WO2013129706A1

WO2013129706A1 - Contact lens in packaging container, method of manufacturing contact lens in packaging container, and contact lens solution

Info

Publication number: WO2013129706A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/056551
Authority: WO
Inventors: Harumasa Arita; Kazuhiro Tsuji; Daisuke Tamura; Aki KIYOMIYA; Takenori Matsumoto
Original assignee: Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2012-03-02
Filing date: 2013-03-04
Publication date: 2013-09-06

Abstract

The invention of the present application relates to a contact lens in a packaging container comprising, a container body that has an indent portion, a contact lens and a solution that are received in the indent portion, and a packaging film that is detachably bonded to the container body so as to air-tightly seal the indent portion, wherein the solution contains a nonionic surfactant at a ratio of 0.01 to 10 wt%, and wherein the nonionic surfactant includes two or more types of poly(oxyethylene) (POE)-poly(oxypropylene) (POP) block copolymers.

Description

[Title of the Invention] CONTACT LENS IN PACKAGING CONTAINER, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING CONTACT LENS IN PACKAGING CONTAINER, AND CONTACT LENS SOLUTION

[Technical Field]

[0001]

The present invention relates to a contact lens in a packaging container, a method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container, and a contact lens solution.

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-47226, filed March

2, 2012; Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-173419, filed August 3, 2012; United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/643,577, filed May 7, 2012; and United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61/677,668, filed July 31, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[Background Art]

[0002]

Recently, contact lens (CL) wearers have increased. Contact lenses are classified into hard contact lenses (HCL) and soft contact lenses (SCL). Wearers of soft contact lenses (SCL) with a reduced uncomfortable feeling during wearing thereof have increased.

[0003]

On the other hand, the soft contact lenses have a disadvantage in that it is lower in oxygen permeability than the hard contact lenses. This is because a supply of oxygen to an eyeball when a hard contact lens is worn mainly depends on interchange of tears due to lens movement by eye-blinking, but the supply of oxygen due to the interchange of tears is reduced when a soft contact lens is worn.

[0004]

The oxygen permeability of a soft contact lens depends on free water included in the lens, and as the water content ratio of a lens becomes higher, the oxygen permeability becomes higher in general. On the other hand, since more moisture of a lens is evaporated with a higher water content ratio of a lens, the evaporated moisture should be compensated for with tears. Accordingly, it is generally said that an eye wearing a soft contact lens is more easily dried than that when an eye wearing a hard contact lens.

[0005]

A blister pack (packaging container) has been used to package a soft contact lens from the past. The blister pack is configured to receive a soft contact lens and a storage solution (solution) in an indent portion formed in a container body and to air-tightly seal the indent portion with a packaging film detachably bonded to the container body. The soft contact lens is stored in a state where it is immersed in the storage solution in the sealed indent portion.

[0006]

In general, physiological saline, deionized water, or the like is used as the storage solution. A storage solution has been proposed to which a nonionic surfactant is added (see Patent Document 1).

[0007]

Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses a contact lens packaging solution which contains a poly(oxyethylene) (POE)-poly(oxypropylene) (POP) block copolymer such as poloxamer or poloxamine as the nonionic surfactant.

[0008]

Patent Document 1 describes that excellent wetting characteristics are achieved particularly for a soft contact lens having a high water-containing property (hydrophilic property) by using a POE-POP block copolymer with a weight-average molecular weight of about 4,000 to 30,000. [Citation List]

[Patent Literature]

[0009]

[PTL 1] Published Japanese Translation No. 2002-504238 of the PCT

International Publication

[Summary of the Invention]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0010]

In the invention described in Patent Document 1, a high molecular POE-POP block copolymer with a weight-average molecular weight of 4,000 or more is used.

[0011]

In this regard, it was found through the study of the inventor of the present invention that a moisture-retaining property (wetting characteristic) greatly varies by combination of the high molecular POE-POP block copolymer with a POE-POP block copolymer, particularly, a low molecular POE-POP block copolymer with a

weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 or less.

[0012]

That is, the inventor actively studied on the basis of the finding and made the invention. The invention is made in consideration of the above-mentioned

circumstances and provides a contact lens in a packaging container which can achieve a more excellent moisture-retaining property (wetting characteristic) by combining plural POE-POP block copolymers. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the contact lens in a packaging container and a contact lens solution.

[Means for Solving the Problem]

[0013]

A first aspect of the invention is a contact lens in a packaging container, a second aspect of the invention is a contact lens solution, and a third aspect of the invention is a method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container. The invention can provide at least the following means.

(1) A contact lens in a packaging container including: a container body that has an indent portion; a contact lens and a solution that are received in the indent portion; and a packaging film that is detachably bonded to the container body so as to air-tightly seal the indent portion, wherein the solution contains a nonionic surfactant at a ratio of 0.01 to 10 wt%, and wherein the nonionic surfactant includes two or more types of

poly(oxyethylene) (POE)-poly(oxypropylene) (POP) block copolymers.

(2) The contact lens in a packaging container according to (1), wherein the nonionic surfactant includes one or more types of a high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and a low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer between which the difference in weight-average molecular weight of a POP group is 1000 or more.

(3) The contact lens in a packaging container according to (2), wherein the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 4000 or more and a weight ratio of a POE group to the overall molecule of 40% or more, and the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 3000 or less and a weight ratio of a POE group to the overall molecule of 40% or less. (4) The contact lens in a packaging container according to (2) or (3), wherein the ratio of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is in a range of 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

(5) The contact lens in a packaging container according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the solution contains a menthol.

(6) A contact lens solution including a nonionic surfactant including two or more types of poly(oxyethylene) (POE)-poly(oxypropylene) (POP) block copolymers at a ratio of 0.01 to 10 wt%.

(7) The contact lens solution according to (6), wherein the nonionic surfactant includes one or more types of a high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and a low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer between which the difference in

weight-average molecular weight of a POP group is 1000 or more.

(8) The contact lens solution according to (7), wherein the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 4000 or more and a weight ratio of a POE group to the overall molecule of 40% or more, and the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 3000 or less and a weight ratio of a POE group to the overall molecule of 40% or less.

(9) The contact lens solution according to (7) or (8), wherein the ratio of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is in a range of 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

(10) The contact lens solution according to any one of claims (6) to (9), further including a menthol.

(11) A method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container, including: immersing a contact lens in a solution that contains a nonionic surfactant including two or more types of poly(oxyethylene) (POE)-poly(oxypropylene) (POP) block copolymers at a ratio of 0.01 to 10 wt%; and detachably bonding a packaging film, which receives the contact lens and the solution in an indent portion formed in a container body and air-tightly seals the indent portion, to the container body.

