How to Prevent the Growth of Fungus from Ophthalmic Equipments?

Fungus grows on the surfaces of Used Ophthalmic Equipmentin humid and hot climates. Fungal spores that are airborne settle on lens coatings or oil from fingerprints on the optical surfaces and result in development of organisms. The digestion of organic materials results in the formation of hydrofluoric acid as waste which has the potential to destroy the coating of the lens. The acid even etches the glass.

It is difficult to find out the growth of fungus in the initial stages. The lens surface gets covered by the fungus in a web-like manner. This slightly causes the loss in the brightness of the image. The sharpness of the image deteriorates when the coating is etched out by the fungus.
Prevention of fungal growth
Fungal spores can grow everywhere when the environmental conditions are favorable. The conditions that trigger fungal growth are: http://www.globaldsr.com/
Darkness
70% relative humidity
No or little airflow
Nutrients [dirt, dust, varnish and grease]
The following precautions need to be taken to prevent the growth of fungus on anyophthalmic equipment:
The optical instruments need to be dried immediately after use and cleaning.
It is necessary to place the equipments in a dry place where the relative humidity is less than 65%. There should be plenty of air supply as well.
The devices must be sealed in plastic containers. Inclusion of silica gel packs will absorb moisture if any.
To prevent fungal growth, the devices must be subjected to artificial UV light or sunlight.
Replaceable fungicidal pellets must be used in cabinets where the optical devices are placed.
Removal of Fungus
It is very difficult to remove fungus from the lenses. The life of the optical equipment can be prolonged by killing and removing the fungal growth.