Disinfection capacity of PuriLens contact lens cleaning unit against Acanthamoeba.
OBJECTIVE
The PuriLens contact lens system is indicated for cleaning and disinfection of soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses by means of subsonic agitation to remove lens deposits and microorganisms, and ultraviolet irradiation of the storage solution for disinfection. The capacity of the PuriLens system to disinfect storage solutions contaminated with known concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acanthamoeba species was evaluated.


METHODS
An in vitro assessment of the antibacterial and antiparasitic efficacy of the PuriLens system was performed. Separated batches of the storage solution for the cleansing system were contaminated with stock strains of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. A comparison of the microbiologic content was made between the solution before and after the cycle.


RESULTS
The PuriLens system effectively eradicated S. aureus and P. aeruginosa organisms after a 15-minute cycle. However, viable cysts of acanthamoeba were recovered in the solution after the 15-minute cycle.


CONCLUSIONS
The PuriLens system is highly efficient in protecting against contamination with common bacterial ocular pathogens. Acanthamoeba cysts, however, can survive in the solution or contact lens bath undergoing integrated subsonic debridement and indirect ultraviolet light disinfection. Use of chemical disinfecting solutions that contain agents such as chlorhexidine or other cationic antiseptics may be advisable in conjunction with use of the PuriLens device, especially in high-risk settings.
Hwang
Thomas S
TS
Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Laboratory, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Woods 259, Baltimore, MD 21287-9121, USA.
Hyon
Joon Young
JY
Song
Jae Kyung
JK
Reviglio
Victor E
VE
Spahr
Harry T
HT
O'Brien
Terrence P
TP
D000048:Acanthamoeba / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000528:radiation effects; D000818:Animals; D018639:Contact Lens Solutions; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D018639:Contact Lens Solutions