A professor of ophthalmology at the University of Illinois, Chicago thinks reduced disinfection regulations for drinking water may be at the root of a string of rare bacterial infections that are causing serious problems for contact-lens wearers.

Charlotte Joslin believes the acanthamoeba keratitis outbreak can be attributed to the EPA Stage 1 Disinfectants/Disinfection By-products Rule, implemented in 2002-2004. The change in regulation reduces certain chemicals used in the disinfection process.

The AK bacterium leads to an infection in the eyes, which can cause blindness. Between January 2005 and May 2007, there were 138 cases of AK infection reported to the CDC. The AK infection has also led to a recall of Advanced Medical Optics’ Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solution.

For contact-lens users worried about the bacteria, the CDC recommends that they follow directions from the manufacturers of their lenses and cleaning solutions, and that they remove their lenses before showering or swimming.

Source: Jyllian Kemsley, American Chemical Society, “EPA Limits Implicated In Eye Infections.” June 4, 2007.