Protein removal from soft contact lens using disinfection/neutralization with hydrogen peroxide/catalytic disc

The purpose of this study was to determine whether protein deposits on soft contact lens could be removed without digital or enzymatic cleaning. Group IV soft contact lenses were incubated in an artificial tear solution of lysozyme, albumin, mucin, calcium chloride, and sodium phosphate. The amount of protein on the lenses was determined using a total protein assay with ninhydrin derivation. Mean (+/- SD) protein levels were significantly higher on untreated lenses (598 +/- 184 micrograms) than on lenses treated with hydrogen peroxide and a catalytic disc (360 +/- 51 micrograms). These findings are discussed in light of the finding that one third of contact lens wearers do not digitally clean their lenses after each use and one half do not use an enzymatic cleaner at least once a week. It is concluded that hydrogen peroxide/catalytic disc-based soft contact lens disinfection can remove up to 40% of the protein deposited on soft contact lenses.