Povidone-iodine contact lens solutions most effective against adenovirus

Povidone-iodine-based contact lens solutions are the most effective at inactivating human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5), while hydrogen peroxide solutions require extended unneutralized contact time to achieve significant antiviral effects, according to a study.

The study tested 6 commercially available solutions: Biotrue, Boston Simplus, OPTI-FREE Puremoist, Clear Care, cleadew, and cleadew GP. Researchers conducted quantitative tests to measure the reduction in Ad5 after different incubation times with the solutions.

Povidone-iodine-based solutions were found to be the most effective, achieving a more than 3-log reduction in virus levels after 4 and 6 hours of contact. In contrast, hydrogen peroxide solutions showed a modest 0.52-log reduction at 6 hours, with higher effectiveness when the contact time was extended before neutralization, reaching a 2.18-log reduction. Nonoxidative systems, like Biotrue and OPTI-FREE Puremoist, showed limited virus reduction without additional steps. However, when lenses were rubbed and rinsed with these solutions, virus levels were significantly reduced.

Reference
Lourenco Nogueira C, Boegel SJ, et al. Antiviral activity of contact lens care solutions and rub-and-rinse regimen against adenovirus. Optom Vis Sci. 2025;doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002231. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39903204.