Soft contact lens contamination by Alternaria alternata

Two cases of contact lens contamination by the fungus, Alternaria alternata, are described. In both patients, mild ocular irritation was the presenting symptom but neither suffered fungal infection of the eye. To our knowledge, A alternata has not previously been reported as a contaminant of contact lenses, although it is an ubiquitous saprophyte and has been reported as causing infections in humans. The close succession in which these two patients presented may indicate that such fungal contamination of contact lenses is not uncommon. The importance of adequate cleaning regimens for daily-wear contact lenses (which are inserted and removed each day), and the necessity for patients with extended-wear contact lenses (which are worn continuously) to seek medical attention immediately should any problems arise, are emphasized.