fbpx

Treating Microbial Keratitis with Germicidal Contact Lenses

Microbial keratitis is an infection of the cornea that can result serious consequences, including increasing the opacity of the cornea, and eventually blindness. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research found that this infection could be treated using germicidal contact lenses.

Early symptoms of microbial keratitis include the eye turning red and watery, and blurred vision. Microbial keratitis caused by acanthomoeba is particularly difficult to treat because acanthomoeba is resistant to available drugs.

“Acanthamoeba are essentially everywhere. And contact lenses that are not completely clean are an excellent breeding ground for these parasites. The amoebae literally eat into the cornea,” explains Dr. Joachim Storsberg, scientist at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP.

The researchers manufactured plasma-activated silicone hydrogel contact lenses, which they say have a gentle germicidal effect, able to oxidize and destroy the membranes of the amoebas.

“Plasma is known as a germicide. It has already been successfully used for several years in the treatment of skin diseases. So it made sense to develop contact lenses with germicidal properties and see whether they attack the amoebae and prevent them from multiplying,” says Storsberg. Successful tests of the contact lenses were carried out using donor corneas that were infected by a solution of acanthomoeba.

The group’s goal is to begin clinical trials in the summer of 2018.

keratitis_2
© Fraunhofer IAP

 

Featured Posts

Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
Nikon Optical Canada logo

Now Available! Nikon’s Accredited Self-Learning Training Modules

Nikon Optical Canada is now offering accredited training modules for opticians and optometric assistants.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read more
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Unveils 2024 Board Members

Olga Prenat with EssilorLuxottica to serve as 2024 Board Chair

Read more
American Optometric Association and World Council of Optometry

WCO to Host WCO5 in Partnership with AOA at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the hosting of the 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) in collaboration with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) during the esteemed 128th Annual AOA Congress & 57th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting® 2025.

Read more
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Read more
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read more
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
Nikon Optical Canada logo

Now Available! Nikon’s Accredited Self-Learning Training Modules

Nikon Optical Canada is now offering accredited training modules for opticians and optometric assistants.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read More
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Unveils 2024 Board Members

Olga Prenat with EssilorLuxottica to serve as 2024 Board Chair

Read More
American Optometric Association and World Council of Optometry

WCO to Host WCO5 in Partnership with AOA at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the hosting of the 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) in collaboration with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) during the esteemed 128th Annual AOA Congress & 57th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting® 2025.

Read More
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Read More
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
Nikon Optical Canada logo

Now Available! Nikon’s Accredited Self-Learning Training Modules

Nikon Optical Canada is now offering accredited training modules for opticians and optometric assistants.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read more
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Unveils 2024 Board Members

Olga Prenat with EssilorLuxottica to serve as 2024 Board Chair

Read more
American Optometric Association and World Council of Optometry

WCO to Host WCO5 in Partnership with AOA at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the hosting of the 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) in collaboration with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) during the esteemed 128th Annual AOA Congress & 57th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting® 2025.

Read more
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Read more
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read more
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
Nikon Optical Canada logo

Now Available! Nikon’s Accredited Self-Learning Training Modules

Nikon Optical Canada is now offering accredited training modules for opticians and optometric assistants.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read more
Global Myopia Awareness Coalition

Global Myopia Awareness Coalition Unveils 2024 Board Members

Olga Prenat with EssilorLuxottica to serve as 2024 Board Chair

Read more
American Optometric Association and World Council of Optometry

WCO to Host WCO5 in Partnership with AOA at Optometry’s Meeting® 2025

The World Council of Optometry (WCO) announces the hosting of the 5th World Congress of Optometry (WCO5) in collaboration with the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) during the esteemed 128th Annual AOA Congress & 57th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting® 2025.

Read more
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Read more
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read more