Abstract
Sixty samples of commercially available contact lens solutions were collected from students at the Pharmacy College/Baghdad University. The types of lenses used varied from medical to cosmetic. They were cultured to diagnose any microbial contamination within the solutions. Both used and unused solutions were subject for culturing. Thirty six (60%) used samples showed bacterial growth, fungal growth was absent. Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounts for the highest number of isolates (25%) followed by E. coli (21%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (6.6%), Pseudomonas fluorescence (5%) and Proteus mirabilis (1.6%) respectively. Only one (1) unused (sealed) sample showed growth of P. fluorescence. These bacterial contamination likely came from bad personal hygiene and improper or misuse of the solutions where these bacteria especially P. aeruginosa are frequently found in various environments from skin to solid materials and surfaces and are known to thrive in harsh environments. No relation was found between eye associated diseases and solution contamination among contact lens users. Special care should be paid in maintaining aseptic solutions and proper handling to avoid transmitting harmful bacteria to the eye where it may lead to serious eye infections
Highlights
Contact lenses are thin plastic lens worn between the eye and eyelid that may be used instead of eyeglasses
The current study focused on screening for microbial contamination in commercially eye lens solution used by students at College of Pharmacy/
Of the total 60 samples collected and cultured, all new 20 solutions showed negative growth except one sample showed growth of Pseudomonas fluorescence while the used solutions showed that 36 out of 40samples were contaminated with bacteria
Summary
Contact lenses are thin plastic lens worn between the eye and eyelid that may be used instead of eyeglasses. Contact lenses may be used to correct certain abnormalities of the eye that cannot be corrected by regular glasses. It was invented in 1887 but was not used until 1938 when the first plastic contact lens was introduced. In 1950, the corneal contact lens was introduced It covered only the cornea of the eye, floated on the tears of the wearer, and could be worn all day without difficulty. Contact lenses that "breathe" have become popular. They allow oxygen to get to the cornea, preventing blurred vision due to the corneal exhaustion Syndrome [1,2]
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
