JPH0386170A - Disinfecting method for contact lens - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify an operation by decomposing hydrogen peroxide by using an OH type anion exchanger during or after a disinfecting treatment. CONSTITUTION:The hydrogen peroxide is decomposed by using the OH type anion exchanger during or after the disinfecting treatment in the method for disinfecting a lens by using a hydrogen peroxide soln. The treatment is the material obtd. by bonding a quaternary ammonium group as an ion exchange group to a high polymer base body, such as a three dimensionally copolymerized copolymer and electrostatically bonding the OH group to this quaternary ammonium group. A styrene/vinyl benzene copolymer which is bonded with the quaternary ammonium group in which the OH group is electrostatically bonded and copolymer of styrene and divinyl benzene which is bonded with the quaternary ammonium group in which the OH group is electrostatically bonded, etc., are used as the representative examples of the OH type anion exchanger.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field] The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting contact lenses.

[Prior art] Contact lenses (hereinafter referred to as lenses), especially water-containing lenses, are susceptible to bacteria on the lens surface or inside the lens while it is worn on the eye or stored in a storage solution. It is easy to breed and become contaminated, so it must be disinfected regularly.

Methods for disinfecting lenses are broadly divided into heat disinfection methods, which disinfect by applying heat, and so-called cold disinfection methods (chemical disinfection methods), which disinfect lenses using disinfectants.

The cold disinfection method further includes a disinfection method using conventional disinfectants such as benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine salt, and organic mercury compounds such as thimerosal, and a disinfection method using hydrogen peroxide, which becomes nontoxic by decomposition. It can be divided into

In the disinfection method using hydrogen peroxide, it is necessary to decompose hydrogen peroxide after disinfection, but methods for decomposing hydrogen peroxide include, for example, a method using a metal catalyst such as platinum, a method using a reducing agent such as pyruvic acid, etc. Methods using enzyme catalysts such as catalase and peroxidase are known.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, the heat sterilization method and the cold sterilization method have drawbacks and problems as described below.

(a) Heat sterilization method In the heat sterilization method, electrical heating means is generally employed as the heating means.

Electric heating means generally require a 100V power source for general household use supplied by an electric power company, so when it is necessary to heat and sterilize lenses when traveling, for example, there may be times when there is no suitable outlet available. Due to the different operating voltages, heating sterilization may not be possible. Another drawback is that the device for heat sterilization cannot be compact and is bulky and inconvenient to carry. Furthermore, in order to completely sterilize the lens, it is necessary to heat it for about an hour in a salt aqueous solution (from the start of heating to boiling (Ministry of Health and Welfare standards: 100℃, 2
(0 minutes or more)) and cooling treatment is required.
The process was extremely troublesome.

(0) Cold disinfection method (method using a disinfectant other than hydrogen peroxide) As mentioned above, this is a method of disinfecting lenses by immersing them in an aqueous solution containing a disinfectant, but this method is especially useful for water-containing lenses. Since the disinfectant penetrates and accumulates in the lens and is easily absorbed, it may not be possible to sufficiently remove the disinfectant from the lens even if the lens is thoroughly rinsed with a saline solution after disinfection.

When a lens is worn on the eye in such a state, there is a disadvantage that the bactericidal agent gradually released from the lens may irritate the mucous membrane of the eye or cause an allergic reaction.

(b) Method using hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide can be easily decomposed and rendered non-toxic, so once the hydrogen peroxide present on the lens surface and inside the lens is completely decomposed, Although it has the advantage of avoiding the disadvantages of irritating the eye mucous membranes and causing allergic reactions as mentioned above, conventional methods for decomposing hydrogen peroxide include the following. There are some drawbacks.

0) Method of decomposing hydrogen peroxide using a metal catalyst such as platinum black The platinum black catalyst described above has a high decomposition power for hydrogen peroxide, but on the other hand, such a platinum black catalyst does not allow chloroplatinic acid to be decomposed on a carrier. The manufacturing process is complicated, and the method using a platinum black catalyst requires expensive equipment. remains on the lens surface or inside the lens, so there is a problem with eye safety when wearing such a lens.

