The risk of transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease via contact lenses and ophthalmic devices.
This review collated the available information regarding the risk of transmission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) via contact lenses and other ophthalmic devices. The topics examined include: the emerging background science of the unconventional infective agent, the prion, particularly those factors affecting transmission; the estimates of the number of undiagnosed infective individuals; and evidence of infectivity in the external eye. Despite many uncertainties in the literature, we conclude that cross-infection is theoretically possible. An assessment of the extensive search for a complete inactivation procedure resulted in the recommendation of the use of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), which does not appear to distort rigid lenses. Further tests are required for other devices.
Macalister
Graham O
GO
Department of Optometry and Visual Science, City University, Northampton Square, London EC1V OHB, UK.
Buckley
Roger J
RJ