Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry
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Comparative Study
Factors affecting Staphylococcus epidermidis adhesion to contact lenses.
Staphylococcus epidermidis is a major causative agent of infectious keratitis associated with contact lens wear. Adhesion of this bacterium to contact lenses may contribute to the pathogenesis of infection and could be influenced by lens surface properties, packaging/storage solutions, and vary among different strains according to the level or type of adhesins expressed. ⋯ Properties of contact lens materials were not the sole determinant of viable S. epidermidis adhesion to lenses. Strain variability, including levels of exopolysaccharide expression, and the solution used for lens immersion also influenced adhesion.