JP2007041492A - Contact lens care method and composition - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a care method for a contact lens exhibiting microbe sticking suppression effect, and also to provide a composition for care. <P>SOLUTION: Disclosed is a method of suppressing microbe sticking to a contact lens or contact lens case, which is characterized in that the contact lens is dipped for a certain time or more in the composition for contact lens care containing polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester and a buffer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for suppressing microbial adhesion to a contact lens or a contact lens case, and a contact lens care composition used in such a method.

  Wearing contact lenses are exposed to the risk of attachment of microorganisms floating in the air and microorganisms present in the ocular mucosa. In addition, when a wearer handles a contact lens such as attaching or detaching a contact lens, microorganisms on the finger adhere to the contact lens, or microorganisms attached to the contact lens case adhere to the contact lens during storage in the case. Sometimes.

  Since contact lens wearers tend to have dry eyes, there are reports that contact lens wearers have a lot of money due to the environment where microorganisms are likely to adhere to and proliferate. Adhered microorganisms themselves, or attached proteins and lipids triggered by adhering microorganisms can cause contact lens dirt, but dirt on the rear surface of the contact lens (corneal side) gives a strong sense of foreign bodies to the wearer, This may cause the wearing contact lens to become cloudy. Furthermore, among microorganisms, fungi digest contact lens polymers, aspergillus Aspergillum sp., Penicillium sp. And dermatophyte Tricophyton sp. Adhere to contact lens polymers, causing corrosion and deterioration. It is known that

  Furthermore, since these microorganisms are attached to the contact lens and the lens case surface alone, it is more problematic that a plurality of types of microorganisms form a complex with organic substances derived from these microorganisms. This complex is called a biofilm. Once the biofilm is formed, it cannot be removed by normal contact lens care, and microorganisms that have been gradually killed accumulate, forming a stronger biofilm. Eventually, when the amount of these microorganisms reaches a level that the biological defense system cannot tolerate, an eye infection develops (Non-patent Document 1).

  As described above, it is very important to remove microorganisms in contact lens cases or the like that can supply microorganisms indirectly to the lens, regardless of whether they contain water or not. However, in the method of cleaning and sterilizing microorganisms adhering to the contact lens and the lens case afterwards, the effectiveness of the cleaning and sterilizing components is not sufficiently exhibited by the above-described biofilm formation, so that the microorganisms cannot be sufficiently removed. Therefore, it is more important not only to reduce the number of microorganisms adhering to the contact lens afterwards but also to prevent the microorganisms from adhering to the contact lens and the lens case in advance.

  Thus, as a technique for preventing microorganisms from adhering to the contact lens in advance, there is a method of binding and adsorbing a preservative such as benzalkonium chloride to the contact lens material (Patent Document 1). However, in such a method, since a toxic preservative always comes into contact with the corneal surface, there is a risk of affecting the ocular surface, which is unacceptable in terms of safety. Further, it is disclosed that a contact lens is immersed in a composition containing a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymer, thereby exhibiting an adhesion suppressing effect on microorganisms after the immersion (Non-patent Documents 2 and 3). However, the concentration of poloxamer that exhibits the effect of suppressing the adhesion of microorganisms is set to 0.5 to 15%. At this concentration, not only safety is a concern, but also such a concentrated poloxamer solution has an extremely high viscosity. There is a concern that the user may feel uncomfortable when wearing the lens with the sticking.

  In conventional contact lens care methods or contact lens care compositions, a sufficient effect of suppressing microbial adhesion has not been obtained.

“Biofilm Formation in Contact Lenses”, Nihon Kore, 39: 143-147, 1997 Journal of Biomedical Materials Reserach, Vol.28,303-309,1994 Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Vol.44 No.4,1093-1096,2000 JP-A-5-269181

  The objective of this invention is providing the contact lens care method used for the contact lens care method which suppresses microorganisms adhesion to a contact lens or a contact lens case, and such a method.