(12) The method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container according to (11), wherein the nonionic surfactant contained in the solution includes one or more types of a high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and a low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer between which the difference in weight-average molecular weight of a POP group is 1000 or more.

(13) The method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container according to (12), wherein the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 4000 or more and a weight ratio of a POE group to the overall molecule of 40% or more, and wherein the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 3000 or less and a weight ratio of a POE group to the overall molecule of 40% or less.

(14) The method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container according to (12) or (13), wherein the ratio of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is in a range of 1 : 100 to 100:1.

(15) The method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container according to any one of (11) to (14), wherein the solution contains a menthol.

[Effect of the Invention]

[0014]

In the contact lens in a packaging container according to the invention, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens surface when the contact lens is worn and thus to enhance a moisture-retaining property of the lens surface. Accordingly, for example, even when a soft contact lens having a high water-containing property is used, it is possible to suppress drying of an eye wearing the soft contact lens and to achieve a comfortable wearing sensation with a small feeling of dryness.

In the method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container according to the invention, it is possible to manufacture a contact lens in a packaging container, which can suppress moisture loss from the lens surface when a contact lens is worn and enhance a moisture-retaining property of the lens surface.

By using the contact lens solution according to the invention for manufacturing, washing, storing, or packaging of a contact lens, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens surface when the contact lens is worn and thus to enhance a

moisture-retaining property of the lens surface.

[Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0015]

[Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partially-exploded cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a contact lens in a packaging container according to the invention.

[Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a graph in which various poloxamers (Pluronics) are marked in a grid shape.

[Figure 3] FIG 3 is a graph in which various reverse POE-POP block copolymers (RPE) are marked in a grid shape.

[Figure 4] FIG 4 is a graph illustrating measurement results (absolute values) of Samples 1 to 6 in an example.

[Figure 5] FIG 5 is a graph illustrating measurement results (absolute values) of Samples 7 to 15 in the example.

[Figure 6] FIG 6 is a graph illustrating measurement results (relative values) of Samples 1 to 6 in the example.

[Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating measurement results (relative values) of Samples 7 to 15 in the example.

[Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating measurement results (relative values) of Samples 16 to 20 in the example.

[Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating measurement results (relative values) of Samples 22 to 28 in the example.

[Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating measurement results (relative values) of Samples 30 to 39 in the example.

[Figure 11] FIG 11 is a graph illustrating analysis results (absolute values) of Samples 40 to 43 in the example.

[Embodiment of the Invention]

[0016]

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0017]

«First Aspect: Contact Lens in Packaging Container»

An example of a contact lens in a packaging container according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1.

In the contact lens in a packaging container, as shown in FIG 1, a contact lens CL is packaged with a packaging container called blister pack 1.

[0018]

Specifically, the blister pack 1 includes a container body 2 and a packaging film 3 bonded to the container body 2. [0019]

The container body 2 has a spherical indent portion 4 and receives a contact lens CL and a storage solution (solution) S in the indent portion 4.

The material of the container body 2 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include plastic materials such as a polyalkylene resin, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, and a polyamide resin. When the material of the container body 2 has autoclave resistance, it is possible to autoclave the contact lens in a state where the contact lens is received in the container body. The shape of the container body 2 is not particularly limited as long as the indent portion 4 receiving the contact lens CL can be formed therein.

The shape of the indent portion 4 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a spherical shape, a polyhedral shape, a cubic shape, and a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0020]

The packaging film 3 is detachably bonded to the container body 2 to cover the indent portion 4 of the container body 2. The indent portion 4 is air-tightly sealed with the packaging film 3.

The material of the packaging film 3 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a resin film and a laminated film in which a resin film and a metal foil are laminated and bonded.

[0021]

In the contact lens in a packaging container according to the first embodiment, the contact lens CL is stored in the sealed indent portion 4 in a state where it is immersed in the storage solution S. By detaching the packaging film 3, the contact lens CL can be taken out from the indent portion 4 for use. [0022]

Examples of the product type of the contact lens in a packaging container according to the first embodiment include three types described below. The first type is a disposable type in which a contact lens CL is hardly cared in a duration of use and is discarded after being used for about a day to one week. The second type is a frequent replacement type in which a contact lens is slightly cared such as being washing if necessary in a duration of use and is used for about two weeks. The third type is a planned replacement type in which a contact lens CL is sufficiently cared in a duration of use and is used for about one month or three months. These three types of contact lenses CL are discarded after use of a predetermined period and thus may be

comprehensively referred to as "disposable contact lenses".

[0023]

A contact lens CL to which the first embodiment can be applied is not particularly limited and an example thereof is a water-containing soft contact lens (SCL) containing relatively much moisture and including a gel-like synthetic polymer compound (hydrogel) called PHEMA (polyhydroxy ethylmethacrylate).

Another example of the contact lens CL to which the first embodiment can be applied is a lens containing a hydrophilic polymer such as

2-methacryloyloxyethylphosphoryl chlorine (MPC) or polyethylene glycol (PEG).

Another example of the soft contact lens is a lens formed of an amphoteric ion material.

[0024]

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), soft contact lenses can be classified into four types depending on presence or absence of ionic properties. That is, the soft contact lenses are classified into a high water content type in which the water content ratio of a lens is 50% or more and a low water content type in which the water content ratio of a lens is less than 50%, and the respective types are classified into an ionic type and a nonionic type. By this classification, the soft contact lenses are classified into four groups of Group I (low water content and nonionic), Group II (high water content and nonionic), Group III (low water content and ionic), and Group IV (high water content and ionic).

[0025]

In the first embodiment, all the above-mentioned four groups can be used, but Group II (high water content and nonionic) and Group IV (high water content and ionic) which are compatible with the solution (storage solution S) according to the first embodiment can be preferably used and Group IV (high water content and ionic) can be more preferably used.

[0026]

Examples of the material of such a soft contact lens include etafilcon A, polymacon, genfilcon A, lenefilcon A, bafilcon, acofilcon A, acquafilcon A, alofilcon A, alphafilcon A, amifilcon A, astifilcon A, atalafilcon A, bisfilcon A, bufilcon A, crofilcon A, cyclofilcon A, darfilcon A, deltafilcon A, deltafilcon B, dimefilcon A, drooxifilcon A, epsifilcon A, esterifilcon A, focofilcon A, galyfilcon A, govafilcon A, hefilcon A, hefilcon B, hefilcon D, hilafilcon A, hilafilcon B, hixoifilcon A, hioxifilcon B, hioxifilcon C, hydrofilcon A, licryfilcon A, licryfilcon B, lidofilcon B, lidofilcon A, mafilcon A, mesifilcon A, methafilcon B, mipafilcon A, nelfilcon A, netrafilcon A, ocufilcon A, ocufilcon B, ocufilcon C, ocufilcon D, ocufilcon E, ofilcon A, omafilcon A, oxyfilcon A, pentafilcon A, perfilcon A, pevafilcon A, phemfilcon A, silafilcon A, siloxyfilcon A, tefilcon A, tetrafilcon A, trifilcon A, vifilcon A, and xylofilcon A.

