A cross-sectional study of 178 asymptomatic contact lens wearers attending 10 contact lens practices in the west of Scotland was conducted over a 4 month period. The aims of the study were to identify specific microbial con- (BrJ Ophthalmol 1993; 77: 41-45)

Aims-To determine the quantitative relation between the major risk factors for microbial keratitis of previous ocular surface disease and contact lens wear and central and peripheral infiltration, often associated with ulceration, in order to establish a rational chemotherapeutic management algorithm. Methods-Data from 55 patients were collected over a 10 month period. All cases of presumed microbial keratitis where corneal scrapes had been subjected to microbiological examination were included. Risk factor data and laboratory outcome were recorded. Antimicrobial regimens used to treat each patient were documented. (Br J Ophthalmol 1998;82:137-145) Results-57

Barely half the participants had heard of chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Further knowledge of either infection was very poor. There are serious implications for public health. The reasons for this are unclear and require exploration before targeted health promotion. Doctors and the popular media are acceptable, and potentially effective, sources of information. Acquisition of knowledge is important, both to reduce sexual risk taking behaviour and its consequences, and to allow for informed consent for chlamydia screening programmes.