Cosmetic Contact Research Articles

Assessment of Bacterial Contamination in Used Cosmetic Contact Lenses Among Women Visiting Beauty Salons in Sabratha City

This study aimed to assess bacterial contamination in cosmetic contact lenses used by women visiting beauty salons in Sabratha city and to evaluate the antibacterial susceptibility of the isolated bacteria. A total of 50 used soft cosmetic contact lenses and 5 new (unused) lenses were collected in April 2023. The lenses were swabbed, and samples were incubated in nutrient broth for bacterial isolation, followed by streaking on different agar plates (nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, and blood agar). Antibiotic susceptibility was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, with various antibiotics. The results showed that all 5 unused lenses were free from contamination, while 43 out of 50 used lenses (86%) exhibited microbial contamination. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (25%), and Staphylococcus aureus (15%), along with other species (11%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that Ciprofloxacin, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, and Imipenem had the highest antibacterial effectiveness, with inhibition zones ranging from 26 mm to 30 mm. Gentamycin, Amikacin, and Tobramycin showed moderate effectiveness, while Cefuroxime and Augmentin had lower effectiveness. Cloxacillin showed no antibacterial activity. The findings emphasize the high risk of bacterial contamination in cosmetic contact lenses, stressing the importance of maintaining strict hygiene practices to prevent eye infections. Proper disinfection and storage in sterile solutions are crucial for ensuring lens safety and longevity, while effective antibiotic treatments are necessary to control bacterial contamination.

Contact Lens-Assisted DMEK for Corneal Decompensation With an Anterior Chamber Intraocular Lens: A Novel Technique.

To describe a novel technique in which a contact lens was used to facilitate Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in an eye with an anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL). A 71-year-old man with a long-standing ACIOL developed bullous keratopathy. As the patient was at high risk of complications due to multiple ocular comorbidities, DMEK was performed with the ACIOL left in the anterior chamber. An inserted cosmetic contact lens was used as a platform for the graft unfolding. Partial graft detachment on the third postoperative day required rebubbling. This successfully cleared up the cornea after a few weeks. At the one-month follow-up, the uncorrected distance visual acuity improved to 20/50, with an endothelial cell loss of 35.2%. Steroid-induced ocular hypertension necessitated a trabeculectomy by the fifth postoperative month. At the sixth follow-up month, endothelial cell loss was 64%. Contact lens-assisted DMEK is a safe procedure for eyes with an ACIOL. However, good foresight is needed regarding whether the ACIOL should be kept or exchanged.

Anti-Pseudomonal Effect of Nephrite-Impregnated Contact Lenses

Purpose This study compared the anti-pseudomonal effects between nephrite-impregnated contact lenses (CLs) and conventional and cosmetic CLs. Methods After inoculation with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa), we counted the number of bacteria on the CL surface and observed each surface using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To estimate potential harm of nephrite-impregnated CLs, we conducted a safety test using a rabbit model, treated with all CL types. Results Both conventional and cosmetic CLs (n = 258 ± 2.9 × 104, 368 ± 2.2 × 104) showed significantly decreased number of attached bacteria when compared with those without nephrite impregnation (n = 134 ± 0.8 × 104, 238 ± 2.5 × 104, p < 0.0001, respectively). AFM and SEM revealed that P. aeruginosa was less attached to the nephrite-impregnated CLs than to the conventional and cosmetic CLs, although those with nephrite impregnation had rougher surface. In the safety test, there were no significant differences in the findings between four groups, and the clarity and stability of all corneas were preserved. Conclusions Nephrite may be used as a next-generation substance to reduce infectious keratitis caused by P. aeruginosa when added to CLs.

Cosmetic Contact Lenses in the United Kingdom: Assessment of Online Regulation and Quality of Consumer Health Information.

