Efficiency of the narrow-band ultra violet (UV) light in anti-fungal and anti-superbug decontamination of donor corneas

Session Details

Session Title: Ocular Infections & Other Topics

Session Date/Time: Sunday 15/09/2019 | 08:00-10:00

Paper Time: 08:00

Venue: Free Paper Forum: Podium 4

First Author: : E.Abdullayev USA

Co Author(s): :    K. Moench   S. Hasan   A. Kurz                       

Abstract Details

Purpose:

• FDA approved cornea storage media do not contain an antifungal additive. The efficacy of Narrow-Band 222 nm UV light in reducing potential corneal fungal and bacterial contamination was evaluated and the corneal endothelial safety was studied

Setting:

• This study performed at the Clinical Development laboratory of the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research Tampa, Florida USA

Methods:

• A 222 nm UV Light generator was utilized. Plates with Candida Albicans (CA), MRSA were exposed to UV light for 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 sec from distance 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm. Plate inhibition activity was measured. Donor Corneoscleral rims(n=6) were cultured prior to contamination, post contamination with CA and post UV light application. Corneal endothelial safety was evaluated (n=5) by specular microscopy at 10 min, 1 day and 3 days post irradiation on each cornea

Results:

• There was no growth of CA, MRSA at 40 and 60 seconds and observed partial inhibition at 20 seconds. No endothelial toxicity was noted at 60 seconds of UV exposure

Conclusions:

Our study confirms the anti-fungal and anti-bacterial efficacy of 222 nm Far Ultraviolet Light. It is safe for the endothelium at 60 seconds at the prescribed distance

Financial Disclosure:

None