title: Fungal-contaminated soft contact lenses.
abstract: Examination of clinically seen fungal-contaminated soft contact lenses reveals fungus within the matrix of the lenses in a highly reproductive state. To study the potential hazard of fungal-contaminated soft contact lenses to the cornea, such lenses were placed on abraded corneas of ten rabbits. Sterile lenses were placed on the opposite abraded cornea of each rabbit as a control. Although no fungal keratitis was documented in this experiment, the persistent corneal epithelial disruption seen in seven rabbits, plus the highly reproductive state of the fungus within the lens suggests fungal-contaminated lenses may pose a significant risk to the patient. We recommend prompt replacement of contaminated lenses and instruction of the patient on proper lens hygiene.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005658:Fungi / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007634:Keratitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D009181:Mycoses / Q000517:prevention & control; D011817:Rabbits