Research has shown that although rare, contamination of contact lenses with Acanthamoeba and other organisms after cleansing can cause severe ocular morbidity. The author reviews the research data, and offers recommendations for appropriate use of cleansing solutions

The humidity, temperature, pH and nutrients present in the conjunctival mucous membrane lining the upper and lower fornices provide an ideal medium for the establishment of a large number of bacterial colonies. Most of these bacteria form the natural conjunctival flora, and rarely cause infection.