Extended wear contact lens related bacterial keratitis

Aims-To report the clinical findings and visual outcome of patients with ex tended wear contact lens (EWCL) related bacterial keratitis. Methods-11 cases with EWCL related bacterial keratitis were included. Corne al scrapings were obtained for cytology and cultures. Results-Nine patients had unilateral bacterial keratitis and two patients s howed bilateral involvement. Corneal scrapings revealed Pseudomonas aerugin osa in seven patients, Staphylococcus aureus coagulase positive in one pati ent, and Staphylococcus epidermidis in three patients. Conclusion-EWCLs may be associated with bacterial keratitis and may result in visual loss. Dispensing contact lenses by optometrists should be perform ed in consultation with ophthalmologists.