[0027]

In the first embodiment, the solvent of the storage solution S is not particularly limited as long as it is a solvent in which a nonionic surfactant is soluble, and examples thereof include physiological saline and deionized water.

The storage solution S contains a nonionic surfactant at a ratio of 0.01 to 10 mass% (wt%), and the nonionic surfactant includes two or more types of

poly(oxyethylene) (POE)-poly(oxypropylene) (POP) block copolymer.

[0028]

The total concentration of two or more types of nonionic surfactants in the storage solution S is not particularly limited as long as it is in a range of 0.01 to 10 wt%, and the total concentration may be in a range of 0.05 to 8.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.10 to 7.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.20 to 6.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.30 to 5.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.40 to 5.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0. 50 to 4.5 wt%, may be in a range of 0.60 to 4.5 wt%, may be in a range of 0.70 to 4.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.80 to 3.5 wt%, may be in a range of 0.90 to 3.0 wt%, may be in a range of 1.0 to 2.5 wt%, or may be in a range of 1.10 to 2.0 wt%.

When the lower limit value of the range is equal to or more than 0.30 wt%, it is possible to further reduce moisture loss from the lens surface during wearing the contact lens, which is preferable.

When the upper limit value of the range is equal to or less than 3.0 wt%, it is possible to further reduce an influence (burden) to an eye wearing the contact lens, which is preferable.

[0029]

The nonionic surfactant includes one or more types of a high-molecular

POE-POP block copolymer and a low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer between which the difference in weight-average molecular weight is 1000 or more. By employing this configuration, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to easily enhance a moisture-retaining property of the lens.

[0030]

In the configuration, the upper limit of the difference in weight-average molecular weight is not particularly limited, but may be considered to be, for example, 50,000 or less. Specifically, the difference in weight-average molecular weight may be 40,000 or less, may be 30,000 or less, may be 20,000 or less, may be 15,000 or less, may be 12,500 or less, and may be 10,000 or less.

[0031]

A copolymer of which the weight-average molecular weight is 4,000 or more and the weight ratio of a POE group (poly(oxyethylene) block) to the overall molecule is 40% or more as the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and a copolymer of which the weight-average molecular weight is 3,000 or less and the weight ratio of the POE group to the overall molecule is 40% or less as the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer may be combined. By employing this configuration, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to more easily enhance a moisture-retaining property of the lens.

[0032]

In the configuration, the upper limit of the weight ratio of the POE group to the overall molecule of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is not particularly limited, and may be 90 wt% or less or may be 80 wt% or less. The range of the weight ratio is not particularly limited as long as it is 40 wt% or more. For example, a copolymer to be used may be selected from a range of 40 to 90 wt%, a copolymer to be used may be selected from a range of 50 to 90 wt%, a copolymer to be used may be selected from a range of 60 to 80 wt%, and a copolymer to be used may be selected from a range of 70 to 80 wt%. The block copolymer can be selected from any of the ranges, but by using a high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer of which the weight ratio is selected from the range of 70 to 80 wt%, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to further enhance a moisture-retaining property of the lens.

[0033]

In the configuration, the upper limit of the weight ratio of the POE group to the overall molecule of the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is not particularly limited, and may be 5 wt% or more or may be 10 wt% or more. The range of the weight ratio is not particularly limited as long as it is 40 wt% or less. For example, a copolymer to be used may be selected from a range of 5 to 40 wt%, a copolymer to be used may be selected from a range of 10 to 40 wt%, a copolymer to be used may be selected from a range of 20 to 40 wt%, and a copolymer to be used may be selected from a range of 30 to 40 wt%. The block copolymer can be selected from any of the ranges, but by using a low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer of which the weight ratio is selected from the range of 20 to 40 wt%, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to further enhance a moisture-retaining property of the lens.

[0034]

In the configuration, an example of an appropriate combination of the weight ratio of the POE group to the overall molecule of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and the weight ratio of the POE group to the overall molecule of the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer include a combination in which the weight ratio of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is in a range of 70 to 80 wt% and the weight ratio of the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is in a range of 20 to 40 wt%. By employing this combination, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to further enhance a moisture-retaining property of the lens.

[0035] In the configuration, the upper limit of the weight-average molecular weight of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is not particularly limited, and can be considered to be, for example, 50,000 or less.

In the configuration, the weight-average molecular weight of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer may be selected from a range of 4,000 to 40,000, may be selected from a range of 4,500 to 30,000, may be selected from a range of 5,000 to 25,000, may be selected from a range of 6,000 to 20,000, and may be selected from a range of 7,000 to 16,000. The block copolymer can be selected from any of the ranges, but by employing the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer selected from the range of 7,000 to 16,000, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to further enhance a moisture-retaining property of the lens.

[0036]

In the configuration, the lower limit of the weight-average molecular weight of the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is not particularly limited, and can be considered to be, for example, 300 or more.

In the configuration, the weight-average molecular weight of the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer may be selected from a range of 300 to 3,000, may be selected from a range of 450 to 3,000, may be selected from a range of 600 to 3,000, may be selected from a range of 750 to 3,000, may be selected from a range of 1,000 to 3,000, may be selected from a range of 1,500 to 3,000, and may be selected from a range of 2,000 to 3,000. The block copolymer can be selected from any of the ranges, but by employing the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer selected from the range of 1,000 to 3,000, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to further enhance a moisture-reining property of the lens.

[0037] In the configuration, an example of an appropriate combination of the weight-average molecular weight of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and the weight-average molecular weight of the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is a combination in which the weight-average molecular weight of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is in a range of 7,000 to 16,000 and the weight-average molecular weight of the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is in a range of 1 ,000 to 3,000. By employing this combination, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to further enhance a moisture-retaining property of the lens.

[0038]

In the configuration, an example of an appropriate combination of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is a combination in which the weight ratio and the average molecular weight of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer are in a range of 70 to 80 wt% and in a range of 7,000 to 16,000, respectively, and the weight ratio and the average molecular weight of the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer are in a range of 20 to 40 wt% and in a range of 1,000 to 3,000, respectively. By employing this combination, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to further enhance a

moisture-retaining property of the lens.

[0039]

The ratio of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and the

low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is not particularly limited, but can be selected, for example, from a range of high molecular type:low molecular type = 1 : 10 to 100: 1.

