Prevention of Microbial Keratitis in Contact Lens Wearers

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, which is the transparent front part of the eye. Microbial keratitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, and can cause serious infection potentially leading to permanent visual impairment or blindness. For example, Fusarium keratitis is a fungal infection of the cornea, while Acanthamoeba keratitis is caused by microscopic, free-living amoeba.

Contact lenses when worn is closely apposed to the cornea. Wearing contact lenses is associated with an increased risk of keratitis. The risk of microbial keratitis is increased by five- to ten-fold among those who wear lens overnight and for prolonged period of time. Other important risk factors include poor compliance with lens care instructions and unclean storage cases. Smoking also increases the risk of microbial keratitis.

Clinical features

Microbial keratitis may present with eye pain, eye redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, foreign body sensation in the eye, excessive tearing or other eye symptoms. Untreated infection can affect visual acuity or even cause loss of vision, which requires corneal transplantation to recover the vision.

Management

Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of contact lens-related microbial keratitis. If you have symptoms of keratitis, seek medical advice immediately.

Prevention

To prevent contact lens-related microbial keratitis, contact lens wearers should take heed of the health advice below:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them before handling contact lenses.
2. Remove contact lenses before showering or swimming.
3. Clean, rub, and rinse contact lenses every time you remove them.
4. Regularly have your eyes checked by eye care professionals.
5. Remove the contact lens whenever you feel discomfort (e.g. redness, pain, tearing or blurred vision) and seek medical advice promptly if symptoms persist despite the contact lenses have been taken off.
6. Never share contact lenses.
7. When using contact lens solution, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
8. Keep all accessories used for cleansing and disinfecting contact lenses (e.g. contact lens storage case) clean and replace them regularly.

To know more about contact lenses and tips on using contact lens solution, please refer to the following websites: https://www.mdd.gov.hk/filemanager/common/information-publication/Know%20More%20About%20Contact%20Lenses_Eng.pdf and https://www.mdd.gov.hk/filemanager/common/information-publication/Tips%20on%20Use%20of%20Contact%20Lens%20Solution.pdf