by Joel Harrison
6. January 2011 19:09
Because biofilms that appear on the surface of contact lenses are extremely dangerous (unlike free floating cells, they live in extracellular polymer substances, which give them increased resistance to antimicrobial agents) and may lead to such serious conditions as microbial keratitis, scientists are devoting more and more time to studying them.
During one research project focused on such biofilms, German scientists managed to show development of dense biofilm on four lens types including Etafilcon A, Lotrafilcon B, Omafilcon A, and Comfilcon A within 72 hours.
The conclusion the researchers believe to be of utmost importance is that biofilms form on all kinds of soft contact lenses. Moreover, the effectiveness of contact lens solutions in dealing with biofilms is uncertain, as they are mostly evaluated with respect to their efficiency in killing free floating cells. The model prepared by the German researchers should be very useful in further studies, which – in view of the recent findings – appear to be necessary.
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