WO2000030689A1 - Systeme de nettoyage et de desinfection de verres de contact - Google Patents

Systeme de nettoyage et de desinfection de verres de contact Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000030689A1
WO2000030689A1 PCT/US1998/019747 US9819747W WO0030689A1 WO 2000030689 A1 WO2000030689 A1 WO 2000030689A1 US 9819747 W US9819747 W US 9819747W WO 0030689 A1 WO0030689 A1 WO 0030689A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
solution
chamber
cleaning
cleaning chamber
filter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/019747
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Simcha Borovsky
Original Assignee
Simcha Borovsky
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 Simcha Borovsky filed Critical Simcha Borovsky
Priority to PCT/US1998/019747 priority Critical patent/WO2000030689A1/fr
Publication of WO2000030689A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000030689A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
    • G02C13/00—Assembling; Repairing; Cleaning
    • G02C13/008—Devices specially adapted for cleaning contact lenses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS 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
    • A61L12/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L12/08—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
    • A61L12/086—Container, accessories or devices therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
    • B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
    • B08B3/102—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration with means for agitating the liquid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
    • B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
    • B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
    • B08B3/14—Removing waste, e.g. labels, from cleaning liquid; Regenerating cleaning liquids

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a contact lens cleaning and disinfecting system and, more particularly, a contact lens cleaning and disinfecting system which provides cleaning, disinfection and storage in an all-in-one unit.
  • Contact lenses have become widely used, and advanced lens materials and care products have been introduced years ago. However, proper care still remains an expensive and time consuming process which tends to discourage potential users or causes users not to follow recommended care procedures.
  • Proper contact lens care should include the steps of (1) removing foreign particles, smoke film, and other deposits such as mucous, proteins, and enzymes from the lenses and (2) disinfecting organisms in the deposits and on the lenses to prevent eye infections from their subsequent use. Disinfection is particularly important for the use of "soft" contact lens (hydrophilic) which are able to absorb moisture from cleaning solutions.
  • the conventional cleaning process includes a daily regime of the lens scrubbing (by manual rubbing) with a soap or detergent, followed by rinsing with water.
  • the use of tap water is not recommended due to the presence of hard minerals in most tap water.
  • the manual rubbing and handling of the lens during cleaning can cause scratches or microscopic damage to the lens.
  • the lens must then be disinfected, by soaking it in a chemical solution and/or by heating for as long as six hours or overnight.
  • the disinfection step is long, and the chemical solution usually contains detergents, enzyme removers, preservatives, and other chemicals which can be absorbed into the lens and become very irritating to the eyes and membranes.
  • Heat disinfection is generally not effective for cleaning deposits from the lens, but rather tend to bake mineral deposits onto the lens surface. Also, repeated heating of the lens for the disinfection step eventually causes physical degradation of the lens material.
  • the system disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,082,558 employs an ozone generator and a pumping system that mixes the generated ozone with a purifying liquid and brings them into contact with the contact lens.
  • the system disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,852,592 employs a plurality of disposable solution containers for sequential cleaning cycles using daily cleaning solution, enzymatic solution, disinfecting solution and saline/neutralizing solution.
  • a timing cycle module provides sequential fluid supply both to and from a cleaning chamber (where the contact lens are positioned) and controls agitation of the lens.
  • the system disclosed in United States Patent No. 4,36,536 (Leopardi) employs carbon dioxide at high pressure for a period of at least twenty (20) minutes to affect sterilization.
  • a contact lens cleaning and disinfecting system includes a cleaning chamber for holding the contact lens in a volume of solution; a recovery chamber for recovering solution removed from the cleaning chamber; a pumping chamber including a pump for (1) injecting solution into the cleaning chamber for cleaning said contact lens and (2) causing solution to flow from the cleaning chamber to the recovery chamber; and a bacteriological filter coupled between the recovery chamber and the pumping chamber for removing microorganisms from the solution, whereby the pump is used to recirculate the solution in the system while trapping microorganisms onto the filter.
  • the present invention also includes a method for cleaning and disinfecting a contact lens.
  • the method includes the steps of: (a) placing the lens in a cleaning chamber of a unit; (b) filling the chamber with a solution; (c) activating an impeller for injecting solution into the cleaning chamber for cleaning said contact lens; (d) trapping microorganisms on a bacteriological filter; and (e) recirculating the solution through the unit.
