Microbial adhesion to silicone hydrogel lenses: a review
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
Thin Film Composite Silicon Elastomers for Cell Culture and Skin Applications: Manufacturing and Characterization
Published on: July 3, 2018
1School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. m.willcox@unsw.edu.au
Purpose:
Microbial adhesion to contact lenses is believed to be one of the initiating events in the formation of many corneal infiltrative events, including microbial keratitis, that occur during contact lens wear. The advent of silicone hydrogel lenses has not reduced the incidence of these events. This may partly be related to the ability of microbes to adhere to these lenses. The aim of this study was to review the published literature on microbial adhesion to contact lenses, focusing on adhesion to silicone hydrogel lenses.
Methods:
The literature on microbial adhesion to contact lenses was searched, along with associated literature on adverse events that occur during contact lens wear. Particular reference was paid to the years 1995 through 2012 because this encompasses the time when the first clinical trials of silicone hydrogel lenses were reported, and their commercial availability and the publication of epidemiology studies on adverse events were studied.
Results:
In vitro studies of bacterial adhesion to unworn silicone hydrogel lens have shown that generally, bacteria adhere to these lenses in greater numbers than to the hydroxyethyl methacrylate-based soft lenses. Lens wear has different effects on microbial adhesion, and this is dependent on the type of lens and microbial species/genera that is studied. Biofilms that can be formed on any lens type tend to protect the bacteria and fungi from the effects on disinfectants. Fungal hyphae can penetrate the surface of most types of lenses. Acanthamoeba adhere in greater numbers to first-generation silicone hydrogel lenses compared with the second-generation or hydroxyethyl methacrylate-based soft lenses.
Conclusion:
Microbial adhesion to silicone hydrogel lenses occurs and is associated with the production of corneal infiltrative events during lens wear.
Insights
Microbial adhesion to silicone hydrogel contact lenses is common and linked to corneal infiltrative events. This review focuses on understanding microbial adherence to these widely used lenses.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Microbial adhesion to contact lenses is a key factor in developing corneal infiltrative events, including microbial keratitis.
- Despite the introduction of silicone hydrogel lenses, the incidence of these adverse events has not decreased.
- Microbial adherence to silicone hydrogel lenses may contribute to the continued occurrence of these events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on microbial adhesion to contact lenses.
- To specifically focus on microbial adhesion to silicone hydrogel contact lenses.
- To analyze studies published between 1995 and 2012, covering the period of silicone hydrogel lens introduction and related adverse event research.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a literature search for studies on microbial adhesion to contact lenses.
- Included literature on adverse events associated with contact lens wear.
- Prioritized studies published from 1995 to 2012 to align with the emergence of silicone hydrogel lenses.
Main Results:
- In vitro studies indicate greater bacterial adhesion to unworn silicone hydrogel lenses compared to traditional soft lenses.
- Lens wear impacts microbial adhesion differently based on lens type and microbial species.
- Biofilms formed on lenses can shield microbes from disinfectants, and fungal hyphae can penetrate lens surfaces.
- Acanthamoeba demonstrated higher adherence to first-generation silicone hydrogel lenses than to second-generation or soft lenses.
Conclusions:
- Microbial adhesion to silicone hydrogel contact lenses is a documented phenomenon.
- This adhesion is associated with the development of corneal infiltrative events in contact lens wearers.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Microbiome of the Eye
01:14Adhesion
Capillary action is a result of water’s adhesive tendencies. When a narrow glass...