The ratio may be selected from a range of high molecular type:low molecular type = 1 : 10 to 100: 1 , may be selected from a range of high-molecular type: low-molecular type = 1 : 10 to 100: 1 , may be selected from a range of high molecular type:low molecular type = 1 :10 to 100:1, may be selected from a range of high molecular typerlow molecular type = 1 :10 to 10:1, and, may be selected from a range of high molecular type:low molecular type = 1:10 to 10:1.

When the content ratio (content rate) of the high-molecular type is larger than the content ratio (content rate) of the low-molecular type, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to further enhance a moisture-retaining property of the lens.

[0040]

The concentration of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer in the storage solution S is not particularly limited as long as it is in a range of 0.01 to less than 10 wt%, and the concentration may be in a range of 0.05 to 8.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.10 to 7.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.20 to 6.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.30 to 5.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.40 to 5.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0. 50 to 4.5 wt%, may be in a range of 0.60 to 4.5 wt%, may be in a range of 0.70 to 4.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.80 to 3.5 wt%, may be in a range of 0.90 to 3.0 wt%, may be in a range of 1.0 to 2.5 wt%, or may be in a range of 1.10 to 2.0 wt%.

[0041]

The concentration of the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer in the storage solution S is not particularly limited as long as it is in a range of 0.01 to less than 10 wt%, and the concentration may be in a range of 0.05 to 8.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.10 to 7.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.20 to 6.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.30 to 5.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.40 to 5.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0. 50 to 4.5 wt%, may be in a range of 0.60 to 4.5 wt%, may be in a range of 0.70 to 4.0 wt%, may be in a range of 0.80 to 3.5 wt%, may be in a range of 0.90 to 3.0 wt%, may be in a range of 1.0 to 2.5 wt%, or may be in a range of 1.10 to 2.0 wt%.

[0042]

A name of poloxamer is known as a generic name of a commercially-available POE-POP block copolymer. The first two numbers added subsequently to the head character of the model number of the trade name represents the weight-average molecular weight of a POP groiip, and the third number represents the weight ratio of the POE group to the overall molecule.

[0043]

The POE-POP block copolymer is available from BASF SE. Pluronic or

Lutrol (registered trademark) is known as a trade name of the copolymer made by BASF SE. The first number of the trade name represents the weight-average molecular weight [-] of the POP group, and the second number represents the weight ratio [%] of the POE group to the overall molecule. "L" of the head represents liquid, "P" represents paste, and "F" represents flakes. "RPE" represents a reverse type. [0044]

A graph in which various poloxamers (Pluronics) are marked in a grid shape where the horizontal axis represents the weight ratio [%] of the POE group to the overall molecule and the vertical axis represents the weight-average molecular weight [-] of the POP group is shown in FIG. 2.

[0045]

The POE-POP block copolymers include a block copolymer called reverse type. General POE-POP block copolymers (poloxamer) other than the reverse type have a structure in which a POE group as a hydrophilic group is disposed on the outside of the POP group (poly(oxypropylene) block) as a hydrophobic group present inside a molecule by adding propylene oxide to propylene glycol and then adding ethylene oxide thereto. That is, a general POE-POP block copolymer has a connection in the order of POE block-POP block-POE block.

On the contrary, reverse-type POE-POP block copolymers are also called meroxapol and have a structure in which a POP group as a hydrophobic group is disposed on the outside of the POE group as a hydrophilic group present inside a molecule by adding ethylene oxide to propylene glycol and then adding propylene oxide thereto. That is, a reverse-type POE-POP block copolymer has a connection in the order of POP block-POE block-POP block.

[0046]

A graph in which various reverse-type POE-POP block copolymers (RPE) are marked in a grid shape where the horizontal axis represents the weight ratio [%] of the POE group to the overall molecule and the vertical axis represents the weight-average molecular weight [-] of the POP group is shown in FIG 3.

[0047] The POE-POP block copolymers include a copolymer called Tetronic type. This Tetronic-type POE-POP block copolymer is also called poloxamine and has a structure in which propylene oxide is added to ethylene diamine and then ethylene oxide is added thereto.

[0048]

As the POE-POP block copolymers in the first embodiment, both a straight chain type having a straight chain structure and a branch type having a branched structure can be used.

[0049]

Examples of the branched-chain POE-POP block copolymer include TR1307

(with a weight-average molecular weight of 18,600 and a POE weight ratio of 70%), TR304 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 1,300 and a POE weight ratio of 40%), TR908 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 22,500 and a POE weight ratio of 80%), TR1508 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 26,600 and a POE weight ratio of 80%), TR1107 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 14,500 and a POE weight ratio of 70%), TR707 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 12,000 and a POE weight ratio of 70%), TR1504 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 12,500 and a POE weight ratio of 40%), TR1304 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 10,500 and a POE weight ratio of 40%), TR504 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 and a POE weight ratio of 40%), TR704 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 and a POE weight ratio of 40%), TR904 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 7,500 and a POE weight ratio of 40%), TR702 (with a

weight-average molecular weight of 3,500 and a POE weight ratio of 20%), TR701 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 2,750 and a POE weight ratio of 10%), TR1101 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 5,600 and a POE weight ratio of 10%), TRl 102 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 6,300 and a POE weight ratio of 20%), TRl 301 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 6,800 and a POE weight ratio of 10%), TRl 302 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 7,800 and a POE weight ratio of 20%), TRl 502 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 9,000 and a POE weight ratio of 20%), and TRl 501 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 7,900 and a POE weight ratio of 10%).

[0050]

In the invention, a high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and a

low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer among known POE-POP block copolymers can be combined for use.

[0051]

Specifically, as the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer, one or more types of Pluronic F68 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 8,400 and a POE weight ratio of 80%), Pluronic F87 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 7,900 and a POE weight ratio of 70%), Lutrol F87 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 7,700 and a POE weight ratio of 70%), Pluronic F88 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 10,800 and a POE weight ratio of 80%), Pluronic F98 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 13,000 and a POE weight ratio of 80%), Pluronic F108 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 14,600 and a POE weight ratio of 80%), Lutrol F108 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 14,400 and a POE weight ratio of 80%), Pluronic F127 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 11,500 and a POE weight ratio of 70%), Lutrol F127 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 12,700 and a POE weight ratio of 70%), and P84 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 4,200 and a POE weight ratio of 40%) can be used. Among these, Lutrol F87 and Pluronic F108 can be suitably used. [0052]

On the other hand, as the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer, one or more types of Pluronic RPE1720 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 2,200 and a POE weight ratio of 20%), Pluronic RPE1740 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 2,700 and a POE weight ratio of 40%), Pluronic RPE2035 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 4,100 and a POE weight ratio of 35%), Pluronic RPE2520 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 3,100 and a POE weight ratio of 20%), Pluronic RPE2525 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 2,000 and a POE weight ratio of 25%), Pluronic RPE3110 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 3,500 and a POE weight ratio of 10%), PE3100 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 1 ,000 and a POE weight ratio of 10%), Pluronic L31 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 1,100 and a POE weight ratio of 10%), Pluronic L44 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 2,200 and a POE weight ratio of 40%), Pluronic L61 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 2,000 and a POE weight ratio of 10%), Lutrol L44 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 2,200 and a POE weight ratio of 40%), Pluronic L62 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 2,500 and a POE weight ratio of 20%), Pluronic L64 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 2,900 and a POE weight ratio of 40%), Pluronic L71 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 2,300 and a POE weight ratio of 10%), and Pluronic L81 (with a weight-average molecular weight of 2,800 and a POE weight ratio of 10%) can be used. Among these, Pluronic RPE 1740, Pluronic L44, Pluronic L62, and Pluronic L64 can be suitably used.

