Contact lens-associated infectious keratitis in physicians: a retrospective observational study.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the clinical spectrum, contact lens-related behaviors, occupation-related characteristics, and outcomes of physicians with contact lens-associated infectious keratitis.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral center (Ege University, Department of Ophthalmology, Izmir, Turkiye) and included physicians diagnosed with contact lens-associated infectious keratitis between November 2012 and March 2026. Medical records were reviewed for demographic, occupational, contact lens-related, ocular surface, and clinical data.

Results: Eleven physicians (mean age 44.4 ± 16.3 years [range, 27-72]; 63.6% female) were included. Bacterial keratitis was diagnosed in 7 patients (63.6%), Acanthamoeba keratitis in 3 patients (27.3%), and fungal keratitis in 1 patient (9.1%). Mean BCVA improved from 0.72 ± 0.83 logMAR at presentation to 0.05 ± 0.07 logMAR at final follow-up. All patients used soft contact lenses; overnight wear was reported in 9 patients (81.8%) and water exposure in 5 patients (45.5%). Mean weekly working time was 48.6 ± 10 h (range, 40-70), with 3.6 ± 2.8 (range, 0-8) duties per month. Hospitalization was required in 4 patients (36.4%). Complete resolution was achieved in 8 patients (72.7%), while 2 patients (18.2%) healed with residual scarring, and 1 patient (9.1%) experienced recurrence requiring penetrating keratoplasty.

Conclusion: Physicians with contact lens-associated infectious keratitis may exhibit modifiable behavioral risk factors and occupation-related conditions relevant to disease presentation. Although causal relationships cannot be established, these findings underscore the importance of contact lens hygiene, timely lens removal, and attention to ocular surface symptoms in physicians working under demanding schedules.