title: Contact lens related corneal infections.
abstract: This article describes microbial keratitis, infection of the cornea by micro-organisms. Contact lens wear is a predisposing factor for the development of microbial keratitis. Micro-organisms probably adhere to the contact lens, transfer from the contact lens to a damaged or compromised corneal epithelial surface, penetrate into the deeper layers of the cornea and produce corneal damage. Host responses to the invading micro-organisms, while designed to protect the eye, can often exacerbate the situation and the resulting microbial keratitis can lead to permanent blindness. The microbial, biochemical and immunological aspects of MK will be described in detail.
authors.affiliation: Co-operative Research Centre for Eye Research and Technology, School of Optometry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Willcox
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Holden
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000382:microbiology*; D003315:Cornea / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology / Q000293:injuries / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D007634:Keratitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000209:etiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D018836:Inflammation Mediators