[0053]

In the first embodiment, by employing the combination of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the contact lens CL and to achieve an excellent moisture-retaining property (wetting property).

[0054]

Particularly, by employing the combination of the high molecular type "F87" and the low molecular type "RPE1740", the combination of the high molecular type "F 108" and the low molecular type "L64", the combination of the high molecular type "F87" and the low molecular type "L44", the combination of the high molecular type "F108" and the low molecular type "L44", and the combination of the high molecular type "F108" and the low molecular type "L62", it is possible to effectively suppress moisture loss from the contact lens CL.

[0055]

The storage solution S in the first embodiment can be suitably used for a high water-content soft contact lenses (Groups II and IV) formed of the above-mentioned hydrogel out of the above-mentioned contact lenses CL. That is, by employing the storage solution S in the first embodiment, it is possible to enhance the

moisture-retaining property of the high water-content soft contact lens which easily gives a feeling of dryness of an eye during wearing.

[0056]

The storage solution S may further contain a menthol. Both a diastereomer and an enantiomer of the menthol can be used, but 1-menthol can be preferably used. By containing the menthol in the storage solution S, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to further enhance a moisture-retaining property of the lens. One reason thereof is that the amount of nonionic surfactant adsorbed onto the surface of the contact lens increases.

When the contact lens CL immersed in the storage solution S containing the menthol is worn, it is possible to suppress dryness of an eye and thus to achieve a comfortable wearing sensation with a small feeling of dryness.

[0057]

Since the amount of nonionic surfactant adsorbed onto the contact lens can increase by blending the 1-menthol into the storage solution S, it is possible to improve surface characteristics as well as the moisture-retaining property (wetting property) of the contact lens.

The surface characteristics are characteristics of reducing a burden to an eye during wearing. By improving the surface characteristics, it is possible to reduce an uncomfortable feeling due to unnecessary friction between the lens and the eye during wearing.

[0058]

When menthol is contained in the storage solution S, the types, concentrations, and combinations of the nonionic surfactants coexisting in the storage solution S are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected, for example, from the

above-mentioned types, concentrations, and combinations of the nonionic surfactants.

It is preferable that menthol be contained in the storage solution S with the suitable types, concentrations, and combinations of the nonionic surfactants.

[0059]

The concentration of menthol in the storage solution S is not particularly limited, may be selected from a range of 0.001 to 1.0 wt%, may be selected from a range of 0.005 to 0.5 wt%, may be selected from a range of 0.01 to 0.25 wt%, and may be selected from a range of 0.025 to 0.10 wt%. In the range of 0.01 to 0.25 wt% or the range of 0.025 to 0.10 wt% among these concentration ranges, it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens and to further improve a moisture-retaining property of the lens.

On the other hand, when the menthol concentration is excessively high (for example, 5.0 wt%), the stimulation to the eye during wearing the contact lens CL may be excessively strong.

[0060]

The storage solution S of the first embodiment may further contain a

water-soluble polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), and Na hyaluronate as a water-retaining component.

[0061]

As described above, in the contact lens in a packaging container according to the first embodiment of the invention, since a contact lens CL is stored in the indent portion 4 sealed with the packaging film 3 of the container body 2 in a state where it is immersed in the storage solution S, the nonionic surfactant contained in the storage solution S acts on the contact lens CL and it is thus possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens surface during wearing the contact lens CL and to improve the moisture-retaining property of the surface.

[0062]

Therefore, according to the invention, even when a soft contact lens having a high water content ratio is worn, it is possible to suppress dryness of an eye during wearing lens and thus to achieve a comfortable wearing sensation with a small feeling of dryness.

[0063]

The invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, but may be modified in various forms without departing from the concept of the invention.

For example, the shape of the packaging container is not limited to the shape having one indent portion 4, like the blister pack 1 shown in FIG. 1, but a shape having plural indent portions 4 and a shape in which plural blister packs 1 are packaged can be used.

[0064]

«Second Aspect: Contact Lens Solution»

The solution (storage solution S) according to the first embodiment is not limited to an application of packaging and storing a contact lens CL in the contact lens in a packaging container. For example, the solution can be used and sold as contact lens solutions which can be used for caring such as temporary storage, washing, disinfection, and sterilization of a contact lens CL.

[0065]

The description and the preferable embodiment of the solution according to the first embodiment can be similarly applied to the second aspect.

[0066]

In a duration of use of a contact lens, by bringing the contact lens into contact with the solution or immersing the contact lens in the solution, the nonionic surfactant in the solution or the nonionic surfactant and the menthol are supplied to the surface of the contact lens. Accordingly, it is possible to cause the effect of suppressing moisture loss from the lens surface during wearing the contact lens and improving the

moisture-retaining property of the lens surface to last longer.

[0067]

As a method of bringing the contact lens into contact with the solution, a method of temporarily taking out the worn contact lens and immersing the contact lens in the container containing the solution can be exemplified. In addition to this method, a method of dropping the solution onto the worn contact lens, that is, a method of using the solution as eye drops, can be used. By using any method, the contact lens and the solution can come in contact with each other, thereby achieving the above-mentioned effect.

[0068]

The time in which the contact lens and the solution are in contact with each other is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, about 30 minutes to 120 hours.

[0069]

«Third Aspect: Method of Manufacturing Contact Lens in Packaging Container»

The solution (storage solution S) according to the first embodiment can be used to manufacture a contact lens in a packaging container.

For example, when peeling off (detaching) a contact lens from a mold after molding a resin material into a contact lens using a known molding process, the solution may be injected between the mold and the contact lens. In this application, the solution can reduce the adsorption of the contact lens to the mold and thus can detach the contact lens from the mold while protecting the contact lens.

[0070]

Since the solution has relatively high heat resistance, the contact lens can be heated in a state where the contact lens is immersed in the solution. For example, a sterilization process such as an autoclaving process can be performed in this state. That is, the process using the solution (storage solution S) may be performed in the course of manufacturing a contact lens CL. For example, in the process of high-pressure sterilization by swelling, a process using the solution can be performed.

