| abstract |
A method for disinfecting a contact lens comprises immersing the lens in an aqueous solution of H2O2 having a pH of 4 or below and adding to the solution a neutralizing agent comprising a catalyst for decomposing any residual H2O2 and a retarding agent for delaying the decomposition of the H2O2 for a predetermined time in order to permit sterilization of the lens to be substantially complete. The retarding agent preferably comprises either a polymeric coating which dissolves gradually in the H2O2 solution or a semipermeable membrane enveloping the catalyst. The neutralizing agent preferably also contains an auxiliary material which raises the pH of the acidic H2O2 solution. The enzymatic decomposing agent can be embedded in a particulate carrier substance forming the bottom part of a two part container, the upper part of which contains an aqueous solution of H2O2, and the bottom part being separable from the upper part and covered by an inert sieve netting impermeable to the H2O2 solution but permeable to the decomposing agent. |