A study by the Asia Cornea Society has found that in developed nations like Singapore, contaminated contact lenses is a major cause of eye infections. In Singapore, it accounts for 60 per cent of all eye infection cases.

In developing nations however, fungal infections are a more common cause of eye infections.

The study, which involves 27 eye centres from eight countries in Asia, is the most extensive study on eye infections in the region to date. It aims to establish the prevalence and causes of eye infections in Asian countries, and develop improved strategies for prevention and treatment.

The preliminary findings and progress of the study will be presented as part of the 26th Asia Pacific Association for Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (APACRS) Annual Meeting, which will be held from July 11 to 14 this year.

This year's meeting will see more than 1,500 delegates and 500 exhibitors from 52 countries look at cataract and refractive surgery among other things.

In addition, the Asia Cornea Society and the international Cornea Society have co-organised the first Cornea Day outside of the United States, which will take place on July 11. The first day of the Annual Meeting will therefore focus on cornea-related medical issues.

This is the first time that the Asia Cornea Society and the Cornea Society are collaborating with the APACRS.