Contact lens-related microbial keratitis: recent outbreaks.
OBJECTIVE
This paper reviews the literature generated on atypical contact lens-related infections and their relationship with particular contact lens solutions since 2005.


RESULTS
Atypical soft contact lens-related infections are on the rise. Specifically, there has been an insurgence of Acanthamoeba keratitis and Fusarium keratitis. The rise in these infections was associated with Advanced Medical Optics Complete MoisturePlus (AMO, Santa Ana, California, USA) and ReNu with MoistureLoc (Bausch and Lomb, Rochester, New York, USA) respectively. Contact lens solutions in general are more effective against bacteria than fungal species or Acanthamoeba. Multipurpose solutions and no rub formulas may have diminished antimicrobial activity and are not as effective under real world conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
There have been epidemic increases in Acanthamoeba and fungal keratitis associated with particular contact lens solutions. Further study of these atypical species is necessary. Greater emphasis should be placed upon efficacy of contact lens solutions rather than ease of use.
Wills Eye, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Avni
A
Patel
Kristin
K
Hammersmith
D000048:Acanthamoeba / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015823:Acanthamoeba Keratitis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology; D000818:Animals; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000469:parasitology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D015821:Eye Infections, Fungal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D005670:Fusarium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology