Effect of Contact Lens Preservatives on Acanthamoeba

R. E. Silvany, J. M. Dougherty, James P McCulley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Single preservatives used in contact lens solutions were evaluated for their effectiveness in killing Acanthamoeba castellanii and Acanthamoeba polyphaga trophozoites and cysts. Preservatives were tested against amoebae at intervals varying from 30 minutes to 24 hours. The preservatives were tested with axenically and nonaxenically grown organisms. Chlorhexidine (0.001 % and 0.005%), polyaminopropyl biguanide (0.0015%), benzalkonium chloride (0.001 and 0.004%), and hydrogen peroxide (3%) were very effective preservatives. Lower concentrations of these same preservatives were less effective. Thimerosal (0.001 % and 0.004%), sorbic acid (0.1 %), potassium sorbate (0.13%), EDTA (0.1%), polyaminopropyl biguanide (0.00005%), and polycluaternium-1 (0.001 %) were not effective as tested. However, thimerosal 0.004% when combined in solution with EDTA was effective. Preservatives were more effective when tested against axenically prepared organisms than when tested against co-cultured organisms.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)854-857
Number of pages4
JournalOphthalmology
Volume98
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1991

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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