Review of Prof. John Dart's Evening Lecture

The first BCLA evening meeting of 2016 took place on 28 January at the Royal College of Nursing with Professor John Dart, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, examining “When and why does the cornea become infected in CL users?”. 

Around 100 professionals heard Professor Dart explore the causes of infection. Contact lens associated keratitis has been responsible for up to 60 per cent of cases of MK in healthy eyes in developed countries since the 1990s. 

Can this be avoided? He emphasised that it is up to eye care professionals to ensure patients are educated on the risks associated with contact lenses.  These include leaving lenses in overnight, with wearers who did this putting themselves at five times the risk of possible infection. He stated that it is up to eye care professionals to ensure patients are fully aware of the potential risks along with the benefits of lens wear. 

Ensuring the correct cleaning routines for reusable lenses continues to be important as if neglected, the likelihood of an increased microbial load will be higher.  This is due to the increased risk of water contamination and inadequately cared for lens cases. Data recorded from a wide range of studies over the past 20 years has revealed that daily disposables have a far lower microbial load and therefore present a far lesser risk of leading to potential infections such as bacterial keratitis. 

He stated that the onus is on practitioners to educate patients about both the potential causes and dangers of infection, urging them to reinforce the message that lenses should not be subjected to any water at all to minimise the potential risk. Lens case care for re-usable lenses was emphasised. 

“Users should wash and dry their hands before inserting the lenses and should keep them away from water when wearing them or storing them. Again, that information should be on every packet,” he said. 

Attendees also heard how genetics played a pivotal role in the likelihood of infection, with patients with increased susceptibility far more likely to fall victim to bugs. 

Prof Dart said: “Individual immune profiles modulate the susceptibility and severity of corneal infections.” 

In conclusion, Professor Dart stated, “The eye is not a clean environment and care must be taken to ensure lenses are as clean as possible. The key is education.”  

The lecture formed part of the first BCLA evening meeting of the year and was the first time the event had been held at the Royal College of Nursing.

BCLA Members can view the Prof. John Dart's lecture in the Member Resources area under Online Resources.