Use Of Contact Lenses Research Articles

Prevalence of tear film hyperosmolarity in 1150 patients presenting for refractive surgery assessment.

To present an analysis of tear film hyperosmolarity in a large, consecutive population and evaluate the correlation of ocular and systemic conditions with tear film osmolarity (TFO). Private practice, Sydney, Australia. Single-center, retrospective, consecutive cohort. Patients undergoing screening for laser refractive surgery from October 2017 to October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. 1404 patients (n = 1357 standard, n = 47 postrefractive) undergoing screening for laser refractive surgery from October 2017 to October 2020 were reviewed. Routine examination included TFO and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. TFO was conducted prior to further tests, and patients refrained from topical eyedrops minimum 2 hours before the appointment. 1404 patients (n = 1357 standards, n = 47 postrefractive) patients were reviewed. Mean highest TFO in the standard population was 299.12 ± 11.94 mOsm/L, with 82.3% of eyes <308 mOsm/L indicating normal tear film homeostasis. The mean intereye TFO difference was 8.17 ± 8.60 mOsm/L, with 65.2% of eyes ≤8 mOsm/L. Mean highest TFO in the postrefractive subgroup was 299.72 ± 11.00 mOsm/L, with a mean intereye difference of 9.02 ± 6.92 mOsm/L. Postrefractive surgery patients indicated higher mean OSDI values of 15.28 ± 14.46 compared with the remainder of the population 9.69 ± 10.56 (P = .012). Significant correlation was demonstrated between TFO scores and OSDI normal classification in the standard population only (P = .005, r = 0.077). The use of contact lens correlated inversely with TFO and OSDI scores (P = .000, r = -0.136, and P = .000, r = -0.152, respectively). To the authors' knowledge, this study represents the largest available cohort of TFO scores in a standard population presenting for refractive surgery. Although most patients were found to fall within normal ranges, a reasonable percentage were diagnosed with tear hyperosmolarity and therefore at risk for dry eye disease.

Profile of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Antibiotic Sensitivity Test Results from Corneal Scrapings Specimens of Keratitis Patients with Contact Lens Users and Non-Contact Lenses Users at Dr. Soetomo Hospital Surabaya

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa have a significant proportion of the causes of bacterial keratitis. Corneal ulcers infected with P. aeruginosa are more severe than other bacterial corneal ulcers. P. aeruginosa is often associated with keratitis that results from wearing contact lenses, which eventually leads to corneal ulcers. This study aims to determine the differences in the results of the antibiotic sensitivity test of P. aeruginosa from corneal scraping specimens of keratitis patients using contact lenses and non-contact lens users at RSUD dr. Soetomo. Methods: This study is an observational analytic study of secondary data from corneal scraping cultures of patients with keratitis infected with P. aeruginosa at Dr. Soetomo Hospital period January 2017-December 2020. Results: The total number of samples included in the inclusion criteria was 46 samples. Of the total sample, 8 (17.40%) were contact lens users and 38 (82.60%) were non-contact lenses. The male sex and female sex each as much as 50%. The distribution of sample age categories for 0-20 years was 21.74%, 21-40 years was 13.04%, 41-60 years was 41.30%, and >60 years was 23.91%. Based on samples from 8 contact lens patients, antibiotics were found to be 100% sensitive, namely Amikacin, Cefepime, Ciprofloxacin, Imipenem, Levofloxacin, Meropenem, and Piperacillin tazobactam, Aztreonam and Gentamicin 87.5%, Ceftazidime 75%, Tobramycin 37.5% and Piperacillin 25%. Meanwhile, from a sample of 38 patients who did not wear contact lenses, the sensitive antibiotics were Cefepime 100%, Meropenem 94.8%, Amikacin 92.1% Imipenem 86.9%, Piperacillin-tazobactam 76.3%, Ciprofloxacin 73.8%, Gentamicin 73.8%, Aztreonam 68.4%, Levofloxacin 68.4%, Piperacillin 50%, Ceftazidime 44.7%, and Tobramycin 28.9%. Conclusion: The results of the antibiotic sensitivity test against P. aeruginosa from keratitis patients with a history of contact lens use showed that 8/8 (100%) of the active antibiotics were Amikacin, Cefepime, Ciprofloxacin, Imipenem, Levofloxacin, Meropenem, and Piperacillin tazobactam. Then followed by Aztreonam and Gentamicin (7/8). The results of the antibiotic sensitivity test against P. aeruginosa from keratitis patients who had no history of using contact lenses showed that the active antibiotics were above 50%, namely Cefepime 38/38 (100%), Meropenem 36/38 (94.8%), Amikacin 35 /38 (92.1%), Imipenem 33/38 (86.9%), Piperacillin-tazobactam 29/38 (76.3%), Ciprofloxacin 28/38 (73.8%), Gentamicin 28/38 (73 .8%), Aztreonam 26/38 (68.4%), and Levofloxacin 26/38 (68.4%). Keywords: Antibiotic sensitivity, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, keratitis, contact lenses

