Association between cultures of contact lens and corneal scraping in contact lens-related microbial keratitis

Abstract

Objective: To study the association between cultures of contact lens and corneal scraping in contact lens-related microbial keratitis. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the culture results of corneal scrapings and contact lenses of patients with contact lens-related microbial keratitis who were initially seen at Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2004, was conducted. Results: Fifty eye specimens of 49 patients were included in the study. Corneal scrapings and contact lenses were culture positive in 17 eyes (34%) and in 35 eyes (70%), respectively. In 13 eyes, corneal scrapings and contact lenses yielded identical organisms..