Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
Contact lens-induced infectious keratitis in Japan
Naoki Inoue1, Hiroshi Toshida, Naoki Mamada
1Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Purpose:
To identify microbiologic characteristics of infectious keratitis associated with contact lenses.
Methods:
The authors retrospectively examined the microorganism isolated from patients with microbial corneal ulcer associated with contact lenses during a 5-year period. Herpetic and other viral infections were excluded from this study. Patient age, sex, type of contact lens, and isolated organisms were collected from medical records.
Results:
Sixty-seven eyes of 66 patients (54.5%) who possibly had contact lens-induced infectious keratitis were reviewed. Cultures of corneal scrapings or eye discharge were positive in 30 (44.8%) of 67 eyes. A total of 35 strains of bacteria were detected, among which there were 29 (82.9%) gram-positive bacteria, two (5.7%) gram-negative bacteria, three (8.6%) fungi, and one (2.9%) species of Acanthamoeba. The most common type of contact lens was a conventional soft contact lens (25 eyes, including extended wear in seven eyes), whereas hard contact lenses, including rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, were worn in 19 eyes. In addition, frequent-replacement lenses were used in 17 eyes, whereas weekly lenses and daily lenses were used for three eyes each. The largest age group was the 20s for all types of lenses.
Conclusions:
The results of isolation and culture are essential for improving the cure rate, especially for patients who have severe corneal ulcers.
Insights
Microbial keratitis in contact lens wearers is often caused by gram-positive bacteria. Prompt culture and identification of microorganisms are crucial for treating severe corneal ulcers in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Contact lens wear is a significant risk factor for microbial keratitis.
- Understanding the causative agents is vital for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the microbiologic profile of infectious keratitis in contact lens wearers.
- To identify common pathogens and associated contact lens types.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 66 patients with microbial corneal ulcers linked to contact lenses over five years.
- Exclusion of viral infections.
- Analysis of patient demographics, contact lens type, and isolated microorganisms from corneal cultures.
Main Results:
- Cultures were positive in 44.8% of cases.
- Gram-positive bacteria were the most common isolates (82.9%), followed by fungi (8.6%) and gram-negative bacteria (5.7%).
- Conventional soft contact lenses were most frequently associated with keratitis, particularly in individuals in their 20s.
Conclusions:
- Microbiologic culture and identification are essential for optimizing treatment outcomes in contact lens-related infectious keratitis.
- Early diagnosis and targeted therapy can improve cure rates for severe corneal ulcers.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment