Method for simultaneously cleaning, decolorizing and thermally disinfecting contact lenses

Abstract

A method for removing yellow contact lens discoloration involves immersing yellow colored contact lenses in a solution including a proteolytic enzyme and a reducing agent and then heating the solution for a time and at a temperature sufficient to remove substantially all yellow contact lens discoloration. The method also functions to simultaneously clean, disinfect and remove yellow discoloration from a contact lens. The lens is immersed in an aqueous solution including an effective amount of a thiol and an enzyme, and the solution is heated above ambient temperature for a time and at a temperature sufficient to remove substantially all yellow contact lens discoloration and contact lens protein accretions and to disinfect the lens. Preferably the solution is heated to a maximum temperature in a range of approximately 80.degree. C. to approximately 90.degree. C.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.