Lens wearers non-compliance - is there an association with lens case contamination?

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the association of compliance amongst lens wearers and lens case contamination as assessed by the microbial profile of lens cases.

Methods: Fifty-two asymptomatic lens wearers filled out questionnaires seeking demographic data and several aspects of compliance to lens wear. Subsequently, contamination profiles of the inside bottom and rim of their lens cases was obtained for bacteria, fungi and Acanthamoeba. The association of the self-reported responses in the questionnaire with contamination profile of the lens case was then analyzed.

Results: Based on compliance criteria, 21% of the participants were described as fully compliant lens wearers. Contamination of lens case was prevalent in 42% of the cases. Frequent non-compliant behaviours reported by study participants included, showering and sleeping with contact lenses, and irregular lens case replacement. In comparison to soft contact lens wearers prevalence of non-compliance and contamination amongst rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens wearers was significantly greater. There was a statistically significant correlation between bacterial contamination and current case age.

Conclusion: These results suggest that majority of lens wearers do not fully comply with recommendations for lens wear and case care. Crucially, none of the fully compliant patients had contaminated lens cases. However it would appear that several non-compliant behaviours significantly increase the risks of case contamination. These results suggest that greater efforts should be invested with lens wearers to ensure enhanced compliance as this is likely to reduce the possibility of case contamination.

Keywords: Case contamination; Case replacement; Compliance; Contact lens; Non-compliance.