Fungal growth in aphakic soft contact lenses

Fungal growth was detected in two aphakic hydrophilic contact lenses. Aspergillus species was cultured from the extended-wear contact lens and Dermatophilus congolensis was identified by specific antibody staining of the daily-wear contact lens. As in the 16 previously described cases of fungal contact lens growth, our patients had no evidence of ocular infection but did experience irritation which cleared up when contact lens wear was discontinued. Although only a small percentage of contact lenses are prescribed because of aphakia, these thicker contact lenses may be more susceptible to fungal growth and should be monitored carefully.