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Sodium hydroxide sterilzation of intraocular lenses
Abstract:
Intraocular lenses of polymethylmethacrylate contaminated with various inocula of bacteria, spores, and fungi were sterilized by modifications of the Ridley method using sodium hydroxide. Positive cultures were obtained from iris-supported lenses contaminated with concentrations of approximately 1 x 10(6) organisms per milliliter after one hour in 10% NaOH. No positive cultures were obtained when lenses remained in 10% NaOH for three hours, a time corresponding to a 1 x 10(-6) probability of surviving organism. The NaOH method, when appropriately used, is an effective sterilization process for intraocular lenses.
Insights
Sodium hydroxide sterilization effectively decontaminates polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lenses. A three-hour treatment with 10% sodium hydroxide ensures a 1 x 10(-6) probability of surviving organisms, making it a reliable sterilization method.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are crucial in cataract surgery.
- Sterilization of IOLs is critical to prevent post-operative infections.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a common IOL material.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a modified Ridley method using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for sterilizing contaminated polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lenses.
Main Methods:
- PMMA IOLs were contaminated with bacteria, spores, and fungi at varying concentrations.
- Sterilization was performed using 10% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with modified Ridley method protocols.
- Lenses were cultured after exposure to NaOH for one and three hours to assess microbial survival.
Main Results:
- Positive cultures were observed from lenses exposed to 10% NaOH for one hour, with contamination levels around 1 x 10(6) organisms/mL.
- No positive cultures were obtained from lenses treated with 10% NaOH for three hours.
- This three-hour exposure time achieved a 1 x 10(-6) probability of surviving organisms.
Conclusions:
- The modified Ridley method using 10% sodium hydroxide is an effective sterilization process for polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lenses.
- Appropriate exposure time is crucial for achieving a high level of sterilization.
- This method offers a reliable approach to ensure the safety of intraocular lenses.