Method of surface-cleaning and/or sterilizing optical components, especially contact lenses

US5439642A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Ciba-Geigy · US

Inventors

• Peter Hagmann · Erlenbach a.Main, DE
• Peter Hofer · Liestal, CH
• Peter Herbrechtsmeier · Königstein, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 31, 1994
• Grant date: Aug 8, 1995
• Expiry date: Mar 31, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29D11/00461
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

In order to remove impurities and contaminations adhering to the surfaces of an optical component, especially to the front and rear faces of a contact lens, electromagnetic radiation is caused to act on the optical component. Using that electromagnetic radiation, preferably the light of an excimer laser the wavelength, energy density and intensity of which are adjustable, the adherent impurities and any microorganisms present are killed, deactivated and removed photo-ablatively.