To increase the safety and effectiveness of contact lenses and lens-care products for consumers, the American Optometric Association cosponsored a workshop with the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

St. Louis, MO-To increase the safety and effectiveness of contact lenses and lens-care products for consumers, the American Optometric Association cosponsored a workshop with the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health in response to Acanthamoeba and Fusarium keratitis incidences among lens wearers that occurred in late 2006 and 2007.

Currently, FDA testing fails to include the Acanthamoeba parasite as part of its standard testing process.

During the workshop a consensus was reached on testing parameters and new criteria for disinfection efficacy of test methods. The group specifically agreed on the particular Acanthamoeba parasite species and strains to test as well as an acceptable threshold for disinfection efficacy.

Other participants included the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Optometry, and the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists.