Microbial contamination correlated to hygienic habits attitudes and practices toward handling contact lens units

Abstract

Introduction: Contact lenses (CLs) are medical or cosmetic devices, comfortable and more convenient alternative to eyeglasses. Eye infection will result when microbes are introduced onto CLs, because defense against microbial invasion in the anterior chamber of the eyes is weak due to the very poor blood supply. Method: The present study investigates hygienic habits, attitudes and practices of thirty CL wearers, toward lens care, that might yield to microbial contamination of CL units through examination of 120 samples (4 items of each CL units) to detect microbial growth and to understand associated factors through a structured questionnaire. Results: Microbial contamination was detected in at least one item of twenty-five CL units (83.3%). None of disinfecting care solutions in original bottles was found contaminated. Incidence of microbial contamination in storage case (Right and Left) and rims of solution bottles was 21 (70%), 17 (56.7%) and 6 (20%) respectively. Eye redness after CLs wearing was almost a statistically significant sign associated with contaminated CL units (p=0.088). Using water only to wash hands and CL storage cases has been incriminated for increased contamination. Conclusions: Impurities in CL storage cases have led to reduced efficacy of disinfectant care solutions. Value-added awareness of CL wearers should be improved by regular visit to eye care professionals.