Furthermore, this method has little effect on decomposing hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations.

■Method of decomposing hydrogen peroxide using a reducing agent such as pyruvate, sulfite, or thiosulfate. is low. Furthermore, since ions such as acetate ions are generated, if these ions remain on the lens surface or inside the lens, there is a problem with eye safety. Further, there are drawbacks such as a reducing agent having a characteristic odor when used, and the color of the reducing agent sometimes adhering to the lens.

0 Method of decomposing hydrogen peroxide using tablets containing peroxide and a neutralizing agent This method has the disadvantage that the tablet manufacturing process is complicated and that it is difficult to uniformly dissolve the tablets in the hydrogen peroxide solution. be.

(f) Method of decomposing hydrogen peroxide by electrolysis This method has the disadvantage that the equipment for decomposing hydrogen peroxide is complicated and expensive.

(ν) A method of decomposing hydrogen peroxide with an enzyme catalyst using catalase, peroxidase, etc. The proteins contained in the enzyme catalyst adhere to the lens, making cleaning time-consuming. If you leave it as is, it may cause the lens to become cloudy, and if you wear the lens on your eye,
There is a problem in that the adhered proteins cause allergic reactions in the eyes.

Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned prior art, the present inventor has conducted extensive research with the aim of finding a method that can easily and reliably disinfect lenses, and which also prevents residues from being contained in the lenses after disinfection. However, during or after disinfecting a lens using hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide present in the treatment solution and hydrogen peroxide adhering to the lens surface or inside the lens may be removed. It has been discovered that the above object can be achieved when hydrogen oxide is decomposed, leading to the completion of the present invention.

[Means to solve problems]

That is, the present invention is a method for disinfecting lenses using a hydrogen peroxide solution, in which O2 is used during or after the disinfection process.
The present invention relates to a lens disinfection method characterized by decomposing hydrogen peroxide using an H-type anion exchanger.

[Function and Examples] In the present invention, hydrogen peroxide is usually used in the form of an aqueous solution, that is, a hydrogen peroxide solution. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the hydrogen peroxide solution is not particularly limited as long as it has a sufficient disinfecting effect and does not cause shape change or damage to the lens, but is usually about 0.1.
It is preferably within the range of ~10V/V%. If the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is higher than iow 7v%,
There is a risk of damaging the lens, and O,tW%
If it is lower than , there is a tendency that sufficient disinfection effect will not be exhibited. A more preferable concentration of the hydrogen peroxide is 0.5 to 5 W/V%, but a concentration of about 3W/V% is generally easy to obtain on the market, and may have a sufficient disinfecting effect without damaging the lens. This is preferable in that it is achieved.

The hydrogen peroxide solution may contain a peroxide such as urea peroxide, if necessary, and may also contain a stabilizer, a buffer, an isotonizing agent, a pH 311 adjuster, etc. as appropriate. may have been done.

The stabilizer is a component used to prevent hydrogen peroxide from decomposing easily before disinfecting the lens. Specific examples of such stabilizers include phosphoric acid, barbituric acid, uric acid, acetanilide, oxyquinoline, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, zenacetin, sodium stannate, sodium nitrate, etc., and these ingredients may be used alone or in combination. It is used by mixing more than one species. The concentration of the stabilizer is usually 0.01 aol#! in the hydrogen peroxide solution. Below, Nakanzu < 0.0001
It is preferable to adjust it to 0.01 mol/jJ. If the concentration of the stabilizer exceeds 0°O1/N, the stabilizer may remain on the surface of the lens or inside the lens, causing damage to the eyes.

