BHVI

Contact lenses are now the preferred choice for many people requiring vision correction. While contact lens wear is regarded as extremely safe, a small number of contact lens related infections do occur.

Microbial Keratitis is the most severe complication that can occur from a contact lens related eye infection. Keratitis is an inflammation of the eye’s cornea. Microbial keratitis refers to a corneal inflammation caused by bacterial infection. While the condition is very rare, 10-15 % of cases lead to permanent loss of vision.

Large scale epidemiology studies have been undertaken to determine the risk factors associated with corneal infection and inflammation. The Institute is in a unique position in the world through its access to over 250 subjects who've developed microbial keratitis and more who have developed inflammation during lens wear. We plan to examine whether these subjects have genetic predispositions to developing keratitis or for the severity of the keratitis.

Investigators

Project Leader
Prof Fiona Stapleton

Assoc Prof Hua Zhu
Prof Mark Willcox

To learn more about Microbial Keratitis click here.