The present inventors have made various studies in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. As a result, the contact lenses are immersed in a composition for contact lens care containing a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester and a buffer for a predetermined time or more. As a result, the inventors have found a completely new finding that the adhesion of microorganisms to the contact lens can be suppressed, thereby completing the present invention.
That is, the gist of the present invention is as follows.
[1] A method for suppressing microbial adhesion to a contact lens, comprising immersing the contact lens in a contact lens care composition containing A) polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester and B) a buffering agent for 2 minutes or more. ,
[2] The method for suppressing microbial adhesion according to [1], further comprising C) a contact lens care composition containing a nonionic surfactant.
[3] The method for inhibiting microbial adhesion according to [2], wherein the nonionic surfactant is one or more selected from poloxamer, poloxamine, or polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil,
[4] Further, D) The method for inhibiting microbial adhesion according to any one of [1] to [3], which is a contact lens care composition containing a cellulose polymer compound or a vinyl polymer compound,
[5] The method for inhibiting microbial adhesion according to [4], wherein the cellulose polymer compound or the vinyl polymer compound is one or more selected from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, or polyvinylpyrrolidone,
[6] The method for suppressing microbial adhesion according to any one of [1] to [5], which is a contact lens care composition further comprising a monoterpene,
[7] The method for inhibiting microbial adhesion according to [6], wherein the monoterpene is one or more selected from menthol, camphor, borneol, geraniol, cineol, anethole, limonene, eugenol or linalool,
[8] A composition for contact lens care used in the method according to any one of [1] to [7],
[9] To a contact lens, wherein the contact lens is immersed in a contact lens care composition containing A) a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester and B) a buffer in a contact lens case for 2 minutes or more. Microbial adhesion control method,
[10] The method for inhibiting microbial adhesion to the contact lens according to [9], further comprising C) a contact lens care composition containing a nonionic surfactant,
[11] A microorganism for a contact lens case, wherein the contact lens case is contacted with a composition for contact lens care containing A) a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester and B) a buffer for 2 minutes or more. Adhesion control method,
[12] The method for suppressing microbial adhesion to the contact lens case according to [11], further comprising C) a contact lens care composition containing a nonionic surfactant,
[13] A composition for contact lens care used in the method according to any one of [9] to [12],
[14] A contact lens, wherein the contact lens is immersed in a contact lens care composition containing A) polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester and B) a buffer in a contact lens case for 2 minutes or more, and Microbe adhesion suppression method to contact lens case,
[15] Further, C) a contact lens care composition containing a nonionic surfactant, [14] the contact lens according to [14] and a method for inhibiting microbial adhesion to a contact lens case,
[16] The method for inhibiting microbial adhesion according to [15], wherein the nonionic surfactant is one or more selected from poloxamer, poloxamine, or polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil,
[17] Further, D) The method for inhibiting microbial adhesion according to any one of [14] to [16], which is a composition for contact lens care containing a cellulose polymer compound or a vinyl polymer compound,
[18] The method for inhibiting microbial adhesion according to [19], wherein the cellulose polymer compound or the vinyl polymer compound is one or more selected from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, or polyvinylpyrrolidone,
[20] Furthermore, the microbe adhesion suppression method according to any one of [14] to [19], which is a contact lens care composition containing monoterpene, [21] monoterpene is menthol, camphor, borneol, geraniol, The method for inhibiting microbial adhesion according to [20], which is one or more selected from cineole, anethole, limonene, eugenol, or linalool.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a contact lens care method and a care composition exhibiting an effect of suppressing microorganism adhesion.
According to the contact lens care method of the present invention, microorganisms can be prevented from adhering to, invading, or proliferating into the contact lens or the contact lens case during contact lens wearing or storage, Problems can be prevented beforehand.
For example, the contact lens being worn can be kept clean, the feeling of foreign matter can be suppressed and fogging of the lens can be reduced, and the contact lens case can be kept clean. Further, the contact lens material can be prevented from being corroded and deteriorated, and the lens life can be extended. In addition, contact lens cases can be stored by storing and handling around the water such as in the summer when the contact lens is soaked for a long time and microorganisms once depleted grow again, or when microbial activity is active, and in bathrooms and bathrooms. Even if the inside and outside of the case is exposed to microbial contamination, the case and the contact lens immersed in the case are effective in keeping clean. Eventually, it can be expected to prevent eye infections such as sty, conjunctiva and cornea, complications such as giant papillary conjunctivitis, corneal epithelial disorder, and visual acuity, which can be caused by microorganisms attached to contact lenses.

  The present invention includes all contact lenses such as hard contact lenses, oxygen permeable hard contact lenses, soft contact lenses (containing and not containing water), plastic resins used for storing contact lenses, etc. (for example, polyethylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, Polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, etc.) can be used for any contact lens case. Among them, the soft contact lens can be suitably used as a care method for the soft contact lens because it has a high moisture content and adheres to microorganisms, and easily penetrates into the lens and proliferates.

