PMID: 2123422Oct 1, 1990Paper

Ultraviolet radiation for the sterilization of contact lenses

The CLAO Journal : Official Publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc
D C GritzN Baron

Abstract

Two sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation with peak wavelengths in the UV-C or UV-B ranges were compared for their ability to sterilize contact lenses infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acanthamoeba castellani, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. Also examined was the effect of prolonged UV light exposure on soft and rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses. The UV-C lamp (253.7 nm, 250 mW/cm2 at 1 cm) was germicidal for all organisms within 20 minutes but caused destruction of the soft lens polymers within 6 hours of cumulative exposure. UV-C caused damage to RGP lenses in less than 100 hours. The UV-B lamp (290-310 nm, 500 mW/cm2 at 1 cm) was germicidal for all organisms tested (except Aspergillus) with a 180-minute exposure and caused less severe changes in the soft lens polymers than did the UV-C lamp, although cumulative exposure of 300 hours did substantially weaken the soft lens material. RGP materials were minimally affected by exposure to 300 hours of UV-B. Ultraviolet light is an effective germicidal agent but is injurious to soft lens polymers; its possible utility in the sterilization of RGP lenses and lens cases deserves further study.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by Candida and it can affect many parts for the body including mucosal membranes as well as the gastrointestinal, urinary, and respiratory tracts. Here is the latest research.

Bacterial Pneumonia (ASM)

Bacterial pneumonia is a prevalent and costly infection that is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of all ages. Here is the latest research.

Candidiasis (ASM)

Candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused by Candida and it can affect many parts for the body including mucosal membranes as well as the gastrointestinal, urinary, and respiratory tracts. Here is the latest research.

Candida albicans

Candida albicans is an opportunistic, fungal pathogen of humans that frequently causes superficial infections of oral and vaginal mucosal surfaces of debilitated and susceptible individuals. Discover the latest research on Candida albicans here.

Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is a prevalent and costly infection that is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of all ages. Here is the latest research.

Related Papers

American Journal of Ophthalmology
P J Dolman, M J Dobrogowski
The CLAO Journal : Official Publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc
M P ShaughnessyL Szczotka
The CLAO Journal : Official Publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc
O KariR Lemola
The CLAO Journal : Official Publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc
T BufidisE Mamtziou
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved