Eye infections, which are often the result of improper use of contact lenses, are responsible for nearly one million patient visits to the United States each year. Of course, contact lenses can offer many benefits to patients, but their use is not completely without all the risks - especially in cases where people who use contact lenses do not fully follow the recommendations for contact lenses. maintenance of lenses and related devices.

Microbial keratitis is an infectious disease of the cornea caused by bacteria, fungi, amoebae, or viruses. Keratitis manifests as pain and inflammation and, in severe cases, can cause vision loss or blindness. The main risk factors for this type of serious infection are improper storage or regular use of contact lenses.

Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have analyzed 3 large-scale national databases of patient visits to ambulatory and emergency departments since 2010 for the first calculation of the number of keratitis cases in the United States -United.. The results of this study were published in the November issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

It turns out that about 930,000 doctor visits and outpatient visits and 58,000 emergency room visits for keratitis or other contact lens disorders are recorded each year in the United States.

Keratitis affects all age groups of patients - from adolescents to the elderly. In women, keratitis is noted slightly more often than in men - women made up 63% of the patients who went to the doctor and about 55% of the patients who visited the emergency departments. Over a quarter (76.5%) of all keratitis complaints required antibiotic therapy.

Each year, keratitis and other disorders associated with the use of contact lenses cause economic damage of approximately $ 175 million (the cost of direct medical expenses only).

The CDC is conducting an eye health campaign in collaboration with doctors, public health officials, and manufacturers of contact lenses and personal care products to reduce the incidence of keratitis.

Each year, approximately 38 million people in the United States use contact lenses. Improper storage conditions, non-compliance with hygiene recommendations for care, premature replacement of lens storage fluid, 24-hour use of contact lenses are the main avoidable risk factors for associated microbial keratitis contact lenses, inflammation and other eye complications.