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Bacterial Bioburden Decrease in Orthokeratology Lens Storage Cases After Forewarning: Assessment by the DNA Dot
Po-Chiung Fang1, Jung Lo, Tsung C Chang
1Department of Ophthalmology (P.-C.F., J.L., S.-L.T., Y.-H.L., M.-T.K.), Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology (T.C.C.), College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Laboratory Medicine (C.-C.C.), Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences (C.-C.H.), Chang Gung University and Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Informing orthokeratology (OK) lens wearers about bacterial contamination in their lens cases significantly reduced bacterial bioburden. This awareness strategy may decrease the risk of microbial keratitis (MK).
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Orthokeratology (OK) lens wear is associated with risks of microbial keratitis (MK).
- Bacterial contamination of OK lens storage cases is a potential contributing factor to MK.
- Assessing and communicating bacterial bioburden in lens cases is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure changes in bacterial bioburden within OK lens storage cases.
- To evaluate the impact of patient awareness regarding bacterial contamination severity.
- To assess the effectiveness of forewarning in improving lens case hygiene.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of 31 OK lens wearers.
- Serial bacterial bioburden measurements using DNA dot hybridization assay (DHA).
- Patients were informed about contamination levels and reinforced with best practices for lens care and case hygiene.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in overall bacterial bioburden observed.
- Significant decreases in Acinetobacter and Klebsiella species.
- No significant reduction in Pseudomonas species was noted.
Conclusions:
- Patient awareness of bacterial bioburden in OK lens cases improves hygiene and reduces contamination.
- Bioburden assessment combined with patient education is a viable strategy to lower the incidence of OK-related MK.
- This approach enhances patient safety in orthokeratology lens wear.
