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Risk factors and causative organisms in microbial keratitis in daily disposable contact lens wear

Fiona Stapleton1,2,3, Thomas Naduvilath2, Lisa Keay1,2,3,4

  • 1School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

Plos One
|August 17, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Daily wear of contact lenses (CLs) increases microbial keratitis risk, especially with overnight use, smoking, and poor hand hygiene. Certain CL types offer protection, and causative organisms suggest less severe disease.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Microbial keratitis is a serious complication of contact lens wear.
  • Daily disposable contact lenses (CLs) are increasingly popular, necessitating investigation into their specific risk factors.
  • Understanding causative organisms is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify independent risk factors for microbial keratitis in daily disposable CL wearers.
  • To determine the causative organisms associated with microbial keratitis in this population.
  • To compare risk factors and organisms across different CL wear modalities.

Main Methods:

  • A multisite prospective case-control study was conducted.
  • Data collected via questionnaires on CL wear history, hygiene, and demographics.
  • Statistical analysis included multiple binary logistic regression and chi-squared tests.

Main Results:

  • Daily wear, overnight wear, infrequent hand washing, and smoking were significant risk factors for microbial keratitis.
  • Certain daily disposable CL types demonstrated a protective effect.
  • Environmental organisms were less frequently isolated from daily disposable CL wearers compared to other modalities.

Conclusions:

  • Overnight wear, prolonged daily wear, smoking, and poor hand hygiene are key risk factors for microbial keratitis in daily disposable CL users.
  • The type of daily disposable CL influences the risk.
  • The identified causative organisms suggest a potentially less severe disease profile.

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