Efficacy of contact lens disinfecting solutions against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

To evaluate the disinfection properties of multipurpose contact lens disinfection solutions, based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14729 guidelines.

ReNu with MoistureLoc Multi-Purpose Solution, OPTI-FREE Express with Aldox Multi-Purpose Solution, Betadine 5% sterile ophthalmic preparation solution (povidone iodine), and 0.9% normal saline solution were inoculated with strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Surviving bacteria were quantified at specified times.

ReNu with MoistureLoc, OPTI-FREE Express, and 5% ophthalmic povidone iodine were effective in achieving a 5-log reduction in bacterial count. Additionally, all three products maintained their effectivity at 72 hours. However, ReNu with MoistureLoc and povidone iodine resulted in the greatest reduction in bacterial colonization.

ReNu with MoistureLoc, OPTI-FREE Express, and 5% ophthalmic povidone iodine meet the ISO 14729 guidelines for standalone contact lens solutions. However, ReNu with MoistureLoc and 5% ophthalmic povidone iodine are most efficient in reducing and maintaining low bacterial count for a period of 72 hours.