Corneal thinning associated with recurrent microbial keratitis resulting from 7-day extended wear of low Dk hydrogel contact lenses: a case report.
METHODS
Corneal thinning and an increased risk of corneal perforation, resulting from recurrent episodes of microbial keratitis, required a 38-year-old Caucasian female to undergo bilateral corneal grafting. Although strongly advised otherwise, the patient had been a long time user of low oxygen permeability hydrogel contact lenses in a flexible wear regime, with frequent overnight use.


CONCLUSIONS
Microbial keratitis is a potentially severe contact lens related complication which, if not properly treated, may lead to permanent visual loss. The introduction of silicone-hydrogel materials and daily replacement modalities has not resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of microbial keratitis, thus suggesting that the condition is mainly dependent on patient hygiene and wearing habits. Non-compliance, which is endemic in contact lens wear, may be combated by increasing patient awareness of the potential risk factors of contact lens misuse. This is accomplished through constant, rigorous information provided by contact lens practitioners.
Cardona
Genís
G
Research Group of Centre Universitari de la Visió, Optics and Optometry Department, Technical University of Catalonia, Spain. gcardona@oo.upc.edu
Saona-Santos
Carlos Luís
CL
D001766:Blindness / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D007634:Keratitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence
D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate