In vitro Release from Antibiotic-loaded Silicone Hydrogel Contact lenses for the Treatment of ocular bacterial infections

Background: Effective treatment of corneal infections require frequent eye drop instillations, unfortunately, non-compliance is a challenge.Objectives: In this study, the effectiveness of antibiotic-loaded contact lens as a prolonged release device in the treatment of corneal bacterial infection is investigated.Materials and Method: Ofloxacin (OFL) and Chloramphenicol sodium succinate (CPL) were loaded onto silicone hydrogel contact lenses (CLs) via soaking method. Drug release, effect on clarity of the lenses at different concentrations and ability to inhibit growth of corneal ulcer causative bacteria were investigated.Results: Drug release from the lenses was directly proportional to the amount of drug loaded and the lenses at the different loading concentrations showed transmittance of 95 to 97%. The Air Optix® lenses showed higher release of drug compared to Acuvue Oasys® lenses (p < 0.05). The difference in drug release was significant at p < 0.05. The microbiological study showed zones of inhibition in Mueller Hinton agar seeded with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.Conclusion: This study shows that contact lenses can be used to control drug delivery to the eye and is a probable alternative ocular delivery technique in the treatment or prevention of corneal infections.Keywords: Antibiotics; prolonged release; contact lens; corneal infections