BANNING BACTERIA: Antimicrobial contact lenses

Bacterial contamination of biomaterials is a major problem in eye care and in the wider medicine arena. Bacterial contamination of contact lenses causes an increased risk of corneal infection and inflammation.  Adverse responses occur at a rate of 10-25% in contact lens patients, and range in severity from minor inflammation, to the potentially blinding microbial keratitis. 

The Institute for Eye Research is developing an “antibacterial contact lens” that will prevent bacteria adhering to the lens, and reduce the occurrence and severity of infection and inflammation.  

Substances called furanones, derived from naturally occurring Australian marine algae, have been found to inhibit adhesion and colonisation of ocular bacteria onto contact lens surfaces, and to inhibit bacterial virulence. 

Researchers at the Institute and Biosignal Ltd have screened and selected a group of furanone compounds with high activity and low toxicity to be used in contact lens coatings.  Such coated lenses have markedly reduced adhesion of two of the main bacteria associated with contact lens inflammation - Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 

Studies are continuing on the effect of furanone-coated lenses in reducing the occurrence and symptoms of contact lens-associated corneal infection and inflammation.  This research is conducted in partnership with Biosignal Ltd and international contact lens manufacturers.