More than 200 participants from seven Asian countries and regions met in Hong Kong on Wednesday at a two-day conference to show their latest findings on cornea and contact lens.

At the first Asia Cornea and Contact Lens Conference being held at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), international and local optometry experts including six PolyU scholars are presenting their latest research findings in the field.

A study, conducted by PolyU MPhil student Alice Yung Mo-sze among 80 university students wearing soft contact lenses, showed that micro-organisms were found in 43 percent of the samples of contact lens, lens case and lens care solutions from collected subjects, while 27.5 percent of the subjects owned more than one contaminated items.

More detailed analysis showed the highest rate of contamination found in the contact lens case (42.5 percent), followed by lens care solution (18 percent) and the contact lens (10 percent). Yung said these findings were similar to those reported in other countries.

As suggested by PolyU researchers, contact lens wearers are reminded that it is essential to take proper care of their lenses and accessory items and to replace them at regular intervals. They should also visit a professional optometrist for an eye-examination at least once a year.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2004)