THE BACTERIAL FLORA OF THE CONJUNCTIVAL ANOPHTHALMIC SOCKET IN GLASS PROSTHESIS‐CARRIERS

Abstract

In 44 patients wearing uniocular glass prostheses, the bilateral conjunctival bacterial flora was studied and compared. The predominant organisms were essentially the same in both sides: Staphylococcus albus , corynebacteria followed by Staphylococcus aureus. However, the incidence of contaminant bacteria (gram‐negative bacilli and anaerobic bacteria grouped together) was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) on the socket side. Patients with inflamed sockets proved to harbour more potentially pathogenic bacteria ( S. aureus , streptococci and gram‐negative bacilli) than those without inflammation ( P < 0.05). The “wearing time” of the prosthesis and methods used for keeping it clean did not seem to alter the flora of the socket.