Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
  • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
  • B65B25/008—Packaging other articles presenting special problems packaging of 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
• • 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
  • A61L12/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena, e.g. electricity, ultrasonics or ultrafiltration
  • A61L12/04—Heat
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
  • G02B1/00—Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are made; Optical coatings for optical elements
  • G02B1/04—Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are made; Optical coatings for optical elements made of organic materials, e.g. plastics
  • G02B1/041—Lenses
  • G02B1/043—Contact lenses
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
  • G02C7/00—Optical parts
  • G02C7/02—Lenses; Lens systems ; Methods of designing lenses
  • G02C7/04—Contact lenses for the eyes

Definitions

• the present invention relates to improved contact lens products which not only have initial insertion comfort, in particular, to a packaging solution for autoclaving and storing contact lenses.
• One long felt need in the contact lens industry is to provide contact lenses which are comfortable for users to wear.
• One of the problems that contact lens users complain of most is initial discomfort (i.e., immediately after lens insertion).
• One of the approaches is to use soft contact lenses to alleviate to some extent the initial discomfort because of their relatively soft surfaces, but also to their pliability, which permits them to modify their shape somewhat with different eyes.
• Such approach requires a great effort in developing new materials and lens designs and may not be cost effective.
• Another approach is to apply directly eye drops of an ocular lubricant into the wearer's eye while the lens is being worn, in order to provide some relief to some extent, e.g., the initial discomfort of wearers, discomfort suffering from dry-eye effects, or end-of-day discomfort.
• the present invention in one aspect, provides an ophthalmic product comprising a sealed and sterilized package which include a packaging solution and a soft hydrogel contact lens immersed in the packaging solution, wherein the packaging solution includes: a homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone, wherein the homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone is present in an amount sufficient to provide the packaging solution a viscosity of up to about 5.0 centipoises, preferably up to about 4.0 centipoises, even more preferably up to about 3.0 centipoises, most preferably from about 1.2 centipoises to about 2.5 centipoises at 25°C; glycerin or a polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of about 600 daltons or less; an ⁇ -oxo-multi-acid or salt thereof in an amount sufficient to have a reduced susceptibility to oxidation degradation of the polyethylene glycol in the packaging solution; and one
• the present invention in another aspect, provides a process for making a soft contact lens capable of easing wearer's initial discomfort.
• the method of the invention comprises the steps of: a) packaging a hydrogel contact lens in a container containing a packaging solution, wherein the packaging solution comprises a homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone, wherein the homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone is present in an amount sufficient to provide the packaging solution a viscosity of up to about 5.0 centipoises, preferably up to about 4.0 centipoises, even more preferably up to about 3.0 centipoises, most preferably from about 1.2 centipoises to about 2.5 centipoises at 25°C; glycerin or a polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of about 600 or less; an ⁇ -oxo-multi-acid or salt thereof in an amount sufficient to have a reduced susceptibility to oxidation degradation of the packaging solution
• Figure 1 shows effects of a packaging solution upon in vitro lipid fouling of commercially available silicone hydrogel lenses.
• Figure 2 shows effects of hydrating and storing silicone hydrogel lenses
• Contact Lens refers to a structure that can be placed on or within a wearer's eye.
• a contact lens can correct, improve, or alter a user's eyesight, but that need not be the case.
• a contact lens can be of any appropriate material known in the art or later developed, and can be a soft lens, a hard lens, or a hybrid lens.
• a "silicone hydrogel contact lens” refers to a contact lens comprising a silicone hydrogel material.
• a “hydrogel” refers to a polymeric material which can absorb at least 10 percent by weight of water when it is fully hydrated.
• a hydrogel material can be obtained by polymerization or copolymerization of at least one hydrophilic monomer in the presence of or in the absence of additional monomers and/or macromers or by crosslinking of a prepolymer.
• a "silicone hydrogel” refers to a hydrogel obtained by copolymerization of a polymerizable composition comprising at least one silicone-containing vinylic monomer or at least one silicone-containing macromer or a silicone-containing prepolymer.
• a "monomer” means a low molecular weight compound that can be polymerized actinically or thermally. Low molecular weight typically means average molecular weights less than 700 Daltons.
• a monomer can be a vinylic monomer or a compound comprising two thiol groups.
• a compound with two thiol groups can participate in thiol-ene step-growth radical polymerization with a monomer with vinyl group to form a polymer.
