Comparing the Colony Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Daily and Monthly Contact Lenses with Different Oxygen Permeability

Bacterial presence and microbial formation on contact lenses can cause serious corneal infection including keratitis. There are many bacterial prevention methods available today, however, the chances of bacterial growth on contact lenses are still high in the absence of proper hygiene. The best way to prevent bacterial growth on contact lenses is by practicing proper hygiene and caring when handling contact lenses. The main objective of this study is to emphasize the importance of proper hygiene while inserting and removing contact lenses because bacteria can attach to contact lenses. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and four types of contact lenses with different oxygen permeability were used in the study. The research was done in the microbiology lab at Governors State University. Five contact lenses of each type were the control groups. It was placed in sterile tubes with 5 ml of TSB broth but without Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture. Five contact lenses from each type were placed in sterile tubes with 5mL TSB broth along with Pseudomonas aeruginosa culture in an incubator at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 hours. After 24 hours, all test tubes were taken out from the incubator. Swabbed the bacteria from the contact lenses and did a spread plate which was then placed in the incubator for 24 hours at 37 degrees Celsius. After 24 hours, since the colonies were too many to count, multiple serial dilutions were performed. Bacteria attached to the contact lenses that were placed in the test tubes with bacterial culture. Therefore, proper hygiene is important while handling contact lenses.