  • the filter is replaced periodically to remove the microorganisms from the unit.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the contact lens cleaning and disinfecting system of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the contact lens and disinfecting system of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention for effectively isolating microorganisms (removed from the surface of contact lenses to be cleaned) in a recovery chamber to trap the removed deposits and recover the solution;
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the contact lens cleaning and disinfecting system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4B is a top view of the base portion of the contact lens cleaning and disinfecting system of FIG. 4A taken from line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A;
  • FIG. 4C is a side sectional view of the contact lens cleaning and disinfecting system of FIG. 4A taken from line 4C-4C of FIG. 4A;
  • FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the recirculation pump (with impeller) of the - present invention used for injecting solution into the cleaning chamber. Detailed Description Of The Invention
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the contact lens cleaning and disinfecting system of the present invention.
  • System 10 includes a cleaning chamber 12 for holding contact lenses 14A and 14B.
  • Recirculation pump 16 is used to inject solution into cleaning chamber 12 through injection channels 18A and 18B associated with lenses 14A and 14B, respectively.
  • Coupled to cleaning chamber 12 are a pair of collecting channels 20A and 20B for collecting used (contaminated) solution from chamber 12.
  • collecting channels 20 A and 20B are coupled to bacteriological filter 22.
  • Motor 24 is used to drive pump 16.
  • System 10 is controlled by control circuit 16 which is powered by battery 28.
  • LED 29 is used an as indicator to inform the user whether or not the system is activated.
  • System 10 works as follows. A user places a pair of contact lenses in cleaning chamber 12 which is filled with an ophthalmic solution (preferably a preservative-free saline solution). Upon activation, pump 16 injects fresh disinfected solution into cleaning chamber 12 (by way of injecting channels 18A and 18B) with a relatively high-pressure jet stream. This creates a vigorous swirling effect in chamber 12 around the lenses at a solution velocity sufficient to remove and rinse away protein deposits, particles, films or other deposits harboring on the lenses. Microorganisms bonded to protein deposits or on the lens surface is rinsed away from the lenses into the solution current through collecting channels 20 A and 20B.
  • an ophthalmic solution preferably a preservative-free saline solution.
  • Collecting channels 20A and 20B collect and direct the solution from cleaning chamber 12 through bacteriological filter 22 (preferably of the type used in microbiological analysis products having a mesh size of about 0.5 microns).
  • Filter 22 traps microorganisms that were dislodged from the contact lenses and carried into the solution current. This permits a substantially bacteria- free solution to flow to the low- pressure side of filter 22 back into pump 16 where the above process is repeated until control circuit 26 deactivates motor 24, which runs pump 16.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment 30 of the contact lens and disinfecting system of the present invention.
  • system 30 includes solution chamber 32 which comprises three separate chambers: cleaning chamber 34, recovery chamber 36 and pump chamber 38.
  • Cleaning chamber 34 is used to hold contact lenses 40A and 40B for cleaning and disinfecting.
  • Pump chamber 38 is used to pump solution into cleaning chamber 34 through the use of impeller 42 which is rotated at high speed by motor 44.
  • the solution is injected into cleaning chamber 34 by way of injection channels 44A and 44B associated with lenses 40A and 40B.
  • Collecting channels 46 A and 46B, in conjunction with collection line 46C, are used for collecting used solution from cleaning chamber 34 and recirculating the solution to recovery chamber 36. Coupled between recovery chamber 36 and pump chamber 38 is bacteriological filter 48.
  • system 30 provides for an efficient means of cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses in a relatively short time without the need to use a chemical disinfectant or an overnight soaking step as in the prior art. This results in a design that is not only convenient and safe to use, but relatively inexpensive to manufacture as well.
  • Filter 48 effectively isolates (in recovery chamber 36) the microorganisms removed from the lens where they are prevented from diffusing or migrating into pump chamber 38 because of their inability to flow through the small mesh size (e.g., 0.5 micron) of filter 48.
  • This process eliminates the need to use a chemical disinfectant, heating or irradiation step to remove microorganisms from the contact lenses which was typically required by the prior art. Moreover, it is much quicker to use since the whole process can be completed in only a few minutes (in contrast to the hours previously required by other methods).
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment for achieving such isolation.
  • System 50 (as is the case with system 30 shown in FIG. 2) includes a solution chamber 52 comprised of three separate chambers: cleaning chamber 54, recovery chamber 56 and pump chamber 58.
  • Filter 60 separates recovery chamber 56 from pump chamber 58 (which includes impeller 62.
  • the solution is injected into cleaning chamber 54 by way of injection channel 64 (which has a smaller cross-sectional area than pump chamber 58 to provide the high- velocity swirling effect in cleaning chamber 54).
