Studies on the Efficacy of Multipurpose Contact Lens Disinfecting Solutions

Grant Winners

Dean

Abstract

Over the past several months the occurrence of fungal and acanthamoebic eye infections in contact lens wearers has dramatically increased. If not treated promptly fungal and acanthamoebic infections of the cornea can cause significant damage that may require surgical intervention in the form of a corneal transplant. Initial studies on the outbreak of eye infections secondary to contact lens wear indicate an association with the multipurpose contact lens disinfecting solutions (MPS) currently utilized by individuals. The purpose of this study is to test the ability of three popular MPS to inhibit the growth of selected fungal and Acanthamoeba strains. Each microbial strain will be placed into each of the selected MPS at discreet time intervals and the efficacy of the MPS to kill and/or inhibit growth at 23 C will be determined. Data will be analyzed statistically by applying such tests as Student's T-test and ANOVA. The results of this collaborative study may aid in the identification of factors that contribute to a reduction of MPS efficacy and will be presented at major national and international scientific and professional meetings and published in major scientific journals.