  By using the method of the present invention, microorganism adhesion to the contact lens can be suppressed. Examples of such microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, viruses, chlamydia, parasites (acanthamoeba, etc.), and the main types include the genus Pseudomonas (P. aeruginosa, P. stutzeri, P. cepacia, etc.), Staphylococcus Genus (S. epidermidis, S. aureus, etc.), E. coli group including Echerichia (E. coli, Enterobacter, etc.), Serratia (S. marcescens, etc.), Streptococcus (S. pneumoniae, etc.), Chlamydia ( C. trachomatis etc.), Corynebacterium genus, Candida genus (C. albicans etc.), Aspergillus genus (A. niger etc.), Cladosporium genus, Fusarium genus, virus (Herpes simplex etc.), Acanthamoeba genus (A. castellanii, A. polyphaga) Etc.).

  According to the method of the present invention, when the contact lens is immersed in the specific contact lens care composition of the present invention for a certain period of time or when the contact lens care composition and the contact lens case are in contact for a certain period of time, The adhesion of microorganisms to the contact lens or contact lens case is suppressed. For example, after the test substance (contact lens, contact lens case, etc.) is immersed in a chemical solution for a certain period of time, the test substance is further immersed in a microorganism suspension for a certain period of time. After rinsing lightly, it can be confirmed by testing whether the number of microorganisms remaining in the test substance is statistically less than the number of microorganisms when not immersed or contacted with the chemical solution.

  In the method of the present invention, a contact lens care composition containing A) a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester and B) a buffer is placed in a container such as a contact lens case, and the contact is made in the composition. Immerse the lens. In order to exert the effect of suppressing the adhesion of microorganisms, it is necessary to immerse the contact lens in the composition for a predetermined time or more. The immersion time is 2 minutes or longer, more preferably 3 minutes or longer, still more preferably 5 minutes or longer, particularly preferably 1 hour or longer, more particularly preferably 4 hours or longer.

  Further, in the method of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned essential components, C) a contact lens care composition containing a nonionic surfactant is used to suppress adhesion of microorganisms to the contact lens or the contact lens case. be able to. Furthermore, the contact lens care composition used in the present invention can realize a contact lens care method having a higher effect of suppressing the adhesion of microorganisms by containing a monoterpene or / and an antibacterial agent. Furthermore, the effects of the present invention may be assisted by configuring the contact lens or the contact lens case with a material having an effect of suppressing the adhesion of microorganisms or coating with a material having an effect of suppressing the adhesion of microorganisms.

  The composition for contact lens care used in the method for inhibiting microbial adhesion of the present invention contains polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester as an essential component. Examples of the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester used in the present invention include mono coconut oil fatty acid polyoxyethylene sorbitan, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoisostearate, polyoleic monooleate Oxyethylene sorbitan, polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate, and the like can be used, and commercially available ones can be used. Particularly preferred is polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, and the number of added moles of polyoxyethylene is preferably 20. A polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester having an HLB of 9 or more is preferred, and a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester having an HLB of 14 or more is more preferred.

  The concentration of the polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester in the contact lens care composition used in the method of the present invention is preferably 0.0002% by weight or more from the viewpoint of the effect of suppressing the adhesion of microorganisms. From the viewpoint, it is preferably 2% by weight or less. The concentration is preferably 0.002 to 0.5% by weight, more preferably 0.004 to 0.2% by weight, and most preferably 0.008 to 0.1% by weight.

  The contact lens care composition used in the method of the present invention contains a buffer as an essential component. Examples of the buffer include borate buffer, phosphate buffer, carbonate buffer, citrate buffer, acetate buffer, tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane buffer, and buffers such as HEPES. Preferred are borate buffer, phosphate buffer, and citrate buffer. Particularly preferred is a phosphate buffer. More specifically, borates such as alkali metal borate and alkaline earth metal borate can be used alone or in combination as the borate buffer. As the phosphate buffer, phosphates such as alkali metal phosphates and alkaline earth metal phosphates can be used alone or in combination. In addition, you may use these buffering agents in combination of 1 or more types.

  The concentration of the buffering agent in the composition for contact lens care used in the method of the present invention is preferably 0.001% by weight or more from the viewpoint of the effect of suppressing microbial adhesion, and from the viewpoint of suppressing eye irritation caused by excessive concentration. % By weight or less is preferred. The concentration is preferably 0.001 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 1% by weight, and most preferably 0.02 to 2% by weight.

  In the contact lens care composition used in the method of the present invention, A) a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, B) a contact lens care composition containing a buffer, and C) a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester. By containing at least one nonionic surfactant other than the above, it is possible to enhance the effect of suppressing microbial adhesion.

