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Microbial keratitis as a foreseeable complication of cosmetic contact lenses: a prospective study

Arnaud Sauer1, Tristan Bourcier,

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France. arnaud.sauer@chru-strasbourg.fr

Acta Ophthalmologica
|March 16, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cosmetic contact lenses (CosCL) significantly increase the risk of microbial keratitis (MK) due to improper use and hygiene. CosCL wearers are younger, newer to lens wear, and face a higher risk of vision-threatening infections.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cosmetic contact lenses (CosCL) are increasingly popular, but their association with microbial keratitis (MK) requires further investigation.
  • Previous studies suggest a heightened risk of MK with CosCL compared to conventional contact lenses (CL).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the implications of CosCL on MK incidence.
  • To characterize the demographic and behavioral profile of CosCL wearers who develop MK.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, multicenter study involving 256 MK patients over two years in 12 French hospitals.
  • Ophthalmological examinations and anonymous questionnaires were used to gather data on demographics and lens wear history.
  • CosCL-related MK cases were compared to non-cosmetic CL-related MK cases.

Main Results:

  • 12.5% of MK cases were associated with CosCL wear.
  • CosCL wearers were younger (21 vs. 27 years) and had shorter wear history (3 vs. 9 years) than CL wearers.
  • CosCL were rarely dispensed by eye care professionals (OR 12.3) and education on lens care was deficient (OR 26.5), leading to poorer visual acuity in 60% of cases.

Conclusions:

  • CosCL wearers often lack proper instruction on lens use and hygiene.
  • This deficiency contributes to a higher incidence of severe, vision-threatening infections among CosCL users.
  • CosCL pose a significant risk for acute, sight-threatening microbial keratitis.

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