Contact lens-related combined Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acanthamoeba and Candida keratitis among adolescents girls

Background: We present a case of combined Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acanthamoeba and Candida keratitis and clinical course of treatment in two adolescents girls who did not follow the rules of proper use of soft contact lenses.&#x0D; Case reports: Two teenage contact lens users sought medical attention, reporting visual impairment, redness and pain of the eye. Slit lamp examination showed unilateral corneal ulcer. Confocal microscopy revealed images compatible with amoebic cysts and yeasts cells, whereas the results of conjunctival swabs confirmed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After topical and general treatment in the first patient, the corneal defect was healed, and visual acuity improved. The girl remains under the constant supervision of an ophthalmological clinic. The medications were gradually reduced, but with time she developed crystalline keratopathy. Regrettably, the second patient, despite the applied treatment had recurrent inflammation and progressive corneal thinning, which required amniotic membrane transplantation to prevent perforation.&#x0D; Conclusion: The early identification of the pathogen as well as adequate treatment is crucial, as contact lens-associated keratitis are potentially sight threatening. Patient and caregiver education, adequate contact lens hygiene and consistent follow-up are important to prevent serious complications.

PRACTICE, ATTITUDE AND KNOWLEDGE OF CONTACT LENSE USERS AMONG LAHORE POPULATION

Background: The use of contact lens has seen exponential growth, most of the users are not aware about the post-exposure effects and complications that arises because of improper use.&#x0D; Objectives: The main aim of the study is evaluation of knowledge of users and the concerning practices and hence creating awareness about proper use and consequences of improper usage.&#x0D; Methodology: This study was conducted in Lahore region of Pakistan for a small population to assess regarding contact lenses use.&#x0D; Results: A better knowledge was observed among subjects regarding complications associated with use of contact lens and lack of maintaining improper hygiene.&#x0D; Conclusion: Upon provision of necessary training on proper use and reporting of complications adequately to concerned authorities will lead to better quality of lenses and better safety for users.

Changes and Possible Role of Neuropeptides in Iatrogenic Dry Eye

Recently, the role of the corneal nerve in the pathogenesis of dry eye disease (DED) has been highlighted. Considering that neuropeptides are known as important mediators between the nervous and immune systems, neurogenic inflammation induced and regulated by neuropeptides secreted from nerve terminals is expected to be involved in the pathogenesis of DED. And iatrogenic DED has been recently spotlighted as an important field with increasing interest in DED that occurs after ocular surgery or contact lens use. In this paper, recent studies on the role of neuropeptides in the pathogenesis of DED, in particular, the changes and possible roles of neuropeptides in iatrogenic DED were reviewed.

Role of Different Types of Contact Lenses in Epithelial Thickness.