To determine the compliance of online vendors to the UK Opticians Act 1989 Section 27 requirements and safety regulations for cosmetic contact lens (CCL) sales and the quality of online CCL health information. The top 50 websites selling CCLs on each three search engines, namely Google, Yahoo, and Bing, were selected. Duplicates were removed, and the remaining websites were systematically analyzed in February 2023. UK legal authorization for CCL sales was assessed using the Opticians Act Section 27 and safety regulations determined by the presence of Conformité Européene (CE) marking. The quality and reliability of online information was graded using the DISCERN (16-80) and JAMA (0-4) scores by two independent reviewers. Forty-seven eligible websites were analyzed. Only six (12.7%) met the UK legal authorization for CCL sales. Forty-nine different brands of CCLs were sold on these websites, of which 13 (26.5%) had no CE marking. The mean DISCERN and JAMA benchmark scores were 26 ± 12.2 and 1.3 ± 0.6, respectively (intraclass correlation scores: 0.99 for both). A significant number of websites provide consumers with easy, unsafe, and unregulated access to CCLs. Most online stores do not meet the requirements set out in the Opticians Act for CCL sales in the United Kingdom. A significant number of CCLs lack CE marking, while the average quality of information on websites selling CCLs is poor. Together, these pose a risk to consumers purchasing CCLs from unregulated websites, and therefore, further stringent regulations on the online sales of these products are needed.

Bacterial endocarditis caused by contact lens usage

A 17-year-old female was transferred to our hospital due to high fever, general fatigue, and dim eyesight. Three weeks before, she had used cosmetic colored contact lenses and then suffered from bloodshot eyes associated with dim eyesight. Intermittent fever and general fatigue were followed by eye symptoms. Echocardiography revealed moving vegetation on the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve associated with mild mitral valve regurgitation. There were no infectious sites in systemic examinations; thus, the cause of infective endocarditis was considered the infection due to contact lens usage. The patient initially received mitral valve plasty associated with the removal of infective sites. However, redo surgery was necessary 19 days later due to the relapse of infection, and the mitral valve was replaced by bioprosthesis. Traumatic injury of vessels due to inappropriate contact lens usage seemed to lead to systemic hematogenous infection and subsequent endocarditis. We report a rare case of infective endocarditis which was caused by contact lens usage.

Corneal warpage caused by cosmetic contact lenses: a case description.

Corneal warpage caused by cosmetic contact lenses: a case description.

Risk Factors for Meibomian Gland Disease Assessed by Meibography.

To elucidate risk factors for meibomian gland disease (MGD) and understand associated changes in meibography and in relation to ocular surface disease. As part of the standard workup for ocular surface disease at a tertiary academic center, 203 patients received an ocular history and lifestyle questionnaire. The questionnaire included detailed inquiries about ocular health and lifestyle, including makeup use, cosmetic eyelid procedures, screen time, and contact lens habits. Subjects also took the standardized patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED) II questionnaire. Meibomian gland (MG) dropout and structural changes were evaluated on meibography and scored by three independent graders using meiboscores. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify significant risk factors associated with MG loss. This retrospective, cross-sectional studyincluded 189 patients (378 eyes) with high-quality images for grading, and the average age was 67 years (77% female). Patients older than 45 years had significantly more dropout than younger patients (p < 0.01). Self-reported eye makeup use did not significantly impact MG loss. Patients with a history of blepharoplasty trended toward higher meiboscores, but the difference was not statistically significant. Self-reported screen time did not affect meiboscores. Contact lens use over 20 years was associated with significant MG loss (p < 0.05). SPEED II scores had no relationship to meiboscores (p = 0.75). Older age is a significant risk factor for MG loss. Any contact lens use over 20 years also impacted MG dropout. Highlighting the incongruence of symptoms to signs, SPEED II scores showed no relationship to the structural integrity of MGs.

Nanozyme-Cosmetic Contact Lenses for Ocular Surface Disease Prevention.

