Hydrogen Peroxide-based Contact Lens Disinfection Systems Effective against SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

While SARS-CoV-2 is a largely respiratory pathogen, it has been reported that the ocular surface may present a significant opportunity for infection either via airborne droplets or by self-contamination via touching an infected surface to the eye. In particular, contaminated contact lenses present a potential vector for microorganism transmission. It is then crucial to demonstrate that contact lens disinfection solutions are effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here, we applied the International Standards Organization protocol 14729 to assess the antiviral activity of CLEAR CARE® and CLEAR CARE® PLUS, hydrogen peroxide-based contact lens disinfection systems for use with soft contact lenses. Test samples were inoculated with 5.75 log10 TCID50/mL of SARS-CoV-2 and sampled at time zero and then again after the stated disinfection time of 6 hours. Both CLEAR CARE® and CLEAR CARE® PLUS demonstrated a 4.75 log reduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus after 6 hours. No viable virus was recovered following disinfection with CLEAR CARE® and CLEAR CARE® PLUS. This data indicates the hydrogen peroxide-based contact lens disinfection systems are extremely effective at eliminating SARS-CoV-2, and these systems may provide patients with an effective option for contact lens disinfection in the face of this pandemic.