To evaluate the potential role of different types of contact lenses, such as soft (SCL), hard (HCL), and mini scleral (SCCL), in corneal epithelial thickness with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). In this cross-sectional study, patients who used contact lens at recent 6 months were recruited consecutively from September 2019 to October 2019, and the epithelial thicknesses of the cornea were obtained by AS-OCT and compared with control subjects who did not use contact lens. In total, 184 eyes (115 subjects) were included; of them, 75 eyes were keratoconic (KCN) and 109 eyes were nonkeratoconic (non-KCN). Twenty eyes in KCN and 79 eyes of non-KCN group had no history of contact lens use and were included for comparison with KCN and non-KCN contact lens users, respectively. Mean duration of contact lens wearing was 75.63±50.42 months. The epithelial thickness of non-KCN SCL group was thinner than that of non-KCN control subjects all over the cornea, whereas the epithelium of non-KCN HCL was thinner at central site as well as nasal and temporal paracentral and midperipheral areas. Epithelial thickness of the KCN HCL group was not different from the KCN control subjects in all sectors. The KCN SCCL group had thinner epithelium at nearly all peripheral sectors as well as inferior, inferotemporal, inferonasal, and nasal midperipheral sectors compared with KCN control subjects. The corneal epithelium was thinner at the peripheral zones in KCN SCCL users; at both peripheral and central zones in non-KCN SCL users and in central zones in non-KCN HCL users.

Prevalence of symptomatic dry eye disease with associated risk factors among medical students at Chiang Mai University due to increased screen time and stress during COVID-19 pandemic.

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common ophthalmological disorders, resulting from several systemic and ocular etiologies including meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical students are among the high-risk group for DED, mainly due to the increasing use of a visual display terminal (VDT) for online lectures and psychological stress from encountering several changes. Our study aimed to explore the prevalence of DED using the symptom-based definition and potential risk factors in medical students. This is a prospective cross-sectional study that included medical students at Chiang Mai University between November 2020 and January 2021. All participants were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, the Thai version of the 10-Item Perceived Stress Scale-10 (T-PSS-10), the LipiView® II interferometer, and an interview for other possible risk factors. Overall, 528 participants were included in the study; half of the participants were female. The prevalence of DED was 70.8%. In the univariate analysis, female sex, contact lens wear, and T-PSS-10 stress scores were significantly higher in the DED group (P = 0.002, 0.002, and <0.001, respectively). Moreover, participants with severe DED were likely to have higher meibomian gland tortuosity but not statistically significant. In the multivariate analysis, contact lens use and T-PSS-10 score were significant risk factors associated with the severity of DED. In conclusions, the prevalence of DED in medical students was as high as 70.8%. Contact lens use and psychological stress evaluated using the T-PSS-10 questionnaire had a significant correlation with a risk of DED. Female gender and duration of VDT use were also associated. Most of the risk factors were modifiable and may be used as initial management in patients with DED.

Prevalensi dan Karakteristik Sindroma Mata Kering pada Mahasiswa Semester Enam PSSKPD FK Unud

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disease that disturb eye tears homeostasis and ocular surface. This research purposes are to identify the prevalence and the characteristics of DES in medical student, Program Studi Sarjana Kedokteran dan Profesi Dokter (PSSKPD), Fakultas Kedokteran, Universitas Udayana (FK Unud). This research is a descriptive cross-sectional. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire is used to identify the prevalence and risk factors questionnaire such as gender, BMI, history of allergy, frequent use of over the counter (OTC) eye drops, frequent use of contact lens, and sleep quality, is used to identify the characteristics. This research conducted from March until September 2020. This research use total sampling method managed to collect 199 sample. The results of the study show the prevalence of DES in Preclinical Student of PSSKPD FK Unud is 106 students (52.7%) with 21% on mild severity, 15% on moderate severity, and 18% on severe severity. The characteristics of DES based on gender is 54% for male and 52% for female; on BMI are 40% for &lt;18 kg/m2, 55% for 18-25 kg/m2, 47% for &gt;25 kg/m2; on history of allergy is 47%; on history of OTC drug is 70%; on history of contact lens utilization is 64%; based abnormal quality of sleep is 64%.

