The disinfection of contact lenses contaminated with adenovirus.

PURPOSE: We compared the efficacy of different contact lens disinfection systems to eliminate adenovirus.

METHODS

Laboratory study evaluating the elimination of adenoviral ocular isolates by contact lens disinfection systems. Hard (gas permeable) and soft contact lenses were contaminated with adenovirus serotypes 8 and 19, and then they were disinfected with chemical, hydrogen peroxide, and heat sterilization systems. The survival of the adenovirus was determined by the shell vial technique.

RESULTS

Adenovirus survived chemical and hydrogen peroxide disinfection but not heat sterilization.

CONCLUSION

Because heat sterilization is not readily available to sterilize adenovirus contaminated contact lenses, it may be prudent for patients with adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis to dispose of unclean contact lenses.