A new study from NYU Langone Medical Center has found that Staphylococcus bacteria, the bacteria most commonly associated with eye infection, is more prominent in the eyes of people who do not wear contact lenses – even though this group tends to experience fewer eye infections in general. The reason for this, while still not entirely known, is suspected to be the amount of additional bacteria in the microbiome of the eyes of contact lens wearers.
Researchers looked at a small group of nine patients who wear contact lenses and 11 who do not. The team found that the microbiome of contact lens wearers is much closer to that of the skin, boasting three times the usual proportion of the bacteria Methylobacterium, Lactobacillus, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. Why these bacteria are more prominent in the eyes of contact lens wearers is, however, still unclear.
You can help prevent eye infection by closely following our NEPA eye doctors’ contact lens care instructions. You can further reduce risks by undergoing LASIK or a similar vision correction procedure. This option can be discussed in greater detail during your next appointment at one of our 15 Northeastern Pennsylvania locations.
To learn more about our vision correction services, both surgical and prescription, please contact Northeastern Eye Institute online or by calling 855-204-6888 to schedule an appointment today.