Microbial Contamination of Contact Lens Storage Cases in Contact Lens-induced Keratitis Patients

ABSTRACT

In order to evaluate the microbial contamination of contact lens cases in patients with contact lens-induced keratitis, 27 contact lens storage cases were collected and their solutions were cultured. Of 27 contact lens cases, 25%(93%) showed microbial contamination, Four contact lens cases(15%) were contaminated by single species., 14 contact lens cases(52%) by two species. and 9 contact lens cases(33%) by more than three species. Of total 36 identified microorganisms, the most commonly cultured microorganism was Pseudomonas sp.. Other G(-) bacteria such as Serratia, Enterobacter and Acanthamoeba were also cultured. Based on data from this study, most contact lens cases of patients with contact lens=induced keraititis were contaminated with multiple microorganisms. When considering the high contamination rate of contact lens cases and its causative factor in development of keratitis, proper disinfection of contact lens cases can not be overemphasized. Therefore, ophthalmologists should continue patient education for proper care of contact lens, especially disinfection of contact lens cases.