• Step-growth radical polymerization can be used in making contact lenses, as described in a commonly-owned copending US patent application No. 60/869,812 filed Dec. 13, 2006 (entitled “Production of Ophthalmic Devices Based on Photo-Induced Step Growth Polymerization", herein incorporated in reference in its entirety.
• a "vinylic monomer”, as used herein, refers to a low molecular weight compound that has an ethylenically unsaturated group and can be polymerized actinically or thermally. Low molecular weight typically means average molecular weights less than 700 Daltons.
• actinically in reference to curing or polymerizing of a polymerizable composition or material means that the curing (e.g., crosslinked and/or polymerized) is performed by actinic irradiation, such as, for example, UV irradiation, ionized radiation (e.g. gamma ray or X-ray irradiation), microwave irradiation, and the like.
• actinic irradiation such as, for example, UV irradiation, ionized radiation (e.g. gamma ray or X-ray irradiation), microwave irradiation, and the like.
• thermal curing or actinic curing methods are well-known to a person skilled in the art.
• fluid indicates that a material is capable of flowing like a liquid.
• a "hydrophilic monomer” refers to a monomer which can be polymerized actinically or thermally to form a polymer that is water-soluble or can absorb at least 10 percent by weight water.
• hydrophobic monomer refers to a monomer which is polymerized actinically or thermally to form a polymer that is insoluble in water and can absorb less than 10 percent by weight water.
• a "macromer” refers to a medium and high molecular weight compound which can be polymerized and/or crosslinked actinically or thermally.
• Medium and high molecular weight typically means average molecular weights greater than 700 Daltons.
• a macromer comprises one or more ethylenically unsaturated groups and/or one or more thiol groups, which can participate in free radical chain growth polymerization or thiol-ene step-growth radical polymerization.
• a macromer contains ethylenically unsaturated groups and can be polymerized actinically or thermally.
• a "prepolymer” refers to a starting polymer which contains crosslinkable groups and can be cured (e.g., crosslinked and/or polymerized) actinically or thermally to obtain a crosslinked and/or polymerized polymer having a molecular weight much higher than the starting polymer.
• a prepolymer comprises one or more ethylenically unsaturated groups and/or one or more thiol groups, which can participate in free radical chain growth polymerization or thiol-ene step-growth radical polymerization.
• a "silicone-containing prepolymer” refers to a prepolymer which contains silicone and can be crosslinked upon actinic radiation or thermally to obtain a crosslinked polymer having a molecular weight much higher than the starting polymer.
• Polymer means a material formed by polymerizing one or more monomers or macromers or by crosslinking one or more prepolymers.
• Molecular weight of a polymeric material (including monomeric or macromeric materials), as used herein, refers to the number-average molecular weight unless otherwise specifically noted or unless testing conditions indicate otherwise.
• “Visibility tinting” in reference to a lens means dying (or coloring) of a lens to enable the user to easily locate a lens in a clear solution within a lens storage, disinfecting or cleaning container. It is well known in the art that a dye and/or a pigment can be used in visibility tinting of a lens.
• a "photoinitiator” refers to a chemical that initiates radical crosslinking/polymerizing reaction by the use of light.
• Suitable photoinitiators include, without limitation, benzoin methyl ether, diethoxyacetophenone, a benzoylphosphine oxide, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, Darocure® types, and Irgacure® types, preferably Darocure® 1173, and Irgacure® 2959.
• thermal initiator refers to a chemical that initiates radical crosslinking/polymerizing reaction by the use of heat energy.
• suitable thermal initiators include, but are not limited to, 2,2'-azobis (2,4-dimethylpentanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropanenitrile), 2,2'-azobis (2-methylbutanenitrile), peroxides such as benzoyl peroxide, and the like.
• the thermal initiator is 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN).
• a packaging solution is ophthalmic safe.
• ophthalmically safe with respect to a packaging solution is meant that a contact lens immersed in the solution is safe for direct placement on the eye without rinsing, that is, the solution is safe and sufficiently comfortable for daily contact with the eye via a contact lens.
• An ophthalmically safe solution has a tonicity and pH that is compatible with the eye and comprises materials, and amounts thereof, that are non-cytotoxic according to international ISO standards and U.S. FDA regulations.
• compatible with the eye means a solution that may be in intimate contact with the eye for an extended period of time without significantly damaging the eye and without significant user discomfort.
