Apparatus for removing components from solutions

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for dispensing an ophthalmic solution, comprising:

(a) a container body defining a solution retaining chamber therein, said chamber containing an ophthalmic solution containing a pharmacologically active substance and having a first pH, said container having an outlet for dispensing the solution from the chamber; and

(b) means for changing the pH of the solution as the solution is dispensed from the chamber through the outlet.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the pH changing means comprise an ionic exchange material provided within the path of the solution as the solution travels from the chamber to the outlet.

3. The device of claim 2, and further comprising a dispensing head on the container having passage means therethrough, the passage means having a first end in communication with the chamber and a second end being the outlet, the pH changing means located intermediate the first end and the outlet.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the dispensing head is integrally formed on the container body.

5. The device of claim 3, and further comprising means for maintaining the ionic exchange material in position within the passage means.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the means for maintaining the ionic exchange material in position within the passage means comprise a first supporting member located over the first end of the passage means and a second supporting member located over the second end of the passage means, the ion exchange material being held between the first and second porous members.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the first supporting member is comprised of a sponge-like material to act as means for compensating for changes in size of the ionic exchange material during the dispensing of the solution.

8. The device of claim 3, and further comprising means for compensating for changes in size of the ionic exchange material during the dispensing of the solution.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the size change compensating means comprise sponge-like material located within the passage means.

10. The device of claim 2, wherein the ionic exchange material is an anionic exchange material for raising the pH of the solution as the solution is dispensed from the chamber through the outlet.

11. The device of claim 2, wherein the ionic exchange material is a cationic