A Review of Contact Lens-Associated Infections and Biomaterial-Based Solutions.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Contact lens wear is associated with a significant risk of ocular infections and inflammation.
• Approximately 150 million people globally use contact lenses, highlighting the public health relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the need for antimicrobial contact lenses to mitigate infection and inflammation risks.
• To summarize the progress of various antimicrobial agents in contact lens applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of current research on antimicrobial coatings for contact lenses.
• Examination of clinical trial progress for agents like antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), silver, and selenium.

Main Results:

• Antimicrobial peptides, particularly Mel4, have advanced to Stage III clinical trials.
• Mel4-coated lenses are the only ones demonstrated to reduce contact lens-associated inflammation.
• Other antimicrobials like silver and selenium have also entered clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• There is a clear need for commercially available antimicrobial contact lenses.
• Continued research and development are crucial for bringing these beneficial products to market.