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.