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Rigid lens base curve stability upon hydrogen peroxide disinfection.
M G Piccolo1, N E Leach, R L Boltz
1College of Optometry, University of Houston, Texas.
Summary
Hydrogen peroxide disinfection of rigid gas permeable lenses showed no significant base curve changes. However, some lenses exhibited minor warpage, necessitating pre-use inspection for optimal diagnostic contact lens care.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Disinfection of diagnostic contact lenses is crucial to prevent communicable disease transmission, including HIV.
- Hydrogen peroxide is a recommended disinfectant, but its impact on rigid lens polymers requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of 3% hydrogen peroxide disinfection on the base curve parameters of rigid diagnostic contact lenses.
- To determine if hydrogen peroxide causes significant dimensional changes or warpage in various rigid lens polymers.
Main Methods:
- Fifty rigid diagnostic contact lenses from five different polymer types were soaked in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes.
- Base curve measurements were taken before and after disinfection to assess changes.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant changes in the base curve were observed across the tested lenses.
- A small degree of warpage (mean 0.0382 mm) was detected in 22% of the lenses, with the cause unidentified.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogen peroxide disinfection does not appear to induce clinically significant parameter alterations in rigid diagnostic contact lenses under the study conditions.
- Despite the absence of significant base curve changes, individual lenses should be inspected for warpage before patient use.