The buffer is a component used to stabilize the pH of the hydrogen peroxide solution. Specific examples of such buffers include phosphates, borates, citrates, carbonates, etc., and these salts may be used alone or in combination with 2F! A mixture of the above is used. It is preferable that the concentration of the buffering agent is usually adjusted to 0.1-01 mol/I or less, preferably < 0.005-0.05 mol/I in the hydrogen peroxide solution. The concentration of the buffer is 0.1s
If the ol/N ratio is exceeded, the buffering agent may remain on the lens surface or inside the lens, causing damage to the eyes.

The tonicity agent adjusts the osmotic pressure of the hydrogen peroxide solution to the most preferable osmotic pressure for the lens (approximately the same osmotic pressure as tear fluid).
This is an ingredient used to make the amount equivalent to that of Specific examples of such tonicity agents include sodium chloride,
Examples include potassium chloride, glycerin, glucose, sodium acetate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium tetraborate, sodium citrate, sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate, etc. Among these, peroxidation of OH type anion exchangers Non-electrolytes such as glycerin and glucose are preferred in terms of maintaining hydrogen decomposition ability. The concentration of the tonicity agent is such that the osmotic pressure of the disinfectant solution containing the buffer and stabilizer after hydrogen peroxide decomposition is 250 to 350.
mmof/kg, e.g. 0.0 in a hydrogen peroxide solution. Ol~1■ol/l, Nakazu<0. It is preferable to adjust the amount to 1 to 0.5 mol/ff. The concentration of such tonicity agent is 1 o1/I
If the osmotic pressure of the hydrogen peroxide solution exceeds the osmotic pressure of the tear fluid, the lens may become deformed or the tonicity agent may remain on the lens surface or inside the lens.
Eye irritation tends to occur when wearing lenses.

When hydrogen peroxide is decomposed with an OH-type anion exchanger, the amount of hydroxyl groups generated by anion exchange in the hydrogen peroxide solution increases and the pH becomes high. It is released into a hydrogen oxide solution and used to adjust the pH to a value that is not irritating to the eyes, usually 6-8.

A typical example of the pH adjuster is an H-type cation exchange resin. Specific examples of the H-type cation exchange resin include Amberlite IR-120B.
, IR-121 (manufactured by Rohm and Haas, product name), Diaion 5KIB, PK 208
(all manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Industries, Ltd.), etc. The pH adjuster is usually 0% per 10ml of hydrogen peroxide solution.
．． 001-Ig, especially 0.01-o, Ig is preferably used.

In the present invention, hydrogen peroxide is decomposed using an OR type anion exchanger during or after lens disinfection. The OH type anion exchanger may be any one that does not elute substances harmful to the eyes and is generally used in the process of producing purified water. The 011 type anion exchanger has the advantages of being unaffected by 9H and temperature, having excellent physical strength and durability, and being generally available, easy to obtain, and cheap. The OH type anion exchanger has a quaternary ammonium group bonded as an ion exchange group to a polymer base such as a three-dimensionally copolymerized copolymer, and the OH group is electrostatically bonded to the quaternary ammonium group. It is a combined substance.

Representative examples of the 011 type anion exchanger include those shown below, but those used in the present invention are not limited to these examples.

(a) For example, a repeating unit in which a quaternary ammonium group is bonded to a styrene-vinylbenzene copolymer and an OH group is electrostatically bonded to the quaternary ammonium group: [The following is a blank space] (However, g and h are 0<g+h+1<0.2 (representing an integer of 1 or more that satisfies the relationship 0.2)) as a basic structural unit, which are randomly bonded to each other.

Note that when g+11+l is 0.2 or more, the decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide tends to decrease.

Also, Maegonchi g+11・1 teeth, 0.05 <g+h+shi Especially preferred.

A specific example of the OH type anion exchanger (a) that satisfies the condition 0.15 is Amberlite IRA-400, 401, for example.

900 (or more, manufactured by Rohm and Haas, product name)
, Diaion 5AIOA%5AIIA.