Efficiently balancing excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by various factors on the ocular surface is a promising strategy for preventing the development of ocular surface diseases (OSDs). Nevertheless, the conventional topical administration of antioxidants is limited in efficacy due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and irreversible depletion, which impede their performance. To address this issue, contact lenses embedded with antioxidant nanozymes that can continuously scavenge ROS, thereby providing an excellent preventive effect against OSDs are developed. Specifically, Prussian blue family nanozymes are chosen based on their multiple antioxidant enzyme-like activities and excellent biocompatibility. The diverse range of colors made them promising candidates for the development of cosmetic contact lenses (CCLs) as a substitute for conventional pigments. The efficacy of nanozyme-CCLs is demonstrated in rabbits and rats exposed to a high risk of developing OSDs. These OSDs' prevention nanozyme-CCLs can pave the way for CCLs toward powerful wearable biomedical devices and provide novel strategies for the rational utilization of nanomaterials in clinical practice.

Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites that survive multipurpose solutions are able to adhere to cosmetic contact lenses, increasing the risk of infection

Amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are etiological agents of amoebic keratitis, for which up to now there is no treatment of choice and one of its main risk factors is the use of contact lenses, including cosmetic contact lenses. Recently there has been an increase in amoebic keratitis cases due to the use of cosmetic contact lenses. Therefore, having a solution for the care of lenses with an efficient disinfectant effect that prevents the adhesion of trophozoites to lenses becomes essential. This study was carried out to determine the effect of 8 multipurpose contact lenses care solutions on Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites viability, and the efficiency of two of them to prevent the trophozoites adherence onto two cosmetic contact lenses (Acuvue 2, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and Magic Eye CCL, not approved). After 3 h of interaction, only AO Sept Plus, OPTI FREE Replenish, Renu Plus, Bio True and Multiplus significantly reduced the number of viable trophozoites with respect to the control; at 6 h Renu Plus, and at 12 h Conta Soft Plus and Multiplus, maintained the inhibitory effect. Only Opti Free Pure Moist did not significantly reduce the number of viable trophozoites. Multiplus and Opti Free Pure Moist (selected for their greater and lesser antiamibic effect) significantly reduced trophozoite adherence to both lenses; however, Opti Free Pure Moist was more efficient, despite the fact that A. castellanii adhered similarly to both lenses. Our results show that in all the multipurpose solutions evaluated, hundreds of viable A. castellanii trophozoites remain after several hours of incubation. Therefore, storage of the lenses in their case with MPS maintains the potential risk of amoebic keratitis in, cosmetic contact lenses wearers. Moreover, the use of CCL, not approved by the FDA, can increase the risk factor for AK since its poor manufacture can favor the permanence of amoebae, in addition to being a risk for corneal integrity.

Investigation of Contact Lens Use and Perception among Hospital Workers: A Survey on Contact Lens Use, Knowledge and Attitude among Hospital Workers

Purpose: To investigate the patterns of contact lens (CL) use and knowledge and attitude regarding the CL use among worker at a Kangwon National University Hospital.Methods: QA survey regarding the use of CL and CL-related knowledge and attitude were distributed over 2 month period starting in March, 2021 to Kangwon National University Hospital workers who had experience of CL use. The survey included questions regarding age, gender, occupation, type of CL, reason for wearing, period of use, purchase route, CL wearing pattern, complications, causative factors, and regular eye examination. The answer to each question was collected and analyzed.Results: One hundred and twelve participants completed the survey. The mean age was 30.1±5.8 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1:2.6. Soft and cosmetic CLs comprised the majority (95.5%, 107/112). Most respondents (99.1%, 111/112) purchased their CL from an optical store or through internet without prescription. Only 71.4% (80/112) washed their hands when wearing and removing lenses. In many cases, respondents had incorrect knowledge about method of CL and lens case cleaning. Most respondents 99.1% (111/112) experienced complications like foreign body sensation, dry-eye, hyperemia, blurred vision, tearing, of which only 8.0% (9/112) received regular eye examinations.Conclusions: The study finding showed even hospital workers may have incorrect knowledge regarding use of CL. Although most CL user experienced complications regarding CL, only a small proportion of CL users are receiving regular eyeexamination. Education of CL users regarding the CL care and importance of regular eye examinations are therefore warranted.

