Bacterial contamination in soft contact lens wearers.

We prospectively analyzed bacterial contamination in 15 soft contact lens wearing subjects. Contact lenses, cases, tips of saline solution bottles, and conjunctiva were cultured. Cultures were positive for 13 subjects (86.6%). Contamination was present in 13 contact lens cases (86.6%), 12 contact lenses (80.0%), nine saline solution bottles (60.0%), and in the conjunctiva of three patients (20.0%). Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis) were the most frequently isolated organisms. Staphylococcus aureus was the only gram-positive organism isolated. We discuss the possible sources of contamination, and emphasize the importance of contact lens care instruction.