Knowledge and attitude on contact lens use among urban population of South Delhi- A questionnaire based study

Contact lens are used by people nowadays seen in the previous studies. To know about the knowledge on their practice and attitude towards using contact lens is necessary to state the safety measures and to understand the benefits of using contact lens by population.To investigates the correlation between knowledge on practice and attitude towards contact lens among the population of South Delhi. To identify the factors responsible for the increasing demand of contact lens among urban population of South Delhi.A semi structured questionnaire was used to know about the knowledge on practice and attitude towards contact lens use among participants.: In this survey 104 participants have participated. In between 18 to 30 years of age the contact lens wearers generally had poor knowledge on practice with regards to appropriate parameters of using contact lens and their complications. Wearers exhibiting a positive attitude with satisfactory hand hygiene and lens cleaning practices, important aspects such as lens case hygiene, storage and lens removal practices were found to be good . Compliance with after-care visits was poor. Knowledge on Practice and Attitude towards contact lens among urban population of South –Delhi in India is mainly for good vision as well as cosmetic reasons. Accordingly, there is a need for health education program for awareness on how to use contact lenses and what are the benefits for using contact lens among the non-users of contact lens in the given population. These programs should aim at promoting Contact Lens hygiene practices, Benefits of using contact lenses and eliminating the likelihood of Contact Lens related complications.

Scedosporium apiospermium keratitis: a case report

BackgroundScedosporium apiospermum, an opportunistic and filamentous fungus, is a rarely seen ocular entity that is difficult to identify and heal. We report a challenging case of S. apiospermium keratitis and discuss the treatment modalities in light of previous studies.Case presentationA 30-year-old Turkish farmer with a history of contact lens misuse presented to our clinic with a painful corneal abscess and severe vision loss in his left eye. S. apiospermum was identified by spectrophotometric analysis. The patient was successfully treated with therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, but was resistant to fluconazole and amphotericin B and susceptible but unresponsive to voriconazole.ConclusionS. apiospermum keratitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients with history of ocular trauma and contact lens use, especially those who do not respond to treatment.

Contact Lenses for Ocular Surface Disease.

Ocular surface disease can be difficult to manage, causing patients discomfort and vision loss. Therapeutic contact lenses are an important treatment option that is often neglected because it is conventional wisdom that eyes that are dry or irritated are not good candidates for contact lens. In this focused review, we consider the substantial literature on the use of bandage soft contact lenses (BSCL), scleral lenses, and customized prosthetic devices in the management of ocular graft-vs-host disease. Reports on BSCLs for recurrent corneal erosion are reviewed, as is literature on scleral lenses and prosthetic replacement of the ocular surface ecosystem treatment for Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Clinical pearls for fitting BSCLs are presented, and the issue of antibiotic prophylaxis is considered.

The Protective Effects of Soft Contact Lenses for Contact Sports: A Novel Porcine Model for Corneal Abrasion Biomechanics.

The aim of this study was to determine whether soft contact lenses provide protection for the corneal surface. Fresh porcine eyes were inflated to intraocular pressures of 11 to 22 mm Hg and secured to a Styrofoam head. Newton meters affixed with artificial acrylic nails were placed at angles of 0°, 45°, and 90° from a porcine corneal surface. The force of impact was recorded at which corneal abrasions were induced. The experiment was repeated with Senofilcon A and Lotrafilcon A soft contact lenses placed upon porcine eyes. The mean forces required to induce a corneal abrasion with force at 0°, 45°, and 90° from corneal surface were 11±5.09, 9.18±2.76, and 7.72±2.61 Newtons, respectively. With soft contact lens barrier, the maximum measurable force of 50 Newtons could not produce a corneal abrasion. The force required to create corneal abrasions varies depending on the angle of the force vector. The use of contact lenses can withstand a minimum of five times the average force needed to create corneal abrasions.

PREVALENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF CONTACT LENS UPTAKE IN KENYA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: The use of contact lenses is welcomed for refractive error correction, for therapeutic/diagnostic reasons and for cosmetic reasons, more so in developed countries, unlike in third world countries like Kenya. Aim: The study aim is to determine the prevalence of contact lens use and knowledge about contact lens use in Kenya. Methods: A six (6) years retrospective cross-sectional study (February 2014 – March 2020) was carried out in the Academic Vision center of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega, Kenya. A validated tool with open- and closed-ended statements and questions were used to collect data from a calculated sample size (360) that used the Cochrane formula modified by Sullivan and Soe. Participants was selected purposively in accordance to the inclusion criteria, phone contacts, emails, social media platforms were adopted in collecting information from participants and collected data were entered into Excel spreadsheet 2019. Version and Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), was employed in determining prevalence and knowledge of contact lens uptake. Results: Prevalence of contact lens use was very low 4 (1.1%) and 11 (3.1%). A large number did not know about contact lenses 347 (96.7%) and the Knowledge of contact lenses as shown by the mean score was also very low 2.51±1.7 indicating very low knowledge of contact lenses. Conclusions: More emphasis should be laid by eye care providers on contact lenses used for refractive, cosmesis and therapeutic uses. Training institutions should also improve their curriculum on contact lens training and dispensing. Policies should allow for the easy establishment of contact lenses manufacturing and marketing industries.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0917/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Intraocular Lenses for Infants With Aphakia

&#x0D; This systematic review examined intraocular lens implantation in patients aged 12 months or younger at the time of surgery compared with patients aged 12 months or younger with aphakia treated with contact lenses or glasses. It also examined intraocular lens implantation in patients aged 12 months or younger at the time of surgery (i.e., infants) compared with patients older than 12 months up to 12 years of age at the time of surgery (i.e., children).&#x0D; In total, 18 studies (3 randomized controlled trials and 15 nonrandomized studies) were identified that answered the clinical questions relevant to this review. No relevant studies were identified to inform the cost-effectiveness questions.&#x0D; Visual outcomes (i.e., visual acuity) did not seem to differ between patients aged 12 months or younger at the time of surgery who received intraocular lens implantation and in patients with aphakia treated with contact lenses or glasses. Parenting stress was higher in parents of infants who received intraocular lens implantation at 3 months after surgery compared with parents of infants who were treated with contact lenses; however, this difference was not maintained at 1 year after surgery.&#x0D; In 1 study that examined intraocular lens implantation at different ages, age did not appear to be a significant prognostic factor in poor visual outcomes (i.e., visual acuity defined as &gt; 0.5 logMAR).&#x0D; Regarding safety, infants who underwent intraocular lens implantation experienced more frequent occurrences of complications, such as visual axis opacification, compared with infants with aphakia treated with contact lenses or glasses; therefore, more reoperations to remove the opacification were required. Many infants with aphakia who did not receive intraocular lens implantation eventually required the surgery when they got older.&#x0D; There were limited statistical comparisons available for safety outcomes for intraocular lens implantation in infants at different ages. Overall, the incidence in adverse events was similar between infants and children, except for the number of additional surgeries. In the identified literature, younger patients received more additional surgeries than older patients.&#x0D; The risk of bias in the included studies was high. There were many methodological concerns, including selection bias, reporting issues, statistical issues, and study designs with high risk of bias, such as retrospective cohort studies.&#x0D; Family input regarding patients’ and caregivers’ experiences included reports of stress related to the use of contact lenses and stress about outcomes of the cataract removal and/or intraocular lens implantation and the effect on the child, and emphasized timely treatment to ensure optimal development of the child.&#x0D;

Identification Of Acanthamoeba spp. In Used Contact Lens Solution

Contact lenses are the most popular devices used by many people around the world for vision correction, aesthetics, and therapeutic purposes. Poor contact lens hygiene can cause various complications. One of the concerns regarding the use of contact lenses is the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. Acanthamoeba spp. is a free-living amoeba that can be found in many places including untreated fresh water, treated fresh water and unconventional water sources. One of the complications caused by Acanthamoeba spp. is Acanthamoeba keratitis which is an eye infection that is often caused by the use of contact lenses and contaminated contact lens solutions. Objective. The purpose of this study is to determine the description of Acanthamoeba spp. found in contact lens solution and contact lens care of Universitas Sumatera Utara students. Method. This study used univariate analysis. Data were obtained from the results of contact lens solution examination and questionnaire interviews. Result. Most of the samples (98%) did not have Acanthamoeba spp. Some respondents (60.8%) had fairly clean contact lens care behaviour and the rest (39.2%) had very clean contact lens care behaviour. Conclusion. One sample was found positive with Acanthamoeba spp. The positive sample had Acanthamoeba spp. cyst. Contact lens care was generally done well.

