invention is not limited by any particular embodiment but is defined by the appended claims and the equivalents ther~o:f.

.

,~

i ::

SUBSTlTUTE SHEET

..... , .. .. ,, , . .. , , . . ~ .. . . . . . . .. .

Claims (6)

The Invention is Claimed as Follows:
1. A method for disinfecting contact lenses comprising:
a) treating contact lenses with an aqueous system including hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst; and b) simultaneously mechanically agitating said system in order to accelerate decomposition of said hydrogen peroxide.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the initial concentration of said hydrogen peroxide in said system is approximately 3-4% and said mechanical agitation promotes decomposition of said hydrogen peroxide to a concentration less than 50 ppm within less than 6 hours following an initial contact of said catalyst with said system.
3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising delaying activation of said simultaneous mechanical agitation following initiation of said treating step (a).
4. Apparatus for disinfecting contact lenses, comprising:
a) a reaction vessel for containing contact lenses and an aqueous system including hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a hydrogen decomposition catalyst;
and b) agitation means for agitating said system in order to accelerate decomposition of said hydrogen peroxide.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said agitation means comprises drive means for driving repeated motion of said reaction vessel in order to maintain continuous agitation of said system therewithin.
6. Apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising timing means for delaying activation of said agitation means following initiation of said disinfecting.
CA002100575A 1991-01-15 1992-01-15 Improved method and apparatus for the sterilization of contact lenses utilizing mechanical agitation Abandoned CA2100575A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US64153291A 1991-01-15 1991-01-15
US641,532 1991-01-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2100575A1 true CA2100575A1 (en) 1992-08-06

Family

ID=24572784

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002100575A Abandoned CA2100575A1 (en) 1991-01-15 1992-01-15 Improved method and apparatus for the sterilization of contact lenses utilizing mechanical agitation

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0567561A4 (en)
JP (1) JPH07500427A (en)
KR (1) KR930703026A (en)
AU (1) AU655233B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2100575A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1992012737A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3871395A (en) * 1973-02-26 1975-03-18 Fibra Sonics Ultrasonic/chemical cleaner for contact lenses
US3973760A (en) * 1974-07-19 1976-08-10 Robert E. McClure Ultrasonic cleaning and sterilizing apparatus
US4396583A (en) * 1981-08-14 1983-08-02 American Optical Corporation Device for single solution contact lens sterilization
US4597399A (en) * 1984-12-17 1986-07-01 Ryder International Corporation Vibrator actuated lens cleaning system
FR2583531B1 (en) * 1985-06-12 1988-11-04 Ituarte Angel METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AND STERILIZING CONTACT LENSES.
US4653519A (en) * 1985-07-09 1987-03-31 Ryder International Corporation Rinsing apparatus for contact lens cleaning system
DE3622391A1 (en) * 1986-07-03 1988-01-14 Henkel Kgaa METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTACT LENS CARE
DE3639101A1 (en) * 1986-11-15 1988-05-19 Henkel Kgaa DEVICE FOR CARE OF CONTACT LENSES
DE3639099A1 (en) * 1986-11-15 1988-05-26 Henkel Kgaa DEVICE FOR CARE OF CONTACT LENSES
US4852592A (en) * 1987-08-13 1989-08-01 Digangi And Ross Apparatus for the cleaning of contact lenses
US4889693A (en) * 1988-01-22 1989-12-26 Ciba-Geigy Corporation Apparatus for venting of gases from contact lens cases
US4907613A (en) * 1988-09-12 1990-03-13 Litzaw Edgar M Contact lens cleaning device
US5078798A (en) * 1989-12-28 1992-01-07 Ciba-Geigy Corporation Buoyancy mediated control of catalytic reaction

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR930703026A (en) 1993-11-29
JPH07500427A (en) 1995-01-12
EP0567561A1 (en) 1993-11-03
AU655233B2 (en) 1994-12-08
EP0567561A4 (en) 1993-12-01
AU1203592A (en) 1992-08-27
WO1992012737A1 (en) 1992-08-06

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