Corneal ulcer associated with contamination of aerosol saline spray tip

Am J Ophthalmol. 1997 Sep;124(3):394-5. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(14)70832-3.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a complication of aerosol saline use in a contact lens wearer.

Methods: Case report. A 57-year-old woman who used soft contact lenses on an extended-wear basis developed a unilateral Pseudomonas corneal ulcer associated with the use of preservative-free aerosol saline.

Results: The solution inside the aerosol can was free of microbial contamination. The spray tip, however, was contaminated with P aeruginosa.

Conclusions: Aerosol spray cans may minimize contamination of the solution inside the can. The spray tip is still susceptible to microbial contamination, especially with continued use of the solution over an extended period of time.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cefazolin / therapeutic use
  • Cephalosporins / therapeutic use
  • Contact Lens Solutions*
  • Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic
  • Cornea / microbiology
  • Corneal Transplantation
  • Corneal Ulcer / microbiology*
  • Corneal Ulcer / therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Equipment Contamination*
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / etiology*
  • Eye Infections, Bacterial / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pseudomonas Infections / etiology*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / therapy
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Tobramycin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cephalosporins
  • Contact Lens Solutions
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Cefazolin
  • Tobramycin