Extended wear contact lens related bacterial keratitis.

Objective: To report the clinical findings and visual outcome of patients with extended wear contact lens (EWCL) related bacterial keratitis.

Methods: 11 cases with EWCL related bacterial keratitis were included. Corneal scrapings were obtained for cytology and cultures.

Results: Nine patients had unilateral bacterial keratitis and two patients showed bilateral involvement. Corneal scrapings revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa in seven patients, Staphylococcus aureus coagulase positive in one patient, and Staphylococcus epidermidis in three patients.

Conclusions: EWCLs may be associated with bacterial keratitis and may result in visual loss. Dispensing contact lenses by optometrists should be performed in consultation with ophthalmologists.