JPS6175319A - Contact lens detergent and cleaning method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Just as there are significant differences in structure and composition between hard PMMA, silicone, silicone copolymer gas permeable contact lenses and soft contact lenses, various types of hard, silicone, silicone The maintenance, care and handling of copolymer and soft contact lenses differ significantly. Proper management of silicone lenses, silicone copolymer lenses (gas permeable) and newer hydrophilic soft lenses, whereas no-f contact lenses or conventional contact lenses are relatively simple and easy to manage and handle. and handling proved to be more complex, time consuming and costly for the user.

Conventional hard contact lenses, silicone copoly 1-
The main difference between lenses and more complex soft lenses is that silicone copolymer lenses are hydrophobic, whereas the hydrophilic gel materials from which soft contact lenses are made have their polar center, or water dusting center.
tsr at lracting center) increases significantly. It is this very property of hydrophilic gel lenses that gives soft lenses their unique physical properties and clinical effects. This polar or water attracting center of the gel material is represented in the hydroxy/ethyl methacrylate bond as a hydroxy group (-OH) which attracts and retains large amounts of water. The reason why cleaning and sterilizing or aseptic processing of hydrophilic soft lenses is difficult is because of the expanded matrix of hydrophilic gel lenses.
This is because a large amount of water is retained in ix). Due to their hydrophilic nature, soft contact lenses contain bacterium IIA (bact.
eria) is easily contaminated. Although research has established that it is impossible for bacteria to enter the actual molecular pores of a hydrophilic lens unless there are defects in the lens, the pores on the surface of the lens matrix are /9 Shows affinity for deposits from lysates and tears. In particular, tears and fluids absorbed into soft lenses serve as optimal bacterial cultures. If defects or scratches occur in the lens during manufacturing or wear by the user, bacteria can easily find suitable shelter and escape from cleaning and disinfecting the lens surface.

Potentially harmful fungi (fungi) can also be dangerous to soft contact lenses. Fungi and bacteria
□Similarly, teardrops, other fluids or deposits
(sit) and can directly enter the lens material if enzymatic degradation of the lens material occurs.

In the same way, any tan/tan remaining inside or on the lens
Substantial residues of deposits such as dirt, tears or lipids can easily outweigh and inactivate the most effective RWI compositions of disinfection systems, thus reducing the potential for potentially harmful microorganisms and fungi. It can function as a culture.

Therefore, before storing soft contact lenses in a sterilizing solution, remove tannoly substances and lipid deposits from the lens surface to prevent bacteria from forming in liquid B or sterilization method V. It is also an essential element in penetration that it is important to prevent it from decreasing or disappearing due to contaminants.

There are many methods of cleaning soft lenses that remove only tan and e7 deposits.6 For example, soft lenses may be cleaned with tap water to remove tan and e7 deposits. Cleaning with warm water is practically ineffective and reduces the amount of debris accumulated on the lens surface from about 1% to about 1%.
It only removes 0%. Boiling soft lenses in saline water is somewhat effective and typically removes about 5% to 15'% of the lens surface residue. Other cleaning methods include the use of hydrogen peroxide and sodium chloride solutions. Hydrogen peroxide is actually not effective because it oxidizes and discolors the lens. The removal of species deposits caused by the use of high strength sodium chloride solutions and the friction created when the lenses are rubbed with the solutions is facilitated. However, this method is harmful to the lens as it scratches the lens surface. Enzymatic cleaners cannot remove deposits such as salts, lipids and mucin. Additionally, enzyme-based cleaning agents can discolor soft contact lenses.

For more information on various types of cleaning methods and cleaning compositions, see the April 1978 publication
Enwof Optometer7) J's three papers, μ0chi Irvin Sonny Arons (Irvin
gJ, Arons),: Noerome Varnish.

Lieblain (Jerome S, Lieblain)
Visual acuity test outliner; and Frederick D.

Kelst) and John C. Token (Jon,
Please refer to the article by C. Thorson, M.D., Ph.D.

For these reasons, there is a need for effective compositions for removing tar, lipids, and other deposits that tend to remain on gas permeable and soft contact lenses after the end of their wear period. Ta. At the same time, we also offer gas-permeable lens and soft contact lens cleaners that can be easily wiped off the lens surface after cleaning and do not contain any of the ingredients or ingredients that are otherwise harmful to the lens material. is necessary.

