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Complications of contact lens use
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Complications may be associated with mechanical damage to the cornea, toxic-allergic reactions, and infection. The main reasons for the development of complications are the patient's failure to wear lenses and to care for them. The polymers from which the lenses are made are non-toxic and practically do not cause allergies. Allergic reactions of the eye when using contact lenses are most often caused by components included in lens care products. An insufficiently cleaned lens with traces of protein deposits can also become a source of toxic-allergic complications.
The most common manifestations are conjunctivitis, superficial keratitis, sterile infiltrates in the corneal stroma, and point defects in the corneal epithelium.
Most complications are easily treated. In some cases, it is enough to stop using lenses for a while.
In case of prolonged wearing of lenses, changes in the posterior corneal epithelium may develop - cellular polymorphism, formation of microcysts. Biomicroscopic examination sometimes reveals neovascularization of the cornea. This indicates chronic corneal hypoxia. In these cases, the patient should be advised to temporarily stop wearing lenses or use a different type.
The consequences of bacterial and viral keratitis and keratoconjunctivitis are more severe. The development of severe complications is usually associated with the patient's late visit to the doctor.
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