WO2005065530A1 - Protecting ophthalmic instruments against contamination and cross-infection - Google Patents

Protecting ophthalmic instruments against contamination and cross-infection Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005065530A1
WO2005065530A1 PCT/GB2005/000044 GB2005000044W WO2005065530A1 WO 2005065530 A1 WO2005065530 A1 WO 2005065530A1 GB 2005000044 W GB2005000044 W GB 2005000044W WO 2005065530 A1 WO2005065530 A1 WO 2005065530A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
barrier
substituted derivative
salt
copolymers
adhesive
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2005/000044
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Howard James Gee
Brian John Tighe
Original Assignee
First Water Limited
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 First Water Limited filed Critical First Water Limited
Priority to GB0615835A priority Critical patent/GB2428010A/en
Publication of WO2005065530A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005065530A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B3/00—Apparatus for testing the eyes; Instruments for examining the eyes
    • A61B3/10—Objective types, i.e. instruments for examining the eyes independent of the patients' perceptions or reactions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B3/00—Apparatus for testing the eyes; Instruments for examining the eyes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09J—ADHESIVES; NON-MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF ADHESIVE PROCESSES IN GENERAL; ADHESIVE PROCESSES NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; USE OF MATERIALS AS ADHESIVES
    • C09J133/00—Adhesives based on homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and at least one being terminated by only one carboxyl radical, or of salts, anhydrides, esters, amides, imides, or nitriles thereof; Adhesives based on derivatives of such polymers
    • C09J133/04—Homopolymers or copolymers of esters
    • C09J133/14—Homopolymers or copolymers of esters of esters containing halogen, nitrogen, sulfur or oxygen atoms in addition to the carboxy oxygen

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and material for protecting an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument against contamination and for preventing cross- infection of patients by such instruments.
  • the present invention more particularly concerns the use of a hydrogel adhesive in an adhesive barrier for. the eye-contacting parts of such instruments.
  • hydrogel and “hydrogel composition”, and like expressions, used herein are not to be considered as limited to gels which contain water, but extend generally to all hydrophilic gels and gel compositions, including those containing organic non-polymeric components in the absence of water.
  • WO- A-01/05299 describes a disposable barrier in sheet form which in use adheres to the head of an ophthalmic testing probe to serve to sterilise the eye-contacting surface of the head of the probe and to prevent cross-infection of patients via eye fluids which would otherwise contact the head of the probe. Between tests, the barrier can be removed from the head of the probe and replaced with fresh material for the next test.
  • the prior art describes in general terms a number of ways of constructing the barrier, but no specific example is given. It is generally suggested that the barrier may be constructed as a laminate of transparent and adhesive layers, and hydrogels are generally stated among a list of suitable materials for the adhesive layer. However, there is no guidance as to which hydrogels of the many available might be suitable.
  • the present invention is based on our surprising finding that certain particular hydrogels are especially suitable for this use, on account of their adhesive and optical properties.
  • a method for protecting an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument against contamination comprising covering the part of the instrument with an adhesive, sterile or sterilisable, sheet barrier, the sheet barrier comprising a substantially optically transparent biocompatible barrier layer and a substantially optically transparent adhesive hydrogel layer, the adhesive hydrogel layer comprising a plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules -which are selected from polymers and copolymers of: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof (e.g.
  • an ammonium or alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salts acrylic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof (e.g. an alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salt); a polyalkylene glycol acrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; a polyalkylene glycol methacrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; acrylic acid (3- sulphopropyl) ester or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof (e.g. an alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salt); diacetone acrylamide (N-1,1- dimethyl-3-oxobutyl-acrylamide); a vinyl lactam (e.g.
  • N-vinyl pyrrolidone or a substituted derivative thereof an optionally substituted N-alkylated acrylamide; an optionally susbtituted N,N-dialkylated acrylamide; and/or N-acryloyl morpholine or a substituted derivative thereof; optionally with one or more further comonomer.
  • the sheet barrier is preferably flexible.
  • the term "flexible” used herein refers particularly, but without limitation, to a degree of flexibility such as that exhibited by the existing commercially available product PU Film rntellicoat 2301. More generally, all degrees of flexibility that provide a workable system for the intended purpose of this invention are covered by the term.
  • a method for preventing cross-infection of patients from an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument comprising covering the part of the instrument with a sheet barrier as defined above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.
  • the biocompatible layer of the barrier when in position on the instrument is directed towards the patient's eye and the adhesive hydrogel layer serves to adhere the barrier to the instrument.
  • a sterile or sterilisable adhesive barrier for an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument, the barrier comprising an appropriately dimensioned, substantially planar, sheet consisting of or including a substantially optically transparent biocompatible, barrier layer and a substantially optically transparent adhesive hydrogel layer, the adhesive hydrogel layer comprising a plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules which are selected from polymers and copolymers of: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof (e.g. an ammonium or alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salts); acrylic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof (e.g.
  • an alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salt
  • a polyalkylene glycol acrylate or a substituted derivative thereof a polyalkylene glycol methacrylate or a substituted derivative thereof
  • acrylic acid (3- sulphopropyl) ester or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof e.g. an alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salt
  • diacetone acrylamide N-1,1- dimethyl-3-oxobutyl-acrylamide
  • a vinyl lactam e.g.
