안경용 초음파세척기를 이용한 소프트렌즈 세척 실태 조사와세척용기에 따른 단백질 제거 효과

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the actual state about ultrasonic cleaning of soft contact lenses in local optical shops and evaluate the removal effect of protein deposit on soft contact lenses with different lens containers by ultrasonic cleaner for eyeglasses. Methods: The actual state about ultrasonic cleaning of soft contact lenses was surveyed in total 75 local optical shops in Seoul, Korea. The cleaning efficacy of different lens containers was compared by measuring the protein remained on ocufilcon D contact lenses after washing by an ultrasonic cleaner for eyeglasses. The changes on surfaces and wetting angles of ocufilcon D contact lenses by repeat ultrasonication were further investigated. Results: The main purpose to use ultrasonic cleaners in local optical shops was rapid cleaning. The ultrasonic cleaning efficacy of ocufilcon D contact lenses with glass containers was little higher than it with plastic containers, but was not significantly different. The changes on surfaces and wetting angles of ocufilcon D contact lenses in a plastic lens container by repeat ultrasonication such as 30 and/or 60 times were shown. Conclusions: There was not significant difference in cleaning efficacy between glass and plastic lens containers. However, repeat cleaning with ultrasonic cleaner for eyeglasses would be carefully considered since some significant changes in the parameters of lens surface and wetting angles were detected by repeat ultrasonification even when lens containers were used for ocufilcon D contact lens during ultrasonictions.