Risk Factors for Bacterial Keratitis and Severe Disease in Hydrogel Contact Lens Users: A Multicenter Case-Control...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Bacterial keratitis is a severe contact lens (CL)-related complication.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess risk factors for CL-related bacterial keratitis.
• To identify CL factors associated with severe disease using a case-only analysis.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study enrolled 153 bacterial keratitis cases and 158 high-risk CL wearers.
• Questionnaires collected data on demographics, CL type, wear, and handling.
• Logistic regression analyzed associations between CL variables and keratitis severity.

Main Results:

• Cases were older, more likely male, and more often smokers than controls.
• No significant association found between CL material/type and keratitis occurrence.
• Current smokers and reusable lens wearers had increased risk of severe disease.

Conclusions:

• No specific CL factors were linked to bacterial keratitis occurrence.
• Daily disposable CLs demonstrated a protective effect against severe disease.
• Smoking and reusable lens wear are risk factors for severe CL-related bacterial keratitis.