Contact lenses are prone to MUm and fungi, so
Is the cleaning agent Wash 1'? A preservative system must be included so that the solution is not contaminated by these microorganisms, i.e. that these microorganisms cannot be transferred to the lens through the use of the cleaning bath solution. Compounds traditionally known for use in preservative systems to maintain solutions sterile or nearly sterile, such as thimerosal, potassium sorbate, chlorhexidine, and sorbic acid, have been used as primary preservatives. However, these compounds have the disadvantage that they can discolor the lens and can be trapped within the lens matrix, causing irritation, sensitization, excessive inflammation and hyperemia, making the lens impossible to wear. . With the development of long-term wear lenses, avoidance of the aforementioned problems becomes increasingly important.

This is because lenses of this type can be kept on the eye for several weeks.

In terms of what the present invention consists of, silicone, silicone system
ems) and preventive cleaning compositions (proph)'lactic to remove deposits from the surfaces of these lenses.
Specifically, the present invention provides silicones, silicone copolymers and soft contact lens cleaners that are used at the end of each wear period and are highly effective in removing lipids and tartar from the lens surface. and a preservative system without the hypersensitivity problems found in preservative systems containing, for example, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, thimerosal or chlorhexidine. The present invention is particularly suitable for silicone/licone copolymers and soft lenses, including extended wear contact lenses (eg HEMA contact lenses).

The invention is also suitable for hard contact lenses.

□ In another aspect, the present invention relates to a cleaning composition for removing tan, e4, lipids and other foreign deposits from the surface of contact lenses. This cleaning composition is also used for each wear W+
It also has the effect of maintaining a clear field of vision for 1f. Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to an effective soft contact lens cleaner that is easy to use and easily rinsed from contact lenses after cleaning.

In the present invention, a preservative system is included in a contact lens cleaning solution.

This preservative system prevents contamination of the remaining solution by bacteria or other microorganisms, such as after the container of cleaning solution is opened and a portion of the solution is used for the first time, and is effective in maintaining the solution in a sterile condition. Motsu.

This preservative system is primarily for soft contact lenses, but can also be used for hard contact lenses.

The preservative system of the present invention is safe, effective and non-toxic to the human eye or ocular tissue. Therefore, even if the cleaning composition containing this preservative system is not sufficiently rinsed from the lens, no harmful effects and/or discomfort will result. Additionally, the preservative system does not discolor or otherwise harm the soft contact lenses. The disadvantages of preservative systems containing compounds such as sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, thimerosal or chlorhexidine are thus avoided.

Kodanmei's preservative system for use in contact lens cleaning compositions is trimethoprim (trime-th
oprim) and is used in an effective amount to maintain the sterility of the cleaning composition. Cleaning compositions include various adjuvant bact'ericides.
However, trimethoprim alone has been found to be effective in maintaining the sterility of contact lens cleaning compositions. Therefore, if desired, there is no need to introduce other disinfectants into the cleaning composition. Various types that can be added as desired]
As an auxiliary disinfectant, ethylenediaminetetra vinegar Kl (E
DTA) or a water-soluble salt thereof and sorbic acid. Ascorbic acid or a salt thereof and/or benzyl alcohol may be used in place of or in conjunction with sorbic acid. An effective amount of trimethoprim is usually about 0.05-2.0% by weight of the total composition. When these auxiliary fungicides are used, they are usually introduced in the following proportions.

EDTA ・・・・・・Approx. 0.025 to approx. 0.5
Tinlupic acid ・・・・・・Approx. o, oot% ~ approx. 0
．． 35 Thipendyl alcohol・・・Approx. 0.1%
~5.0%, all based on the total composition.

It is to be understood that the desired effect, ie maintenance of sterility, may be obtained even at increased concentrations of the compound. Ascorbic acid or a salt thereof may be used in an effective amount, calculated as ascorbic acid, of typically 0.1% to about 20%. Suitable salts of ascorbic acid are sodium salts or calcium salts.

The present invention also relates to a method of maintaining sterility of contact lens cleaners. The method consists of providing a cleaning agent with the preservative system of the invention. As a result, the cleaning solution is sterile without the use of disinfectants that can be absorbed by the soft lens and be harmful to the ocular tissues or otherwise cause eye irritation and/or lens discoloration. will be maintained.

The present invention provides a highly effective prophylactic soft contact lens cleaning composition for preferred deafness.

