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Contamination of contact lens storage cases of asymptomatic refractive surgery candidates
Assaf Kratz1, Jaime Levy, Shmuel Argov
1Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Guiron University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. assaff@bgu.ac.il
Purpose:
To examine the rates of contamination of contact lens storage cases of refractive surgery candidates and compare the growth yields of the traditional method of culturing and a broth-based method.
Methods:
Thirty contact lens storage cases of 16 asymptomatic refractive surgery candidates were studied. Samples from the lens storage case fluid were inoculated into Bactec Peds Plus F broth (Becton Dickinson) and also directly onto blood agar, chocolate agar, and Sabouraud dextrose agar ("traditional method"). Another sample was processed for amoebal contamination. The rate of contamination of cases and the types of pathogens were evaluated for the broth-based and traditional culturing methods. Correlation between right and left storage cases of the same patient was defined as contamination of the two compartments with the same pathogen or pathogens. To avoid statistical bias, only one compartment was included in the study for these patients.
Results:
Four storage cases were omitted due to growth correlation between right and left storage cases. Of the remaining 26 storage cases, 16 (61.5%) were found to be contaminated using the broth-based method and 10 (38.5%) using the traditional method (P=.011). High contamination rates were observed regardless of the type of disinfecting solution or type of contact lens used.
Conclusions:
The broth-based method had significantly greater culture yield than the traditional method. The high rates of contamination of contact lens storage cases of refractive surgery patients may put this cohort at greater risk than non-contact lens wearing candidates for developing postoperative infections.
Insights
Contact lens storage cases in refractive surgery candidates show high contamination rates. A broth-based culturing method is more effective than traditional methods for detecting these contaminants, potentially reducing infection risk.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Contact lens wear is common among individuals seeking refractive surgery.
- Contaminated contact lens storage cases can harbor microorganisms.
- Assessing contamination in this patient group is crucial for preventing postoperative infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the contamination rates of contact lens storage cases in refractive surgery candidates.
- To compare the efficacy of a broth-based culturing method versus traditional methods for detecting case contamination.
Main Methods:
- Samples from 30 contact lens storage cases of 16 asymptomatic refractive surgery candidates were analyzed.
- Cultures were performed using a broth-based method and traditional agar plating (blood, chocolate, Sabouraud dextrose).
- Amoebal contamination was also assessed.
Main Results:
- Of 26 evaluable cases, 61.5% showed contamination with the broth-based method, compared to 38.5% with the traditional method (P=.011).
- High contamination rates were observed irrespective of disinfecting solution or contact lens type.
- The broth-based method yielded significantly higher culture growth.
Conclusions:
- The broth-based method demonstrates superior sensitivity for detecting microbial contamination in contact lens storage cases.
- Refractive surgery candidates with contact lens experience exhibit a high prevalence of contaminated storage cases.
- This contamination may increase their risk for postoperative ocular infections.