• a "reduced susceptibility to oxidation degradation of the polyethylene glycol” means that the susceptibility to oxidative degradation of a polyethylene glycol in a solution containing an ⁇ -oxo-multi-acid or salt thereof after subject to a sterilization treatment is reduced (characterized by the amount of detectable formic acid and optionally other degradation by-products in a stabilized poly(oxyalkylene)-containing polymeric material being 80% or less, preferably 65% or less, more preferably 50% or less, of that detected in a solution without any ⁇ -oxo-multi-acid or salt thereof).
• a "leachable polymeric lubricant" as used herein refer to a non-ionic hydrophilic polymer which is not covalently bound to but instead is associated with or entrapped in the polymer matrix of a contact lens and which can enhance surface wettability of a contact lens and/or the eye or reduce the frictional character of the contact lens surface.
• the present invention is generally directed to a hydrogel contact lens capable of easing lens-wearer's initial discomfort.
• the present invention is partly based on the discovery that a lens packaging solution including a homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) (or glycerin) can provide to a hydrogel contact lens, which is immersed and autoclaved in the packaging solution, with unexpected benefits of increased wettability, reduced friction, initial conditioning (by cushioning the lens), and/or reduced adherence of deposits onto the lens.
• PEG polyethylene glycol
• a low molecular weight PEG (or glycerin) and a homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone can have a synergetic effects on the initial comfort (at the time of inserting the lens).
• the homopolymer or copolymer with sufficiently larger molecular weight can form a cushion layer between the lens and the epithelium of the cornea without increasing substantially the viscosity of the packaging solution (i.e., above 5 centipoises at 25°C).
• Incorporation of a low molecular weight PEG or glycerin in the cushion layer can increase the lubricity, wettability (characterized by water contact angle) and/or reduced friction of the cushion layer. This added cushioning is believed to provide a temporary lubricious layer that would allow the lens to settle gently on the eye with slight lubrication and improve initial insert comfort.
• the present invention in one aspect, provides an ophthalmic product comprising a sealed and sterilized package which include a packaging solution and a soft hydrogel contact lens immersed in the packaging solution, wherein the packaging solution includes: a homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone, wherein the homopolymer or copolymer is present in an amount sufficient to provide the packaging solution a viscosity of up to about 5.0 centipoise, preferably up to about 4.0 centipoises, even more preferably up to about 3.0 centipoises, most preferably from about 1.2 centipoises to about 2.5 centipoises at 25°C; glycerin or a polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of about 600 or less; and one or more buffering agents in an amount sufficient to provide the solution a pH of from about 6.0 to 8.0, wherein the packaging solution has an osmolality of from about 200 to about 450 m ⁇ sm/kg.
• Lens packages are well known to a person skilled in the art for autoclaving and storing a soft contact lens. Any lens packages can be used in the invention.
• a lens package is a blister package which comprises a base and a cover, wherein the cover is detachably sealed to the base, wherein the base includes a cavity for receiving a sterile packaging solution and the contact lens.
• Lenses are packaged in individual packages, sealed, and sterilized (e.g., by autoclave at about 120 0 C or higher for at least 30 minutes) prior to dispensing to users.
• autoclave at about 120 0 C or higher for at least 30 minutes
• a person skilled in the art will understand well how to seal and sterilize lens packages.
• a soft hydrogel contact lens can be a conventional hydrogel contact lens (i.e., a non-silicone hydrogel lens) or preferably a silicone hydrogel contact lens.
• a packaging solution of the invention is ophthalmically compatible and may be any water-based solution that is used for the storage of contact lenses.
• a packaging solution of the invention can be a saline solution, a buffered solution, and deionized water.
• a preferred class of copolymers are the copolymers of vinyloyrrolidone and at least one amino-containing vinylic monomer.
• amino- containing vinylic monomers include without limitation alkylaminoalkylmethacrylate having 8-15 carbon atoms, alkylaminoalkylacrylate having 7-15 carbon atoms, dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylate having 8-20 carbon atoms, dialkylaminoalkylacrylate having 7-20 carbon atoms, N-vinylalkylamide having 3-10 carbon atoms.
• Examples of preferred N-vinyl alkylamide include without limitation N-vinyl formaide, N-vinyl acetamide, N-vinyl isopropylamide, and N-vinyl-N-methyl acetamide.
