A CHLORHEXIDINE CONTACT LENS DISINFECTION TABLET: DESIGN CRITERIA AND ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY IN POTABLE TAP WATER

Abstract A contact lens disinfection system (OptimEyes) is described, based on a tablet formulation, which, when added to 10ml of rising mains tap water, provides a disinfection solution containing 0.004% chlorhexidine gluconate in a safe, ophthalmically acceptable vehicle. The design criteria associated with the formulation development are discussed and microbiological efficacy data against bacteria ( Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus sp.), moulds and yeasts ( Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger ), virus ( Herpes simplex ), and Acanthamoeba ( A. castellaniiv A. polyphaga ), are provided for the tablet dissolved in representative samples of water. The results demonstrate that rising mains tap water as modified by the OptimEyes formulation provides a microbiologically safe, simple, and highly effective method for lens disinfection, which should promote care regimen compliance.