Hydrogen peroxide damage to human corneal epithelial cells in vitro. Implications for contact lens disinfection systems
B. J. Tripathi and R. C. Tripathi
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Chicago, IL.
We investigated the cytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide by exposing primary
cell cultures of human corneal epithelium to a single dose of this agent at
concentrations ranging from 30 to 100 ppm. Hydrogen peroxide, at a
concentration as low as 30 ppm, caused cell retraction as well as cessation
of cell movement and mitotic activity. Formation of membranous vesicles
preceded cell death that occurred by 7 to 8 hours after exposure to 30 ppm.
With a concentration of 50 ppm, normal cell activity ceased almost
instantaneously. Numerous surface vesicles formed by 1.5 hours of exposure,
and the cells died by 4 to 5 hours. Higher concentrations of hydrogen
peroxide (70 to 100 ppm) caused cell death within a few minutes. Because
neutralization of hydrogen peroxide and patient compliance are critical in
the proper use of hydrogen peroxide-based contact lens disinfection
systems, users will be well served if the long-term effects of residual
peroxide on the cornea are subjected to continued study.
