Abstract
Purpose: :
In order to minimize bacteria associated adverse responses such as microbial keratitis, contact lens induced acute red eye (CLARE) and contact lens induced peripheral ulcers (CLPU) that occur with contact lens wear we need to develop an antimicrobial or anti-adhesive contact lens. Cationic peptides represent a novel approach for the development of antimicrobial lenses.
Methods: :
A novel cationic peptide (melimine) was covalently bound to Acuvue lenses. Confirmation tests to determine the presence of peptide and anti-microbial activity were performed. Cationic lenses were then tested for their ability to prevent CLPU in the S. aureus rabbit model and CLARE in the P. aeruginosa guinea pig model.
Results: :
In the rabbit model of CLPU melimine coated lenses showed significant reductions in the scores of ocular symptoms and in depth of corneal infiltration (p < 0.03). Evaluation of the performance of melimine lenses in the CLARE model showed significant improvement of all ocular response parameters measured compared to those observed in the eyes fitted with the control lens (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusions: :
Cationic coating of contact lenses with the peptide melamine may represent a novel method of prevention of bacterial adhesion to contact lenses and consequently result in a reduction of the incidence and severity of corneal adverse responses due to Gram-positive and Gram-negative micro-organisms during lens wear.
Keywords: bacterial disease • contact lens • antibiotics/antifungals/antiparasitics