Glasses and contact lens wearers could be risking 'deadly bacteria'

A professional swab test has revealed the presence of six different types of bacteria on a pair of glasses - some of which can cause serious health issues.

The bacteria identified include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Faecal streptococci.

Kiki Soteri, therapeutic optometrist and Head of Clinical Services at Leightons Opticians, said: "Real-world swab results are eye-opening. While it's normal for some bacteria to be present on our glasses, the variety found on this pair of glasses demonstrates very clearly that people could be more proactive at cleaning eyewear. E. coli, pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus, in particular, can cause a range of health issues, including inflammation and infection allowed to proliferate near the eyes."

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The bacteria discovered on eyeglasses can lead to various health risks, with E. coli being one of them. Although many strains of E. coli are harmless, others can result in severe food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and other illnesses.

This bacterium multiplies rapidly in fresh faecal matter, making it a reliable indicator of faecal contamination. The World Health Organization (WHO) states, "In most cases, the illness is self-limiting, but it may lead to a life-threatening disease including haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), especially in young children and the elderly", reports the Express.

Eye experts are raising the alarm about Staphylococcus aureus, a pernicious bacteria causing eyelid infections like conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and styes, potentially leading to persistent eye moisture and comfort problems. But that's not the end of the risks; pseudomonas aeruginosa too looms as a menace.

Found naturally on plant matter, in soil and water, it frequently results in eye infections among contact lens wearers or those who've sustained eye injuries. On another note, Clostridium perfringens is a bacterium linked with noxious food poisoning leading to intense abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever.

Additionally, bacillus cereus is notorious for instigating two strains of food poisoning—its symptoms ranging from nausea to vomiting and diarrhoea. Moreover, there is a need to be vigilant about faecal streptococci—though not invariably pathogenic, its presence signifies faecal pollution.

Kiki Soteri underscores the vital importance of regular cleaning of spectacles, advising: "Our sample swab highlights the need for consistent spectacle hygiene. While there's no universal rule, research suggests cleaning your glasses at least once a day is advisable. A study published by PLoS One found that even after just one day of wear, spectacles can accumulate significant bacterial loads, particularly on nose pads and ear clips."

Kiki advises: "For those in high-risk environments or professions, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. Additionally, a recent survey of spectacle wearers found that while 70% clean their glasses daily, only 63% use a proper cleaning solution. It's not just about frequency, but also using the right methods to effectively kill and reduce bacteria."