Topical hydrogen peroxide and the safety of ocular tissues

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective and commonly used contact lens disinfectant that is also used as a preservative in certain ocular medications. We describe the effects of hydrogen peroxide on the cornea and anterior chamber following its topical application via a contact lens or as drops. The condi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe CLAO journal Vol. 19; no. 3; p. 186
Main Authors Riley, M V, Wilson, G
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.07.1993
Subjects
Administration, Topical
Animals
Anterior Chamber - drug effects
Anterior Chamber - metabolism
Contact Lenses
Cornea - drug effects
Cornea - metabolism
Disinfectants
Humans
Hydrogen Peroxide - pharmacokinetics
Hydrogen Peroxide - toxicity
Ophthalmic Solutions
Rabbits
Sensory Thresholds
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Summary:Hydrogen peroxide is an effective and commonly used contact lens disinfectant that is also used as a preservative in certain ocular medications. We describe the effects of hydrogen peroxide on the cornea and anterior chamber following its topical application via a contact lens or as drops. The conditions for interaction of hydrogen peroxide with corneal and palpebral tissues and its accumulation within the aqueous humor are detailed. Values are given for thresholds at which hydrogen peroxide in specified concentrations, volumes, locations, and durations of exposure can cause ocular pain, swelling of the corneal stroma, damage to the endothelium, and penetration of the compound to the anterior chamber. The cornea and the palpebral tissues, together with the tear film, form a highly effective barrier and detoxifying system that, except under extreme, accidental circumstances, prevents both extra- and intraocular damage from use of hydrogen peroxide in contact lens care or in medications.
ISSN:0733-8902