Oligon-coated contact lens case study: The efficacy of oligodynamic iontophoresis as a contact lens disinfection system as determined by FDA stand-alone protocol

Prototype contact lens cases have been prepared which are coated with an Oligon antimicrobial silicone formulation. The Oligon silicone coating incorporates a conductive additive, silver and platinum powder to set up an electrochemical system, that when contacted by chloride ions found in physiological saline, releases silver ions into the surrounding aqueous medium. Silver ions have been reported in the literature to be a potent antimicrobial agent, showing effectiveness against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as yeasts and molds. This study was designed to study the effectiveness of Oligon coated contact lens cases against FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved Stand Alone protocol for disinfecting contact lenses for the following organisms: Psuedomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcenscens, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Fusarium solani. The results of the study conclude that the Oligon cases do not meet the 8 hour FDA stand alone criteria for any of the organisms tested, but with modification, may be an exciting new frontier for the future of contact lens disinfection