  • N-vinyl pyrrolidone or a substituted derivative thereof an optionally substituted N-alkylated acrylamide; an optionally susbtituted N,N-dialkylated acrylamide; and/or N-acryloyl morpholine or a substituted derivative thereof; optionally with one or more further comonomer.
  • the barrier is preferably flexible.
  • an adhesive hydrogel comprising a plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules which are selected from the polymers and copolymers as defined above in relation to the first to third aspects of the present invention, for the purpose of providing a substantially optically transparent adhesive layer having acceptable adhesiveness on application, coupled with substantial absence of deposited residue on removal, in a sterile or sterilisable adhesive barrier for an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument.
  • the barrier is preferably flexible.
  • the adhesive barrier is readily removed by hand from the instrument after use, for example by pulling or rolling.
  • an ophthalmic instrument having an eye-contacting part which is covered by a sterile or sterilisable adhesive barrier according to the third aspect of the present invention.
  • the adhesive barrier used in the present invention may if desired comprise one or more further layers, which may if desired be interposed between the barrier and adhesive layers.
  • the adhesive barrier is substantially planar, and is preferably disposable. It is suitably supplied in a sterile pack, with both external faces protected by release layers adapted to be peeled off to expose the external faces of the barrier for use. It is preferred that the release layer protecting the adhesive face of the barrier is removed first, then at least part of the barrier is adhered to the part of the instrument to be covered, and then the second release layer removed from the eye-contacting face of the barrier.
  • the adhesive barrier is particularly suitable for use with the following ophthalmic instruments and their eye-contacting parts, although the invention is not to be considered as limited in this way: tonometer heads, for example Goldmann tonometer heads; gonioscope lenses; A-scan ultrasound probes; ultrasound pachometers; 3-mirror Goldmann lenses; YAG laser lenses; retinal laser lenses; vitrectomy lenses; transillumination devices; and contact or suction dynamometers.
  • tonometer heads for example Goldmann tonometer heads; gonioscope lenses; A-scan ultrasound probes; ultrasound pachometers; 3-mirror Goldmann lenses; YAG laser lenses; retinal laser lenses; vitrectomy lenses; transillumination devices; and contact or suction dynamometers.
  • the Barrier Layer The Barrier Layer
  • the material of the barrier layer may be any substantially optically transparent material which is compatible with the eye.
  • substantially optically transparent and like expressions, used herein, means that the material, in the thickness used, is sufficiently transparent to light of the desired wavelengths so that the barrier does not substantially impede the normal operation of the ophthalmic instrument. Generally speaking, a greater than about 90% transmittance of visible light is desirable.
  • the expression "compatible with the eye” and like expressions, used herein, means that the material, when in contact with the eye, does not cause any substantial detriment or trauma to the eye which would compromise the operation of the instrument.
  • the material of the barrier layer in contact with the eye is wettable by the eye fluid so that an optically refracting interface is established when the barrier is in contact with the eye.
  • the material of the barrier layer is sufficiently inert in a saline or aqueous environment that no adverse chemical reaction takes place during the period of contact with the eye.
  • the material of the barrier layer should be impervious to face-to-face internal transmigration of infectious agents over the time period of use of the barrier on the instrument.
  • Infectious agents include, for example, viruses, bacteria, virally-infected cells and prion particles, such as, for example, adenoviruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HTV), prions and the mfectious agents for herpes simplex, conjunctivitis, and Creutzfeld- Jacob Disease and its variants (CJD).
  • the material of the barrier layer should be light enough that the weight of the barrier does not substantially interfere with the accuracy of the instrument, or necessitate repeated recalibration. It is generally preferred that the total weight of the barrier is less than about 0.1 g, although this will depend on the instrument and in some cases a greater barrier weight may be permissible.
  • Preferred materials for forming the barrier layer include, for example, polymers such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polyesters, polycarbonates, polamides, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride and its copolymers, polysulphones, cellulose acetate and other cellulose derivatives.
  • the eye-contacting face of the barrier layer is preferably sterilised in conventional manner, although alternatively a film or layer of a sterilising material may overlie the eye-contacting face of the barrier layer according to the present invention.
  • the hydrogel layer preferably has a thickness less than about 500 ⁇ m, more preferably less than about 250 ⁇ m, and most preferably between about 50 ⁇ m and about 150 ⁇ m, e.g. about 100 ⁇ m.
  • the amount of hydrogel used should be such that the weight of the barrier is within the desirable limit discussed above.
  • the preferred hydrogel layer in the present invention comprises a plasticised three- dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules, and has sufficient structural integrity to be self-supporting even at very high levels of internal water content, with sufficient flexibility to conform to the surface contours of the instrument part to be covered.
  • the hydrogel generally comprises, in addition to the cross-linked polymeric network, an aqueous or non-aqueous plasticising medium including an organic p . lasticiser.
  • the hydrogel is preferably the product of a polymerisation reaction performed on a polymerisable mixture (pre-gel) comprising the monomer(s), cross-linking agent, plasticiser, and optionally water and other ingredients as desired.
  • the polymerisation reaction is preferably a free-radical polymerisation with cross-linking, which may for example be induced by light, heat, or radiation, as is well known.
  • a photoinitiator may be used to assist initiation of the polymerisation and cross-linking, as is well known in this art.
  • certain ingredients of the hydrogel may be added after the polymerisation and cross-linking reaction. However, it is generally preferred that substantially all of the final ingredients of the hydrogel are present in the pre-gel, and that - apart from minor conventional conditioning - substantially no chemical modification of the hydrogel takes place after completion of the polymerisation reaction. Monomers .
