ABSTRACT
This 32-centre multicentre study addresses the lack of knowledge about the prevalence and significance of microbial keratitis (MK) associated with contact lens (CL) wear in Spain. A total of 304 cases recruited from 32 hospitals were studied and showed that infectious keratitis associated with contact lens wear mainly affects young women during the summer months. In this study, soft lenses with monthly replacement and single solution cleaning were most commonly used, purchased and fitted in opticians' shops. Common risk factors were identified among users, such as topping off solutions, prolonging the life of lenses, and frequently sleeping, swimming and showering with lenses. Overnight lens wear was significantly associated with a higher incidence of corneal opacities, and the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bacterial cultures was associated with more severe sequelae and a greater need for corneal transplantation. Although most cases were benign, the time taken to heal was long, which poses a problem for working patients. This study provides valuable epidemiological, microbiological and risk factor information and estimates the incidence of CL related MK in Spain to be approximately 1 case per 30,000 inhabitants per year.