Preferred cleaning compositions are aqueous solutions that effectively remove minerals, lipids and other deposits and other materials that tend to adhere to lens surfaces that accumulate through standard lens wear. Preferred cleaning compositions of the present invention can be easily and quickly rinsed off the surface of the lens after cleaning is complete.

The aqueous cleaning compositions of the present invention contain a non-ionic detergent system, a preservative 7 stem, a rinse aid.
id), with a tonicity of about 1.0 to about 2.0, and a tonicity of about 6.
Preferably, it has a pH of 0 to about 7.0.

One embodiment of the invention produces an aqueous cleaning composition that is particularly suitable for cleaning soft contact lenses.

The cleaning composition includes a preservative system as described above and one or more cleaning ingredients. Any detergent or other type of cleaning ingredient suitable for cleaning contact lenses may be used. If the cleaning composition is for soft contact lenses, the detergent or cleaning ingredients should be suitable for use with soft contact lenses.

The surfactants commonly used are those which are completely miscible with water at the temperature of use and usually form a clear solution. The surfactant must also be stable under sterile conditions, must not have a deleterious effect on the soft contact lens or other substances present in the solution, and must not irritate the eye. It is therefore desirable for surfactants to be able to dissolve adsorbed proteins and lipids on lenses and to prevent redeposition of these substances during sterilization and subsequent storage, whereas soft contact lenses 1 府ノi,'l に 1 工 1. [No.

Suitable surfactants include nonionic surfactants, especially hydroxyalkylated surfactants and polyoxine alkylated surfactants. Those showing extremely high effectiveness in low-density carbon atoms have 10 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 14 carbon atoms, and have 0 to 1 day of olefin unsaturation as the only unsaturation site, and are preferably saturated. It is an N-hydroxyalkylated carboxamide of a fatty acid. Usually 2~3v
There are two identical or different hydroquinoalkyl groups with I carbon atoms.

(Left below) Pholioxyalkylated nonionic detergents may consist only of polyoxyalkylene groups of 2 to 3 carbon atoms, or may be directly or indirectly attached to aliphatic chains of 10 to 18 carbon atoms. It may also have attached polyoxyalkylene chains. Alkyl-containing groups can be sorbitan esters, alkylphenyls, alkyls, carboxylic acids, and the like. The polyoxyalkylene chain can be a homo-oligomer or a cooligomer, the homo-oligomer usually having an ethyleneoxy group, and the cooligomer being a random cooligomer or a block cooligomer with an ethyleneoxy group and a topropyleneoxy group. These various non-ionic detergents have various quotients! 1
For example, Tween, Ig
ep4) (a) ), Pluronle
), Br1j, Myrj,
etc. are commercially available. The alkyleneoxy chain usually consists of an average of about 5 to 60 oxyalkylene positions.

Amphoteric detergents are usually two-tine having an aliphatic carbon chain attached to the atom of about 10 to 18 carbon atoms, preferably about 10 to 14 carbon atoms.

Particularly advantageous are compounds of the formula: where R has 9 to 13 carbon atoms, usually 11 carbon atoms.

More specifically, the non-ionic detergent is a poly(oxene ethylene)-poly(oxene ethylene) block copolymer. An example of a suitable block copolymer is BA
SF-Wyandotte Chemical Company (BASF-Wya)
ndotte Chemic4) (a) Corp,)
Examples include those commercially available under the trademark "Pluronic". Specific examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants and methods for their preparation are given in U.S. Pat.
50 (zu, No. 2.781,351, No. 3,231.5
No. 80, No. 3,231,581, No. 3.452.04
No. 2, No. 3,658,895 and No. 3,697,45
No. 2 is disclosed in each specification. A particularly suitable amphoteric surfactant is Mlranol Cb+
mlc4) (a) Company+ Inc, ) from Mlranol Amphoteric Surfactant
otsrlc 5urface Aetlv@Ag@n
ts). The specific amphoteric surfactant consisting of is commercially available as Milanol HtM ffA condensate.

The present Proposition 4 is tii (not limited to cleaning agents, detergents or surfactants of the type mentioned above) that can be used to clean contact lenses and that are compatible with the preservative system of the present invention and that are otherwise suitable for contact lens cleaning solutions. Any type of material, whether in aqueous solution or gel, that is suitable for use may be used.Non-ionic, anionic or cationic detergents can be used.

