A routine swab test on glasses from a worker at Leightons Opticians has raised alarms about the potential health risks posed by our everyday spectacles. And it revealed the presence of harmful bacteria that could even prove lethal.
The professional test pinpointed six distinct bacterial types, some of which are capable of causing significant health issues. Detected were Escherichia coli (E.coli), Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Faecal streptococci.
Leightons Opticians’ therapeutic optometrist and Head of Clinical Services, Kiki Soteri, reflected on the alarming results, stating: “Real-world swab results are eye-opening. While it’s normal for some bacteria to be present on our glasses, the variety found on this pair of glasses demonstrates very clearly that people could be more proactive at cleaning eyewear. E. coli, pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus, in particular, can cause a range of health issues, including inflammation and infection allowed to proliferate near the eyes.”
The array of bacteria discovered on the spectacles includes Escherichia coli or E. coli known pathogens that, despite numerous harmless strains, can lead to severe food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and other illnesses if left unchecked. The bacterium proliferates rapidly in fresh faecal matter, making it a reliable indicator of faecal contamination.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns: “In most cases, the illness is self-limiting, but it may lead to a life-threatening disease including haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), especially in young children and the elderly.”
Eye health experts also highlight the dangers of Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause inflammation of the eyelid such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis and styes, potentially leading to chronic issues with eye moisture and comfort. The risks don’t end there, with pseudomonas aeruginosa posing a threat too.
This bacterial pathogen, commonly found on plants, soil and water, is a frequent culprit behind eye infections in those who wear contact lenses or have sustained eye injuries. Clostridium perfringens is often linked to food poisoning, capable of triggering severe abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.
Bacillus cereus is another known cause of food poisoning, with symptoms that include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Additionally, the presence of faecal streptococci, while not always directly pathogenic, signals faecal contamination.
Kiki Soteri underscores the need for proper glasses maintenance, stating: “Our sample swab highlights the need for consistent spectacle hygiene. While there’s no universal rule, research suggests cleaning your glasses at least once a day is advisable. A study published by PLoS One found that even after just one day of wear, spectacles can accumulate significant bacterial loads, particularly on nose pads and ear clips.
“For those in high-risk environments or professions, more frequent cleaning may be necessary. Additionally, a recent survey of spectacle wearers found that while 70% clean their glasses daily, only 63% use a proper cleaning solution. It’s not just about frequency, but also using the right methods to effectively kill and reduce bacteria.”
Kiki’s guide cleaning your glasses
- Wash your hands
- Rinse your spectacles with body-temperature water. Avoid hot water, as this can damage the lens coating
- Put a small amount of washing-up liquid or mild handwash on the frame and lenses (except where you have been specifically advised that your frame and lens materials are not compatible with a particular soap or detergent)
- Rub both sides of the lenses and the frame to remove skin oils
- Concentrate especially on rubbing the parts of the frame that sit on the nose and behind the ears
- Rinse your spectacles with body-temperature water
- Dry the frame and lenses with a soft cloth or microfibre cloth