[0071]

Since the solution contains two or more types of nonionic surfactants, it is possible to improve the moisture-retaining property (wetting property) of the contact lens by bringing the contact lens into contact with the solution in the course of manufacturing. As a result, for example, in the process of receiving the contact lens in the packaging container, it is possible to improve quality and performance of the contact lens. Even when the contact lens is exposed to air, it is possible to prevent the contact lens from being dried and degrading.

[0072]

By blending menthol into the solution, it is possible to increase the amount of nonionic surfactant adsorbed to the contact lens. Therefore, in the course of

manufacturing the contact lens in a packaging container, it is possible to further improve the moisture-retaining property and the surface characteristics of the contact lens by performing a process of bringing the contact lens into contact with the solution having menthol added thereto.

[0073]

When the solution is used to manufacture a contact lens in a packaging container, the content of menthol in the solution is not particularly limited, and can be adjusted, for example, within a range of 0.01 to 10.0 wt%. This range may be 0.01 to 5.0 wt%, may be 0.01 to 3.0 wt%, may be 0.01 to 1.0 wt%, may be 0.01 to 0.50 wt%, may be 0.01 to 0.25 wt%, or may be 0.01 to 0.10 wt%.

[0074]

In the course of manufacturing, the menthol concentration in the solution coming in contact with the contact lens can be set to be relatively high. On the other hand, in regard to a finished product, the menthol concentration in the solution used in a state where the contact lens is immersed therein in a packaging container be set so as not to excessively increase the stimulation to an eye during wearing.

[Examples]

[0075] Hereinafter, examples of the invention will be described. However, the invention is not limited to the following examples. Materials, conditions, or the like in the examples can be appropriately changed without departing from the concept of the invention.

[0076]

The moisture-retaining property of a contact lens was evaluated using a storage solution prepared as follows. Specifically, by adding and dissolving RPE1740 (Sample 1), L64 (Sample 2), F87 (Sample 3), F108 (Sample 4), RPE1740 and F87 (Sample 5), and L64 and F108 (Sample 6) at a ratio of 1.0 wt% to and in an ISO physiological saline (0.8300 g of sodium chloride, 0.5993 g of sodium hydrogenphosphate (dodecahydrate), 0.0528 g of sodium hydrogenphosphate (dehydrate), and an appropriate amount of purified water in 100 ml), storage solutions of Samples 1 to 6 were prepared. The ratio of RPE1740 and F87 in Sample 5 and the ratio of L64 and F108 in Sample 6 were 1:1. That is, the concentration of RPE1740 and the concentration of F87 in Sample 5 were 1.0 wt% (2.0 wt% in total), and the concentration L64 and the concentration of F 108 in Sample 6 were 1.0 wt% (2.0 wt% in total).

[0077]

Commercially-available soft contact lenses (trade name: Proclear 1-day, made by CooperVision Inc.) sufficiently washed with (immersed in) the ISO physiological saline were prepared as test lenses and the test lenses were immersed in the storage solutions of Samples 1 to 6.

[0078]

The transpiration rates of the test lenses immersed in the storage solutions of Samples 1 to 6 were measured. The transpiration rate was measured in the following order of (1) to (5). (1) One contact lens immersed in the storage solution for 60 to 72 hours was taken out, and the contact lens was bent small to wipe out moisture therefrom with a lint-free cloth (unwoven fabric).

(2) The contact lens was loaded onto the indent portion at the lid center of a 24-well plate with the convex surface facing down.

(3) The lid of the plate onto which the contact lens is loaded is placed on a base of which the height can be adjusted.

(4) The base was raised to match the center of the contact lens with an electrode of a moisture meter (model: SKICON-200, made by IBS Corporation). (5) The value (μ8: micro Siemens) of electric conductivity every 30 seconds was measured and the slope variation per unit time [μ8/η ϊη] was calculated. This measurement was performed four times in total and the average value thereof was calculated.

[0079] As a reference example, the transpiration rates of the test lenses washed with the

ISO physiological saline before they were immersed in the storage solutions of Samples 1 to 6 were measured in the same way. [0080]

The measurement results of Samples 1 to 6 and the reference example are shown in Table 1 and FIG 4. In FIG. 4, the average values shown in Table 1 are arranged in a graph.

[0081]

[Table 1]

Nonionic First Second Third Fourth Average surfactant

Reference None 12.13 17.60 9.96 14.09 13.45 example

Sample 1 RPE1740 8.77 7.76 5.11 6.39 7.01

Sample 2 L64 10.09 8.40 6.28 5.15 7.48

Sample 3 F87 5.05 3.89 4.46 5.20 4.65

Sample 4 F108 4.37 6.86 4.15 3.03 4.60

Sample 5 RPE1740 +

4.84 3.67 3.39 3.30

F87 3.80

Sample 6 L64 + F108 3.89 2.26 2.23 3.38 2.94

[0082]

As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 4, Samples 5 and 6 were processed with the storage solutions which satisfy the conditions of the invention and in which a high molecular type and a low molecular type out of the POE-POP block copolymers as the nonionic surfactant are combined and contained. [0083]

On the other hand, Samples 1 to 4 were processed with the storage solutions which do not satisfy the conditions of the invention and in which a high molecular type or a low molecular type alone (only one type) out of the POE-POP block copolymers as the nonionic surfactant is contained.

[0084]

As can be clearly seen from Table 1 and FIG. 4, Samples 5 and 6 are smaller in transpiration rate than Samples 1 to 4 and exhibit an excellent moisture-retaining property (wetting property). [0085]

Then, by adding and dissolving L44 (Sample 7), L64 (Sample 8), L62 (Sample 9), F87 (Sample 10), F108 (Sample 11), L44 and F87 (Sample 12), L44 and F108 (Sample 13), L64 and F108 (Sample 14), and L62 and F108 (Sample 15) at a ratio of 1.0 wt% to and in an ISO physiological saline, storage solutions of Samples 7 to 15 were prepared. The content ratios (weight ratios) of the surfactants in the storage solutions including two types of nonionic surfactants were 1 : 1 and 1.0 wt% (2.0 wt% in total) for each surfactant was contained.

[0086]

Commercially-available soft contact lenses (trade name: 1-DAY ACUVUE, made by Johnson and Johnson Inc.) sufficiently washed with (immersed in) the ISO physiological saline were prepared as test lenses and the test lenses were immersed in the storage solutions of Samples 7 to 15.

[0087]

The transpiration rates of the test lenses immersed in the storage solutions of Samples 7 to 15 were measured. As a reference example, the transpiration rates of the test lenses washed with the ISO physiological saline before they were immersed in the storage solutions of Samples 7 to 15 were measured in the same way.