  • Optional substituents of the monomers used to prepare the hydrogels used in the present invention may preferably to selected from substituents which are known in the art or are reasonably expected to provide polymerisable monomers which form hydrogel polymers having the properties necessary for the present invention.
  • Suitable substituents include, for example, lower alkyl, hydroxy, halo and amino groups.
  • Particularly preferred monomers include: the sodium salt of 2-acrylamido-2- methylpropane sulphonic acid, commonly known as NaAMPS, which is available commercially at present from Lubrizol as either a 50% aqueous solution (reference code LZ2405) or a 58% aqueous solution (reference code LZ2405A); acrylic acid (3- sulphopropyl) ester potassium salt, commonly known as SPA or SPAK (SPA or SPAK is available commercially in the form of a pure solid from Raschig); and N-acryloyl morpholine.
  • NaAMPS sodium salt of 2-acrylamido-2- methylpropane sulphonic acid
  • cross-linking agents are suitably used to provide the necessary mechanical stability and to control the adhesive properties of the hydrogel.
  • the amount of cross- linking agent required will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art such as from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, particularly from about 0.05% to about 0.4%, most particularly from about 0.08% to about 0.3%, by weight of the total polymerisation reaction mixture.
  • Typical cross-linkers include tripropylene glycol diacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, triacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecular weight between about 100 and about 4000, for example PEG400 or PEG600), and methylene bis acrylamide.
  • Organic Plasticisers include tripropylene glycol diacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, triacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecular weight between about 100 and about 4000, for example PEG400 or PEG600), and methylene bis acrylamide.
  • the one or more organic plasticiser when present, may suitably comprise any of the following either alone or in combination: at least one polyhydric alcohol (such as glycerol, polyethylene glycol, or sorbitol), at least one ester derived therefrom, at least one polymeric alcohol (such as polyethylene oxide) and/or at least one mono- or poly- alkylated derivative of a polyhydric or polymeric alcohol (such as alkylated polyethylene glycol).
  • Glycerol is the preferred plasticiser.
  • An alternative preferred plasticiser is the ester derived from boric acid and glycerol.
  • the organic plasticiser may comprise up to about 45% by weight of the hydrogel composition.
  • Any compatible surfactant may optionally be used as an additional ingredient of the hydrogel composition.
  • Surfactants can lower the surface tension of the mixture before polymerisation and thus aid processing.
  • the surfactant or surfactants may be non-ionic, anionic or cationic, alone or in any mixture or combination.
  • the total amount of surfactant, if present, is suitably up to about 10% by weight of the hydrogel composition, preferably from about 0.05% to about 4%> by weight.
  • the surfactant comprises at least one propylene oxide/ethylene oxide block copolymer, for example such as that supplied by BASF Pic under the trade name Pluronic P65 or L64.
  • Pluronic P65 or L64 propylene oxide/ethylene oxide block copolymer
  • the hydrogel composition for use in the present invention may include one or more additional ingredients, which may be added to the pre-polymerisation mixture or the polymerised product, at the choice of the skilled worker.
  • additional ingredients are selected from additives known in the art, including, for example, water, organic plasticisers, surfactants, polymers, electrolytes, pH regulators, colorants, chloride sources, bioactive compounds, enzymes and mixtures thereof.
  • the polymers can be natural polymers (e.g. xanthan gum), synthetic polymers (e.g. polyoxypropylene- polyoxyethylene block copolymer or poly-(methyl vinyl ether alt maleic anhydride)), or any combination thereof.
  • bioactive compounds we mean any compound or mixture included within the hydrogel for some effect it has on living systems, whether the living system be bacteria or other microorganisms or higher animals such as the patient.
  • Additional polymer(s), typically rheology modifying polymer(s), may be incorporated into the polymerisation reaction mixture at levels typically up to about 10% by weight of total polymerisation reaction mixture, e.g. from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight.
  • Such polymer(s) may include polyacrylamide, poly-NaAMPS, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or carboxymethyl cellulose.
  • the hydrogel composition of the present invention preferably consists essentially of a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer of a hydrophilic monomer and optionally one or more comonomer, together with water and/or one or more organic plasticiser, and optionally together with one or more additives selected from surfactants, polymers, pH regulators, electrolytes, chloride sources, bioactive compounds and mixtures thereof, with less than about 10%) by weight of other additives.
  • the barrier will have any suitable configuration, e.g. may be configured as a disc or generally regular polygon, optionally with tabs, protrusions or flanges as desired. It will preferably be of a dimension selected to cover both the directly eye-contacting part of the ophthalmic instrument and any surrounding part that might in use come into contact with the patient or the patient's eye fluid, for example if the patient blinks or the if patient's eyes water.
  • the barrier must, as previously mentioned, be light enough that it does not adversely affect the operation of the instrument.
  • a disc of diameter up to about 30 mm, e.g. between about 20 and about 30 mm, e.g. between about 22 and 28 mm is preferred, giving a barrier weight, when in position on the tonometer head, of less than about 0.1 g.
  • the thickness of the hydrogel layer is in this example about 100 ⁇ m.
