Device for single solution contact lens sterilization

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to sterilizing contact lenses. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a device particularly suitable for sterilizing and storing contact lenses.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,451 discloses the suitability of hydrogen peroxide for sterilizing contact lenses and a catalyst, presumably platinum black, for decomposing the hydrogen peroxide following sterilization and a saline hydrogen peroxide solution suitable for such use.

U.S. Pat. No. Des. 242,265 discloses a design of a plastic support for a platinum black catalyst useful in practicing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide according to the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,451.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,011,941 discloses a capsule designed for holding contact lenses during hydrogen peroxide sterilization which permits the lenses to be sterilized in a single container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A device having a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable barrier permits sterilization of contact lenses with a single solution of saline containing hydrogen peroxide. The barrier may be of any suitable material having a porosity which does not cause a buildup of pressure as the hydrogen peroxide decomposes during or after sterilization while prohibiting passage of liquid therethrough. Hydrophobic barriers are preferred since they are most effective in the sterilizing liquid transfer while providing a maximum pore size.

FIG. 1 is one embodiment shown in cross-section.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a another embodiment of the present invention shown in cross-section; and

FIG. 3 is a front view of a third embodiment of the present invention shown in exploded cross-section.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, contact lens sterilization apparatus 1 shown generally has a pair of baskets 2 (one shown) for supporting contact lenses (not shown). Body 3 has a threadable attached cap 4 with a pair of elongated members 5 connecting baskets 2 to cap 4. Ring gasket 6 provides a liquid and gas seal between body 3 and cap 4. A suitable basket arrangement is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,770,113. A catalyst-covered member 7 is supported by friction engagement with elongated members 5. An external configuration as shown in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 242,265 is preferred. The distal end of body 3 has an opening 8 which acts as a passage between the apparatus interior and the surrounding atmosphere. A hydrophobic silicone membrane 9 having a thickness of 0.8 millimeters and made of a General Electric RTV silicone rubber is held in place by lip 10 and is supported by wire mesh backing 11. Cover 12 protects the vapor-permeable, liquid-impermeable barrier structure 9 and has unrestricted passages 13. Another suitable barrier material which may be substituted for silicone membrane 9 is a bacteriological filter material sold under the tradename ACRODISC TF Teflon. This material is a Teflon film bonded to polypropylene of about 175 microns in in thickness and with about a 0.2 micron pore size. Cavity 14 is partially filled with a saline-hydrogen peroxide solution 15. After an appropriate period of sterilization, apparatus 1 is inverted and catalyst-covered member 7 is brought into contact with solution 15 causing decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide. Inversion of apparatus 1 may be by manual or mechanical means. For example, a device of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,116 may be used.

Referring to FIG. 2, baskets 102 are supported from cap 104 by elongated member 105. Ring gasket 106 is used to seal cap 104 to body 103. Catalyst covered member 107 is located in the bottom of body 103. Cap 104 has a cavity 120 between porous plate 121 and top 122. ACRODISC member 109 and wire mesh backing 111 are retained in cavity 120. Openings 108 allow gases passing through membrane 109 to enter the surrounding atmosphere. In use, cavity 114 is partially filled with saline-hydrogen peroxide solution 115. Although the hydrogen peroxide begins decomposition immediately, its concentration is reduced at a rate which permits sterilization of the contact lenses contained in baskets 102 prior to reaching a level at which further sterilization does not take place. This device offers the advantage that it is unnecessary for the user to invert apparatus 101 manually or with the assistance of some mechanical device.

Referring to FIG. 3, baskets 202 are supported from cap 204 by plate 221 and elongated members 205. Porous plate 221 carries gasket 206 and supports ACRODISC membrane 209 between it and cap 204. A similar membrane 223 is located between cover 212 and catalyst member 207. In such a device, cavity 214 prevents any pressure buildup regardless of the orientation of apparatus 201.

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