@article{CRSIJ26000165,
                  author = {Mitsan Olley, Zekeri Chance Sule},
                  title = { Microbial Contamination of Eyeglasses Among Staff and Students of Igbinedion University, Okada},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2025},
                  volume = {1},
                  number = {6},
                  pages = {212-221},
                  issn = {3108-1584},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000165.pdf},
                  abstract = {Eyeglasses are widely used optical devices that remain in close contact with the skin, hands, nose, and surrounding environment, making them potential reservoirs for microbial contamination. Poor hygiene practices and inadequate cleaning methods may increase the risk of ocular infections associated with contaminated eyeglasses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, microbial load, distribution, and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of microorganisms contaminating eyeglasses used by staff and students of Igbinedion University. A cross-sectional study involving 200 eyeglasses was conducted between June and August 2023 in Okada, Edo State, Nigeria. Sterile saline-moistened swab sticks were used to collect samples from eyeglass lenses. Standard microbiological techniques, including serial dilution, culture, Gram staining, biochemical characterization, and antibiotic susceptibility testing using the disc diffusion method, were employed for isolation and identification of microorganisms. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS version 20.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Overall contamination of eyeglasses was high, with contamination rates of 90.0% among males and 96.0% among females. Age was significantly associated with contamination (p = 0.004), whereas sex, marital status, and occupation showed no significant association. The predominant isolates were Staphylococcus epidermidis (58 × 10⁶ CFU/ml), Bacillus subtilis (61 × 10⁶ CFU/ml), and Staphylococcus aureus (24 × 10⁶ CFU/ml). Other isolates included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter species, molds, and non-Candida albicans. Poor eyeglass hygiene practices, lack of regular cleaning, and poor awareness of microbial contamination were significantly associated with higher contamination rates (p < 0.05). Cefuroxime showed the highest resistance pattern among isolates, while Gentamicin and Erythromycin demonstrated complete susceptibility. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of microbial contamination of eyeglasses among staff and students, indicating that eyeglasses may serve as potential fomites for ocular pathogens. Improved hygiene practices, regular cleaning with appropriate disinfectants, and increased awareness are necessary to reduce microbial contamination and the associated risk of eye infections.},
                  keywords = {Antibiotic resistance, Eyeglasses, Microbial contamination, Ocular infection, Staphylococcus aureus},
                  month = {May}
        }