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The conjunctival microbial ecosystem: Tropical environmental conditions and contact lens tolerance

Abstract:

Refractive errors are considered the second cause of visual impairment worldwide. Vision disorders such as nearsightedness can be corrected by refractive surgery, glasses, or contact lenses. It is proposed that the changes in the ocular microbiome caused by the use of contact lenses are related to the development of complications and infections. The ocular microbiota can vary according to seasonal conditions, temperature, age, gender and environmental exposure. The present study is set out to assess whether the microbiota of contact lens wearers differed from that of non-wearers, based on various factors. A descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2021 to March 2022 in Ambato, Ecuador. The study population consisted of participants aged between 18 and 59 years. Bacterial diversity was quantified by amplification of the complete genome, from which the V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene of 40 samples was sequenced on the sequencing platform. The conjunctival microbiome of contact lens wearers was found to be not significantly different from the ones of NULCs and did not detect a significant increase in pathogenic microorganisms. The main bacterial taxa were similar between groups although the abundance of each taxon varied within each group. This type of study is essential for the success of ocular therapy and the management of the target microorganisms of antimicrobial therapy.