Scientists Look at New Way to Disinfect Contact Lenses

It performs “at least as well” as current disinfectant solutions.

Scientists are looking at a natural protein for possible use as a contact lens disinfectant.

A new study suggests that solutions based on protamine “perform at least as well as current disinfectant solutions in killing microbes that can cause contact lens-related infections,” Science Daily reports.

The research was published in the journal Optometry and Vision Science.

A major advantage of protamine is that it has a “proven safety record,” according to Science Daily.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Michael Twa, editor-in-chief of Optometry and Vision Science, wrote: “Protamine represents a new strategy and a very different type of compound to help defend against ocular infections related to contact lens use.”

But Science Daily notes that further work will need to be done to examine questions such as how stable protamine is and whether it will be fully compatible with contact lens materials.

Read more at Science Daily