Study of bacterial contamination associated with bandage contact lenses after laser subepithelial keratectomy

Objective To evaluate the locations and agents of the bacterial contamination of bandage disposable soft contact lenses after laser subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK).Methods It was a prospective investigative study.Bandage disposable soft contact lenses were collected with sterile forceps from 35 eyes of 20 consecutive patients treated for myopia with LASEK.Immediately after collection,each lens was cut into two parts with sterile scissors and placed onto chocolate agar with the outer surface of one piece placed down and the inner surface of the other piece placed down.The lenses were analyzed for bacterial colonization and the inner and outer surfaces were evaluated.Results Five (14％) positive cultures were found on the bandage contact lenses.Four of them appeared on the inner surface of the lens; one of them appeared on the outer surface.Methicillin-sensitive,coagulase-negative staphylococci (MSSCoN),methicillin-resistant,coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRSCoN),corynebacterium and micrococcus were isolated in the positive cultures.All of the microorganisms were sensitive to the administered antibiotics levofloxaxin and tobramycin.No clinical findings of infection were noted.Conclusion Bacterial contamination is possible when using bandage contact lenses after LASEK,especially on the inner surface of the lens.The reason may be related to the procedure of keeping the epithelial flap in place which could develop a local environment suitable for bacterial colonization and potential infection. Key words: Bacterial contamination;  Contact lens;  Refractive surgery