# What Is CLMK - Contact Lens related Microbial Keratitis ?

**URL:** <https://www.medboundhub.com/t/what-is-clmk-contact-lens-related-microbial-keratitis/23923>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [October 15, 2026, 1:00pm UTC](https://www.medboundhub.com/t/what-is-clmk-contact-lens-related-microbial-keratitis/23923 "2026-10-15T13:00:41Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![dr\_sneha\_p](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex033/user_avatar/www.medboundhub.com/dr_sneha_p/32/6094_2.png) [@dr\_sneha\_p](https://www.medboundhub.com/u/dr_sneha_p)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2026, 1:00pm UTC](https://www.medboundhub.com/t/what-is-clmk-contact-lens-related-microbial-keratitis/23923/1 "2026-10-15T13:00:41Z")

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![Handling contact lenses](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex033/uploads/medbound/original/2X/5/5d424fe8308f14ba71ba95297f61cb7a412c35c9.png)

Contact Lens related Microbial Keratitis (CLMK) is the most serious complication seen in contact lens wearers. It’s a vision-threatening infection whose early diagnosis is difficult due to its variable and often subtle presentation.

It is characterized by infection of the corneal epithelium and stroma by [bacterial](https://www.cdc.gov/contact-lenses/causes/what-causes-contact-lens-related-bacterial-keratitis.html), fungal or parasitic organisms. Delayed evaluation would lead to corneal ulceration and [irreversible vision loss](https://www.medboundhub.com/t/can-contact-lens-really-cause-permanent-eye-damage/22047) later in life.

## Incidence

Although less frequent, it has estimated annual incidence of 2–4 cases per 10,000 contact lens wearers.

## Clinical Presentation

- Eye pain
- Photophobia (light intolerance)
- Diminished vision
- Purulent discharge

## Risk factors

- [Overnight or extended wear of contact lens](https://www.medboundhub.com/t/why-sleeping-with-lenses-is-risky/22853)
- Exposure of contact lenses to water
- Poor hygiene practices
- Failure to adhere to recommended replacement schedules

## Prevention

- Washing and drying hands before handling lenses
- Replacing disinfecting solution daily
- Air drying contact lens storage cases between uses
- Replacing storage cases at least every three months to reduce microbial contamination
- Removing contact lenses before swimming or showering
- Following up with an eye care professional on a regular basis to detect early complications

## Warning Symptoms to look for

If lens wearers experience persistent redness, increasing discomfort, photophobia, discharge, visual change or symptoms following water exposure; they must immediately discontinue wearing lens and consult their ophthalmologist.

## Key Takeaway

Contact lens use is widespread and continues to increase globally, making contact lens-related complications a common presentation in clinical practice.

Early recognition of CLMK is a major challenge. Addressing this challenge requires patient education on contact lens hygiene and warning signs.

### Source: [Contact Lens-Associated Ocular Surface and Corneal Disorders](https://www.mdpi.com/2409-9279/9/3/95)

> **What are the other contact lens-related complications? Mention how those complications can be managed.**

MBH/PS

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**Author:** ![Dr.Surbhi](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex033/user_avatar/www.medboundhub.com/dr.surbhi/32/5920_2.png) [@Dr.Surbhi](https://www.medboundhub.com/u/Dr.Surbhi)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2026, 3:46pm UTC](https://www.medboundhub.com/t/what-is-clmk-contact-lens-related-microbial-keratitis/23923/2 "2026-10-15T15:46:38Z")

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Other contact lens induced infection is CLARE(contact lens induced acute red eye)