Preferably, the non-ionic detergent system comprises 3a different non-ionic detergents. One of these non-ionic detergents has a molecular weight of approximately 1,1
00 to about 14. Q Q O polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block: 11 poly. The polyoxyethylene or hydrophilic units of the block copolymer account for about 70% to about 80% of the total molecular bonds of the block copolymer, with the remaining component of the block copolymer being comprised of polyoxypropylene or hydrophobic units. .

The block copolymer is usually present in a proportion of from about 1.0 parts to about 15.0 parts of the total aqueous composition. Another detergent of the nonionic detergent system is an amphoteric surfactant, usually present in an amount of about 0.5 to about 8.0 weight of the total aqueous composition. Preferred amphoteric surfactant Fi2-cocoyl-2
-Imidazolinium lauryl sulfate-1-carboxymethyloxyethyl-1 carboxylmethyl disodium. In a preferred composition of the invention, 8g3 of the nonionic detergent of the detergent system is an alkylaryl polyether alcohol exhibiting water B properties. A preferred type of alkylaryl polyether alcohol is ink tylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol.

This component typically comprises from about 0.005 to about 8.00% of the total aqueous composition.
．． It is present in an amount of 0.

Preferably, propylene glycol is present in the present cleaning compositions in an amount of about 0.005 to about 5-Oii of the total aqueous composition. Propylene glycol facilitates rinsing of the cleaning composition from the contact lens surface and also serves as a preservative and thickener for the cleaning composition.

The compositions of the present invention typically have a pH of from 6.0 to about 7.0, preferably from about 6.0 to about 6.5. This slightly alkaline pH aids in the dissolution of the pH and facilitates rinsing of the composition from the lens. pHtF
Reconstituted sodium hydrogen oxide may be introduced into the composition to adjust the total composition.

The soft contact lens cleaning composition of the present invention is about 1.0
Preferably, the tonicity is from about 2.0 to about 2.0.

In this way, the composition of the present invention exhibits a mild hypertonic state and foreign matter, bacteria or other residues that can accumulate and cause contamination problems and deterioration and discoloration of the lens itself are absorbed into the lens matrix. A hypotonic cleaning solution may be used to help prevent rinsing, but the cleaning power and rinse-off properties (rlns@abIHty) of the solution remain the same. The remaining components of the composition are U, S, P, and standard clean water.

All that is necessary for the use of a suitable preservative membrane bactericidal and fungicidal chemical is that the selected chemical be compatible with all other components of the solution and the contact lens material. The essential considerations in determining the optimal antibacterial and antifungal substances are: (1) they do not bind to tannin;
) It does not cause any reaction or absorption phenomenon to the material or matrix of the soft lens. The preservative system of the present invention satisfies the conditions of kneading.

H, preferably about 0.075 to about 0.3 Tcljt
and most preferably about 0.1% by weight trimethoprim.

Trimethoprim is 2,4--,'amino-5-(3,4
Also known as 5-trimethoxyindyl-pyrimidine and Syraprim. −
For example, [The Merck Index]
Index) J 8th edition, 1077-1! -Please refer to page.

Although not necessary for a suitable preservative system to maintain the sterility of contact lens cleaning compositions, supplemental disinfectants may also be present in the nuclear preservative system, as described above.

When ascorbic acid is used, it is preferred to introduce an effective amount of monothioglycerol to stabilize the ascorbic acid compound. In this case, most preferably monothioglycerol is used in which the weight ratio of monothioglycerol to ascorbic acid compound is calculated in terms of ascorbic acid 4-s.
:50. For example, the MW of an ascorbic acid compound calculated on an ascorbic acid basis is 10%.
In this case, the concentration of monothioglycerol should be 0.2×.

Ascorby/θχ in the preservative system to extend shelf life
v4? of the composition in an atmosphere substantially free of free PM oxygen. ! and packaging. - By way of example, the composition can be FA'd and sealed in a sterile container under a nitrogen or carbon dioxide atmosphere. It is also advantageous to place the ascorbic acid compound in an opaque container to reduce the risk of deterioration that may occur due to UV radiation. Ascorbic acid may, for example, be stored in separate packaging until use.

Preferred preventive cleaning compositions of the invention also contain propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is typically incorporated from about 5.0 to about 9 g of the total aqueous composition.

The preferred concentration of propylene glycol is about 1.0% of the total aqueous composition. Propylene glycol acts as a humectant, increasing the viscosity, density and feel of the detergent without interfering with the cleaning action of the detergent system. Propylene glycol also acts as a preservative and fungal growth inhibitor. In addition, propylene glycol is in itself very important to soft contact lens wearers! ') K to remove (foggtng) is also helpful.

