Better contact lens solution: study

Asepticys' newly-developed contact lens disinfection solution containing TriFlect technology provided more rapid and complete control of dangerous bacteria and harmful pathogens than other commercially-available solutions, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection.
A team of researchers from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Tulane University medical school (New Orleans) compared Asepticys' ASP-57 disinfection solution (known as TriFlect, a biocidal compound) with two of the leading commercial products on the market, Opti-Free and BioTrue. They found ASP-57 killed all types of bacteria in minutes, while the other leading commercial brands required four to six hours to provide disinfection, or failed to meet the minimum disinfection standards.
The study also found Asepticys' ASP-57 product killed several other pathogens like Acanthamoeba, which can infect contact lens-wearers following exposure to local waterways, swimming pools, and even air, resulting in a long-term painful eye infection and sometimes blindness. The other leading commercial brands had no effect against Acanthamoeba.
"Considering the fact, US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports show nearly 90% of contact lens wearers do not practice safe eye care habits, anyone wearing contact lenses needs to be more aware of the infection risks they are exposed to every day. When it comes to your vision, safety must be paramount," said Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System chief of ophthalmology, Dr Rebecca Metzinger, one of the study's authors.
Asepticys CEO, Todd Rands,said, "Everyday consumers will soon benefit from a powerful, safe and more rapid disinfection product for their contact lens care. This same highly effective TriFlect technology is fueling a pipeline of other promising new infection-fighting products that will set new standards for safety and health in our homes and hospitals."
This study was supported in part by a National Institutes of Health Grant and Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology Endowment, with two of the authors disclosing they held interests in Asepticys’ technology.