The C) nonionic surfactant is not particularly limited as long as it is a nonionic surfactant that can be applied to contact lenses other than polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester. For example, POE / POP block copolymer substituted ethylenediamine, POE / POP block copolymer, POE hydrogenated castor oil such as POE (60) hydrogenated castor oil, POE alkyl ethers such as POE (9) lauryl ether, POE / POP alkyl ether such as POE (20) POP (4) cetyl ether, etc. And nonionic surfactants such as POE alkylphenyl ethers such as POE (10) nonylphenyl ether. POE is an abbreviation for polyoxyethylene and POP is an abbreviation for polyoxypropylene, and the numbers in parentheses indicate the number of moles added.
Among these nonionic surfactants, preferably one or more selected from POE / POP block copolymer, POE / POP block copolymer-substituted ethylenediamine or polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, particularly preferably POE / POP block copolymer, POE / POP block copolymer-substituted ethylenediamine, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil. POE / POP block copolymers include (registered trademark) poloxamer ((registered trademark) Pluronic F127, P123, F98, F87, F85, F77, F83, P85, F88, F68, F38, L44), (registered trademark) poloxamine ( (Registered Trademarks) Tetronic 1508, 1504, 1307, 1304, 1107, 1104, 908, 904, 707, 704, 501, 304, etc.) and the like can be used. The average molecular weight is preferably 2,000 to 20,000, and more preferably 5,000 to 15,000. Further, the ethylene oxide content in the total molecule is preferably 40% or more, and more preferably 70% or more.

  The concentration of the nonionic surfactant in the composition for contact lens care used in the method of the present invention is preferably 0.001% by weight or more from the viewpoint of the effect of suppressing the adhesion of microorganisms, From the viewpoint of suppressing unpleasant stickiness, it is preferably 10% by weight or less. The concentration is preferably 0.001 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 1% by weight, and most preferably 0.02 to 0.5% by weight.

  The contact lens care composition used in the method of the present invention preferably contains an inorganic salt from the viewpoint of the effect of suppressing the adhesion of microorganisms. Examples of the inorganic salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and the like, preferably sodium chloride and potassium chloride, and particularly preferably used in combination of two types of potassium chloride and sodium chloride. The concentration of the inorganic salts in the composition of the present invention is preferably 0.2 to 2.0% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 1.0% by weight. The concentration is particularly preferably 0.2% by weight or more from the viewpoint of maintaining the shape of the water-containing contact lens, and preferably 2.0% by weight or less from the viewpoint of the effect of suppressing the adhesion of microorganisms.

  In the contact lens care composition used in the method of the present invention, the effect of attaching microorganisms can be enhanced by further using a monoterpene. Examples of such monoterpenes include menthol, camphor, borneol, geraniol, cineol, anethole, limonene, eugenol, linalool and the like, preferably one selected from menthol, camphor, borneol, geraniol, cineol, limonene or linalool or There are two or more, more preferably one or more selected from menthol, borneol, geraniol, cineol or limonene. These monoterpenes may be d-form, l-form or dl-form. Geraniol, l-menthol, d-camphor and d-borneol are particularly preferred from the viewpoints of sensory aspects such as refreshing feeling and fragrance, and safety. These can also be used in the state contained in essential oil, Preferably, eucalyptus oil, bergamot oil, peppermint oil, cool mint oil, spearmint oil, etc. can also be used. These monoterpenes can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In addition to the monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes such as farnesol and nerolidol, diterpenes such as sitol and sembrene, monoterpene derivatives such as linalyl acetate, and the like can be used as desired. These terpenoids may be d-form, l-form or dl-form.

  The concentration of the monoterpene in the contact lens care composition used in the method of the present invention is preferably 0.00001 to 0.1% by weight, more preferably 0.0001 to 0.05% by weight, and most preferably 0.0001 to 0.01% by weight. The amount is preferably 0.1% by weight or less, and preferably 0.00001% by weight or more from the viewpoint of obtaining a sufficient microbial adhesion inhibitory effect.

  In the composition for contact lens care used in the method of the present invention, the effect of attaching microorganisms can be enhanced by using one or more selected from cellulose-based polymer compounds and vinyl-based polymer compounds. Examples of the cellulose-based polymer compound include one or two selected from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose or salts thereof. Examples of the vinyl-based polymer compound include polyvinylpyrrolidone, Examples include polyvinyl alcohol. Of these, one or more selected from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, or polyvinylpyrrolidone is particularly preferable. Here, examples of the salt include alkali metals such as sodium and potassium, and alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium.