Another important function of propylene glycol in the prophylactic composition of the present invention is to facilitate rinsing of the composition from the lens after cleaning is completed.

It has also been found that ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or a water-soluble salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid acts as a biaxial and preservative ingredient when incorporated into the compositions of the present invention, and has antibacterial and anti-7cm properties. A preferred salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (disodium EDTA or disodium nibbutate).

Another EDTA salt that can be used is Nanano.

Mention may be made of no-, tri- and tetra-alkali metal salts. Benzyl alcohol may also be incorporated, usually in amounts ranging from about 0.1 to about 5.0 parts of the total composition.

The non-ionic detergent system of the composition of the invention preferably has a
m different nonionic surfactants or detergents. Each surfactant or detergent must be compatible with the contact lens material.

The synergistic effect obtained by combining the cleaning detergents is as follows: 1.When using the cleaning composition of the present invention, the cleaning composition of the present invention removes tan from the lens surface. Both lithium and niR are removed.

These three nonionic detergents preferably present in the compositions of the present invention are (1) Holiokipropylene-polyoxyethylene block co, t? Satisfactory results have also been obtained with a composition according to an embodiment of the present invention containing the following two non-ionic detergents: 1Jmer, 121M surfactant and (31 alkylaryl polyether alcohol).

(11 Amphoteric Surfactant + 21 Alkylaryl d?IJ Ether Alcohol) It should be understood that this 6-drug system may include a ceramic ionic detergent, a cationic detergent, a non-ionic detergent, or any combination thereof.

The block copolymers used in preferred compositions of the invention are polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymers that are compatible with soft contact lenses. The block copolymers a used in preferred embodiments of the invention have a molecular weight of about 1,100 to about 14,000 and a molecular weight of about 10
0-1) has a water solubility of 10 JI or more. Preferably, about 70% to about 85% of the total molecular weight of the block copolymer is comprised of hydrophilic polyoxyethylene groups, with the remainder of the molecular weight representing hydrophobic polyoxypropylene groups, and has relatively low foaming properties.

Block copolymers suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention include those commercially available under the trademark Pluronic by BASF-Wyandotte Co., Wyandotte, Michigan. The following Pluronic block copolymers are suitable for use in the compositions of the invention, although the invention is not limited to these materials.

Pluronic F-68. Pluronic F-77゜Pluronic P-75. Pluronic P-65゜Pluronic L-64,
Pluronic F-87゜Pluronic F-88, Deluronic F-98, -Pluronic F-108, Pluronic F-
127. This block copolymer is normally present in the preferred compositions of the present invention in a proportion of the total water-wettable composition (D from about 1.0 to about 15.074='#%, preferably about 6.0%). .

Preferably, the block copolymers used in the present invention exhibit relatively low foaming properties.

A preferred amphoteric surfactant is Mlranol 2MCA Modified by Mlranol Chemical Co., Irvingt, New Chassis.
2-cocoyl-2-, commercially available at
It is imidazolinium lauryl sulfate-1-carboxymethyloxyethyl-1-carboxylmethyl disodium. The amphoteric surfactant is present in preferred compositions of the invention from about 0.5% to about 8% by weight of the aqueous composition.
0%, preferably in a proportion of about 3.0%.

[Improved Milanol 2 Instead of MCAJ, “Milanol M”
HTJ may also be used. This is also commercially available from Milanor-Mikal.

A third class of nonionic detergents that may be present in the detergent system are alkylaryl polyether alcohols. Preferred alkylaryl polyether alcohols in the compositions of the present invention are high-isooctylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol.

The most preferred octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol has about 9 units of ethoxyethanol per unit of octylphenol and a molecular weight of about 630.

The most preferred alkylaryl polyether alcohol is commercially available from A2/Sil R, Philadelphia, NH. The alkylaryl polyether alcohol is about 0.005% to about 5% of the total aqueous composition. It is introduced at a strength of about 1.0 ml, preferably about 1.0 ml. Alkylaryl polyether alcohol is also known as octylphenol ethylene alcohol. Alkylaryl polyether alcohol u Nil block copolymer supplements purifying properties and can adhere to the surface of the lens ocular secretion'
) to remove dust deposits and other substances.

