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Updated: May 3, 2026
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Automated, High-Throughput Detection of Bacterial Adherence to Host Cells
Published on: September 17, 2021
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Microbial adherence to cosmetic contact lenses
Ka Yin Chan1, Pauline Cho1, Maureen Boost2
1School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Summary
Cosmetic contact lenses with surface pigments significantly increase bacterial adherence, posing a risk for eye infections. Lenses with durable pigments showed lower microbial adhesion.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Cosmetic contact lenses (CCL) are widely used for aesthetic purposes.
- The surface properties of CCL, including pigments, may influence microbial interactions.
- Understanding microbial adherence to CCL is crucial for ocular health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of surface pigments on cosmetic contact lenses (CCL) regarding microbial adherence.
- To determine if pigment detachment affects bacterial adhesion levels.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen brands of CCL were tested using a standardized rub-off test to assess pigment stability.
- Bacterial adherence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Serratia marcescens was quantified on CCL using colony-forming units (CFU).
- Adherence to specific CCL brands was compared with their clear counterparts.
Main Results:
- Thirteen out of fifteen CCL brands showed pigment detachment during the rub-off test.
- These 13 brands exhibited significantly higher Pseudomonas aeruginosa adherence (8.7 × 10^5–1.9 × 10^6 CFU/lens) compared to CCL with stable pigments.
- CCL brands with non-detachable pigments demonstrated at least six times less bacterial adhesion.
Conclusions:
- Surface pigments on CCL significantly enhance bacterial adherence.
- CCL with unstable surface pigments present a higher risk for microbial contamination and potential eye infections.
- Ocular health may be compromised by CCL designs that allow pigment shedding and increased bacterial adhesion.
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