Apparatus for sterilizing contact lenses

Abstract

Apparatus is provided for use in the sterilization of contact lenses or the like, wherein lenses are disposed within a sterilizing solution contained within a reaction vessel, which sterilizing solution is capable of being decomposed through contact with a catalytic agent. The apparatus comprises a reaction vessel capable of containing a sterilizing solution and comprising a container portion, a cover and structure for supporting an article in contact with sterilizing solution in the container. Further structure is provided for mounting a catalytic agent on the supporting structure such that the catalytic agent is removable for replacement by a user as the catalytic agent becomes exhausted in use. The mounting of the catalytic agent on the article supporting structure prevents contact of the catalytic agent with the solution in the container until the article supporting structure with the contact lenses therein is placed in the solution in the container for beginning the sterilizing process, to thereby prevent premature breakdown of the sterilizing solution prior to the introduction of contact lenses for sterilization therein.