Abstract

Background & Method: The aim of this study is to assess the contact lens care practices of the contact lens wearers in Anand district and the contamination rate of contact lens fluid using microbial culture technique. The lens care solution samples were processed directly without enrichment by culturing on MacConkey agar, nutrient agar and blood agar, and incubated at 37°C for total 48 hours, while observing for growth at 24 hour and 48-hour incubation. The swabs were enriched in brain heart infusion broth and incubated for 24h at 37°C. Sub cultures were done on MacConkey agar and nutrient agar and were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. The bacteria which grows were further subjected to in-vitro biofilm production assay by microtitre plate method and results were recorded. For culture examination for Acanthamoeba the non-nutrient agar with lawn culture of E.coli is inoculated directly with lens care solution observed for feeding tracks created by Acanthamoeba as indicator of culture positive.
Result: Total of 52 participants’ samples (50.4%) found contaminated with one or more microbe out of total 103 participants participated in present study. 21 isolates (40.4%) out of these 52 were found to be biofilm producer in in-vitro biofilm production assay. Also 02 (1.94%) of the total 103 samples found positive for Acanthamoeba showing the feeding tracks on non-nutrient agar culture. Most lens users had a habit of changing their lens solution weekly 38(36.8%) which was significantly high in number in comparison to changing frequency of daily 1(0.9%) or monthly 13(12.6%). Only 3(2.9%) contaminated lens fluid of lens wearers had a habit of washing their hands before removing lens, which was significantly low in comparison to those who washed their hands before wearing lens 49(47.5%). Among 103 participants, 50(48.5%) contaminated lens fluid of lens wearers, did not discard their lens care solution bottle for months after opening which is significantly more in number.  There are total 90(87.3%) participants, who used protective glass in possibility of exposure to dust or foreign particle.
Conclusion: In present study we conclude, Females using contact lenses more compared to males. The common user of contact lens belongs to age group of 21 year to 40 year. Students are the people who are using contact lenses commonly compared with other occupation. 52 out of 103 (50.5%) lens care solution samples were found contaminated with one or more bacteria, amongst them E. coli was isolated in highest numbers. Biofilm production capacity was found positive in 40.4%. Only two participants (1.9%) found with Acanthamoeba infection as well. Symptoms of itching and redness were present in high number in all users. Amongst them itching and discharge were more significantly present in culture positive users compared to culture negative users. Hence it is recommended for the users to screen their lens care fluid for bacterial contamination in case if they one or both of these signs while using lens.