by Joel Harrison
16. May 2011 12:12
All experts agree that lens case hygiene has a huge impact on the safety of contact lenses use, but – until now – there were no study reports with evidence-based data suggesting the best cleaning regimen. Consequently, several scientists decided to conduct a study assessing and comparing the effectiveness of different hygiene regimens.
The researchers formed biofilms on the surface of two kinds of contact lens cases (unused) and subjected them to one of four cleaning regimens, for which purpose they used one of two contact lens solutions or distilled water. The cleaning regimens they used were: “rinse and air-dry (guidelines)," "rub, rinse and air-dry," "tissue-wipe and air-dry" and "rub, rinse, tissue-wipe and air-dry."
Subsequently, they examined the levels of residual biofilm.
The "rub, rinse, tissue-wipe and air-dry” regimen turned out to be the most effective, which led the researchers to the conclusion that manufacturers’ guidelines currently placed on product labels are not adequate with respect to removal of microbial contamination. Contact lens users should, therefore, include rubbing and wiping in their daily cleaning routine.
Subscribe