Which organism is the leading cause of keratitis in contact lens wearers?

Which organism is the leading cause of keratitis in contact lens wearers?

• A. Chryseobacterium meningosepticum
• B. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• C. Francisella tularensis
• D. Escherichia coli

Answer: (B)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading cause of keratitis in contact lens wearers. This organism thrives in moist environments and readily adheres to contact lenses and lens storage cases, where it can form biofilms that protect it from cleaning solutions. When it invades a compromised corneal epithelium, it can produce rapid, sight-threatening ulcers with severe pain and redness, making prompt, targeted therapy essential to prevent perforation and scarring. While other bacteria like Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, Francisella tularensis, or Escherichia coli can cause ocular infections, they are far less commonly linked to contact lens–related keratitis, which is why P. aeruginosa is the typical culprit in this scenario.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading cause of keratitis in contact lens wearers. This organism thrives in moist environments and readily adheres to contact lenses and lens storage cases, where it can form biofilms that protect it from cleaning solutions. When it invades a compromised corneal epithelium, it can produce rapid, sight-threatening ulcers with severe pain and redness, making prompt, targeted therapy essential to prevent perforation and scarring. While other bacteria like Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, Francisella tularensis, or Escherichia coli can cause ocular infections, they are far less commonly linked to contact lens–related keratitis, which is why P. aeruginosa is the typical culprit in this scenario.