PENTINGNYA PENGETAHUAN PERAWATAN LENSA KONTAK LUNAK BAGI PEMAKAI DI OPTIK CITRA PADANG

This scientific paper discusses the importance of soft contact lens care knowledge for users in Padang Citra Optics. This study aims to determine: Knowledge, care for users, the use , the impact of wearing and maintaining soft contact and also handling of the use and maintenance of soft contact lenses at Optik Citra Padang. This research design uses descriptive quantitative method. The population in this study was all patients wearing soft contact lenses at Optik Citra Padang in the period 15 July 2021-15 August 2021. Data were collected through questionnaires and research instruments using a Check List. The results showed that the respondents did not fully know the proper and correct care of soft contact lenses, this was seen as many as 24 respondents (53%) knew the correct soft contact lens care procedure and as many as 21 respondents (47%) did not know the treatment procedures. correct soft contact lenses, 21 respondents (47%) understand how to properly put on and remove soft contact lenses and 24 respondents (53%) do not understand how to properly install soft contact lenses, 20 respondents (44.40%) know about the impact of wearing and maintaining soft contact lenses that are not up to standard and as many as 25 respondents (55.60) do not know about the impact of wearing and maintaining soft contact lenses that are not up to standard, 14 respondents (31%) know how to handle the use and care of soft contact lenses and 31 respondents (69%) do not know how to handle from wearing soft contact lenses. There are several suggestionsFor RO to provide information to, For opticians, it is recommended to improve the quality of eye health services to the public, for academies, it is recommended to improve the quality of education. (4) For the public, it is recommended that when wearing and caring for contact lenses, more attention should be paid to use and care for them properly so as not to cause an impact on eye health.Keywords Soft Contact Lens, Wearers, Optics.

A Study to Check the Awareness and Myths about the Contact Lens among the Educated Population of the Northern Uttar Pradesh, India

Purpose: The aim and purpose of this study are to determine the awareness among people about contact lenses and also about the facts and myths regarding contact lens. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey on 300 people of northern U. P. having the refractive error. It was done through a Questionnaire-based survey for which a structural, standardized, self-administered questionnaire in the English language was made, including three sections named Section A, B, and C. Section A is common for all the participants, Section B was for contact lens wearers and Section C was for those who were not Contact lens wearer but they were spectacle wearer. Result: Among the 300 subjects 32% (96 people), were regular users of contact lens whereas 68% (204 people) have never tried Contact lens because of the myth in their minds about contact lens. 38% (114 people) think about the contact lens is a thin, curved plastic lens that is used to correct refractive error. 12% (36 people) think that this is an eye protection device and 28% (84 people) think that it is used for cosmetic purposes. Conclusion: Everyone who participated in this survey was well educated and possesses many misconceptions about the contact lens. Due to which they avoid the use of Contact lenses and also suggest the same to others. So it can be concluded that there is an urgent need of enhancing the knowledge about contact lens among people. Keywords: Contact lens, Myths, Refractive error, Awareness, Vision-related problems.

Microbial Profile and Clinical Outcomes of Fungal Keratitis at a Single-Center Tertiary Care Hospital.

