Types and Prevalence of Contact Lens Complications Identified

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) recently performed an analysis of the types and prevalence of contact lens-related complications among patients seen in the university’s clinic.

Of the 846 eyes of 572 contact lens wearers evaluated in the study, approximately 50 percent of eyes had at least one contact lens-related complication, the researchers said. Among the findings of the study:

• Rigid gas permeable contacts had a statistically lower average number of complications than soft contact lenses.
• Conjunctival papillae and giant papillary conjunctivitis were the most prevalent complications among both gas permeable (GP) and soft contact lens wearers.
• Silicone hydrogel contact lenses had a slightly lower (though not statistically significant) rate of complications than regular soft lenses.
• Extended wear contacts had a slightly higher complication rate compared with daily wear lenses.
• Use of contact lens solutions not recommended by the wearer’s eye doctor — including generic and private label solutions — was associated with the highest rate of complications for both GP and soft contact lenses.

Conjunctival papillae are bumpy lesions on the inner surface of the eyelids that can affect contact lens comfort. Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is an allergic inflammation of these papillae characterized by redness, itching and contact lens intolerance.

The researchers said the significant prevalence of contact lens-related complications identified by this study — regardless of lens design, material and wearing schedule — highlights the importance of routine professional eye care for all contact lens wearers.

The full report of the study appears in the July 2009 issue of Eye & Contact Lens: Science and Clinical Practice.

Tags: Eye Infections