Contact Lens Cleaning Composition with Nonionic Surfactants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current contact lens cleaning methods require separate steps and removal from the eye, leading to incomplete debris removal and irritation, with existing multipurpose solutions being insufficient in cleaning efficacy while maintaining comfort.
Innovation Solution
A contact lens cleaning composition comprising 0.2% to 7.0% w/v of at least two nonionic surfactants, such as poloxamers and polysorbates, and 0.0% to 1.75% w/v of a non-Newtonian viscosity enhancing excipient like hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, allowing for effective cleaning while the lens remains on the eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multipurpose solutions are used for cleaning contact lenses, then the cleaning process can be simplified, but the cleaning efficacy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cleaning solution into distinct functional components: nonionic surfactants for cleaning debris, viscosity-enhancing excipients for retention and comfort, and buffer systems for pH stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, achieving both effective cleaning and user comfort that multipurpose solutions fail to deliver.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material formulation by combining multiple nonionic surfactants with different HLB values (e.g., polysorbate 80 with HLB 43.2 and polyoxyl 40 stearate with HLB 15.3) and viscosity-enhancing excipients like hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose. This composite approach creates a synergistic effect that provides superior cleaning efficacy while maintaining comfort and stability, resolving the contradiction between simplified operation and cleaning reliability.
2Reliability
If contact lenses are cleaned with traditional two-step solutions, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but the process complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cleaning function and the comfort/retention function into a single integrated solution. The nonionic surfactants provide thorough cleaning of debris while the viscosity-enhancing excipients ensure the solution remains on the lens long enough to be effective and provides comfort. This merging eliminates the need for separate cleaning and rinsing steps, achieving both cleaning thoroughness and process simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning composition is designed with multi-functionality: it cleans debris through nonionic surfactants, maintains lens comfort through viscosity enhancement and lubrication, provides preservative action, and ensures stable pH levels. This universal composition replaces multiple specialized solutions and steps with a single versatile product that performs all necessary functions effectively.
3Ease of operation
If contact lens cleaning drops are applied while the lens is on the eye, then convenience is improved, but the cleaning ability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameter of viscosity by incorporating non-Newtonian viscosity-enhancing excipients like hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose. This allows the solution to have higher viscosity for better retention on the lens surface during application, yet remains comfortable and non-irritating when in contact with the eye. The parameter change in viscosity enables the solution to provide adequate cleaning ability even when applied conveniently while the lens is worn.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention copies the effective cleaning mechanism of high-performance cleaning solutions and adapts it for in-eye application by using nonionic surfactants that are both effective at low concentrations and gentle on ocular tissues. This allows the solution to maintain strong cleaning ability while being safe for direct contact with the eye, enabling convenient application without sacrificing cleaning efficacy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively cleans contact lenses, reducing the need for additional steps and allowing natural drainage, providing long-lasting relief, improved comfort, and minimal visual blur, with a durable wetting effect lasting up to 240 minutes.
Implementation Method 1
a contact lens cleaning composition comprising: 1) from 0.2% to 7.0% w/v of at least two different nonionic surfactants
Implementation Method 2
from 0.0% to 1.75% w/v of a non-Newtonian viscosity enhancing excipient
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a contact lens cleaning composition comprising at least two nonionic surfactants and optionally including a non-Newtonian viscosity enhancing excipient.