Patients using orthokeratology (ortho-K) lenses may need to update their care routine to prevent case contamination. A study conducted in China has determined that a cylindrical contact lens case design, a monthly case replacement schedule, daily rinsing with multipurpose solution and drying the lens case with a tissue can effectively reduce biofilm formation.

The study collected contact lens cases from 194 ortho-K patients who also completed a checklist about their daily care routine and handling of their lens cases.

Twenty-five patients used cylindrical lens cases, 98 flat cases with ridges and 71 flat cases without ridges. The study found that flat cases with ridges were the most heavily contaminated while cylindrical lens cases showed the least contamination. Replacing the lens case monthly significantly reduced the risk of high contamination compared with those used for three months.

Rinsing the contact lens case with multipurpose solution provided significantly less contamination compared with cases not rinsed or rinsed by other methods. Lens cases wiped dry with a tissue daily were less contaminated than those not dried or air-dried for six or more hours.

Wang J, Liu L, Boost M, et al. Risk factors associated with contamination of orthokeratology lens cases. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. August 26, 2019. [Epub ahead of print].