  • the barrier is preferably thin enough that it can easily be conformed to the shape of the part of the instrument to be covered, if necessary with overlapping and flattening of folds of. the barrier as it is applied to the instrument. It may generally be preferable for the barrier to be applied to the instrument after at least partial removal of the release layer protecting the adhesive face of the barrier, but before removal of the release layer covering the other face of the barrier.
  • one or more indicia may be provided on the barrier.
  • a barrier for a tonometer head may be provided with a ring, or dots, or lines, or arcs, marked around its centre, whereby in use one aligns the ring with the perimeter of the tonometer head.
  • the colour indicator may also provide an indication as to. which surface of the barrier is sterile where only one surface is sterile.
  • the barriers can conveniently be manufactured using a conventional roll-to-roll laminating process where the adhesive layer is applied to the barrier layer in sheet form.
  • a liquid pre-gel for the hydrogel layer may be spread or cast onto a preformed barrier layer and then polymerised in situ to form the adhesive layer.
  • Individual barrier pieces can then be cut or pressed from the resulting laminate, in conventional manner.
  • the release layers may be added before or after the individual barriers are formed, again in conventional manner.
  • the barrier layer is initially formed on one release layer prior to in situ formation of the hydrogel layer on then pre-formed barrier layer and subsequent application of the other release layer to the hydrogel layer.
  • the barriers are provided ready-to-use in sterile packs, with release layers protecting both external faces of the barriers.
  • the release layers are suitably constructed in conventional manner, e.g., using a relatively non-stick polymer or a paper or other sheet coated with a relatively non-stick coating such as wax or a silicone.
  • release layers are of substantially the same dimension and configuration as the barrier between them, to provide a plurality of individual surface- protected barrier pieces.
  • One or both release layer may be provided with tabs, protrusions, slits or flaps, to assist removal of that or those release layer or layers from the barrier.
  • the user can expose the adhesive surface of a barrier, and can position this on the part of the instrument to be covered and conform the barrier to the surface contours of the instrument.
  • the other release layer or a portion thereof can be peeled away revealing the eye-contacting (sterile) surface.
  • the sterile surface of the barrier can be provided on the instrument without risk of contamination.
  • the hydrogel adhesives with which the present invention is concerned have excellent optical transmittance. They are capable of being applied to a suitable barrier layer in very thin coatings while maintaining excellent adhesiveness to the instrument parts, so that the barrier can be extremely light. Of particular importance is the fact that the adhesiveness of the hydrogel layer to the instrument can be maintained at a fully effective level during use, while still permitting the barrier to be simply removed from the instrument after use, for disposal, by pulling or rolling it off the instrument, without leaving a residue of adhesive on the surface of the instrument. A new sterile barrier can then be positioned, for the next patient, with no danger of cross-infection.

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Abstract

The invention provides a method of protecting an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument against contamination and for preventing cross-infection of patients from an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument. The method comprises covering the said part of the instrument with an adhesive, sterile or sterilisable, sheet barrier. The sheet barrier comprises a substantially optically transparent biocompatible barrier layer and a substantially optically transparent adhesive hydrogel layer. The adhesive hydrogel layer comprises a plasticised three-dimensiona) matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules selected from polymers and copolymers of: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; acrylic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; a polyalkylene glycol acrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; a polyalkylene glycol methacrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; acrylic acid (3-sulphopropyl) ester or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; diacetone acrylamide; a vinyl lactam; an optionally substituted Nalkylated acrylamide; an optionally substituted N,N-dialkylated acrylamide; and/or N acryloyl morpholine or a substituted derivative thereof; in the case of copolymers, said copolymer being formed optionally with one or more further comonomer.

Description

PROTECTING OPHTHALMIC INSTRUMENTS AGAINST CONTAMINATION AND CROSS-INFECTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and material for protecting an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument against contamination and for preventing cross- infection of patients by such instruments. The present invention more particularly concerns the use of a hydrogel adhesive in an adhesive barrier for. the eye-contacting parts of such instruments.
The expressions "hydrogel" and "hydrogel composition", and like expressions, used herein are not to be considered as limited to gels which contain water, but extend generally to all hydrophilic gels and gel compositions, including those containing organic non-polymeric components in the absence of water.
Background of the Invention
WO- A-01/05299, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference, describes a disposable barrier in sheet form which in use adheres to the head of an ophthalmic testing probe to serve to sterilise the eye-contacting surface of the head of the probe and to prevent cross-infection of patients via eye fluids which would otherwise contact the head of the probe. Between tests, the barrier can be removed from the head of the probe and replaced with fresh material for the next test.
The prior art describes in general terms a number of ways of constructing the barrier, but no specific example is given. It is generally suggested that the barrier may be constructed as a laminate of transparent and adhesive layers, and hydrogels are generally stated among a list of suitable materials for the adhesive layer. However, there is no guidance as to which hydrogels of the many available might be suitable.
The present invention is based on our surprising finding that certain particular hydrogels are especially suitable for this use, on account of their adhesive and optical properties. Brief Description of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention, therefore, there is provided a method for protecting an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument against contamination, the method comprising covering the part of the instrument with an adhesive, sterile or sterilisable, sheet barrier, the sheet barrier comprising a substantially optically transparent biocompatible barrier layer and a substantially optically transparent adhesive hydrogel layer, the adhesive hydrogel layer comprising a plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules -which are selected from polymers and copolymers of: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof (e.g. an ammonium or alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salts); acrylic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof (e.g. an alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salt); a polyalkylene glycol acrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; a polyalkylene glycol methacrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; acrylic acid (3- sulphopropyl) ester or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof (e.g. an alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salt); diacetone acrylamide (N-1,1- dimethyl-3-oxobutyl-acrylamide); a vinyl lactam (e.g. N-vinyl pyrrolidone or a substituted derivative thereof); an optionally substituted N-alkylated acrylamide; an optionally susbtituted N,N-dialkylated acrylamide; and/or N-acryloyl morpholine or a substituted derivative thereof; optionally with one or more further comonomer.