• Examples of preferred copolymers includes without limitation copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate. Such preferred copolymers are commercially available, e.g., Copolymer 845 and Copolymer 937 from ISP.
• a polyethylene glycol has a molecular weight of about 600 or less, most preferably from about 100 to about 500.
• the packaging solution comprises an ⁇ -oxo-multi-acid or salt thereof in an amount sufficient to have a reduced susceptibility to oxidation degradation of the polyethylene glycol in the packaging solution.
• a commonly- owned co-pending patent application discloses that oxo-multi-acid or salt thereof can reduce the susceptibility to oxidative degradation of a PEG-containing polymeric material.
• Exemplary ⁇ -oxo-multi-acids or biocompatible salts thereof include without limitation citric acid, 2-ketoglutaric acid, or malic acid or biocompatible (preferably ophthalmically compatible) salts thereof. More preferably, an ⁇ -oxo- multi-acid is citric or malic acid or biocompatible (preferably ophthalmically compatible) salts thereof (e.g., sodium, potassium, or the like).
• the solution of the present invention preferably contains a buffering agent.
• the buffering agents maintain the pH preferably in the desired range, for example, in a physiologically acceptable range of about 6 to about 8. Any known, physiologically compatible buffering agents can be used.
• Suitable buffering agents as a constituent of the contact lens care composition according to the invention are known to the person skilled in the art.
• Examples are boric acid, borates, e.g. sodium borate, citric acid, citrates, e.g. potassium citrate, bicarbonates, e.g.
• TRIS (2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl- 1,3-propanediol), Bis-Tris (Bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)-imino-tris-(hydroxymethyl)-methane), bis- aminopolyols, triethanolamine, ACES (N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), BES (N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid), HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1- piperazineethanesulfonic acid), MES (2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid), MOPS (3-[N- morpholino]-propanesulfonic acid), PIPES (piperazine-N,N'-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid), TES (N-[T ris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid),
• each buffer agent is that amount necessary to be effective in achieving a pH of the composition of from about 6.5 to about 7.5. Typically, it is present in an amount of from 0.001% to 2%, preferably from 0.01% to 1%; most preferably from about 0.05% to about 0.30% by weight.
• solutions according to the invention are preferably formulated in such a way that they are isotonic with the lachrymal fluid.
• a solution which is isotonic with the lachrymal fluid is generally understood to be a solution whose concentration corresponds to the concentration of a 0.9% sodium chloride solution (308 m ⁇ sm/kg). Deviations from this concentration are possible throughout.
• the isotonicity with the lachrymal fluid, or even another desired tonicity may be adjusted by adding organic or inorganic substances which affect the tonicity.
• Suitable occularly acceptable tonicity agents include, but are not limited to sodium chloride, potassium chloride, glycerol, propylene glycol, polyols, mannitols, sorbitol, xylitol and mixtures thereof.
• the majority of the tonicity of the solution is provided by one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of non-halide containing electrolytes (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) and non-electrolytic compounds.
• the tonicity of the solution is typically adjusted to be in the range from about 200 to about 450 milliosmol (mOsm), preferably from about 250 to 350 mOsm.
• a packaging solution of the invention can optionally include a viscosity- enhancing polymers, which can be a water soluble cellulose-derived polymer, a water- soluble polyvinylalcohol (PVA), or combination thereof.
• a viscosity- enhancing polymers include without limitation cellulose ethers.
• Exemplary preferred cellulose ethers are methyl cellulose (MC), ethyl cellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), or a mixture thereof. More preferably, a cellulose ether is hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) 1 and mixtures thereof.
• the cellulose ether is present in the composition in an amount of preferably from about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, based on the total amount of the packaging solution.
• the solution can further comprises mucin-like materials, ophthalmically beneficial materials, and/or surfactants.
• Exemplary mucin-like materials include without limitation polyglycolic acid and polylactides.
• a mucin-like material can be used as guest materials which can be released continuously and slowly over extended period of time to the ocular surface of the eye for treating dry eye syndrome.
• the mucin-like material preferably is present in effective amounts.
• Exemplary ophthalmically beneficial materials include without limitation 2- pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid (PCA), amino acids (e.g., taurine, glycine, etc.), alpha hydroxyl acids (e.g., glycolic, lactic, malic, tartaric, mandelic and citric acids and salts thereof, etc.), linoleic and gamma linoleic acids, and vitamins (e.g., B5, A, B6, etc.).
