Article reviewed by Henry Rosenthal, O.D., Denver Colorado
During a study in 1997, 141 new soft contact lens wearers participated. At the end of it, it was found that 70% of their contact lens cases were contaminated by bacteria, fungi, yeasts or amoebae. Since then little has changed. Some speculate that new contact lens wearers just aren’t as aware as long time users of all the problems that can be associated with contact lens cases and solutions, even though since then, many more cases of infections, diseases and recalls of products have been broadcasted all over the news worldwide. Recent studies have also noted that contact lens solutions may lose their protective properties when exposed to heat.
In this article we will go over some of the steps you can take, regardless of how long you’ve been wearing contacts, to improve your storage case health. We will go over the different organisms that can grow and live in your storage case, and we will talk about the different cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, multipurpose, rewetting and artificial tear products that have been associated with these organisms.
Problems with Dirty Cases
The problem doesn’t usually begin with having a dirty storage case for your contact lenses. The problems tend to occur during the cleaning and disinfecting stage, developing into more serious problems inside the case.
It’s very important when cleaning your lenses with a multipurpose solution, to rub them, and then rinse them before placing them into the storage case. Rubbing your lenses removes the microorganisms, reducing the possibility that these same organisms will be transferred to the storage case or your eye.
Here are some more simple steps to help avoid a dirty storage case:
Discard used solution immediately after removing your lenses from the case each day.
Rinse your lens case thoroughly, including the underside of the lids, with disinfecting solution.
Air dry your case with the lids open.
Replace your lens case at least four times a year
Close the contact lens cases when not used to prevent dirt and other residue from entering
What Can Grow in Dirty Cases
If you do not practice proper cleaning, disinfecting and storing habits, one or all of these conditions can result in serious forms. Acanthamoeba, Fusarium and Keratitis are three major infections that can cause corneal transplants and even blindness if not treated early. Below are brief descriptions of them, including symptoms and treatment options.
Acanthamoeba is a microorganism commonly found in water, soil, sewage systems, HVAC systems and more. Acanthamoeba keratitis, also known as AK is a rare but serious infection in the cornea. It can develop in people who don’t properly clean or disinfect their lenses, people who use tap water or homemade solutions for cleaning and rinsing their lenses and people who swim, use the hot tub, or take showers while wearing their lenses. Symptoms can include eye pain, eye redness, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing or sensation of something in the eye. AK can result in the need of a corneal transplant, permanent visual impairments or even blindness.
Fusarium has occurred in a very low number of people to date, mainly in southern Florida and among people who use soft contact lenses. It’s a common fungus that lives on plants in warm climates, but has recently been tied to people using specific contact lens solutions. It’s a very serious disease that has caught the eye of the folks in the CDC and could result in the need of a corneal transplant. It’s been linked to the products Bausch & Lomb lens cleaner and ReNu MoistureLoc solution, both of which have been taken off the market.
Keratitis, or also known as corneal ulcers occur after corneal trauma with a foreign body like contact lenses. It allows bacteria or fungi to enter the cornea and causes deep infections, inflammation, severe pain, redness, and discharge. It can be treated with anti-bacterial or anti-fungal eye drops. In severe cases antibiotic treatment can eliminate the infection, but if not treated early enough it could result in the need of a corneal transplant.
Recalls You Should Know About
There are many products on the market today that are great for keeping your storage cases and your eyes safe and healthy. Take a look at the list below to make sure you don’t have any of these products under your bathroom sink or in your medicine cabinet. These products have all been recalled and are currently not on the market, however many products share parts or have similar names to products that are on store shelves.
Bausch & Lomb’s ReNu MultiPlus Lens Care Solution (recalled twice)
If you have one of these products, or think you might’ve used one of these products in the past, please call the numbers below for support and further information.