The sheet barrier is preferably flexible. The term "flexible" used herein refers particularly, but without limitation, to a degree of flexibility such as that exhibited by the existing commercially available product PU Film rntellicoat 2301. More generally, all degrees of flexibility that provide a workable system for the intended purpose of this invention are covered by the term.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, therefore, there is provided a method for preventing cross-infection of patients from an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument, the method comprising covering the part of the instrument with a sheet barrier as defined above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention. In the present invention, the biocompatible layer of the barrier when in position on the instrument is directed towards the patient's eye and the adhesive hydrogel layer serves to adhere the barrier to the instrument.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sterile or sterilisable adhesive barrier for an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument, the barrier comprising an appropriately dimensioned, substantially planar, sheet consisting of or including a substantially optically transparent biocompatible, barrier layer and a substantially optically transparent adhesive hydrogel layer, the adhesive hydrogel layer comprising a plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules which are selected from polymers and copolymers of: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof (e.g. an ammonium or alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salts); acrylic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof (e.g. an alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salt); a polyalkylene glycol acrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; a polyalkylene glycol methacrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; acrylic acid (3- sulphopropyl) ester or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof (e.g. an alkali metal salt such as sodium, potassium or lithium salt); diacetone acrylamide (N-1,1- dimethyl-3-oxobutyl-acrylamide); a vinyl lactam (e.g. N-vinyl pyrrolidone or a substituted derivative thereof); an optionally substituted N-alkylated acrylamide; an optionally susbtituted N,N-dialkylated acrylamide; and/or N-acryloyl morpholine or a substituted derivative thereof; optionally with one or more further comonomer.
The barrier is preferably flexible.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided, the use of an adhesive hydrogel comprising a plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules which are selected from the polymers and copolymers as defined above in relation to the first to third aspects of the present invention, for the purpose of providing a substantially optically transparent adhesive layer having acceptable adhesiveness on application, coupled with substantial absence of deposited residue on removal, in a sterile or sterilisable adhesive barrier for an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument. The barrier is preferably flexible. The adhesive barrier is readily removed by hand from the instrument after use, for example by pulling or rolling.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ophthalmic instrument having an eye-contacting part which is covered by a sterile or sterilisable adhesive barrier according to the third aspect of the present invention.
The adhesive barrier used in the present invention may if desired comprise one or more further layers, which may if desired be interposed between the barrier and adhesive layers.
The adhesive barrier is substantially planar, and is preferably disposable. It is suitably supplied in a sterile pack, with both external faces protected by release layers adapted to be peeled off to expose the external faces of the barrier for use. It is preferred that the release layer protecting the adhesive face of the barrier is removed first, then at least part of the barrier is adhered to the part of the instrument to be covered, and then the second release layer removed from the eye-contacting face of the barrier.
The adhesive barrier is particularly suitable for use with the following ophthalmic instruments and their eye-contacting parts, although the invention is not to be considered as limited in this way: tonometer heads, for example Goldmann tonometer heads; gonioscope lenses; A-scan ultrasound probes; ultrasound pachometers; 3-mirror Goldmann lenses; YAG laser lenses; retinal laser lenses; vitrectomy lenses; transillumination devices; and contact or suction dynamometers.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The Barrier Layer
The material of the barrier layer may be any substantially optically transparent material which is compatible with the eye. The expression "substantially optically transparent" and like expressions, used herein, means that the material, in the thickness used, is sufficiently transparent to light of the desired wavelengths so that the barrier does not substantially impede the normal operation of the ophthalmic instrument. Generally speaking, a greater than about 90% transmittance of visible light is desirable.
The expression "compatible with the eye" and like expressions, used herein, means that the material, when in contact with the eye, does not cause any substantial detriment or trauma to the eye which would compromise the operation of the instrument. In particular, it is preferred that the material of the barrier layer in contact with the eye is wettable by the eye fluid so that an optically refracting interface is established when the barrier is in contact with the eye. Furthermore, it is preferred that the material of the barrier layer is sufficiently inert in a saline or aqueous environment that no adverse chemical reaction takes place during the period of contact with the eye.
The material of the barrier layer should be impervious to face-to-face internal transmigration of infectious agents over the time period of use of the barrier on the instrument. Infectious agents include, for example, viruses, bacteria, virally-infected cells and prion particles, such as, for example, adenoviruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HTV), prions and the mfectious agents for herpes simplex, conjunctivitis, and Creutzfeld- Jacob Disease and its variants (CJD).
The material of the barrier layer should be light enough that the weight of the barrier does not substantially interfere with the accuracy of the instrument, or necessitate repeated recalibration. It is generally preferred that the total weight of the barrier is less than about 0.1 g, although this will depend on the instrument and in some cases a greater barrier weight may be permissible.