Ion exchange resins such as PA30B (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, trade name), DOWEX SAB (manufactured by Dow Chemical Company, trade name); Selemion AMV;

ASV (manufactured by Asahi Glass, product name), Asibrex A-101, A-102 (manufactured by Asahi Kasei, product name), Neo Sebuta AV-4T, AP-4T (manufactured by Tokuyama Soda, product name) ) and other ion exchange membranes.

+b+ 4 in the copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene
For example, a repeating unit in which a quaternary ammonium group is bonded and an OH group is electrostatically bonded to the quaternary ammonium group: [Left below] (However, I and j are Q< , <0.2 is 1+
A polymer compound in which the basic constituent units are 1 or more), which are irregularly bonded.

In addition, if , are 0.2 or more, 1 + co +
1 The decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide tends to decrease. Moreover, the above and are 0.05 < i+j+l
It is particularly preferable to satisfy <1+J+1 0.15.

Specific examples of the O1l type anion exchanger include Amberlite IRA-410, 411191O.
(all manufactured by Rohm & Haas, product names), Diaion 5A20A, 5A21A.

Examples include ion exchange resins such as PA40B (trade name, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) and DOWEX 5AR (trade name, manufactured by Dow Chemical Company).

(C) 4 to polytetrafluoroethylene (fluorine resin)
For example, general formula in which p is 0 or 1, q is an integer of 1 to 5, and r is 0 to
3 integer, X is an integer of 1 or more, y is an integer of 1 or more, R”
s R2 and R3 represent CH3 or C2H5)
A polymer compound represented by

Specific examples of the OH type anion exchanger (C) include IE-8A48, IE-DF34, and IE-8P.
Examples include ion exchange membranes such as 34 (trade name, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation).

<d) For example, a repeating unit in which a quaternary ammonium group is bonded to an acrylate-divinylbenzene copolymer and an OH group is electrostatically bonded to the quaternary ammonium group: (However, k and ρ are O+N+1. An integer of 1 or more that satisfies 0, 2, S is an integer of 1 to 3, RI R2
and R3 are the same as above) are the basic structural units, and these are bonded irregularly to a polymer compound.

Note that when k+l +l is 0.2 or more, the decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide tends to decrease.
do. In addition, the above 1+fl +
1 particularly preferably satisfies 0.05<k+R+1<0.15.

(e) A repeating unit in which a quaternary ammonium group is bonded to a methacrylate-divinylbenzene copolymer (methacrylic resin) and an OH group is electrostatically bonded to the quaternary ammonium group: (However, - and n is an integer of 1 or more satisfying 0 <;< 0.2, y is an integer of 1 to 3, and R1, R2 and R3 are the same as above).

In addition, if the above is 0.2 or more, the garden + ni
1 The decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide tends to decrease. Moreover, the above m+n+1 is 0.05 <, +n+,
It is particularly preferable to satisfy <0.15.

Among the OH type anion exchangers (a) to (e),
The OH type anion exchanger (Mitoyama), which is used in purified water production, water treatment (deionization), purification, etc. and is easily available at low cost as a commercial product, is particularly preferably used. It is something that can be done.

Note that the OH type anion exchanger Kuta and (b) J are generally referred to as so-called CI type such as -N-GCHJ)3, I-N-+CHs)2, and are referred to as 2HaOH. Many of them have a similar structure and are distributed as commercial products. This type of ion exchanger can be used by converting it into an OH type anion exchanger by treating it with sodium hydroxide.

The OH type anion exchanger can be used in a volume not greater than the volume of the hydrogen peroxide solution, and the 011
The amount of anion exchanger used is 10ml of hydrogen peroxide solution.
0.1-10g1 preferably 0.5-5trs
It is particularly desirable that the amount is 1 to 3 g. If the amount used is less than o,tg, the effect of decomposing hydrogen peroxide by the 0■ type anion exchanger tends to be reduced, and if it exceeds Log, the hydrogen peroxide solution and the OH type anion exchanger tend to be less effective. The volume difference with the anion exchanger becomes small, and sufficient space for disinfecting the lens is lost, and hydrogen peroxide tends to decompose rapidly, making it impossible to obtain sufficient disinfection effects.

