Common Complications of Soft Contact Lenses Part I
| Common Complications of Soft Contact Lenses Part I |
|
| Date: July 30, 2006 | |
| Dry Eye Dry eye, and its related syndrome, is an extremely common condition thought to affect millions of Americans. Dry Eye Syndrome is the most common sensation reported by soft lens wearers. The syndrome has various causes, but there appears to be an imbalance between tear production and tear volume drainage from the eye. Dry eye syndrome is increased in frequency when the lenses being worn are older lenses as well as in females using oral contraceptives. Often as the wearing time increases the cornea will feel dry or as if there is a foreign body in the eye. This can cause increased tearing referred to as reflex tearing. There is some belief that the use of silicone hydrogel lenses that are surface treated to make them more biocompatible may be helpful for contact lens wearers who suffer from dry eyes. Also, adhering to a frequent replacement plan that provides fresh clean lenses regularly is beneficial as well. However, some contact lens wearers develop dry eyes that are significant enough that it renders them intolerant of the contact lenses. A recently developed prescription eye drop, Restasis, can in many cases, allow a patient to resume contact lens wear after six to eight weeks of treatment. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is an allergic reaction, typically due to protein deposits on contact lenses. Since protein deposits are more common with soft contact lens use, GPC is more common in soft lens wear than rigid lens wear. GPC can be caused due to an allergic reaction to the chemicals in the contact lenses and/or the solutions used. GPC is characterized by a series of visible lumps or nodules on the underside of the upper eyelid. GPC can cause extensive irritation and scarring under the eyelids that can prohibit further use of soft contact lenses if not addressed. In most cases of GPC, after changing contact lens materials and wearing schedule and using eye drops to reverse the allergic reaction, patients can resume normal contact lens wear. If you are experiencing any form of discomfort with your contact lenses it is important to seek evaluation to avoid potential vision loss or the inability to continue contact lens wear. Please contact our office with questions concerning these topics at 405-372-1715 in Stillwater or 918-762-2573 in Pawnee. Stay tuned for Part II next week; Abnormal blood vessel growth, or neovascularization, and contact lens related infections. |
|