Contact lens wear and microbial keratitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Contact lenses, including hard, rigid gas-permeable, and soft types, are widely used for vision correction and cosmetic purposes.
• Microbial keratitis is a significant, albeit rare, complication associated with contact lens wear.
• Factors such as poor hygiene, bacterial adhesion, and hypoxia increase susceptibility to contact lens-related infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention of microbial keratitis in contact lens wearers.
• To highlight the role of specific microorganisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci, fungi, and Acanthamoeba, in causing infective keratitis.
• To outline the diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies for microbial keratitis.

Main Methods:

• Review of common contact lens types and associated risks.
• Identification of causative agents of microbial keratitis.
• Description of diagnostic methods, including culture and immunologically based techniques.
• Discussion of preventive measures and treatment options.

Main Results:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococci are the most frequent pathogens causing infective keratitis.
• Poor lens hygiene, bacterial adhesion, and hypoxia are identified as key contributing factors to infection.
• Symptoms include ocular pain, conjunctival infection, photophobia, epiphora, and reduced vision.
• Diagnostic investigations are essential for timely identification of microbial corneal ulcers.
• Treatment involves medical and surgical interventions.

Conclusions:

• Microbial keratitis is a serious risk associated with contact lens use.
• Strict adherence to hygiene protocols and prompt medical attention are vital for managing contact lens-related corneal infections.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can mitigate severe complications such as corneal thinning or perforation.