Abstract
Introduction: Contact lenses are increasingly being used for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes, followed by subsequent contamination and complications such as keratitis. The lens case is one of the most common places to find the cause of contamination. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the health behaviors affecting the lens case contamination and its relationship with the result of lens case culture which can help in prevention of complications. Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study that was performed in northwest of Iran, 150 asymptomatic participants were assessed for health behaviors affecting the lens case contamination and their lens cases were sampled for culture and antibiogram. Data were analyzed with SPSS-16 software. Results: The frequency of positive microbial culture in medical and cosmetic contact lens cases was 30.7% and 66.8%, respectively and 32.7% in general. Among the isolated bacteria observed in positive cultures, Alcaligenes,Enterobacter aerogenes, gram-positive Diphtheroid bacilli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis were the most common microorganisms, respectively. Conclusion: A significant proportion of contact lens cases, especially those used for cosmetic purposes had bacterial contamination. Failure to replace the lens case for more than 9 months and the mismatch of the lens solution brand with its storage case will increase bacterial contamination. Washing the lens case with soap and water, and drying it after washing, will reduce bacterial contamination.
Highlights
Contact lenses are increasingly being used for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes, followed by subsequent contamination and complications such as keratitis
In this study which was conducted to determine the degree of contamination of contact lens cases and the factors affecting it, 150 people using contact lenses along with 150 relevant lens cases were assessed
Among the isolated bacteria observed in positive cultures, Alcaligenes, Enterobacter aerogenes, grampositive Diphtheroid bacilli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis were the most common microorganisms, respectively
Summary
Contact lenses are increasingly being used for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes, followed by subsequent contamination and complications such as keratitis. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the health behaviors affecting the lens case contamination and its relationship with the result of lens case culture which can help in prevention of complications. Results: The frequency of positive microbial culture in medical and cosmetic contact lens cases was 30.7% and 66.8%, respectively and 32.7% in general. Conclusion: A significant proportion of contact lens cases, especially those used for cosmetic purposes had bacterial contamination. During contamination of contact lenses, the contact lens case becomes a potential source of microorganisms, especially when it is not being properly disinfected [1]. Culture and antibiogram are needed to diagnose and treat patients who are involved by complications of lens contamination that among them, the lens case is one of the
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