• PCA 2- pyrrolidone-5-carboxylic acid
• amino acids e.g., taurine, glycine, etc.
• alpha hydroxyl acids e.g., glycolic, lactic, malic, tartaric, mandelic and citric acids and salts thereof, etc.
• linoleic and gamma linoleic acids e.g., B5, A, B6, etc.
• Surfactants can be virtually any ocularly acceptable surfactant including non- ionic, anionic, and amphoteric surfactants.
• preferred surfactants include without limitation poloxamers (e.g., Pluronic® F108, F88, F68, F68LF, F127, F87, F77, P85, P75, P104, and P84), poloamines (e.g., Tetronic® 707, 1107 and 1307, polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids (e.g., Tween® 20, Tween® 80), polyoxyethylene or polyoxypropylene ethers of C 12 -C 18 alkanes (e.g., Brij® 35), polyoxyethyene stearate (Myrj® 52), polyoxyethylene propylene glycol stearate (Atlas® G 2612), and amphoteric surfactants under the trade names Mirataine® and Miranol®.
• poloxamers e.g., Plur
• a lens can be prepared according to any methods known to a person skilled in the art from a hydrogel lens-forming formulation.
• a “hydrogel lens-forming formulation” or “hydrogel lens-forming material” refers to a polymerizable composition which can be cured (i.e., polymerized and/or crosslinked) thermally or actinically to obtain a crosslinked/polymerized polymeric material.
• Lens-forming materials are well known to a person skilled in the art.
• a lens forming material comprises polymerizable/crosslinkable components, for example, such as, monomers, macromers, prepolymers, or combinations thereof, as known to a person skilled in the art.
• a lens- forming material can further include other components, such as non-crosslinkable hydrophilic polymers (i.e., leachable polymeric lubricants), an initiator (e.g., a photoinitiator or a thermal initiator), a visibility tinting agent, UV-blocking agent, photosensitizers, antimicrobial agents (e.g., Ag-nanoparticles), and the like.
• non-crosslinkable hydrophilic polymers i.e., leachable polymeric lubricants
• an initiator e.g., a photoinitiator or a thermal initiator
• a visibility tinting agent e.g., UV-blocking agent
• photosensitizers e.g., Ag-nanoparticles
• antimicrobial agents e.g., Ag-nanoparticles
• lens making examples include without limitation, cast-molding, spin-casting, and lathing.
• a person skilled in the art will know well how to cast-mold lenses from a lens- forming formulation in molds based on thermal or actinic polymerization.
• a hydrogel lens-forming formulation (or a polymerizable fluid composition) can be a solution or a solvent-free liquid or melt at a temperature below 60 0 C.
• leachable lubricants are non-crosslinkable hydrophilic polymers (i.e. without anctinically-crosslinkable groups) having no charges. Any suitable non-charged hydrophilic polymers can be used so long as they are compatible with the lens-forming material (i.e., can produce optically clear contact lenses). Exemplary non- crosslinkable (i.e.
• hydrophilic polymers include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohols (PVAs), polyamides, polyimides, polylactone, a homopolymer of a vinyl lactam, a copolymer of at least one vinyl lactam in the presence or in the absence of one or more hydrophilic vinylic comonomers, alkylated polyvinylpyrrolidones, a homopolymer of acrylamide or methacrylamide, a copolymer of acrylamide or methacrylamide with one or more hydrophilic vinylic monomers, polyethylene oxide (PEO)), a polyoxyethylene derivative, poly-N-N-dimethylacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, poly 2 ethyl oxazoline, heparin polysaccharides, polysaccharides, and mixtures thereof.
• PVAs polyvinyl alcohols
• polyamides polyamides
• polyimides polylactone
• polylactone a homopolymer of a vinyl lact
• the number-average molecular weight M n of the hydrophilic polymer is preferably from 10,000 to 500,000, more preferably from 20,000 to 200,000.
• polyvinylpyrrolidone examples include without limitation those polymer characterized by molecular weight grades of K-15, K-30, K-60, K-90, K-120, and the likes.
• Examples of copolymers of n-vinylpyrrolidone with one ore more vinylic monomers includes without limitation vinylpyrrolidone/vinylacetate copolymers, vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate copolymers (e.g., Copolymer 845, Copolymer 937, Copolymer 958 from ISP Corporation), vinylpyrrolidone/vinylcaprolactam/dimethyl-aminoethylmethacrylate copolymer.