The remaining components of the extraction composition are U, S, P, clean water, preferably comprising a combination of essentially neutral and alkaline salts. These salts are combined with ocular tissue and soft contact lenses. A salt that is compatible with the material and soluble in water;
Typically, the aqueous composition is introduced at a concentration such that the entire needle is equivalent to a tonicity of 1.2 to about 1.7. In this way, the soft contact lens cleaning solution of the present invention can be made slightly hypertonic, and therefore foreign substances and proteins that are graded B and cause contamination problems and deterioration and discoloration of the lens itself] , avoiding the possibility of absorption of lipids and bacteria into the lens matrix. Sodium chloride is present in soft contact lens cleaning compositions at about 0% of the total aqueous composition.
．． 05~about 2.0 army rental car, preferably about o74BMR4
may exist in proportions of Potassium chloride is preferably used in conjunction with sodium chloride, which is another salt and usually accounts for about 0.05 to about 2.0% of the total aqueous chloride. O)J(74%, preferably about 0.28% by weight).

The pH of the soft contact lens cleaning composition of the present invention is preferably slightly alkaline. Preferably 1 npl (range is about 6
0 to about 6.5. Sodium bicarbonate may be present in the compositions of the present invention in an amount of about 0.01 to about 3.0 g, preferably about 0.1 g, by weight of the total aqueous composition.

Preferably, the aqueous cleaning composition of the present invention is used as part of an overall procedure or tool to be used by a user regarding the maintenance and handling of soft and semi-vertical/tactile lenses. For example, effective storage of contact lenses also constitutes an integral part of the effective handling and maintenance of soft or semi-vertical/tact lenses. If the lens is separately cleaned with the preferred cleaning composition of the present invention, protein? Large organic or inorganic deposits including I and lipids ν
and contaminants can be removed from the lens surface, thereby minimizing the discomfort required for soft contact lenses and maximizing the protection from vision loss provided by this divine lens. Preferred cleaning compositions of the present invention allow lenses to be cleaned quickly and effectively without excessive scrubbing. For example, excessive friction of the lens between the thumb and index finger can cause breakage or scratches on the lens, which not only degrades vision but also causes scratches (5c) on the lens.
ratchirur) and/or will accumulate in the damaged area. Preferred soft contact lens cleaning compositions of the present invention are also quick and easy to rinse off from lenses after one cleaning, thereby reducing wear and tear caused to the lenses by cleaning.
The amount of money decreases. Moreover, if the composition is used, there is no need to use a cleaning agent containing an enzyme.

Claims (10)

[Claims] (1) A contact lens cleaning composition comprising: (a) an effective amount of trimethoprim to maintain the sterile state of the composition; and (b) at least one cleaning component suitable for cleaning contact lenses. The cleaning composition comprising: (2) The trimethoprim is about 0.0% of the entire cleaning composition.
The cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the cleaning composition is present in an amount of from 0.05 to about 2.0% by weight. (3) The trimethoprim is about 0.0% of the entire cleaning composition.
The cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein the cleaning composition is present in an amount of from 0.075 to about 0.3% by weight. (4) (a) from about 0.005 to about 8 of the total cleaning composition;
．． an alkylaryl polyether alcohol present in an amount of 0% by weight; (b) from about 0.5 to about 8.0% by weight of the total cleaning composition;
A contact lens cleaning composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an amphoteric surfactant present in an amount of. (5) a molecular weight of about 1,100 to about 14,000 and 10
5. The cleaning composition of claim 4 further comprising a polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer having a water solubility of greater than or equal to about 10 g/ml. (6) (a) the polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymer has relatively low foaming properties; (b) the amphoteric surfactant is 2-cocoyl-2-imidazolinium lauryl sulfate-1; - carboxymethyloxyethyl-1-carboxymethyl disodium from about 0.5 to about 8.0% by weight of the total aqueous composition.
6. The cleaning composition of claim 5, wherein (c) the alkylaryl polyether alcohol is isooctylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol. (7) The cleaning composition of claim 1 having a tonicity of about 1.0 to about 2.0. (8) Sterility of a contact lens cleaning composition, characterized in that the composition is provided with a preservative system for contact lens cleaning solutions comprising: (a) an effective amount of trimethoprim to maintain the sterility of the composition; maintenance law. (9) The trimethoprim is added to about 0.0% of the entire cleaning composition.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the method is present in an amount of from 0.05 to about 2.0% by weight. (10) The trimethoprim is added to about 0% of the entire cleaning composition.
．． 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the method is present in an amount of from 0.075 to about 0.3% by weight.