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Fungal invasion of seven hydrophilic contact lenses
1Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada.
Abstract:
In six patients we reviewed the clinical, microbiologic, and histopathologic findings of seven hydrophilic contact lenses that had been infiltrated by fungi. Three patients had visual blurring or irritation and redness while wearing a contaminated lens; of these, two were unaware of any lens deposits. Three of the lenses from two patients were spares kept in storage for six months and one year, respectively. One contaminated lens had been torn and was kept in a case while a loaner lens was worn. Culture of this lens grew Cladosporium species. The contact lens case from one patient grew Penicillium species. Gross pathologic inspection disclosed multiple brown deposits in five lenses, multiple gray infiltrates in one lens, and a white infiltrate in one lens. Light microscopic examination disclosed partial-thickness (three lenses) or full-thickness (four lenses) invasion of the lens matrix by fungi, which contained granular, brown pigment in six lenses.
Insights
Fungal contamination of hydrophilic contact lenses can occur, even in unused lenses. Microscopic analysis revealed fungi invading the lens matrix, sometimes with visible deposits, impacting lens integrity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Mycology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Hydrophilic contact lenses are widely used for vision correction.
- Fungal keratitis is a serious ocular infection that can be associated with contact lens wear.
- Contamination of contact lenses by fungi can lead to ocular infections and lens damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical, microbiologic, and histopathologic findings of hydrophilic contact lenses contaminated by fungi.
- To identify the fungal species involved and the extent of lens matrix invasion.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data from six patients.
- Microbiologic culture of contaminated contact lenses and cases.
- Gross pathologic inspection of lenses.
- Light microscopic examination of lens matrix invasion and fungal pigment.
Main Results:
- Seven hydrophilic contact lenses from six patients were found to be infiltrated by fungi.
- Clinical symptoms included visual blurring, irritation, and redness in three patients.
- Microscopic examination revealed fungal invasion of the lens matrix (partial or full-thickness) in all seven lenses.
- Fungi containing granular, brown pigment were identified in six lenses.
- Specific fungal species identified included Cladosporium and Penicillium.
Conclusions:
- Fungal infiltration of hydrophilic contact lenses is a significant issue, potentially occurring even in stored lenses.
- Fungal invasion can compromise lens integrity and may be associated with ocular symptoms.
- Histopathologic examination is crucial for diagnosing fungal contamination and assessing the extent of lens matrix invasion.