Posters

Contact lens-associated microbial keratitis in Southern Tunisia: Clinical and microbiological characteristics

Poster Details

First Author: K.Maaloul TUNISIA

Co Author(s):    S. Kammoun   Z. Gharbi   S. Affes   A. Trigui   J. Feki        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To describe the risk factors, the clinical and the microbiological profiles of contact lens-related microbial keratitis.

Setting:

Department of Ophtalmology, Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia.

Methods:

A retrospective study of patients hospitalized with infectious keratitis attributable to contact lenses between January 2010 and September 2017.

Results:

A total of 13 patients were included. The mean age was 23.38±6.62 years. All patients were using soft contact lenses. Poor hygiene and use of contact lens past the replacement date were the main risk factors. Visual acuity loss associated with pain and redness were the most prevalent clinical signs. The abscess was unique and central in 60% of the cases. Corneal microbial cultures were positive in 61.5%. The most causative microorganism was pseudomonas aeruginosa (50%), followed by acanthamoeba (25%). The mean hospitalization duration was 11.84± 4.07 days. The majority of cases (60%) healed with scarring.

Conclusions:

Contact lens-related microbial keratitis continues to be a serious problem. Early diagnosis and intensive treatment can improve visual prognosis. The best treatment remains preventive by good adaptation and excellent patient education.

Financial Disclosure:

None