PurposeTo evaluate baseline characteristics, microbiological spectrum, management, and outcomes of patients with culture-proven fungal keratitis.MethodsRetrospective review of all patients with culture-proven fungal keratitis seen over 6 years at a tertiary referral center.ResultsThe present study included 62 eyes from 62 patients. Infection with filamentous organisms was more common than with yeast (66.1% vs 27.4%). The most common filamentous organisms were Fusarium (17.7%) and Aspergillus (16.1%), while the most common yeast was Candida (24.2%). The main predisposing factor for filamentous keratitis was contact lens use. Yeast keratitis is most associated with an immunocompromised host and ocular surface disease. Corneal perforation (20.0%) and surgical interventions (46.8%) were common, with 27.4% of eyes requiring at least one penetrating keratoplasty. Filamentous keratitis is more likely than yeast keratitis to require urgent penetrating keratoplasty or enucleation and to receive more than one topical and systemic antifungal agent. Visual outcomes were poor with nearly half of the eyes remaining at 20/200 or worse upon resolution of infection. Worse visual outcomes were associated with poor vision at presentation and a history of ocular surface disease. Antifungal susceptibility testing was not routinely performed, but it demonstrated a relatively high minimum inhibitory concentration for at least one antifungal drug in 90% of cases when performed (16.1%) and guided the direction of treatment for 80% of the cases.ConclusionFungal keratitis is visually devastating. Infections with filamentous fungi predominated over yeast and were generally treated more aggressively both medically and surgically. Filamentous and yeast keratitis had similar durations of infections and visual outcomes. Antifungal susceptibility testing influenced treatment in 80% of cases in which it was performed.

Contact lens usage and health literacy among Turkish adults

Objective: To evaluate the usage of contact lenses and health literacy among ophthalmology clinic outpatients.. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on outpatients of an ophthalmology clinic between July and September 2019. The data were collected using a questionnaire that consisted of questions about sociodemographic characteristics, contact lensrelated behaviors, the European Health Literacy Scale (HLS-EU) Short-Form, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index. Contact lensrelated behavior was evaluated through 15 questions. P &amp;lt; 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results: In the study group 402 (54.8%) of the participants were males. The ages of the patients ranged between 18 and 75 years, with a mean (SD) of 39.20 (15.0) years. It was found that 28.4% (n = 208) of the study group participants were contact lens wearers. The health literacy level was higher in the contact lens wearers. A positive correlation was found between the scores of the HLS-EU and the answers to the contact lens-related behavior questions. Conclusion: In this study, we found that the health literacy levels of the contact lens wearers were higher than those of the non-contact lens wearers. As the health literacy of the patients increased, the behaviors towards the correct use of contact lenses improved. It is recommended that more detailed studies be carried out in the field of health literacy with contact lens use.

Individual characteristics and associated factors of hay fever: A large-scale mHealth study using AllerSearch

BackgroundThe prevalence of hay fever, a multifactorial allergic disease, is increasing. Identifying individual characteristics and associated factors of hay fever is essential for predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory (P4) medicine. This study aimed to identify individual characteristics and associated factors of hay fever using an iPhone application AllerSearch. MethodsThis large-scale mobile health-based cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2018 and May 2020. Individuals who downloaded AllerSearch in Japan and provided a comprehensive self-assessment (general characteristics, medical history, lifestyle habits, and hay fever symptoms [score range 0–36]) were included. Associated factors of hay fever (vs. non-hay fever) and severe hay fever symptoms were identified using multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses, respectively. ResultsOf the included 11,284 individuals, 9041 had hay fever. Factors associated with hay fever (odds ratio) included age (0.98), female sex (1.33), atopic dermatitis (1.40), history of dry eye diagnosis (1.36), discontinuation of contact lens use during hay fever season (3.34), frequent bowel movements (1.03), and less sleep duration (0.91). The factors associated with severe hay fever symptoms among individuals with hay fever (coefficient) included age (−0.104), female sex (1.329), history of respiratory disease (1.539), history of dry eye diagnosis (0.824), tomato allergy (1.346), discontinuation of contact lens use during hay fever season (1.479), smoking habit (0.614), and having a pet (0.303). ConclusionsOur large-scale mobile health-based study using AllerSearch elucidated distinct hay fever presentation patterns, characteristics, and factors associated with hay fever. Our study establishes the groundwork for effective individualized interventions for P4 medicine.