contact lens care
Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfection
BY SUSAN J. GROMACKI, OD, MS, FAAO

Interestingly, none of the patients afflicted during the Fusarium keratitis outbreak reported a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfection system. Let's review this modality and its characteristics. Hydrogen peroxide provides excellent antimicrobial efficacy. It works by penetrating the hydrogel material and provides a thorough cleaning by expanding the lens matrix and oxidizing microbes. Because of its hypotonic nature and pH of 4.00, it's also able to break protein and lipid bonds and remove trapped debris. It also can penetrate microbial biofilms. Most multipurpose soft lens solutions don't share this characteristic, which may have contributed to Fusaria survival.

Hydrogen peroxide is also preservative-free — ideal for patients who have hypersensitivities or dry eye. Two commercially available systems also contain additional wetting agents.

When patients use a hydrogen peroxide system alone with a 10-second rinse, it's an excellent choice for contact lenses prescribed for three months or less. When combined with a daily cleaner, hydrogen peroxide should be a system of choice for lenses prescribed to last for three months or more.

History

The first one-step hydrogen peroxide system, AOSept (CIBA Vision), appeared in 1982. It immediately proved more convenient than heat disinfection. However, hydrogen peroxide's share of the solutions market has declined from 20 percent in 1993 to less than 8 percent today. This is certainly due to the continuous improvement of multipurpose chemical disinfection solutions.

It may also result from marketing. Few H₂O₂ disinfection systems are sampled anymore. There's also the created perception that our patients can't comply with a rubbing step or a solution that has a red warning nozzle. Therein lies the primary disadvantage of the system — a chemical keratitis for unlucky patients who accidentally place a drop of H₂O₂ in their eyes.

The truth is, peroxide patients are among the most compliant and the most loyal to their prescribed solution, as we witnessed this year with the temporarily suspended production of AOSept and Clear Care (CIBA Vision).

Patient Education

The 3% concentration found in these solutions provides optimal lens disinfection. In most instances, it takes about 10 minutes of exposure to eliminate most bacteria and 45 to 60 minutes for fungi. You need to instruct patients that this solution is microfiltered and not interchangeable with the large brown bottles at the pharmacy.

Because H₂O₂ can be toxic to the epithelium, you also must educate your patients about the importance of full neutralization of the peroxide. Emphasize to your patients that they can achieve this only with the (basket-like) case enclosed with their system. What remains afterward is unpreserved saline; patients should apply their lenses directly from the case. Re-rinsing with H₂O₂ is contraindicated, but with sterile saline is acceptable.

Neutralization

The neutralization occurs via either a catalytic enzyme tablet or a platinum catalytic disc, depending on the solution brand.

Most systems specify a six-hour neutralization time, although newer discs neutralize much quicker than older ones. Manufacturers recommend replacing the disc/case every three months.

Inadequate neutralization may result in hyperemia, tearing, epiphora, chemosis, burning, stinging, photophobia and/or superficial punctate keratitis. With palliative measures, the anterior surface usually heals within about 24 hours.

What's Available

In my next column, I'll discuss the characteristics of the various brands of hydrogen peroxide available today.

Dr. Gromacki is in group practice in Burke, Virginia, and has served as a faculty member at the University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.