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Fungal keratitis associated with non-therapeutic soft contact lenses

Eduardo C Alfonso1, Darlene Miller, Jorge Cantu-Dibildox

  • 1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, USA. ealfonso@med.miami.edu

American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 4, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Contact lens wear is linked to a rise in fungal keratitis cases. Fusarium species were the most common cause, with soft contact lens use significantly increasing between 2004 and 2005.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Fungal keratitis is an infection of the cornea.
  • Contact lens wear is a known risk factor for microbial keratitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the trend of culture-positive contact lens-associated fungal keratitis.
  • To identify the frequency of fungal pathogens in these cases.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective, cross-sectional laboratory study was conducted.
  • Microbiology records from January 2004 to December 2005 were reviewed.

Main Results:

  • The recovery of fungal pathogens in contact lens wearers increased from 26.7% in 2004 to 50% in 2005.
  • Fusarium species were the most frequent fungal pathogens (54.1%).
  • Soft contact lens wear among Fusarium cases more than doubled (23.3% to 47.7%) from 2004 to 2005 (P = .046).

Conclusions:

  • Contact lens wear appears to be a significant risk factor for fungal keratitis.
  • The study highlights an increasing incidence of fungal keratitis associated with contact lens use.

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