G John1, M Shields, F Austin, S McGinnis. 1. Department of Ophthalmology/Visual Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY 40202, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in bacterial adhesion resulting from air-drying soft contact lenses. METHODS: An in vitro study was conducted on four sets of identical, unworn etafilcon A soft contact lenses, air-dried for varying periods of time. These lenses were placed in a bacterial suspension, rinsed, ground, and plated in order to determine bacterial adhesion. RESULTS: The increased bacterial adhesion to these high water content, ionic lenses was statistically significant following five minutes of drying. Reversal of the effect was noted after rehydration. CONCLUSIONS: Soft contact lens drying results in increased bacterial adhesion.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in bacterial adhesion resulting from air-drying soft contact lenses. METHODS: An in vitro study was conducted on four sets of identical, unworn etafilcon A soft contact lenses, air-dried for varying periods of time. These lenses were placed in a bacterial suspension, rinsed, ground, and plated in order to determine bacterial adhesion. RESULTS: The increased bacterial adhesion to these high water content, ionic lenses was statistically significant following five minutes of drying. Reversal of the effect was noted after rehydration. CONCLUSIONS: Soft contact lens drying results in increased bacterial adhesion.