The lens disinfection method of the present invention comprises a step of disinfecting the lens and a step of decomposing hydrogen peroxide. Examples of such disinfection methods include methods using the following disinfection system.

Examples of such disinfection systems include (a) a one-liquid system in which a single solution disinfects the lens and decomposes hydrogen peroxide, (b) a two-liquid system in which different solutions disinfect the lens and decompose hydrogen peroxide, (c) A direct contact system in which the lens is disinfected with hydrogen peroxide and then brought into direct contact with an OH-type anion exchanger to decompose the hydrogen peroxide.

In any of the above systems, hydrogen peroxide is decomposed into water and oxygen. There is no possibility that ions such as acetate ions, sulfate ions, tetrathi, onate ions, etc., will be generated by the reaction.

The one-liquid system is one in which the lens is disinfected with a hydrogen peroxide solution, and at the same time or after disinfection for a certain period of time, an OH-type anion exchanger is brought into contact with the hydrogen peroxide solution to decompose the hydrogen peroxide. . In the one-liquid system, the method of bringing hydrogen peroxide into contact with the OH-type anion exchanger is, for example: 1) Put the OH-type anion exchanger in a disinfection container in advance, and add hydrogen peroxide to the container. How to disinfect by adding a solution and then immediately inserting a lens: - First, put a hydrogen peroxide solution in a disinfectant container, then disinfect the lens by putting it in it, and then immediately or after a certain period of time. A method for later placing the OH-type anion exchanger into the solution: 1) Set the OH-type anion exchanger and the hydrogen peroxide solution in a disinfection container in advance in a position where they do not come into contact with each other, for example, by placing the container in the container. Examples include a method of bringing the hydrogen peroxide solution into contact with the OH-type anion exchanger by inverting the lens, and then disinfecting the lens by placing it in the hydrogen peroxide solution and decomposing the hydrogen peroxide.

In the one-liquid system, dirt adhering to the lens surface is removed by microscopic oxygen bubbles generated when hydrogen peroxide decomposes, and these bubbles also cause convection of the hydrogen peroxide solution during lens disinfection. This has the advantage of increasing disinfection efficiency.

In the two-liquid system, after the lens is disinfected with a hydrogen peroxide solution, the lens is removed from the hydrogen peroxide solution, and the lens is immersed in water containing an OH-type anion exchanger. Remove hydrogen peroxide remaining inside with O
A system that decomposes an H-type anion exchanger by diffusing it into water.

The above-mentioned direct contact system means, for example, that an OH type anion exchanger is formed in the form of a sheet, the lens is disinfected with a hydrogen peroxide solution, the lens is taken out from the hydrogen peroxide solution, and the OH type anion exchanger is formed in the form of a sheet. A system in which a lens is wrapped in an anion exchanger and hydrogen peroxide remaining on the lens surface or inside the lens is decomposed by direct contact with the OH type anion exchanger.

In addition, in the present invention, a quaternary ammonium group is introduced into a polymer substrate obtained by copolymerizing a compound that is a raw material for the polymer substrate, without using a commercially available OH-type anion exchanger. You can also use It takes 0■
Type anion exchangers, for example, are produced by polymerizing a portion of styrene monomer, then adding plasticizers such as divinylbenzene and dimethyl phthalate, and benzoyl peroxide, etc. to copolymerize the resulting copolymer. The plasticizer is extracted, and then chloromethylated with chloromethyl ether at about 20°C for about 40 minutes in the presence of an anhydrous aluminum chloride catalyst, and further chloromethylated with dimethylaminoethanol for about 110 min.
It can be obtained by aminating at ℃ for about 4 hours and introducing a quaternary ammonium group. OH obtained in this way
The type anion exchanger can be used, for example, by (1) coating the inner surface of a disinfecting container, (2) mixing it into a material for a disinfecting container, and then molding the disinfecting container. Such a disinfecting container has the advantage of being able to disinfect the lens and at the same time decompose hydrogen peroxide using the 0-type anion exchanger.

