Demographics and behaviour of patients with contact lens-related infectious keratitis in singapore
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
; : 499-506, 2013.
Article
in En
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-285608
Responsible library:
WPRO
ABSTRACT
<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>This study aims to identify the demographics and hygiene behaviours associated with contact lens (CL)-related microbial keratitis in Singapore.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>The hygiene and social behaviours of lens wearers presenting with infectious keratitis in Singapore were examined using an externally validated questionnaire. Fifty-eight consecutive lens wearers who presented with infectious keratitis at Singapore National Eye Centre were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. Patients' demographics, CL-related behaviour, attitude to aftercare visits and microbial study results were collected and analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>More than half (55%) of the patients surveyed were female, and the average age of the participants was 25.7 ± 6.4 years. Ninety-six percent of participants used soft CL, with the majority wearing monthly disposable lenses (74.1%). Myopia was the commonest reason for use of CL. CL overwear (81%), sleeping (50.9%) and swimming (33%) with their CL were the major non-compliant behaviours discovered. When encountered with eye discomfort as a result of lens-related infective keratitis, 83% of patients sought the advice of general medical practitioners prior to presentation at the hospital. Many (59%) patients have encountered media coverage but only 24% had any behavioural change as a result. Many patients relied on the recommendations of eyecare practitioners when purchasing disinfecting solutions (26%) and other hygiene practices. Pseudomonas Aeruginosa was the most common organism grown in 22.4% of patients while 47% of patients were culture-negative.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Inadequate lens cleaning, poor aftercare, sleeping and swimming with CL were the major non-compliant behaviours among participants, and these are significant factors when assessing risks in acquiring CL-related infectious keratitis. General eyecare practitioners are the first-line of contact in patients presenting with keratitis symptoms and play an important role in emphasising the need for regular aftercare and good hygiene practices to CL wearers.</p>
Full text:
1
Database:
WPRIM
Main subject:
Singapore
/
Demography
/
Hygiene
/
Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic
/
Keratitis
Type of study:
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
Aspects:
Determinantes_sociais_saude
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
En
Journal:
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
Year:
2013
Document type:
Article