title: Microbial contamination of contact lens storage cases and solutions.
abstract: We compared microbial contamination of contact lens storage cases of asymptomatic contact lens wearers (Group 1; No. = 118; sampled once) and of contact lens wearers with manufacturer's lens-care instructions reinforced (Group 2; No. = 62; sampled three, six, 12, and 20 weeks after initial advisement). A significantly higher incidence of contamination of contact lens storage cases and solutions was observed among samples from Group 1 (132 of 247 samples) as compared to samples from Group 2 (30 of 500 samples; P = .000). Contact lens storage cases of individuals in Group 2 who used hydrogen peroxide systems (four of 78) showed a significantly lower incidence of contamination as compared to individuals who used other chemical disinfection (11 of 62 soft lens users; 10 of 59 rigid gas-permeable lens users; P = .041). Biofilms, adhered microorganisms embedded in a glycocalyx, in contact lens storage cases were not always inactivated by the addition of fresh solutions. Cleaning and periodic replacement of contact lens storage cases is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Sawant
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Simmons
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Ahearn
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003261:Contact Lenses; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic