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Contact lens hygiene linked to case contamination
Specific types of contact lens hygiene methods were associated with a decrease in contact lens case contamination, according to a study recently published in Optometry and Vision Science.
Wu and colleagues reported that air-drying lens cases, using the same manufacturer for both the disinfecting solution and the lens case, and washing hands with soap and water were all associated with a reduction in lens case contamination.
Researchers conducted microbial tests of the lens cases of 119 participants. The participants also completed a questionnaire about the lens care hygiene behaviors.
Results showed that participants with more than 2 years of experience wearing contact lenses, participants who washed their hands with water only or not at all, participants with mismatching disinfecting solution and lens case, and participants who gave researchers wet cases experienced higher levels of lens case contamination.
"This study examined the frequency and types of microbial contamination of contact lenses and hygiene behaviors of lens wearers in Sydney, Australia," the authors wrote. "The overall frequency of contamination was 66%, which is consistent with the reported literature. For the past 10 years, Multipurpose disinfecting solutions have been widely prescribed and used, accounting for about 90% of the market in the United Kingdom and Australia."
They continued: "This study has provided insight into factors that may be significant in maintaining lens case hygiene and explored some of the issues previously proven in the in vitro study, such as lens case mismatch and rubbing of lens cases."
Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.