Acidic electrolysed water in the disinfection of the ocular surface.

Acidic electrolysed water (AEW) is a colorless solution prepared by the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution, which has potent anti-microbial activity against a wide variety of bacteria, fungi and virus. In this study, the safety and efficacy of an isotonic AEW solution (iAEW) was investigated both in vitro and in vivo using denuded corneas of guinea pigs. Povidone iodine (0.01-1.0%) was used as control. Exposure of P. aeruginosa to iAEW for 5 sec caused total inhibition of bacterial growth in vitro. Comparable results were obtained with 1% povidone iodine, while more dilute solutions required longer exposure times for similar effects. Cytotoxicity of iAEW on corneal epithelial cells in vitro was significantly less compared to 1% povidone iodine (P<0.05), while minimal damage was observed in vivo by irrigation of the cornea with either iAEW or 1% povidone iodine. Treatment of P. aeruginosa with iAEW (15 sec) significantly inhibited the onset of corneal infection in guinea pigs. iAEW may offer an effective and safe method for disinfection of the ocular surface. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.