Revolutionary Contact Lens Cases to Identify Contamination in Circle Contacts

Scientists have developed special type of contact lens cases that would help identifying contamination in circle lenses. These cases are embedded with microbiosensors that remain unaffected by contact lens solution. These micro sensors change the color from yellow to purple within 8 hours of abnormal bacterial growth.

According to an online survey; nearly all users of contact lenses are involved in improper lens handling that is associated with increased rate of risks infections. As per Nishal Govindgi Bhat, postdoctoral research associate, at the University of Manchester; the color change effect was easy to distinguish by the naked eye. He explained to the press that microbiosensors turned purple from yellow when bacterial count had reached over 1 million in 1 ml of solution.

The microbiosensor uses a range of tetrazolium dyes that indicate the presence of pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, Fusarium solani and Candida albicans.

Contact lens cases should be regularly cleaned and thoroughly disinfected once every week to get rid of the bio film caused by accumulation of microorganisms. Cases should be replaced every three months and sterilized once in a month. Solution carrying germs transfer microorganisms to contact lenses, this is why after every wear cases should be refilled with fresh supply of the disinfectant. Following hygiene with contact lenses let them last to their fullest or else otherwise they will be compromised before they meet the expiry.

“If this cleaning regime is not followed regularly and correctly, contact lenses can become covered inbacteria and when put into the eye, it can cause severe eye infection and in rare cases, a loss of vision,” Govindji-Bhatt said in the release.

Stop Contaminating your Contact Lens Cases

All your efforts of keeping your circle lenses free from bacteria accumulation have been just a waste provided your contact lens cases are contaminated/ not replaced on timely basis. Cases of contact lenses need similar disinfection that your contact lenses go through. Ignorantly, most of the contact lens wearers are involved in bad hygienic practices that increase the risks of contamination in contact lens cases as revealed by a study published in February issue of Optometry and Vision Science, official journal of the American Academy of Optometry

3 Hygiene Practices Linked with Contact Lens Case Contamination

The study assessed habits of 119 contact lens wearers against their provided used cases of contact lenses. Three hygienic habits were claimed to have been closely knitted with contamination in contact lens cases.

1. Abstaining from washing hands with soap & water

Patients who avoid washing hands before handling contact lenses with soap & water were at higher risk of contaminating the cases of contact lenses. The best way to reduce the risk is to every time wash your hands properly with soap, as washing only with tap water do not make a difference.

2. Abstaining from air-drying contact lens cases

Chances of bacteria accumulation are higher when the contact lens cases are not allowed to air dry before storing contact lenses. Cases must always be put to air-drying with lids off and faces down. Water carries microorganisms that may attract the floating bacteria in air. Another study previously suggested that “Rub, Rinse, Tissue-wipe & Air dry” is the best pragmatic approach to keep cases free from harmful bacteria accumulation.

3. Using mismatched contact lens cases & disinfectants

Contamination was increased when patients used cases & disinfecting solutions from different manufacturers. Cases that come with your contact lenses are only to save you from agony. Therefore, get your FDA approved contact lens cases asap.

There are other risks factors involved such as continuing to use your contact lens cases for more than 3 months or failing to replace your contact lenses past the expiry.

"Lens cases play an essential role in disinfection of contact lenses," comments Anthony Adams, OD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Optometry and Vision Science. "However, without proper maintenance, the lens case itself may become contaminated with micro-organisms during handling".

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Reference:

Wolters Kluwer Health

Cute & inexpensive contact lens cases

Related: Avoid Contaminating your Contact Lenses: 3 Things to Know

3 Ways you are criminally contaminating your Circle Lenses ( First Contact Lens Week, Health Reminder 4)

We all know circle lenses with all the other variants are medical devices and enough has been said about how they should be handled. Long story short; even with all the directions about handling your circle lenses, consumers are directly involved in the spread out of contagious ocular infections. The reason behind is the lazy & clumsy attitude that allow contamination of circle lenses.

There are 3 ways that must be avoided to prevent your circle lenses from bacteria contamination.

• Your Own Hands

Hands especially finger pads are full of bacteria. Before touching your circle lenses, do not forget to wash your hands thoroughly with an oil-free soap. Before putting in and taking off contact lenses, make sure your hands are perfectly cleaned and dry. Do not rub your eyes no matter how hard is the urge.

• Cosmetics

The second most common way you contaminate your contact lenses are cosmetics. Therefore it is suggested to always insert circle lenses before beginning your routine makeup. Use hypo allergenic cosmetics and avoid chalky eye shadows.

• Water

Water should never be brought into contact with circle lenses. It contains microorganisms that contaminate circle lenses and begin to grow on them. Such microorganisms can be very deadly; and may be responsible for devouring cornea. Do not store your lenses at places that are humid. Do not store them in saliva or lubricate them using water. Only use effective disinfectant to minimize the chances of ocular injuries.

Do not jeopardize your vision. Take care of your eyes; you have only one pair. Follow the wear & care guide of contact lenses & only wear FDA approved circle lenses.