Corneal ulcers associated with contact lens wear

We reviewed the experience with ulcerative keratitis associated with contact lens wear at Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, from Jan 1, 1978 through July 1, 1983. Of the 322 cases of ulcerative keratitis, 56 cases (17%) were associated with the use of contact lenses. Twenty-nine (52%) of the 56 cases of contact lens-associated ulcers were culture positive. Pseudomonas was the most common isolate, occurring in 13 (23%) of the 56 cases. Staphylococcus species were the second most common, occurring in 11 (20%) of the 56 cases. In this series, contact lens-associated ulcers were seen frequently in those wearing soft lenses (48/56 cases or 86%) and in those wearing aphakic lenses (32/56 cases or 57%). Contact lens use is an increasingly important risk factor for the development of corneal ulcers. Prompt, appropriate, and intensive treatment is necessary to prevent visual loss.