Preferred materials for forming the barrier layer include, for example, polymers such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polyesters, polycarbonates, polamides, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride and its copolymers, polysulphones, cellulose acetate and other cellulose derivatives. The eye-contacting face of the barrier layer is preferably sterilised in conventional manner, although alternatively a film or layer of a sterilising material may overlie the eye-contacting face of the barrier layer according to the present invention.
For further details of appropriate materials and construction of the barrier layer, please refer to the description in WO-A-01/05299.
The Hydrogel Layer
The hydrogel layer preferably has a thickness less than about 500 μm, more preferably less than about 250 μm, and most preferably between about 50 μm and about 150 μm, e.g. about 100 μm. The amount of hydrogel used should be such that the weight of the barrier is within the desirable limit discussed above.
The preferred hydrogel layer in the present invention comprises a plasticised three- dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules, and has sufficient structural integrity to be self-supporting even at very high levels of internal water content, with sufficient flexibility to conform to the surface contours of the instrument part to be covered.
The hydrogel generally comprises, in addition to the cross-linked polymeric network, an aqueous or non-aqueous plasticising medium including an organic p.lasticiser.
The hydrogel is preferably the product of a polymerisation reaction performed on a polymerisable mixture (pre-gel) comprising the monomer(s), cross-linking agent, plasticiser, and optionally water and other ingredients as desired. The polymerisation reaction is preferably a free-radical polymerisation with cross-linking, which may for example be induced by light, heat, or radiation, as is well known. A photoinitiator may be used to assist initiation of the polymerisation and cross-linking, as is well known in this art.
If desired, certain ingredients of the hydrogel may be added after the polymerisation and cross-linking reaction. However, it is generally preferred that substantially all of the final ingredients of the hydrogel are present in the pre-gel, and that - apart from minor conventional conditioning - substantially no chemical modification of the hydrogel takes place after completion of the polymerisation reaction. Monomers .
Optional substituents of the monomers used to prepare the hydrogels used in the present invention may preferably to selected from substituents which are known in the art or are reasonably expected to provide polymerisable monomers which form hydrogel polymers having the properties necessary for the present invention. Suitable substituents include, for example, lower alkyl, hydroxy, halo and amino groups.
Particularly preferred monomers include: the sodium salt of 2-acrylamido-2- methylpropane sulphonic acid, commonly known as NaAMPS, which is available commercially at present from Lubrizol as either a 50% aqueous solution (reference code LZ2405) or a 58% aqueous solution (reference code LZ2405A); acrylic acid (3- sulphopropyl) ester potassium salt, commonly known as SPA or SPAK (SPA or SPAK is available commercially in the form of a pure solid from Raschig); and N-acryloyl morpholine.
Cross-linking Agents
Conventional cross-linking agents are suitably used to provide the necessary mechanical stability and to control the adhesive properties of the hydrogel. The amount of cross- linking agent required will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art such as from about 0.01% to about 0.5%, particularly from about 0.05% to about 0.4%, most particularly from about 0.08% to about 0.3%, by weight of the total polymerisation reaction mixture. Typical cross-linkers include tripropylene glycol diacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, triacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate (polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecular weight between about 100 and about 4000, for example PEG400 or PEG600), and methylene bis acrylamide. Organic Plasticisers
The one or more organic plasticiser, when present, may suitably comprise any of the following either alone or in combination: at least one polyhydric alcohol (such as glycerol, polyethylene glycol, or sorbitol), at least one ester derived therefrom, at least one polymeric alcohol (such as polyethylene oxide) and/or at least one mono- or poly- alkylated derivative of a polyhydric or polymeric alcohol (such as alkylated polyethylene glycol). Glycerol is the preferred plasticiser. An alternative preferred plasticiser is the ester derived from boric acid and glycerol. When present, the organic plasticiser may comprise up to about 45% by weight of the hydrogel composition.
Surfactants
Any compatible surfactant may optionally be used as an additional ingredient of the hydrogel composition. Surfactants can lower the surface tension of the mixture before polymerisation and thus aid processing. The surfactant or surfactants may be non-ionic, anionic or cationic, alone or in any mixture or combination. The total amount of surfactant, if present, is suitably up to about 10% by weight of the hydrogel composition, preferably from about 0.05% to about 4%> by weight.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the surfactant comprises at least one propylene oxide/ethylene oxide block copolymer, for example such as that supplied by BASF Pic under the trade name Pluronic P65 or L64. Other additives
The hydrogel composition for use in the present invention may include one or more additional ingredients, which may be added to the pre-polymerisation mixture or the polymerised product, at the choice of the skilled worker. Such additional ingredients are selected from additives known in the art, including, for example, water, organic plasticisers, surfactants, polymers, electrolytes, pH regulators, colorants, chloride sources, bioactive compounds, enzymes and mixtures thereof. The polymers can be natural polymers (e.g. xanthan gum), synthetic polymers (e.g. polyoxypropylene- polyoxyethylene block copolymer or poly-(methyl vinyl ether alt maleic anhydride)), or any combination thereof. By "bioactive compounds" we mean any compound or mixture included within the hydrogel for some effect it has on living systems, whether the living system be bacteria or other microorganisms or higher animals such as the patient.
Additional polymer(s), typically rheology modifying polymer(s), may be incorporated into the polymerisation reaction mixture at levels typically up to about 10% by weight of total polymerisation reaction mixture, e.g. from about 0.2% to about 10% by weight. Such polymer(s) may include polyacrylamide, poly-NaAMPS, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or carboxymethyl cellulose.
