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Fungal keratitis and contact lenses: an old enemy unrecognized or a new nemesis on the block?

Sonal S Tuli1, Sandhya A Iyer, William T Driebe

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. stuli@ufl.edu

Eye & Contact Lens
|December 6, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fungal keratitis linked to contact lenses is increasingly common, rising significantly even before the 2004-2005 epidemic. This trend may stem from altered contact lens care practices and younger individuals using lenses.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases

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 fungal keratitis associated with contact lens wear.
  • To determine if the recent increase is a new phenomenon or an exacerbation of an existing trend.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on contact lens-related fungal ulcers.
  • Comparison of recent findings with historical data.

Main Results:

  • Incidence of contact lens-related fungal keratitis rose from 5% in the 1980s to 10-25% in the 1990s.
  • Florida studies showed incidence increasing from 29% (late 1990s) to 52% (early 2000s), predating the 2004-2005 epidemic.
  • The rise was primarily linked to non-therapeutic contact lens use.

Conclusions:

  • Contact lens-related fungal keratitis has become more prevalent over the past two decades.
  • The increase was evident before the recent Fusarium keratitis epidemic.
  • Potential contributing factors include changes in contact lens hygiene and earlier lens fitting in younger populations.

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