Fungal invasion of cosmetic contact lens mimicking a corneal ulcer

Fungal invasion of cosmetic contact lens mimicking a corneal ulcer

Compliance to contact lens wear and care among Jordanian adults.

To evaluate compliance to contact lens (CL) wear and care routines among adults in Jordan. A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire administered by an interviewer was conducted among adults in Jordan between the months of May and July of the year 2022. Adult (≥ 18 years) contact lens wearers attending work establishments, universities and shopping centers in the cities of Amman, Aqaba and Irbid in Jordan. Compliance to CL wear and care in addition to CL hygiene habits were evaluated. A total of 834 (600 women) participants were included in the study with an age range of 18 to 55 years (average; 25.49 ± 7.75). Soft spherical CLs for myopia correction were worn by 45.6% of the sample, followed by cosmetic CLs (CCL) (43%). Highest compliance rate (99%) was calculated for not sharing CL with others and the lowest rate (24%) was for cleaning the CL case, with an average compliance rate of 72.25% for the sample with all habits surveyed. Medium compliance rates were related to following instructions of CL solution use including avoiding using expired solution or avoiding topping off. Risk factors for non-compliant behaviors included CCL wear, purchasing CL from beauty centers and being 25 years of age or younger. This study which was performed in a non-clinical setting showed that women and young adults comprise the majority of CL wearers in Jordan. Participants were compliant with most CL wear and care behaviors except for cleaning the CL case and attending aftercare visits. Many CL wearers also reported purchasing lenses from beauty centers and online without consulting CL practitioners. There is a need for patient education regarding the hygiene of the CL case, and the necessity for consulting the CL practitioner for the appropriate type of CL including proper wear and care regimen.

Characteristics and Complications of Cosmetic Contact Lens

Cosmetic contact lenses are soft lenses dyed for cosmetic enhancement. Their use has increased over time in Korea, especially among adolescents, but they are associated with certain complications. We compared the characteristics of cosmetic and conventional soft contact lenses, as well as the complications and treatments therefor.

Why are soft contact lens wear discontinuation rates still too high?

ABSTRACT Introduction Notwithstanding continuing improvements in contact lens technology and increasing use of daily disposables, discontinuations from soft contact lens wear remain a significant problem with ‘drop-out’ too often occurring after patients have initially achieved successful routine use. Areas covered This review examines the possibility that the signs and symptoms of discontinuations might, for example be associated with corneal and/or lid wiper neuropathy and/or aqueous, mucin and lipid deficiencies and/or mental health disorders. In addition, this review examines how soft contact lens wear places high demands on tear functions. Expert opinion Limitations in clinically detecting evidence of some adverse responses to soft contact lens wear may explain how discontinuations can sometimes be described as unexplained. Similarly, limitations in clinically determining the significance of different forms of tear dysfunction and their exacerbation by soft contact lens wear may be a barrier to explaining why symptoms of dryness are most commonly associated with discontinuations. The wider experience obtained with cosmetic contact lens fittings that is discussed in this review may be relevant to problems encountered in therapeutic contact lens applications.

Awareness of ocular complications associated with the use of cosmetic contact lenses from unlicensed vendors among Taif city, Saudi Arabia

Awareness of ocular complications associated with the use of cosmetic contact lenses from unlicensed vendors among Taif city, Saudi Arabia

Elemental Analysis of Cosmetic Contact Lenses Reveals High Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Pigments Deposited on Cornea-Facing Surfaces.

Elemental Analysis of Cosmetic Contact Lenses Reveals High Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Pigments Deposited on Cornea-Facing Surfaces.

Advances in the management of Acanthamoeba keratitis: A review of the literature and synthesized algorithmic approach

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe cause of infectious keratitis and represents a significant clinical challenge. Recent literature regarding AK epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment modalities, and prognosis is reviewed and synthesized to propose an algorithmic protocol for AK management. Globally, AK outbreaks in developed countries are ongoing, and AK rates have increased. Moreover, current outbreaks may carry a worse prognosis than prior outbreaks. Despite identification of contact lens solutions implicated in AK outbreaks and the consequent market recall of these products, outbreaks persist. Acanthamoeba keratitis afflicts not only refractive soft contact lens users but also cosmetic contact lens users and gas permeable (especially orthokeratology) lens users. Innovations in in vivo confocal microscopy and PCR assays have increased the role for these adjuvant tests alongside corneal smear and culture in a multimodal diagnostic approach to suspected AK. Biguanides (such as chlorhexidine and polyhexamethylene biguanide) and diamidines (propamidine isethionate and hexamidine) remain cornerstones of AK management, and evidence for other treatment modalities continues to evolve. Voriconazole in topical and systemic forms may be useful as adjuvant therapy. The anti-leishmaniasis drug miltefosine, recently given orphan drug status by the United States Food and Drug Administration, has increasing evidence supporting a role in patients with severe/refractory disease. Prior topical corticosteroids have been consistently shown to be associated with worse outcomes in AK. Although not historically thought of as a treatment modality, benzalkonium chloride preservative may be leveraged for its anti-Acanthamoebal properties. The role of Rose-Bengal photodynamic antimicrobial therapy is evolving in selected cases of AK.

Contact Lens Use Patterns and Safety Determinants among Adolescents in Western Saudi Arabia

Background: Besides medical use, cosmetic contact lens (CL) use, associated with several ophthalmological risks, is gaining substantial popularity, especially among the young. Objective: This study aimed to estimate eye risk extent related to CL use among adolescents and understand the association between risk level and CL use patterns and adherence to hygiene and maintenance instructions. Method: A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 14–19 years residing in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. A structured online questionnaire was used to explore the demographic data, CL use patterns, levels of adherence to safety behaviors in CL use, and experienced eye complaints. Result: Of 350 participants, 248 (70.9%) used CLs. There was an overwhelming female predominance (93.1%) among users, with occasional, cosmetic, and combined cosmetic-medical uses without prescription or follow-up being the most frequent pattern. Practices in CL hygiene and care were unsatisfactory, with poorer adherence to maintenance instructions. Clinically significant complications (CSC), defined as the presence of at least one of the clinically significant symptoms or any two other symptoms, were reported in 38.7% of CL users (95% CI = 32.6%–45.1%). CSC risk independently increased after 5 years of use (OR = 3.59, 95% CI = 1.51–8.52) and in double-purpose use (OR = 3.34, 95% CI = 1.52–7.37) by reference to cosmetic use only, while adherence levels to CL removal during sleep (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05–0.92) and not using CLs after the expiration date (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11–0.73) were protective factors against CSC. Conclusion: Young Saudi adolescents are highly exposed to unregulated CL use with significant ophthalmological risks. This has several clinical, public health, and policy-making implications. Keywords: Contact lenses, habits, teenagers, Jeddah, cosmetic, refractive

A novel surgical approach in a blind eye for cosmesis and psychosocial well-being

Blind eyes are left unattended. They present with unsightly large exodeviation, corneal degenerative changes such as band-shaped keratopathy and mature cataract. These have cosmetic as well as functional implications. It is an obstacle to social life as well as securing employment and betterment of career options. We need to address these patients for psychosocial well-being. We propose a novel surgical approach to address the exodeviation with a distance near disparity as well as to obviate the leucocoria due to mature cataract as the patient did not want to continue pupil occluding cosmetic contact lens any further.

Cosmetic contact lenses: beauty can be blinding

Background: Although cosmetic contact lenses are ideally indicated for patients with corneal and iris abnormalities, they are currently fashionable among the younger generation of emmetropes to enhance their physical appearance. Cosmetic contact lens wearers carry a greater risk of microbial keratitis, even more so with counterfeit ones.Case presentation: Here, we report two cases of counterfeit cosmetic contact lens wearers with Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) who were misdiagnosed as herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis.Conclusion: AK is a sight-threatening complication among contact lens wearers. Since clinically AK may masquerade as HSV, early diagnosis of AK is often delayed. As both microorganisms can mimic each other, determining the co-existence of both infections can be challenging. Delay in initiating proper treatment can lead to blinding complications.