The pathogenesis of contact lens-related keratitis

Abstract

Bacterial infection of the cornea is a rare, but sight-threatening, complication of contact lens wear that was first reported shortly after soft lenses were introduced onto the market in the 1970s. During the past 3 decades, various attempts to solve the problem with new lens types and lens care products have failed to make a significant impact on its incidence. Eliminating contact lens-related infections will likely require a better understanding of the ocular defense system, microbial virulence strategies, how they affect one another, and the effects of contact lens wear on both. Each of these topics is complex. Although research in this area is therefore challenging and necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, what we are learning along the way has significance beyond contact lens-related infection and could ultimately lead to the development of new strategies to prevent this and a range of other sight- and life-threatening diseases.