Next, the present invention will be explained in more detail based on Examples, but the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

Example 1 A 3w/V% hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution was prepared as a lens disinfectant.

In a vial with a capacity of about 20ml, add Or (type anion exchanger).
Add 2 g of ion exchange resin (manufactured by Rohm and Haas, product name: Amberlite IRA-410) and two soft contact lenses (manufactured by Menicon, product name: Menicon Soft MA), and add the hydrogen peroxide to this. 10 ml of the aqueous solution was added so that the 0■ type anion exchanger and two soft contact lenses were completely immersed, and hydrogen peroxide was decomposed while disinfecting the lenses.

After a certain period of time, the concentration of residual hydrogen peroxide in the disinfectant solution is reduced to 0 according to the Japanese Pharmacopoeia's "Assay Method for Oxidol".
．． It was determined using 1 mol/I potassium permanganate. The results are shown in Table 1.

Example 2 OH type anion exchanger (ion exchange resin: manufactured by Rohm and Haas, trade name: Amberlite IRA-40
Hydrogen peroxide was decomposed while disinfecting the lens in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 0) 2 g was used.

Next, in the same manner as in Example 1, the residual hydrogen peroxide concentration in the disinfectant solution was measured at regular intervals. The result is the first
Shown in the table.

Example 3 Hydrogen peroxide was decomposed while disinfecting the lens in the same manner as in Example 1 except that an OH type anion exchanger (ion exchange membrane: manufactured by Asahi Glass, product name: Selemion AMV) was used. .

Next, in the same manner as in Example 1, the concentration of residual hydrogen peroxide in the disinfectant solution was measured at regular intervals.

The results are shown in Table 1.

Example 4 Hydrogen peroxide is H1/V%, glycerin is 2.5W/V%
, containing 0.007 W/V% of sodium stannate and 0.003 V/V% of sodium nitrate, Salani 0.0Lio
l/R(7)! A hydrogen peroxide solution buffered to pH 7 with an acid buffer was prepared.

OH type anion exchanger (ion exchange resin: manufactured by Rohm and Haas, product name:
Amberlite IRA-410) 2 g.

+) H-type anion exchange body fat (manufactured by Rohm & Haas, trade name: Amberlite IR-12) as an H-adjusting agent
0B) 0.05g and soft contact lenses (■
Add 10ml of the above hydrogen peroxide solution so that the OH-type anion exchanger and soft contact lenses are completely immersed in the OH-type anion exchanger and soft contact lenses. We performed a disassembly.

The residual hydrogen peroxide concentration in the disinfectant solution was measured at regular intervals in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

Example 5 Hydrogen peroxide: 3 W/V%, sodium chloride: 0.85
W/V%, sodium stannate is 0.007W/V%, sodium nitrate is 0.003W/V%, 0.0II
A hydrogen peroxide solution buffered to pH 7 with rollfI phosphate buffer was prepared.

Soft contact lenses (approximately 20m1 vial)
■ Two soft contact lenses (manufactured by Menicon, trade name: Menicon Soft MA) were placed and completely immersed in 10 ml of the hydrogen peroxide solution, and the soft contact lenses were disinfected for 20 minutes.

After disinfection, remove the lens and place it in a vial with a capacity of approximately 20 ml.
10) Transferred to a hydrogen peroxide decomposition container containing 2 g and 10 ml of purified water to decompose hydrogen peroxide adhering to the surface and inside of the lens. The residual hydrogen peroxide concentration in the hydrogen peroxide decomposition container was measured at regular intervals in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 1 Pellets of aluminum oxide with a diameter of 150 holes and a thickness of losm were mixed with potassium chloroplatinate (K2 PtCjs) 0
．． It was immersed in 10 ml of a 5% aqueous solution for 10 minutes, dried, and then left in hydrogen gas at 2 kg/cJ and 25° C. for 6 hours to obtain a platinum black catalyst.

