Related Experiment Videos
Ulcerative keratitis in contact lens wearers.
Ephigenia K Mela1, Ioanna P Giannelou, John X Koliopoulos
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece. ifigenia@ hol.gr
Eye & Contact Lens
|October 14, 2003
Summary
Contact lens wear is a significant risk factor for ulcerative keratitis, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most common cause. Culturing contact lenses and solutions alongside corneal scrapings is crucial for effective treatment of these infections.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Contact lens wear is associated with an increased risk of microbial keratitis.
- Understanding the specific microbiological profiles of contact lens-related corneal ulcers is essential for guiding treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of corneal ulcers in patients using contact lenses.
- To identify the predominant pathogens and assess outcomes in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed 23 patients with contact lens-related corneal ulcers over 43 months.
- Data collected included patient demographics, contact lens type and wear habits, ulcer severity, and microbiological cultures (corneal scrapings, lens, and solution).
Main Results:
- Contact lens wear accounted for 26.74% of ulcerative keratitis cases, predominantly affecting young women.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequent pathogen (60%), and cultures of contact lenses and solutions were often positive when corneal scrapings were negative.
- Good visual acuity (≥20/40) was achieved in 60.87% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Contact lens use is a major risk factor for ulcerative keratitis, with P. aeruginosa as the leading cause.
- Culturing contact lenses and storage solutions, in addition to corneal scrapings, is recommended for accurate diagnosis.
- Prompt and appropriate initial therapy is vital for managing contact lens-related corneal ulcers.