Millions of people worldwide wear contact lenses every day. However, these alternatives to glasses or surgery can introduce bacterial, fungal or amoebic infection into the eye, causing pain, redness and vision limitations. Infections of the cornea, called keratitis, can occur even if contacts are used correctly. Also, permanent vision loss and the need for corneal transplantation can follow a severe infection if not adequately treated, the Merck Manual warns.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics drops are used to treat keratitis caused by bacteria. A small scraping of the surface of the cornea is analyzed to check for bacteria or fungi, so that the proper type of drop can be used, explains Douglas Jacobson, M.D., of the University of Washington.
Antifungals
If a fungus causes the infection, an antifungal drop is used for treatment. Fungi, like bacteria, can grow on the surface of the contact, in the wetting solution or in the carrying case. Several outbreaks of ocular fungal infections caused by fusarium in 2006 were associated with wetting solutions used to store and disinfect contact lenses, All About Vision reports. Antifungal drops are administered every one to two hours, according to the Merck Manual. Oral Antifungals may also be necessary in severe infections.
Antimicrobials
Acanthamoeba, a parasite found in soil and water, can multiply in contact solutions and cause an ocular keratitis infection found almost exclusively in contact lens wearers, Dr. Simon Kilvington reports in a 2000 article published in Microbiology Today. The most effective treatment for acanthamoeba keratitis is topical biguanides, antimicrobials used to disinfect contact lens cases and swimming pools, according to an October 2009 article in the American Journal of Ophthalmology reports. Treatment for acanthamoeba infection may be continued for months, the Merck Manual states.
Steroids
Steroid drops decrease inflammation in the eye, which aids in healing and also decreases discomfort. Combination steroid and antibiotic drops are often used.
Dilating Drops
Drops that dilate the eye, known as cycloplegics, are often used to decrease pain that occurs as the eye adjusts to different light conditions by dilating and constricting, and also to prevent the formations of scar tissue, called posterior synechiae, Dr. Jacobson states.
References
- PDR Health: Keratitis
- Microbiology Today: "Through a Glass Darkly: Contact Lenses and Personal Hygiene; Simon Kilvington
- University of Washington: Bacterial Keratitis; Douglas Jacobson, M.D.
- American Journal of Ophthalmology: Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Update 2009; John Dart et al; October 2009
- Merck Manual: Corneal Ulcer Treatment
