Knowledge, Behavior, and Free-Living Amoebae Contamination of Cosmetic Contact Lens Among University Wearers in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This is the first report of the presence of potentially pathogenic FLA in used CCL from asymptomatic wearers in Thailand. Although there was satisfactory knowledge and practice of lens care use, the public should be aware of CCL contaminated with potentially pathogenic FLA that can directly or indirectly cause keratitis.

A review of cosmetic contact lens infections

“…Non-compliance with recommended lens wear habits Patients are less likely to adhere to recommended safe lens wear practices and scheduled follow-up consultations [3,44,62,65].…”

“…Their sale through unlicensed vendors such as flea markets and street-side stalls, video stores, hair salons and gas stations, in addition to internet retailers has been documented [44]. These lenses are often sold in colourful, eye-catching packaging to appeal to a younger audience [3]. However, increased exposure to these products may result in an increased number of infections [32].…”

“…These problems are further exacerbated by the demographics of the population likely to utilise cosmetic contact lenses. Cosmetic contact lens wearers are more likely to be young, female, emmetropic and contact lens naïve [3,8,9,32,62].…”

“…Up to 6% of contact lens wearers surveyed in Hong Kong were emmetropes, who were likely to be cosmetic contact lens wearers, while 15% of asymptomatic cosmetic contact lens wearers surveyed in Thailand were emmetropes [3,9]. Emmetropic cosmetic contact lens wearers may perceive lenses as cosmetic accessories and incorrectly assume that proper lens evaluation, fitting and care is not required [2].…”

“…2) [1,2]. These lenses can either modify or augment the appearance of an individual's eye and are commonly referred to as circle, decorative or "big-eye" lenses [3,4]. Novelty lenses are also available and frequently used by patients for fancy dress events [5].…”