Purpose:

To report the microbiological results, success of used empirical therapy and factors affecting the therapy success in contact-lens-associated keratitis.

Material and Method:

A total of 33 patients (13 male, 20 female) with contact-lens-associated keratitis who attended our clinic were included in this study. The contact lenses and the containers of the patients were sent for microbiological analysis. Empirical therapy (combination of vancomycin and fortified ceftazidime drops or moxifloxacin drops) was started while waiting for the analysis results. The efficacy of the treatment modalities was evaluated according to the antibiogram results.

Results:

All 33 patients were monthly refractive silicone hydrogel contact lens wearers. The mean age was 25.850±7.30 (range: 18-42) years. The mean visual acuity at the time of admission was 0.31±6.5 Snellen lines (range: 0.01-1.0). While 1 microorganism in 25 (75.75%) cases and 2 microorganisms in 5 (15.15%) cases were isolated, no strain was isolated in 3 (9.09%) cases. Two of the isolated microorganisms were fungi and the rest were bacteria. The most common microorganism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (39.4%). The antibiogram revealed that the sensitivity of combined treatment with vancomycin and fortified ceftazidime was high, but ciprofloxacin was 100% sensitive. At the end of the treatment, the mean visual acuity was 0.88 +/- 1.0 on standard Snellen chart (range: 0.4-1.0).

Discussion:

The microbiological analysis of contact lenses and their containers is a valuable clinical procedure in contact-lens-associated keratitis. Providing the contact lens wearers with knowledge about contact lens use rules and the possible risks is incontrovertibly important. In order to avoid the complications, which might even lead to eye loss, the importance of obeying hygienic rules and the steps that must be taken in case of possible emergency should be explained to patients.