Final answer:
Hydrophilic lenses are commonly disinfected using hydrogen peroxide, alcohols like ethanol and isopropanol, and halogens such as iodine in povidone-iodine form.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several methods used today to disinfect hydrophilic lenses. Three common approaches are:
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Commonly used as a 3% solution, hydrogen peroxide is effective for the sterilization of contact lenses. Its oxidizing properties allow it to effectively disrupt cellular structures, making it a potent disinfectant.
- Alcohols: Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) are typically used in 70% aqueous solutions. These alcohols work better in aqueous solutions than in their pure forms because the presence of water helps prevent the rapid coagulation of surface proteins, allowing the alcohol to penetrate cells more effectively.
- Halogens: Specifically iodine, often used in the form of povidone-iodine (which releases iodine slowly), is applied as a disinfectant for hydrophilic lenses. The oxidative action of iodine destabilizes cellular components, leading to disinfection.