  The concentration in the case of using the cellulosic polymer compound in the contact lens care composition of the present invention is preferably 0.001 to 10.0% by weight, more preferably 0.001 to 5.0% by weight, and most preferably 0.01 to 2.0% by weight. . 10.0% by weight or less is preferable, and 0.001% by weight or more is preferable from the viewpoint of obtaining a sufficient microbial adhesion inhibitory effect. The concentration in the case of using a vinyl polymer compound is preferably 0.001 to 10.0% by weight, more preferably 0.001 to 5.0% by weight, and most preferably 0.01 to 2.0% by weight. 10.0% by weight or less is preferable, and 0.001% by weight or more is preferable from the viewpoint of obtaining a sufficient microbial adhesion inhibitory effect.

  Hydroxyethyl cellulose used in the present invention is a known polymer compound and has an average molecular weight of 200,000 to 2,500,000, more preferably 500,000 to 2,000,000, particularly preferably 800,000 to 1,500,000. Use. Commercially available hydroxyethyl cellulose can be used, for example, HEC-CF-G (average molecular weight of about 400,000) and HEC-CF-H (average molecular weight of about 700,000) sold by Sumitomo Seika Co., Ltd. , HEC-CF-V (average molecular weight about 1 million), HEC-CF-W (average molecular weight about 1.3 million), HEC-CF-X (average molecular weight about 1.5 million), HEC-CF-Y (average molecular weight about 180 Can be used.

  Methylcellulose used in the present invention is a known polymer compound and has an average molecular weight of 50,000 to 500,000. More preferably, methylcellulose having an average molecular weight of 100,000 to 500,000 and particularly preferably 200,000 to 500,000 is used. Commercially available methylcellulose can be used. For example, SM-15 (average molecular weight of about 70,000), SM-25 (average molecular weight of about 90,000) sold by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. as the Metrows SM series. ), SM-50 (average molecular weight of about 110,000), SM-100 (average molecular weight of about 120,000), SM-400 (average molecular weight of about 170,000), SM-1500 (average molecular weight of about 290,000), SM-4000 (Average molecular weight of about 360,000) can be used.

  Polyvinyl pyrrolidone used in the present invention is a known polymer compound and has an average molecular weight of 10,000 to 150,000. More preferably, polyvinylpyrrolidone having an average molecular weight of 20,000 to 150,000 is used. Commercially available polyvinyl pyrrolidone can be used. For example, Kollidon 25 (average molecular weight of about 30,000), Kollidon 30 (average molecular weight of about 50,000), sold by BASF Corporation as the Kollidon series, Kollidon 17PF (average molecular weight of about 90,000), Kollidon 90 (average molecular weight of about 120,000), etc. can be used.

  Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose used in the present invention is a known polymer compound and has an average molecular weight of 50,000 to 500,000. More preferred is hydroxypropylmethylcellulose having an average molecular weight of 100,000 to 500,000, particularly preferably 200,000 to 500,000. Commercially available hydroxypropylmethylcellulose can be used, for example, 60SH-15 (average molecular weight of about 70,000), 60SH-50 (average molecular weight of about 70,000 sold by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. as the Metrows SH series. 110,000), 65SH-50 (average molecular weight of about 110,000), 65SH-400 (average molecular weight of about 170,000), 65SH-1500 (average molecular weight of about 290,000), 60SH-4000 (average molecular weight of about 360,000), 65SH- 4000 (average molecular weight of about 360,000) can be used.

  The polyvinyl alcohol used in the present invention is a known polymer compound, and an average molecular weight of 10,000 to 300,000 is used. More preferably, polyvinyl alcohol having an average molecular weight of 20,000 to 200,000, particularly preferably an average molecular weight of 20,000 to 150,000 is used. Commercially available polyvinyl alcohol can be used. For example, GOHSENOL EG05 (average molecular weight of about 30,000), GOHSENOL EG40 (average molecular weight of about 120,000) sold by Nippon Synthetic Chemical Co., Ltd. as Gohsenol series. ) Etc. can be used.

