Necessity and methods of HTLV-III inactivation in contact lens practice

This paper reviews and analyzes the sensitivity of HTLV-III to various agents. The finding of HTLV-III in tears, the conjunctiva, and the cornea indicates the remote possibility that acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can be spread by instruments in contact with the eye, specifically trial contact lenses. Common contact lens disinfection systems are compared to agents known to inactivate HTLV-III. Recent studies reveal that heat disinfection may not be adequate, thereby, leaving only H2O2 systems as a potentially effective method of inactivating large titers of the virus. Other possible disinfection methods are proposed based on known sensitivity of HTLV-III but are awaiting further investigation.