The hydrogel composition of the present invention preferably consists essentially of a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer of a hydrophilic monomer and optionally one or more comonomer, together with water and/or one or more organic plasticiser, and optionally together with one or more additives selected from surfactants, polymers, pH regulators, electrolytes, chloride sources, bioactive compounds and mixtures thereof, with less than about 10%) by weight of other additives.
For further details of the adhesive hydrogel material for use in the present invention, and its preparation, please refer to the following publications: PCT Patent Applications Nos. WO-97/24149, WO-97/34947, WO-00/06214, WO-00/06215, WO-00/07638, WO-00/46319, WO-00/65143 and WO-01/96422, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Construction of the Barrier
The barrier will have any suitable configuration, e.g. may be configured as a disc or generally regular polygon, optionally with tabs, protrusions or flanges as desired. It will preferably be of a dimension selected to cover both the directly eye-contacting part of the ophthalmic instrument and any surrounding part that might in use come into contact with the patient or the patient's eye fluid, for example if the patient blinks or the if patient's eyes water. On the other hand, the barrier must, as previously mentioned, be light enough that it does not adversely affect the operation of the instrument.
We have found, for example, that for a barrier for a tonometer head, a disc of diameter up to about 30 mm, e.g. between about 20 and about 30 mm, e.g. between about 22 and 28 mm is preferred, giving a barrier weight, when in position on the tonometer head, of less than about 0.1 g. The thickness of the hydrogel layer is in this example about 100 μm.
The barrier is preferably thin enough that it can easily be conformed to the shape of the part of the instrument to be covered, if necessary with overlapping and flattening of folds of. the barrier as it is applied to the instrument. It may generally be preferable for the barrier to be applied to the instrument after at least partial removal of the release layer protecting the adhesive face of the barrier, but before removal of the release layer covering the other face of the barrier.
In order to facilitate easy location of the barrier on the instrument, one or more indicia, for example, coloured markers or other indicators, may be provided on the barrier. For example, a barrier for a tonometer head may be provided with a ring, or dots, or lines, or arcs, marked around its centre, whereby in use one aligns the ring with the perimeter of the tonometer head. In addition to providing a simple means of locating the barrier on the probe head, the colour indicator may also provide an indication as to. which surface of the barrier is sterile where only one surface is sterile.
The barriers can conveniently be manufactured using a conventional roll-to-roll laminating process where the adhesive layer is applied to the barrier layer in sheet form. Alternatively, a liquid pre-gel for the hydrogel layer may be spread or cast onto a preformed barrier layer and then polymerised in situ to form the adhesive layer. Individual barrier pieces can then be cut or pressed from the resulting laminate, in conventional manner. The release layers may be added before or after the individual barriers are formed, again in conventional manner. In one preferred method, the barrier layer is initially formed on one release layer prior to in situ formation of the hydrogel layer on then pre-formed barrier layer and subsequent application of the other release layer to the hydrogel layer.
It is most preferred that the barriers are provided ready-to-use in sterile packs, with release layers protecting both external faces of the barriers. The release layers are suitably constructed in conventional manner, e.g., using a relatively non-stick polymer or a paper or other sheet coated with a relatively non-stick coating such as wax or a silicone.
It is preferred that the release layers are of substantially the same dimension and configuration as the barrier between them, to provide a plurality of individual surface- protected barrier pieces. One or both release layer may be provided with tabs, protrusions, slits or flaps, to assist removal of that or those release layer or layers from the barrier.
Use of the Barrier
By peeling away the appropriate release layer or a portion thereof, the user can expose the adhesive surface of a barrier, and can position this on the part of the instrument to be covered and conform the barrier to the surface contours of the instrument. Once the barrier is at located on the part of the instrument to be covered, the other release layer or a portion thereof can be peeled away revealing the eye-contacting (sterile) surface. Thus, the sterile surface of the barrier can be provided on the instrument without risk of contamination.
The hydrogel adhesives with which the present invention is concerned have excellent optical transmittance. They are capable of being applied to a suitable barrier layer in very thin coatings while maintaining excellent adhesiveness to the instrument parts, so that the barrier can be extremely light. Of particular importance is the fact that the adhesiveness of the hydrogel layer to the instrument can be maintained at a fully effective level during use, while still permitting the barrier to be simply removed from the instrument after use, for disposal, by pulling or rolling it off the instrument, without leaving a residue of adhesive on the surface of the instrument. A new sterile barrier can then be positioned, for the next patient, with no danger of cross-infection.
For further details of how the barrier may be used, please refer to the relevant parts of the description and drawings of WO-A-01/05299.
The above broadly describes the present invention, without limitation. Variations and modifications as will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in this art are intended to be covered by this application and all subsequent patents.

Claims

1. A method of protecting an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument against contamination, the method comprising covering the said part of the instrument with an adhesive, sterile or sterilisable, sheet barrier, the sheet barrier comprising a substantially optically transparent biocompatible barrier layer and a substantially optically transparent adhesive hydrogel layer, the adhesive hydrogel layer comprising a plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules selected from polymers and copolymers of: 2-acrylamido-2- methylpropane sulphonic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; acrylic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; a polyalkylene glycol acrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; a polyalkylene glycol methacrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; acrylic acid (3-sulphopropyl) ester or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; diacetone acrylamide; a vinyl lactam; an optionally substituted N-alkylated acrylamide; an optionally substituted N,N-dialkylated acrylamide; and/or N-acryloyl morpholine or a substituted derivative thereof; in the case of copolymers, said copolymer being formed optionally with one or more further comonomer.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the sheet barrier is flexible.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vinyl lactam is N- vinyl pyrrolidone or a substituted derivative thereof.