[0088]

The measurement results of Samples 7 to 15 and the reference example are shown in Table 2 and FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the average values shown in Table 2 are arranged in a graph.

[0089]

[Table 2]

[0090] As shown in Table 2 and FIG. 5, Samples 12 to 15 were processed with the storage solutions which satisfy the conditions of the invention and in which a high molecular type and a low molecular type out of the POE-POP block copolymers as the nonionic surfactant are combined and contained.

[0091]

On the other hand, Samples 7 to 11 were processed with the storage solutions which do not satisfy the conditions of the invention and in which a high molecular type or a low molecular type alone (only one type) out of the POE-POP block copolymers as the nonionic surfactant is contained.

[0092]

As can be clearly seen from Table 2 and FIG. 5, Samples 12 to 15 are smaller in transpiration rate than Samples 7 to 11 and exhibit an excellent moisture-retaining property (wetting property).

[0093]

As can be seen from the above description, since the contact lens immersed in the storage solution according to the invention has the excellent moisture-retaining property (wetting property), it is possible to suppress moisture loss from the lens surface.

[0094]

For the purpose of comparison of the above-mentioned results with evaluation results of other samples to be described later, tables and graphs in which the

above-mentioned results are converted using the reference example as a reference (100 μ8/ιηϊη) are shown. The correspondence between the tables and the graphs is as follows.

Table 1 (absolute value) corresponds to Table 3 (relative value), FIG. 4 (absolute value) corresponds to FIG. 6 (relative value), Table 2 (absolute value) corresponds to Table 4 (relative value), and FIG. 5 (absolute value) corresponds to FIG 7 (relative value).

[0095]

[Table 3]

[0096]

[Table 4]

[0097]

[Samples 16 to 28]

In the same way as Samples 1 to 15, storage solutions of Samples 16 to 28 prepared using the nonionic surfactants shown in Tables 5 and 6.

Commercially-available soft contact lenses (trade name: Proclear 1-day, made by CooperVision Inc.) sufficiently washed with (immersed for 24 hours in) the ISO physiological saline were prepared and were used as test lenses. The test lenses were immersed in the prepared storage solutions for 60 to 72 hours, the test lenses were taken out, and the moisture-retaining property thereof was measured. The moisture-retaining property of the above-mentioned reference example (the test lenses before being immersed in the storage solutions) was measured in the same way. The results (relative values) of the samples when the measured values of the reference example were converted into a reference value 100 (unit: μΞ/πιίη) are shown in Tables 5 and 6 and FIGS. 8 and 9. In Tables 5 and 6, the results of four measurements and average value of the results of the four measurements are described together.

[0098]

The concentrations of the surfactants in the storage solutions were as follows. The surfactant was contained by a concentration of 1.0 wt% in the storage solutions (Samples 16 to 20) containing only one type of nonionic surfactant. The content ratio (weight ratio) of the surfactants in the storage solutions (Samples 22 to 28) containing two types of nonionic surfactants was 1:1 and the surfactants were contained by a concentration of 0.5 wt% (1.0 wt% in total).

[0099]

[Table 5]

[0 00]

[Table 6] Nonionic First Second Third Fourth Average surfactant

Reference None 91.15 126.82 82.04 - 100.00 example

Sample 22 P84 + PE3100 47.55 53.50 37.45 66.58 51.27

Sample 23 P84 + L31 32.50 40.42 62.61 67.37 50.73

Sample 24 TP 1307 + 39.13 38.71 34.24 48.36 40.11

PE3100

Sample 26 P103 + F108 56.67 72.13 55.09 - 61.29

Sample 28 P65 + F108 72.13 74.50 112.55 92.33 87.88

[0101]

In Samples 16 to 28, it can be seen that Samples 22 to 28 according to the invention are smaller in transpiration rate (unit: μ8/πιίη) than the reference example and has an excellent moisture-retaining property. It can clearly seen that Sample 22 (transpiration rate = 51.27) in which P84 and

PE3100 are combined and Sample 23 (transpiration rate = 50.73) in which P84 and L31 are combined have a moisture-retaining property more excellent than Sample 16 (transpiration rate = 66.53) using P84 alone.

It can be clearly seen from the results of Tables 5 and 6 that Samples 22 to 24 in which the high-molecular surfactant and the low-molecular surfactant are combined have a more excellent moisture-retaining property.

[0102] [Samples 30 to 39]

In the same way as Samples 1 to 15, storage solutions of Samples 30 to 39 were prepared using the nonionic surfactants shown in Table 7. Commercially-available soft contact lenses (trade name: Proclear 1-day, made by Cooper Vision Inc.) sufficiently washed with (immersed for 24 hours in) the ISO physiological saline were prepared and were used as test lenses. The test lenses were immersed in the prepared storage solutions for 60 to 72 hours, the test lenses were taken out, and the moisture-retaining property thereof was measured. The moisture-retaining property of the above-mentioned reference example (the test lenses before being immersed in the storage solutions) was measured in the same way. The results (relative values) of the samples when the measured values of the reference example were converted into a reference value 100 (unit: μ8/ηιίη) are shown in Table 7 and FIG. 10.

In Table 7, the average value of the results of three measurements is described.

[0103]

The concentrations of the surfactants in the storage solutions are the same as described in parentheses (% in the table represents wt%) in Table 7. As shown in Table 7, for example, in the storage solution of Sample 38, RPE1740 was contained by a concentration of 0.01 wt%, F87 was contained by a concentration of 1.0 wt%, and the nonionic surfactants were contained by a concentration of 1.01 wt% in total. The weight ratios of the high-molecular surfactant and the low-molecular surfactant contained in the storage solutions of the samples are described together in Table 7.

[0104]

[Table 7]

[0105]

Out of Samples 30 to 39, Samples 32, 33, 37, 38, and 39 are smaller in transpiration rate (unit: S/min) than the reference example and have an excellent moisture-retaining property.

From the results of Samples 33 and 34, it can be understand that F87 which is a high molecular type is preferably contained by more than 0.01 wt% in the storage solutions and more preferably by about 0.1 wt%.

From the results of Samples 33 to 38, it can be understood that the total concentration of RPE1740 which is a low molecular type and F87 which is a high molecular type is preferably contained by more than 0.2 wt% in the storage solutions and more preferably by more than 1.0 wt%.

From the results of Samples 33 to 38, it can be understood that the content of the high molecular type of nonionic surfactant in the storage solutions is preferably more than the content of the low molecular type of nonionic surfactant.

