Effect of Staphylococcus epidermidis on hydrogel contact lens retention on the rabbit eye

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Microbiology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Hydrogel contact lenses are widely used, but bacterial adhesion can lead to complications.
• Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common bacterium found on ocular surfaces.
• Biofilm formation by bacteria can impact the performance and retention of medical devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the adhesion and persistence of a slime-producing Staphylococcus epidermidis strain on hydrogel contact lenses in a rabbit eye model.
• To compare the ocular retention of contact lenses challenged with slime-producing versus non-slime-producing S. epidermidis strains.
• To assess the ocular effects of S. epidermidis adhesion to contact lenses in vivo.

Main Methods:

• New Zealand White rabbits were fitted with FDA Group II hydrogel contact lenses.
• Lenses were challenged with either a slime-producing or non-slime-producing isolate of Staphylococcus epidermidis.
• Bacterial persistence and lens retention time on the rabbit cornea were monitored for up to 14 days.
• Ocular tissues were examined for adverse effects.

Main Results:

• A slime-producing isolate of Staphylococcus epidermidis adhered effectively to hydrogel contact lenses and persisted on rabbit eyes for up to 14 days.
• Lenses challenged with the slime-producing strain demonstrated longer retention times compared to those with the non-slime-producing strain.
• Minor ocular redness was the only observed adverse effect, with no other significant pathological changes noted.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial slime production significantly enhances the adhesion of Staphylococcus epidermidis to hydrogel contact lenses.
• The enhanced adhesion and persistence of slime-producing bacteria can influence contact lens retention in experimental ocular models.
• These findings highlight the importance of considering bacterial biofilm formation in the context of contact lens wear and research.