Complications associated with soft contact lens use
Cunha, M.C.; Thomassen, T.S.; Cohen, E.J.; Genvert, G.I.; Arentsen, J.J.; Laibson, P.R.
Clao Journal Official Publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists Inc 13(2): 107-111
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0733-8902 PMID: 2452036 Document Number: 296266
A retrospective study of 246 consecutive patients fit with daily and extended wear soft contact lenses was undertaken to determine the incidence and range of lens related problems in cosmetic, aphakic, and keratoplasty patients in a cornea service setting. Adequate data for inclusion in the study were available from 212 patients, who were followed for a minimum of six months (range 6-42 months; median 30 months). Approximately half (105 of 212; 50%) of the patients demonstrated problems. The most common problem was corneal neovascularization (61 of 212; 29%), which was greater than 1 mm in 10% (22 of 212). Serious complications were infrequent. Two aphakic graft patients developed suture abscesses and three had rejection episodes. Overall, extended wear lens patients were significantly more likely to have complications (62 of 85; 73%) than daily wear lens patients (43 of 127, 34%) (P < .001). Cosmetic lens patients were significantly less likely to have problems (34 of 98; 35%) than aphakic patients (35 of 50; 70%) (P < .001). Our data suggest that minor problems (including peripheral neovascularization, deposits, and chemical reactions related to soft lens wear) are common, but serious, vision-threatening complications (including corneal ulcers) are infrequent when lenses are fit carefully and patients are repeatedly instructed regarding lens use.