[0106]

[Samples 40 to 43 : Effect of 1-menthol]

In the same way as Samples 1 to 15, storage solutions of Samples 40 to 43 were prepared using the nonionic surfactants shown in Table 8. The 1-menthol was added to Samples 41 and 43. Commercially-available soft contact lenses (trade name: Proclear 1-day, made by CooperVision Inc.) sufficiently washed with (immersed for 24 hours in) the ISO physiological saline were prepared and were used as test lenses. The test lenses were immersed in the prepared storage solutions for 120 hours and then the test lenses were taken out. The moisture-retaining property of Samples 40 and 41 was measured. The moisture-retaining property of the above-mentioned reference example (the test lenses before being immersed in the storage solutions) was measured in the same way. The results (relative values) of the samples when the measured values of the reference example were converted into a reference value 100 (unit: S/min) are shown in Table 8. In Table 8, the average value of the results of four measurements is described together.

[0107]

The concentrations of the surfactants and the 1-menthol in the storage solutions are the same as described in parentheses (% in the table represents wt%) in Table 8.

[0108]

The amounts of nonionic surfactant (poloxamer) adsorbed to the lenses of the samples after being immersed in the storage solutions were analyzed through liquid chromatography.

Specific analysis conditions are as follows.

A differential refractive index detector (RI) was used as a detector, two TSK-Gel

G3000SW (made by Tosoh Corporation) having a guard column as a column was used, the column temperature was set to 30°C, a mixed solution of 0.02 mol/L of sodium dihydrogen-phosphate solution and acetonitrile (mixing ratio of 7:3) was used as a mobile phase, the flow rate was set to about 0.5 ml/min, and the amount of sample injected was set to 50 μΐ.

A solution in which poloxamer was dissolved by 1 wt% in an ISO physiological saline was used as a standard solution.

A sample not using a lens was prepared and was subjected to the same treatment as the sample solutions to calculate an adsorbed amount as a blank.

[0109]

The analysis results are described together in Table 8. In Table 8, the amount of low-molecular nonionic surfactant and the amount of high-molecular nonionic surfactant adsorbed to each lens are separately described. The unit is μg. The sum amount of two surfactants is the total amount of nonionic surfactants adsorbed to each lens. [0110]

[Table 8]

From the results of Table 8, it can be clearly seen that both the low molecular type and the high molecular type are adsorbed onto the surface of the contact lens. In Samples 40 and 42 into which menthol is not blended, a larger amount of low molecular type is adsorbed than the amount of high molecular type.

Surprisingly, by blending menthol into the storage solution, the amount of nonionic surfactant adsorbed onto the lens surface of Samples 40 and 43 increased. The amounts of low molecular type and high molecular type adsorbed were equal to each other.

In Samples 40 and 41, the moisture transpiration rate was reduced by blending menthol.

From the above results, in Samples 40 and 41, it can be understood that by blending menthol to the contact lens solution (storage solution), it is possible to obtain a pleasant cooling sensation during wearing, to further reduce the moisture transpiration rate from the lens surface, and to further reduce an uncomfortable feeling due to unnecessary friction based on the lens and the eye during wearing.

In Samples 42 and 43, by blending menthol into the content lens solution (storage solution), it is possible to obtain a pleasant cooling sensation during wearing and to further reduce an uncomfortable feeling due to unnecessary friction based on the lens and the eye during wearing.

[0112]

The configurations and combinations of the above-mentioned embodiments are only examples, and the embodiments can be subjected to addition, omission,

substitutions, and modifications of the configurations without departing from the concept of the invention. The invention is not limited to the embodiments and is restricted by only the scope of the claims.

[Industrial Applicability]

[0113]

The contact lens in a packaging container, the method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container, and the contact lens solution according to the invention can be widely used for applications such as manufacturing, storage, and packaging of a contact lens.

[Description of the Reference Symbols]

[0114]

1 : BLISTER PACK (PACKAGING CONTAINER)

2: CONTAINER BODY

3: PACKAGING FILM

4: INDENT PORTION CL: CONTACT LENS

S: STORAGE SOLUTION (SOLUTION)

Claims

[Claim 1]

A contact lens in a packaging container comprising:

a container body that has an indent portion;

a contact lens and a solution that are received in the indent portion; and a packaging film that is detachably bonded to the container body so as to air-tightly seal the indent portion,

wherein the solution contains a nonionic surfactant at a ratio of 0.01 to 10 wt%, and

wherein the nonionic surfactant includes two or more types of poly(oxyethylene)

(POE)-poly(oxypropylene) (POP) block copolymers.

[Claim 2]

The contact lens in a packaging container according to claim 1, wherein the nonionic surfactant includes one or more types of a high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and a low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer between which the difference in weight-average molecular weight of a POP group is 1000 or more.

[Claim 3]

The contact lens in a packaging container according to claim 2, wherein the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 4000 or more and a weight ratio of a POE group to the overall molecule of 40% or more, and

wherein the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 3000 or less and a weight ratio of a POE group to the overall molecule of 40% or less.

[Claim 4] The contact lens in a packaging container according to claim 3, wherein the ratio of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is in a range of 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

[Claim 5]

The contact lens in a packaging container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the solution contains a menthol.

[Claim 6]

A contact lens solution comprising a nonionic surfactant including two or more types of poly(oxyethylene) (POE)-poly(oxypropylene) (POP) block copolymers at a ratio of 0.01 to 10 wt%.

[Claim 7]

The contact lens solution according to claim 6, wherein the nonionic surfactant includes one or more types of a high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and a low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer between which the difference in

weight-average molecular weight of a POP group is 1000 or more.

[Claim 8]

The contact lens solution according to claim 7, wherein the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer has a weight-average molecular weight of 4000 or more and a weight ratio of a POE group to the overall molecule of 40% or more, and

[Claim 9]

The contact lens solution according to claim 8, wherein the ratio of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is in a range of 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

[Claim 10]

The contact lens solution according to any one of claims 6 to 9, further comprising a menthol.

[Claim 11]

A method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container, comprising: immersing a contact lens in a solution that contains a nohionic surfactant including two or more types of poly(oxyethylene) (POE)-poly(oxypropylene) (POP) block copolymers at a ratio of 0.01 to 10 wt%; and

detachably bonding a packaging film, which receives the contact lens and the solution in an indent portion formed in a container body and air-tightly seals the indent portion, to the container body.

[Claim 12]

The method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container according to claim 11 , wherein the nonionic surfactant contained in the solution includes one or more types of a high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and a low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer between which the difference in weight-average molecular weight of a POP group is 1000 or more.

[Claim 13]

The method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container according to claim 12, wherein the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer has a

weight-average molecular weight of 4000 or more and a weight ratio of a POE group to the overall molecule of 40% or more, and

[Claim 14]

The method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container according to claim 13, wherein the ratio of the high-molecular POE-POP block copolymer and the low-molecular POE-POP block copolymer is in a range of 1 : 100 to 100: 1.

[Claim 15]

The method of manufacturing a contact lens in a packaging container according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the solution contains a menthol.