A comparative study of techniques for decreasing contact lens storage case contamination.
BACKGROUND
Contact lens storage cases may harbor a variety of pathogenic organisms, and are a potential source of ocular infection. In this study, we evaluated the anti-microbial efficacy of several methods of rinsing of contact lens storage cases.


METHODS
Lens cases were inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and then 1) rinsed with hot tap water and closed without drying, 2) rinsed with hot tap water followed by air drying, 3) rinsed with 3% hydrogen peroxide followed by air drying, or 4) left closed and undisturbed (control condition). After 24 hours, the cases were cultured to determine the rate of disinfection.


RESULTS
The hydrogen peroxide rinse was the most effective (99.5 percent of cases disinfected), followed by hot water with air drying (94.7 percent) and hot water without drying (51.1 percent). Significant residual hydrogen peroxide was detected in the cases rinsed with peroxide.


CONCLUSIONS
Therefore, we recommend that patients be instructed to rinse their cases with hot water and allow them to air dry after use, as well as replace their cases on a regular basis.
Larragoiti
N D
ND
Southern California College of Optometry, Fullerton 92631.
Diamos
M E
ME
Simmons
P A
PA
Edrington
T B
TB
D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003261:Contact Lenses; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000254:growth & development; D014867:Water
D014867:Water; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide