title: Seasonal variation in contact lens-associated corneal ulcers.
abstract: We undertook a retrospective analysis of 112 patients admitted to Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, between 1983 and 1985 with corneal ulcers associated with the use of contact lenses to test the clinical impression that such ulcers are more common in summer. Over half of the admissions (51%) occurred between June and September. The seasonal variation of the ulcers was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). Possible factors predisposing to corneal ulcers in people who wear contact lenses in the summer include enhanced growth of bacteria at warmer temperatures and wearing the lenses while swimming.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rabinovitch
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Genvert
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Donnenfeld
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Arentsen
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Laibson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003262:Contact Lenses, Extended-Wear / Q000009:adverse effects; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature; D014456:Ulcer / Q000209:etiology