Corneal ulcer associated with contamination of aerosol saline spray tip.

PURPOSE: To report a complication of aerosol saline use in a contact lens wearer.

METHODS

Case report. A 57-year-old woman who used soft contact lenses on an extended-wear basis developed a unilateral Pseudomonas corneal ulcer associated with the use of preservative-free aerosol saline.

RESULTS

The solution inside the aerosol can was free of microbial contamination. The spray tip, however, was contaminated with P aeruginosa.

CONCLUSIONS

Aerosol spray cans may minimize contamination of the solution inside the can. The spray tip is still susceptible to microbial contamination, especially with continued use of the solution over an extended period of time.