  When the cellulose polymer compound is used in the contact lens care composition of the present invention, the viscosity of the composition is not limited, but from the viewpoint of obtaining a sufficient microbial adhesion inhibiting effect, the viscosity of the composition at 20 ° C. is 1. The design is preferably 2 m Pa · s or more, and more preferably 1.5 m Pa · s or more. Further, the upper limit is preferably 10 m Pa · s or less, more preferably 7 m Pa · s or less, and particularly preferably 4 mPa · s or less. Here, for the measurement of viscosity, a method using a cone-and-plate rotational viscometer (General test method, 45. Viscosity measurement method, Second method rotational viscometer method described in the 14th revision Japanese Pharmacopoeia method, The method described in “(3) Cone-Plate Rotational Viscometer”) was followed. Specifically, it can be measured using a commercially available cone-plate type rotational viscometer and an appropriately selected rotor. In measuring the viscosity, commercially available viscometers, for example, E type viscometer [manufactured by TOKIMEC, sold by Toki Sangyo (Japan)], Synchronic PC type (Brookfield, USA), Fernanti Shirley (Feranti, UK), Rot Bisco R (Hake, Germany), IGK Hischer Rheometer (Ishida Giken, Japan), Shimadzu Rheometer R (Shimadzu, Japan), Weissenberg Greogoniometer (Sangamo, UK), Mechanical Spectro Meters (rheometrics, rice), etc. can be used. These commercially available viscometers and rotors are selected as appropriate, and petroleum-based hydrocarbon oils (Newtonian fluids) stipulated by JISZ 880 9 are appropriately adjusted as calibration standard solutions for each test sample measurement. Thus, the viscosity at 20 ° C. can be measured.

  Further, the contact lens care composition used in the method of the present invention preferably contains an antibacterial agent. The number of microorganisms adhering to the contact lens can be sterilized while the contact lens is immersed, and the number of the microorganisms can be reduced. it can.

  The antibacterial agent is not limited as long as it is a highly safe antibacterial agent used in a composition for contact lens care. For example, polydronium chloride (polyquarterium-1), poly [oxyethylene (dimethyliminio) Quaternary ammonium compounds such as ethylene- (dimethyliminio) ethylene dichloride] or salts thereof, biguanide compounds such as polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride or salts thereof, and glycine type surfactants such as alkylpolyaminoethylglycine. .

  As these antibacterial agents, commercially available products can be used. For example, quaternary ammonium compounds or salts thereof include Glokill PQ (trade name, manufactured by Rhodia), Unisense CP (trade name, poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride), Senka Co., Ltd.), WSCP (trade name, poly [oxyethylene (dimethyliminio) ethylene- (dimethyliminio) ethylene dichloride] containing about 60% by weight, manufactured by Bachman Laboratories), Croquat L (trade name, Lauryl) A quaternary ammonium-substituted polypeptide derived from a collagen hydrolyzate having a trimethylammonium chloride group, which is available from Clauder). The biguanide compound or a salt thereof can be obtained from Cosmosil CQ (trade name, containing about 20% by weight of polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride, manufactured by ICI Americas).

  The concentration of the antibacterial agent in the contact lens care composition used in the present invention is preferably 0.00001 to 0.5% by weight, particularly preferably 0.00001 to 0.01% by weight. The concentration is preferably 0.00001% by weight or more from the viewpoint of obtaining sufficient sterilizing power, and preferably 0.5% by weight or less from the viewpoint of safety.

  The contact lens care composition used in the present invention includes, as necessary, a pharmaceutically active ingredient, a surfactant other than the above, an isotonic agent, a thickener, a chelating agent, a stabilizer, a pH adjuster, antiseptic, and the like. Various additives such as a preservative, a preservative, a refreshing agent, and a suspending agent can be appropriately mixed within a concentration range that does not affect the physicochemical parameters of the contact lens and causes no problems such as eye irritation. Although a specific example is given below, it is not limited to these.

  As the pharmaceutically active ingredient, an ingredient used as an active ingredient of an ophthalmic composition can be used. For example, a decongestant, a muscle regulating agent, an anti-inflammatory / astringent, an antihistamine, a vitamin, a sulfa, an antiallergy Agents, cell activators, and the like. Specifically, epinephrine, epinephrine hydrochloride, ephedrine hydrochloride, tetrahydrozoline hydrochloride, oxymetazoline hydrochloride, naphazoline hydrochloride, nafazoline nitrate, phenylephrine hydrochloride, dl-methylephedrine hydrochloride, etc. Removal components, muscle regulating functional agents such as neostigmine methylsulfate, epsilon-aminocaproic acid, allantoin, berberine chloride, berberine sulfate, sodium azulenesulfonate, dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, zinc sulfate, zinc lactate, lysozyme, etc. ,salt Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine maleate, sodium flavin adenine dinucleotide, cyanocobalamin, retinol acetate, retinol palmitate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, panthenol, calcium pantothenate, sodium pantothenate, tocopherol acetate, riboflavin, Sulfa drugs such as famethoxazole, sulfamethoxazole sodium, sulfisoxazole, sulfisomidine sodium, antiallergic agents such as cromoglycate sodium, ketotifen fumarate, amlexanox, pemirolast potassium, tranilast, L -Potassium aspartate, L-magnesium aspartate, L-magnesium potassium potassium aspartate, aminoethylsulfonic acid, co Cell activator such Doroichin sodium sulfate and the like, but not limited thereto.