4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules comprises polymer molecules which are selected from polymers and copolymers of: 2-acrylamido-2- methylpropane sulphonic acid (AMPS); an alkali metal salt of AMPS; acrylic acid (3-sulphopropyl) ester (SPA); an alkali metal salt of SPA; and/or N-acryloyl morpholine; in the case of copolymers, said copolymer being formed optionally with one or more further comonomer.
5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules comprises polymer molecules which are selected from polymers and copolymers of 2-acrylamido-2- methylpropane sulphonic acid (AMPS) or an alkali metal salt thereof; in the case of copolymers, said copolymer being formed with one or more further comonomer.
6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plasticised three- dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules comprises polymer molecules which are selected from polymers and copolymers of acrylic acid (3- sulphopropyl) ester (SPA) or an alkali metal salt thereof; in the case of copolymers, said copolymer being formed with one or more further comonomer.
7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plasticised three- dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules comprises polymer molecules which are selected from polymers and copolymers of N-acryloyl morpholine; in the case of copolymers, said copolymer being formed with one or more further comonomer.
8. A method according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4 to 6, wherein the salt is a sodium, potassium or lithium salt.
9. A method of preventing cross-infection of patients from an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument, the method comprising covering the said part of the instrument with an adhesive, sterile or sterilisable, sheet barrier comprising a substantially optically transparent biocompatible barrier layer and a substantially optically transparent adhesive hydrogel layer, the adhesive hydrogel layer comprising a plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules selected from polymers and copolymers of: 2-acrylamido-2- methylpropane sulphonic acid, or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; acrylic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; a polyalkylene glycol acrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; a polyalkylene glycol methacrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; acrylic acid (3-sulphopropyl) ester or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; diacetone acrylamide; a vinyl lactam; an optionally substituted N-alkylated acrylamide; an optionally substituted N,N-dialkylated acrylamide; and/or N-acryloyl morpholine or a substituted derivative thereof; in the case of copolymers, said copolymer being formed optionally with one or more further comonomer.
10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the barrier is as defined in any one of claims 2 to 8.
11. A sterile or sterilisable adhesive barrier for an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument, the barrier comprising an appropriately dimensioned, substantially planar, sheet consisting of or including a substantially optically transparent biocompatible, barrier layer and a substantially optically transparent adhesive hydrogel layer, the adhesive hydrogel layer comprising a plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross-linked polymer molecules which are selected from polymers and copolymers of: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; acrylic acid - or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; a polyalkylene glycol acrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; a polyalkylene glycol methacrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; acrylic acid (3-sulphopropyl) ester or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof diacetone acrylamide; a vinyl lactam; an optionally substituted N- alkylated acrylamide; an optionally substituted N,N-dialkylated acrylamide; and/or N-acryloyl morpholine or a substituted derivative thereof; in the case of copolymers, said copolymer being formed optionally with one or more further comonomer.
12. A barrier according to claim 11, wherein the barrier is as defined in any one of claims 2 to 8.
13. A barrier according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising one or more layer interposed between the barrier and adhesive layers.
14. A barrier according to any one of claims 11 to 13, when present with both external faces protected by release layers adapted to be removed to expose the external faces of the barrier for use.
15. A barrier according to any one of claims 11 to 14, when present in a sterile pack.
16. Use - in or for the purpose of providing a substantially optically transparent adhesive layer having acceptable adhesiveness on application, coupled with substantial absence of deposited residue on removal, in a sterile or sterilisable, adhesive barrier for an eye-contacting part of an ophthalmic instrument - of an adhesive hydrogel comprising a plasticised three-dimensional matrix of cross- linked polymer molecules which are selected from the polymers and copolymers of: 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; acrylic acid or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt thereof; a polyalkylene glycol acrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; a polyalkylene glycol methacrylate or a substituted derivative thereof; acrylic acid (3-sulphopropyl) ester or a substituted derivative thereof or a salt, thereof, diacetone acrylamide; a vinyl lactam; an optionally substituted N-alkylated acrylamide; an optionally substituted N,N-dialkylated acrylamide; and/or N- acryloyl morpholine or a substituted derivative thereof; in the case of copolymers, said copolymer being formed optionally with one or more further comonomer.
17. Use according to claim 16, wherein the barrier is as defined in any one of claims 2 to 8.
18. An ophthalmic instrument having an eye-contacting part which is covered by a sterile or sterilisable, adhesive barrier according to any one of claims 11 to 13.
19. An ophthalmic instrument according to claim 18, wherein the instrument eye- contacting part is selected from: tonometer heads, gonioscope lenses, A-scan ultrasound probes, ultrasound pachometers, 3-mirror Goldmann lenses, YAG laser lenses, retinal laser lenses, vitrectomy lenses, transillumination devices and contact or suction dynamometers.
PCT/GB2005/000044 2004-01-09 2005-01-10 Protecting ophthalmic instruments against contamination and cross-infection WO2005065530A1 (en)

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