Method for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses

Abstract

A process is described for cleaning and disinfecting a soiled contact lens in a single unit operation. The soiled contact lens is immersed in a cavitation-supporting saline solution which is at ambient temperature. The lens is then subjected to ultrasonic energy which is transmitted through the solution at a frequency of between 62 and 72 kHz and an intensity of between 0.8 and 2.0 watts per ml. of solution. This procedure causes substantially all of the soil to dislodge from the lens before the combined elapsed time and temperature conditions within the solution produce any substantial protein denaturation on the lens. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted continuously through the solution at the same frequency and intensity ranges so that the temperature of the solution does not exceed about 65.degree. C. but the total elapsed period of the ultrasonic energy transmission, not to exceed about 20 minutes, must be sufficient to effect the disinfection of the lens.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.