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Status of the effectiveness of contact lens solutions against keratitis-causing pathogens

Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui1, Sahreena Lakhundi1, Naveed Ahmed Khan1

  • 1Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.

Contact Lens & Anterior Eye : the Journal of the British Contact Lens Association
|October 5, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Marketed contact lens solutions showed varying antimicrobial efficacy. Some failed against common eye infection microbes and none effectively eliminated Acanthamoeba cysts, posing a public health risk.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Contact lens wear is associated with microbial keratitis.
  • Effective disinfection is crucial for preventing sight-threatening infections.
  • The efficacy of commercially available contact lens disinfecting solutions (CLDS) requires ongoing evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of eight marketed contact lens disinfecting solutions.
  • To assess their efficacy against key keratitis-causing microorganisms.
  • To identify potential risks associated with substandard CLDS.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the ISO 14729 Stand-Alone Test protocol.
  • Performed bactericidal, fungicidal, and amoebicidal assays.
  • Tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Fusarium solani, and Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Main Results:

  • ReNu MultiPlus, DuraPlus, and OptiFree Express demonstrated effectiveness against bacterial and fungal pathogens within recommended times.
  • Ultimate Plus showed efficacy against Fusarium solani and MRSA but not other bacteria.
  • None of the tested locally formulated Pakistani solutions (Kontex Clean, Kontex Normal, Kontex Multisol extra(+), Kontex Soak) were effective against any tested organism.
  • All eight solutions failed to eliminate Acanthamoeba cysts.

Conclusions:

  • Certain marketed CLDS exhibit inadequate antimicrobial properties, posing a significant public health concern.
  • Ineffective disinfection increases the risk of microbial keratitis.
  • There is a critical need for effective CLDS, improved contact lens hygiene practices, and specific guidelines for CLDS manufacturing and storage, particularly in developing countries.
Keywords:
Cleaning solutionContact lensMicrobial keratitis

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