Granular epithelial keratopathy as an unusual manifestation of Pseudomonas keratitis associated with extended-wear soft contact lenses

Abstract

We describe four patients who, using extended-wear soft contact lenses for myopia, abruptly developed ocular irritation and injection associated with elevated granular opacities initially confined to the central corneal epithelium. Cultures of the granular epithelial lesions were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in all patients. Cultures of the contact lenses and lens case solutions grew Pseudomonas species and other gram-negative organisms. All patients responded to discontinuation of lens wear and frequent topical antibiotics. All recovered baseline visual acuity, and three have successfully resumed contact lens wear. These cases document that Pseudomonas keratitis may be manifested as a granular epithelial keratopathy.