Overcoming Mixing And Blending Problems In Ophthalmic Manufacturing Operations

By Matt Smith

Contact lens solutions include different products which perform a range of functions including cleaning, disinfecting, lubrication and rinsing. Ophthalmic solutions include safety eyewash and prescription preparations as well as “over the counter” medicinal products.

These solutions tend to have a similar base formulation: a saline solution (typically 5%) with a range of added ingredients according to the desired function. These include thickening agents, surfactants and active ingredients.

Preparing saline solutions is a fairly simple task however stabilizers tend to form agglomerates which cannot be broken down by agitation and long mixing times are required to fully hydrate and dissolve the solids.

These problems can be overcome and process times can be dramatically cut by using a Silverson High Shear mixer.