• alkylated pyrrolidones includes without limitation the family of GAN EX® Alkylated pyrrolidone from ISP Corporation.
• a suitable polyoxyethylene derivative is, for example, n-alkylphenyl polyoxyethylene ether, n-alkyl polyoxy-ethylene ether (e.g., TRITON®), polyglycol ether surfactant (TERGITOL®), polyoxyethylenesorbitan (e.g., TWEEN®), polyoxyethylated glycol monoether (e.g., BRIJ®, polyoxylethylene 9 lauryl ether, polyoxylethylene 10 ether, polyoxylethylene 10 tridecyl ether), or a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.
• n-alkylphenyl polyoxyethylene ether e.g., TRITON®
• polyglycol ether surfactant TERGITOL®
• polyoxyethylenesorbitan e.g., TWEEN®
• polyoxyethylated glycol monoether e.g., BRIJ®, polyoxylethylene 9 lauryl ether, polyoxylethylene
• block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide include without limitation poloxamers and poloxamines, which are available, for example, under the tradename PLURONIC®, PLURONIC-R®, TETRONIC®, TETRONIC-R® or PLURADOT®.
• Poloxamers are triblock copolymers with the structure PEO-PPO-PEO (where "PEO" is poly(ethylene oxide) and "PPO" is poly(propylene oxide).
• poloxamers A considerable number of poloxamers is known, differing merely in the molecular weight and in the PEO/PPO ratio;
• Examples of poloxamers include 101 , 105, 108, 122, 123, 124, 181 , 182, 183, 184, 185, 188, 212, 215, 217, 231 , 234, 235, 237, 238, 282, 284, 288, 331 , 333, 334, 335, 338, 401 , 402, 403 and 407.
• the order of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene blocks can be reversed creating block copolymers with the structure PPO-PEO-PPO, which are known as PLURONIC-R® polymers.
• Poloxamines are polymers with the structure (PEO-PPO) 2 -N-(CH 2 ) 2 -N-(PPO- PEO) 2 that are available with different molecular weights and PEO/PPO ratios. Again, the order of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene blocks can be reversed creating block copolymers with the structure (PPO-PEO) 2 -N-(CH 2 ) 2 -N-(PEO-PPO) 2 , which are known as TETRONIC-R® polymers.
• Polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymers can also be designed with hydrophilic blocks comprising a random mix of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide repeating units. To maintain the hydrophilic character of the block, ethylene oxide will predominate. Similarly, the hydrophobic block can be a mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide repeating units. Such block copolymers are available under the tradename PLURADOT®.
• Non-crosslinkable PVAs of all kinds for example those with low, medium or high polyvinyl acetate contents may be employed.
• the PVAs used may also comprise small proportions, for example up to 20 %, preferably up to 5 %, of copolymer units as mentioned before.
• non-crosslinkable polyvinyl alcohols employed in the present invention are known and are commercially available, for example under the brand name Mowiol ® from KSE (Kuraray Specialties Europe).
• the present invention in another aspect, provides a process for making a soft contact lens capable of easing wearer's initial discomfort.
• the method of the invention comprises the steps of: a) packaging a hydrogel contact lens in a container containing a packaging solution, wherein the packaging solution comprises a homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone, wherein the homopolymer or copolymer is present in an amount sufficient to provide the packaging solution a viscosity of up to about 5.0 centipoises, preferably up to about 4.0 centipoises, even more preferably up to about 3.0 centipoises, most preferably from about 1.2 centipoises to about 2.5 centipoises at 25°C; glycerin or a polyethylene glycol having an average molecular weight of about 600 or less; and one or more buffering agents in an amount sufficient to provide the solution a pH of from about 6.0 to 8.0, wherein the packaging solution has an osmolality of from about 200 to about 450 m ⁇ sm/kg; and b) sterilizing the hydrogel contact lens in the package to obtain the soft contact
• Copolymer 845 is obtained from ISP and PEG 400 (Sentry Carbowax 400) is obtained from Dow. Solutions are prepared by dissolving various components in 1 L of water as shown in Table 1. Where HEC is used as one of the components, the solution is prepared at about 80 0 C to dissolve HEC.
