Originally published August 22 2005
Aspirin clears the way for contact lenses
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Salicylic acid, more commonly called aspirin, has been found to be effective against potentially harmful bacteria that grow on contact lenses.
The active ingredient in aspirin can inhibit bacterial growth on materials used in contact lenses and catheters, a researcher has found.
Microbiologist Mahesh Bandara found in laboratory studies the salicylic acid in aspirin can prevent bacteria taking hold on biopolymers - plastics designed to be compatible with the human body.
"High concentrations of salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin, prevented the bacteria from adhering or colonising," Dr Bandara said.
He found salicylic acid inhibited the production and activity of surface-associated molecules in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, essential for adhesion.
Dr Bandara said salicylic acid and other common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), reduced the production of toxins by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, lessening the destructive effects of infection.
He said further research by the Vision CRC at the University of New South Wales aimed to use NSAIDs to combat adverse responses to contact lenses, catheters and other products made with biopolymers.
Eye Research Australia managing director Hugh Taylor said contact lenses were the most common cause of eye infections but so far, nothing was available to minimise the chances of wearers becoming infected.
"This breakthrough with salicylic acid is very exciting," Professor Taylor said in an interview.
"If you could coat the contact lens with this and stop or reduce the risk of infection, that'd be a major breakthrough.
Prof Taylor said the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne saw hundreds of people each year with contact lens-related infections.
He said the risk of infection ranged from between one in 1000 to one in 10,000 people wearing contact lenses per year, depending on the type of lens.
"Many of them are minor but at times they can be very severe and lead to a permanent loss of sight," Prof Taylor said.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml