New Technology Reduces Contact Lens Infection Risk

Contact lenses covered with the antimicrobial peptide melimine might decrease hazards associated with contact lens infections, according to a study by Debarun Dutta, B.Optom, of the University of New South Wales.

Scientists’ analysis has successfully proved that humans can safely use melimine-coated lenses without experiencing major side effects. A number of experiments were performed to assess the safety of contact lenses covered with melimine, which is designed to reduce inflammation and infections. Melimine is a cationic peptide that has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.

Antimicrobial peptides are a component of the immune systems of all multicellular organisms that can inhibit microbial growth, according to Dutta and his colleagues. Melimine is one of the first antimicrobial peptides assessed for its potential clinical use.

The researchers used rabbits to test the melimine-coated lenses for safety. After three weeks there were no signs of toxic damage on the eye, such as inflammations or irritations.

The next step of the experiment involved human volunteers who wore the lenses for a day. There were no significant differences between the coated and uncoated lenses used by the sample. The two types were similar in terms of wettability, surface deposits, lens fitting, lens movement, tightness and coverage of the cornea.

After the experiment, just a single participant reported discomfort from the coated lenses. There were no instances of delayed reactions and the melimine-coated lenses were still active against Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus bacteria the day after being worn.

The lenses showed a broad variety of antimicrobial properties, according to Optomery and Vision Science editor-in-chief Anthony Adams. Moreover, they seem to be safe and able to tackle Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus bacteria, considered to be the main reasons for corneal infections.