  Surfactants include amphoteric surfactants such as glycine type such as alkyldiaminoethylglycine, betaine acetate type such as lauryldimethylaminoacetic acid betaine, imidazoline type, and POE alkyl ether phosphorus such as POE (10) sodium lauryl ether phosphate. Acids and salts thereof, N-acyl amino acid salts such as sodium lauroylmethylalanine, alkyl ether carboxylates, N-acyl taurine salts such as N-cocoylmethyl taurine sodium, sulfonates such as sodium tetradecenesulfonate, lauryl sulfate Examples thereof include alkyl sulfates such as sodium, POE alkyl ether sulfates such as POE (3) sodium lauryl ether sulfate, and anionic surfactants such as α-olefin sulfonates. POE is an abbreviation for polyoxyethylene and POP is an abbreviation for polyoxypropylene.

  Examples of isotonic agents include glycerin, propylene glycol, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol and the like.

  Thickeners include gum arabic powder, sodium alginate, propylene glycol alginate, sodium chondroitin sulfate, sorbitol, dextran 70, tragacanth powder, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, carboxyvinyl polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl Examples include pyrrolidone and macrogol 4000.

  Chelating agents include edetic acid, edetates (disodium edetate, disodium calcium edetate, trisodium edetate, tetrasodium edetate), nitrilotriacetic acid and its salts, trihydroxymethylaminomethane, sodium hexametaphosphate Citric acid and the like.

  Examples of the stabilizer include the edetic acid, the edetic acid salts, and sodium bisulfite.

  Examples of the pH adjuster include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid and the like.

  Preservatives and preservatives include sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate, butyl paraoxybenzoate, propyl paraoxybenzoate, methyl paraoxybenzoate, chlorohexidine gluconate, chlorohexidine hydrochloride, benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, alkyl Examples include diaminoethylglycine and chlorobutanol.

  The contact lens care composition used in the method of the present invention can be produced according to a known method.

  The pH of the contact lens care composition used in the method of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 5.0 to 9.0, more preferably 5 in view of safety for eyes. It is desirable to adjust in the range of .5 to 8.5. Adjustment of pH is performed by using the said pH adjuster. Further, the osmotic pressure ratio of the composition to the physiological saline (the osmotic pressure of the ophthalmic composition / the osmotic pressure of the physiological saline) is preferably 0.5 to 2.5, more preferably 0.7 to 1.5. It is desirable to adjust. Moreover, it is preferable that the osmotic pressure of a composition is about 140-700 mOsm, More preferably, it is 200-420 mOsm. The osmotic pressure can be measured with an osmometer.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Test Example 1 Microorganism Adhesion Inhibition Effect Evaluation Test Pseudomonas aerginosa ATCC9027 was used as a test bacterium, and 2 week Accuview (manufactured by Johnson & Johnson Co., Ltd.) was used as a test lens. Based on the formulation described in Table 1, the test solutions were prepared so that polysorbate 80, Pluronic (registered trademark) F127, and the like each had a concentration (w / v)% described in the table.
The test method was as follows (the test was performed with n = 5).
(1) The lens was immersed in 5 mL of each test solution in a 12-well multiplate (made of polystyrene) for 2 minutes or 4 hours.
(2) The lens was taken out from the test solution using sterilized tweezers, and water droplets were gently wiped off, and then immersed in 5 mL of a test bacterial solution adjusted to 1 × 10 ⁷ CFU / mL for 30 minutes. The test solution of the 12-well multiplate with the lens in (1) was discarded and the water droplets were gently wiped. Instead, 5 mL of the test bacterial solution adjusted to 1 × 10 ⁷ CFU / mL was added and left for 30 minutes.
(3) After immersion, remove the lens from the test bacterial solution and gently wipe off the water droplets, then transfer it to 5 mL of commercially available Dulbecco's salt buffer (pH 7.5, osmotic pressure 300 mOsm) in a Spitz tube and manually. Gently soaked for 1 minute. After leaving, discard the 12-well multi-plate test bacteria solution and gently wipe off the water droplets, then add 5 mL of Dulbecco's phosphate buffer (pH 7.5, osmotic pressure 300 mOsm) and shake for 1 minute while gently rotating. .
(4) The lens was taken out from the buffer solution in (3) and lightly wiped with water droplets. The lens was transferred to a new Dulbecco's phosphate buffer solution, treated with ultrasound for 3 minutes, and then vigorously stirred with vortex for 1 minute. The buffer solution of the 12-well multiplate was discarded, 5 ml of new Dulbecco's phosphate buffer solution was added, and the mixture was shaken for 1 minute after ultrasonic treatment for 3 minutes.
(5) The viable cell count in the buffer solution containing the lens of (4) above was appropriately diluted and measured by the membrane filter method to obtain the adherent cell count.

  About the test liquid prepared so that it might become the composition of Table 1, the microbe adhesion inhibitory effect was evaluated. The adhesion inhibition rate (%) was the ratio obtained by dividing the number of adherent bacteria in the test solution (comparative example or example) by the number of adherent bacteria in the control test solution. The results are shown in Table 1.

When the viscosity was measured for Example 3 shown in Table 1, the viscosity at 20 ° C. was 1.5 mPa · s. The measurement was performed under the following measurement conditions using a TVE-20 L type viscometer cone plate type (manufactured by Tokimec, Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.), which is one type of E type viscometer.
Measurement conditions: Before measuring the test sample, use petroleum-based hydrocarbon oil (Newtonian fluid) specified by JISZ 8 8 9 as the calibration standard solution so that the measured value matches the viscosity of the standard solution. It was adjusted. TVE- 2 0 L viscometer cone plate type that comes standard cone rotor (α = 1 ° 34 ', the radius (R = 24 mm) full-scale torque 6 7 3 7 × 1 0 ^-. Of ⁷ N m Spring At the time of measurement, the viscometer was set so that the rotation axis was perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and 1 ml of the test sample was placed at a predetermined position of the cone rotor, and the temperature was 2 The sample was left to reach 0.0 ° C., and then the apparatus was rotated at a viscosity of 50 rpm of the test sample, and the displayed viscosity was read after 3 minutes.

As a result of the test, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (polysorbate 80: polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, the number in parentheses indicates the number of added moles), sodium hydrogen phosphate and sodium dihydrogen phosphate were combined. It was confirmed that the adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to the contact lens can be remarkably suppressed by immersing the contact lens in the composition for 2 minutes or 4 hours. In addition, when immersed in a composition combining polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, sodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, and further combining a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymer (Pluronic F127) It was confirmed that the effect of suppressing the adhesion of microorganisms was further increased.
Although the results are not shown, the number of viable bacteria in the buffer placed in the 12-well multiplate shown in (4) in the procedure of the test method was also measured in the same way. confirmed. Thereby, the microorganisms adhesion suppression effect to a contact lens case was shown.
On the other hand, even if the contact lens is immersed in a composition comprising a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymer, sodium hydrogen phosphate, and sodium dihydrogen phosphate for 2 minutes or 4 hours, the effect of suppressing microbial adhesion is not sufficiently obtained. It was.

Test Example 2 Microbe Adhesion Inhibition Effect Evaluation Test For the test solution (pH 7.5) prepared to have the composition shown in Table 2, the same method except that Test Example 1 and the immersion time were 3 minutes were used. The result of having evaluated is shown. The case where the adhesion inhibition rate (%) was 80% or more was evaluated as ◎, the case where it was 60% or more and less than 80% was evaluated as ○, and the case where it was less than 60% was evaluated as ×.

  As a result of the test, 3 minutes in a composition in which polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester (polysorbate 80) is combined with a buffer, a nonionic surfactant, l-menthol or a cellulosic polymer (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose), and an antibacterial agent. Alternatively, it was shown that P. aeruginosa adheres to the contact lens can be remarkably suppressed by immersing the contact lens for 4 hours.

Claims (8)

A method for inhibiting microbial adhesion to a contact lens, comprising immersing the contact lens in a contact lens care composition containing A) polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester and B) a buffering agent for 2 minutes or more. The method for inhibiting microbial adhesion according to claim 1, which is a contact lens care composition further comprising C) a nonionic surfactant. The composition for contact lens care used for the method of Claim 1 or 2. A contact lens is immersed in a contact lens care composition containing A) a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester and B) a buffer in a contact lens case for 2 minutes or more. Suppression method. Furthermore, C) The microorganisms adhesion suppression method to the contact lens of Claim 4 which is a composition for contact lens care containing a nonionic surfactant. A method for inhibiting microbial adhesion to a contact lens case, comprising contacting the contact lens case with a composition for contact lens care containing A) a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester and B) a buffering agent for 2 minutes or more. . The method for suppressing microbial adhesion to a contact lens case according to claim 6, further comprising C) a composition for contact lens care containing a nonionic surfactant. The composition for contact lens care used for the method of Claim 6 or 7.