  • cleaning chamber 54, recovery chamber 56 and pump " chamber 58 are all in fluid communication with each other after solution chamber 52 is filled with solution. (This is shown in the figure by way of surface line 66, which is intended to illustrate the surface of the solution after the three chambers are initially filled.)
  • collection channel 68 and solution recovery line 70 are used to provide recirculation of solution from cleaning chamber 54 to recovery chamber 56.
  • solution recovery line 70 is arranged at a height D above surface line 66 so that when system 50 is not activated, gravity prevents the solution in recovery chamber 56 from back-flowing into cleaning chamber 54 by way of recovery line 70 and collecting channel 68.
  • This feature of the present invention provides for an effective means of isolating microorganisms to recovery chamber 56 and on the low-pressure side (i.e., non-pump side) of filter 60. Moreover, because of the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, recovery chamber 56 allows heavy contaminants to settle on its bottom surface 56A so as to prevent them from being recirculated in the system.
  • impeller 62 rotates at a speed sufficient to clean contact lens 72 and allow the solution in cleaning chamber 54 to flow through collecting channel 68 and recovery line 70 back to recovery chamber 56.
  • any solution present in recovery line 70 will flow (due to gravity) back into solution chamber 52. This will cause recovery line 70 to "dry out” and effectively prevent any microorganisms present in recovery chamber 56 (or on filter 60) to back-flow or migrate into cleaning chamber 54 where the cleaned contact lens can be stored in a disinfected environment until the user desires to remove the lens from cleaning chamber 54 (e.g., the next day).
  • a system and method for isolating microorganisms (removed from the surface of contact lenses) to a spaced-away and remote part of a solution chamber has been disclosed.
  • This system and method allows a user to clean and disinfect contact lenses by simply (1) placing the lenses in the system; (2) filling a three-part chamber with solution; and (3) activating an impeller for a few minutes.
  • a single, preservative-free, saline solution can be used for both cleaning and disinfecting the lenses without the - need for (i) a manual finger-rubbing step or (ii) an overnight soaking step.
  • the user can allow the lenses to remain in the system overnight without being required to remove them from the system or store them in another disinfected environment.
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate this embodiment of the present invention.
  • System 80 includes a housing 82 having lid 84 and base unit 86. Lid 84 is hinged to allow the lid to be opened and closed. On the front face of base unit 86 is an ON/OFF switch 88 for activating the system and LED indicator 89 for indicating its status.
  • system 80 includes three chambers: cleaning chamber 92, recovery chamber 94 and pump chamber 96 (as discussed above in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3).
  • Pump chamber 96 includes impeller 98 used to inject solution into cleaning chamber 92 by way of injecting channels 102A and 102B (associated with contact lenses 104A and 104B, respectively).
  • Bacteriological filter 106 is coupled between recovery chamber 94 and pump chamber 96.
  • Collecting channels 108A and 108B (associated with contact lenses 104A and 104B, respectively) are used for collecting used solution from cleaning chamber 92 and recirculating the solution to recovery chamber 96.
  • collecting channels 108A and 108B are arranged at a height above the solution level in system 80 to provide effective isolation of cleaning chamber 92 from recovery chamber 96 when the system is deactivated (e.g., overnight when the lenses are being stored for subsequent use).
  • a form-fitting gasket 90 which is used to prevent the leakage of solution (1) between recovery chamber 96 and pump chamber 94 without passing through filter 106, (2) between pump chamber 94 and cleaning chamber 92 without passing through injecting channels 102A and 102B or (3) outside the housing when the lid is closed. Gasket 90 is also used to ensure that the overall level of the solution in the three chambers 92, 94 and 96 is lower than the height of collection channels in accordance with FIG. 3.
  • System 80 is powered by a - pair of batteries 110 and controlled by control circuit 112. If desired, an adapter can be used to power system 80 from an AC source.
  • a recirculation pump is used for (1) injecting solution into a cleaning chamber and (2) causing the solution (after it swirls around to clean the contact lenses) to flow through a collecting channel and filter to remove microorganisms from the solution.
  • FIG. 5 is a preferred embodiment of a recirculation pump in accordance with this aspect of the present invention.
  • Recirculation pump 120 includes motor 122 used to drive impeller 124.
  • the rotational force provided by motor 122 is coupled to impeller 124 through belt 128.
  • Gears 126 are used to either step up or step down the speed of rotation (as desired) in order to provide enough swirling action force in the cleaning chamber to effectively clean the contact lenses in a few minute period.
  • the system integrates effective cleaning and disinfecting functions into a single unit.
  • the system can effectively clean and disinfect all types of contact lenses, e., hard, soft, etc., in a single, short cleaning cycle, and with only a small volume of solution.
  • the invention results in a design that is not only easy and convenient for a user to operate, but one that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture as well.