• Advanced Micro-osmometer Model 3300 is used to determine the osmolarity of each packaging solution (averaged over two independent experiment results for each packaging solution).
• the viscosity of a packaging solution is obtained by averaging three measurements made at three different speeds (3 rpm, 6 rpm and 12 rpm) with the Brookfield Viscometer.
• the pH value of each packaging solution is determined with Fisher Acumet 25 pH meter (averaged over two independent experiment results for each packaging solution). The results are reported in Table 2.
• Example 1 Each packaging solution prepared in Example 1 are tested for cytotoxicity using L-929 (L929) murine fibroblastic cells following 24 hours exposure time points. Alamar Blue Assay (AB) and neutral red uptake and release assay (NRUR) are used to determine the solution cytotoxicity. Neat solutions of the test sample are diluted 1 :1 , 1 :3 and 1 :7 (50, 25 and 12.5% final concentration of the neat solution) across a 96 well plate format and exposed to the cell monolayer for a period of 24 hours. For this test, cells grown under controlled conditions are monitored for their viability to survive and grow following initial exposure and incubation with the test solutions, as compared to controls. BAK at 10 ppm is used as a positive control.
• AB Alamar Blue Assay
• NRUR neutral red uptake and release assay
• the packaging solution I exhibits viability percentages of 83%, 87% and 93% for 50%, 25% and 12.5% test solutions respectively for the AB method at 24 hours exposure for L929 cells and also exhibits viability percentages of 92%, 98% and 97% for 50%, 25% and 12.5% test solutions respectively for the NRUR method at 24 hours exposure for L929 cells.
• the packaging solution Il exhibits viability percentages of 86%, 92% and 94% for 50%, 25% and 12.5% test solutions respectively for the AB method at 24 hours exposure for L929 cells and also exhibits viability percentages of 99%, 101% and 101% for 50%, 25% and 12.5% test solutions respectively for the NRUR method at 24 hours exposure for L929 cells.
• the packaging solution III exhibits viability percentages of 90%, 92% and 94% for 50%, 25% and 12.5% test solutions respectively for the AB method at 24 hours exposure for L929 cells and also exhibits viability percentages of 103%, 102% and 97% for 50%, 25% and 12.5% test solutions respectively for the NRUR method at 24 hours exposure for L929 cells.
• the packaging solution IV exhibits viability percentages of 88%, 96% and 94% for 50%, 25% and 12.5% test solutions respectively for the AB method at 24 hours exposure for L929 cells and also exhibits viability percentages of 85%, 98% and 98% for 50%, 25% and 12.5% test solutions respectively for the NRUR method at 24 hours exposure for L929 cells.
• O2OPTIXTM lenses are packaged in blister packages containing a packaging solution (one of Y1 , Y2, Y3, and Y4), sealed and autoclaved.
• a standard curve is prepared using a 24-well plate with the curves respective lens type.
• the standard curve ranged from 10 ⁇ g/ml- 0 ⁇ g/ml in PBS at pH 7.2.
• Three lenses of each Night & Day, Acuvue Advance & O2Optix are soaked in 10 ug/ml FITC- phosphotidylethanolamine for 24 hours, incubating at 34.5 0 C and rocking in complete dark. Once complete lenses are buffer-exchanged 3 times in PBS and then placed in a fresh 24 well plate with 1 ml PBS and read on the Wallac in parallel with each lenses associated standard curve. From these absorbance counts the actual ⁇ g/lens counts are calculated.
• a packaging solution (listed below) is used in an imbibed production process in which lenses are "imbibed” with the packaging solution by using the packaging solution as the hydrating solution for the dry lenses after plasma treatment as well as for lens wet inspection.
• the packaging solution is are also used for the fill saline (i.e., in the lens package).
• a standard curve is prepared using a 24-well plate. Each well containing the lens under investigation to negate any autofluorecense.
• the standard curve ranged from 10 ⁇ g/ml-0.5 ⁇ g/ml in PBS at pH 7.2. Five lenses from each group are soaked in 10 ⁇ g/ml FITC-phosphotidylethanolamine for 24 hours, rocking at 34.5 0 C wrapped in aluminum foil. After incubation lenses are buffer exchanged 3 times in PBS and read on the Victor Il Wallac in parallel with each lenses associated standard curve. From these raw counts the actual ⁇ g/lens counts are calculated.

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