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Minerva Oftalmologica 2004 March;46(1):93-104

Copyright © 2004 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

Infective keratitis in contactology

Palma S., Cerulli A., Catamo G., Cerulli L.

The authors review the problem of corneal infections in contact lens wearers. They analyze epidemiologic, etiologic, pathogenetic, clinical and therapeutic aspects of bacterial, fungal and parasitic keratitis. Since 1989 the incidence of infectious keratitis appears greater with hydrogel extended-wear lenses. Data about silicone-hydrogel contact lenses are encouraging, but are still referred to a small population. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the prevalent causal germ according to its typical characteristic (biofilm formation, corneal adherence) and can be responsible of severe corneal ulcers. Consideration is given to the high risk for severe keratitis with important visual loss caused by Acanthamoeba.