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système et un procédé de nettoyage, de désinfection et de stockage des verres de contact (14A, 14B) dans une unité combinée (10). Le système utilise une solution saline exempte de conservateurs, une chambre de nettoyage (12), un filtre bactériologique jetable (22) et une pompe (16) pilotée par un moteur (24) et présente l'avantage d'être portatif et léger. Les étapes de nettoyage et désinfection sont effectuées en quelques minutes, après quoi le système s'arrête automatiquement. Les verres de contact nettoyés et désinfectés peuvent être stockés dans l'unité pendant toute la nuit sans que l'utilisateur n'ait à manipuler les verres de contact après arrêt du système.
PCT/US1998/019747 1998-11-23 1998-11-23 Systeme de nettoyage et de desinfection de verres de contact WO2000030689A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1998/019747 WO2000030689A1 (fr) 1998-11-23 1998-11-23 Systeme de nettoyage et de desinfection de verres de contact

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1998/019747 WO2000030689A1 (fr) 1998-11-23 1998-11-23 Systeme de nettoyage et de desinfection de verres de contact

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000030689A1 true WO2000030689A1 (fr) 2000-06-02

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ID=22267910

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4601300A (en) * 1984-12-20 1986-07-22 American Sterilizer Company Apparatus for liquid disinfecting and sterile rinsing
US5039349A (en) * 1990-05-18 1991-08-13 Veriflo Corporation Method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces to absolute or near-absolute cleanliness
US5515877A (en) * 1994-04-11 1996-05-14 Dunn, Jr.; Robert Denture cleaning device
US5630436A (en) * 1995-12-18 1997-05-20 Chase; John G. Apparatus for cleaning long tubular medical instruments
US5709235A (en) * 1996-02-02 1998-01-20 Speedfam Clean System Co., Ltd. Running water type washing machine

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4601300A (en) * 1984-12-20 1986-07-22 American Sterilizer Company Apparatus for liquid disinfecting and sterile rinsing
US5039349A (en) * 1990-05-18 1991-08-13 Veriflo Corporation Method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces to absolute or near-absolute cleanliness
US5515877A (en) * 1994-04-11 1996-05-14 Dunn, Jr.; Robert Denture cleaning device
US5630436A (en) * 1995-12-18 1997-05-20 Chase; John G. Apparatus for cleaning long tubular medical instruments
US5709235A (en) * 1996-02-02 1998-01-20 Speedfam Clean System Co., Ltd. Running water type washing machine

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