Hydrogen peroxide was decomposed while disinfecting the lens in the same manner as in the Example except that the platinum black catalyst was used instead of the OH type anion exchanger.

Next, in the same manner as in Example 1, the concentration of residual hydrogen peroxide in the disinfectant solution was measured at regular intervals.

The results are shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 2 Hydrogen peroxide: 3 W/V%, sodium chloride: 0.85
V/V%, sodium stannate IJ Umka 0.007W/V%
, contains 0.003V/V% sodium nitrate, 0.0
A hydrogen peroxide solution buffered to pH 7 with 11I011g of phosphate buffer was prepared.

Soft contact lenses (approximately 20m1 vial)
■ Two soft contact lenses (manufactured by Menicon, trade name: Menicon Soft HA) were placed and completely immersed in 10 ml of the hydrogen peroxide solution, and the soft contact lenses were disinfected for 20 minutes.

After disinfection, the lens was taken out and transferred to a dilution container containing 10 ml of purified water in a vial with a capacity of about 20 ml, and the lens was thoroughly rinsed to dilute the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the surface and inside of the lens. The residual hydrogen peroxide concentration in the dilution container was measured at regular intervals in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 1.

[Left below] As is clear from Table 1, in Examples 1 to 4 where a one-liquid system was adopted, hydrogen peroxide was almost completely decomposed in all OH-type anion exchangers after 2 hours. Recognize. Furthermore, it can be seen that the OH type anion exchangers used in Examples 1 to 4 decompose hydrogen peroxide more quickly and completely than the catalyst used in Comparative Example 1. Also, 2
In Example 5, which adopted a liquid system, the initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide was lower due to the additional operation of transferring the lens from the disinfectant solution to the container for hydrogen peroxide decomposition, so the hydrogen peroxide was lower than in Examples 1 to 4. However, in Comparative Example 2 in which no OH-type anion exchanger was added, hydrogen peroxide remained at a considerable concentration even after 24 hours had passed.

[Effect of the invention] The lens disinfection method of the present invention has the following effects.

■According to the lens disinfection method of the present invention, when a lens is disinfected with a hydrogen peroxide solution, hydrogen peroxide can be used in a relatively simple manner during or after the disinfection process, compared to conventionally used catalysts. It can also be decomposed more quickly.

■In the lens disinfection method of the present invention, since hydrogen peroxide is decomposed into water and oxygen, there is no risk of generating harmful oxidation products.Moreover, if a one-liquid system is adopted, hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect lenses. Disinfection and decomposition of hydrogen peroxide can be completed in only a single step, without the need for a neutralizing solution for rinsing.

In addition, in the one-liquid system, dirt adhering to the lens surface is removed by microscopic oxygen bubbles generated when hydrogen peroxide is decomposed, and these bubbles also cause convection of the hydrogen peroxide solution during lens disinfection. Therefore, it has the effect of increasing the efficiency of disinfection.

■The OH-type anion exchanger used in the present invention does not elute substances harmful to the eyes, does not reduce its ability to decompose hydrogen peroxide depending on pH or temperature, and has excellent physical strength and durability. It has excellent properties, is generally distributed, easy to obtain, and inexpensive.

■In the present invention, quaternary ammonium groups are introduced into a polymer substrate obtained by copolymerizing compounds that are raw materials for the polymer substrate, without using a commercially available OH type anion exchanger. It can also be used.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A method for disinfecting contact lenses using a hydrogen peroxide solution, the method comprising decomposing hydrogen peroxide using an OH-type anion exchanger during or after the disinfection process. .