Hydrogen Peroxide Contact Solutions More Effective Against Fungi

Even if you take the best care of your contact lenses, there is always the risk of infection--especially that of fungi. Fungi (along with bacteria) form biofilms which is a colony of microorganisms that stick to each other and form a slimy matrix on surfaces (in this case, a contact lens).   These biofilms make the fungi more resistant to disinfection and removal.

In 2006, Bausch & Lomb settled hundreds of lawsuits due to a huge outbreak of fungal eye infections connected to their RENU Moisture-Loc contact lens solution.  It was found that some of the batches were not stored at appropriate temperatures, causing them to lose some of their disinfecting ability.

The organism responsible for all this fungal outbreak was the Fusarium species.  Such an infection is difficult to treat when it infects the eyes.

Studies show that contact lens cleaning solutions containing hydrogen peroxide are more effective in fighting the proliferation of fungi than regular multi-purpose contact lens solution.

Researchers tested two hydrogen peroxide contact solutions and five multi-purpose contact lens solutions against the biofilms of Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum.  The two hydrogen peroxide solutions were effective against both strains.

Only two of the five regular multi-purpose solutions were effective against the biofilms of F.solani and only one of the five were effective against F. oxysporum.

SOURCE1
SOURCE2