Contact lens related microbial keratitis – avoidable blindness

Aim: The aim of this article is to review the literature on microbial keratitis, exploring the pathophysiology, causes, diagnosis, and management strategies of this ocular condition which can lead to blindness and can be avoided. The main focus is contact lens-related microbial keratitis. The author analyzed some statistics for this condition from his work place (Birmingham and Midland eye hospital) in order to provide an indication of the number of patients attending the eye hospital with contact lens-related microbial keratitis and non contact lens-related microbial keratitis. Methods: Extensive review of the literature on microbial keratitis and a retrospective review of all cases with contact lens-related microbial keratitis over a period of 4 months (August 2010 and November 2010). Case files were retrieved and relevant information was extracted and analyzed. Results: The data collected indicated that 192 patients attended the eye casualty with contact lens-related problems. Out of these 110 cases were diagnosed as infective microbial keratitis and were treated with intensive antibiotics. Conclusion: Microbial keratitis is one of the main eye traumas for people using contact lenses and can lead to blindness. One feature of bacterial keratitis is rapid progression if left untreated — microbial keratitis is a true ocular emergency that requires immediate and intensive evaluation and treatment. Understanding the pathophysiology of microbial keratitis and its relationship to contact lenses is key in choosing the right treatment and ensuring a good prognosis.