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Study: Ortho-K lenses should not increase microbial keratitis risk
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Researchers found that ortho-K lens wear has no physiological effect on the normal flora, and its use should not increase the risk of microbial keratitis when good hygiene and proper lens care methods are practiced.
Samples were collected from four sites surrounding the left eye (lower conjunctiva, upper and lower eyelids and eyelashes) for all 23 ortho-K subjects and 20 myopic controls ages 7 to 14 years. Contact lens accessories for ortho-K and spectacles for controls were also sampled for microbial contamination.
Researchers found significantly fewer total isolates in the conjunctiva for ortho-K subjects than in controls. Overall, carriage rates in normal flora levels from the peri-orbital tissues were not significantly different between the two groups. The total isolates and carriage rates of normal flora identified on skin tissues was similar to that in spectacles, contact lenses and lens cases.
Coagulase-negative staphylococci was the most commonly isolated organism in the peri-oribital tissues in both groups and found in 65% subjects, according to the study.
Staphylococcus aureus was found in samples from 20% to 40% of patients at each location. Researchers found comparable carriage rates between the two groups.
The carriage rates of gram-negative rods ranged from 17% to 35% in the upper and lower eyelids and lower conjunctiva in both groups of patients
These results suggested that spectacle wearers did not touch their spectacles immediately after hand washing, the researchers concluded. – Abigail Sutton
Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.
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