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Complications with the use of contact lenses
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Complications can be associated with mechanical damage to the cornea, toxic-allergic reactions, infection. The main reasons for the development of complications - violation of the patient's mode of wearing lenses and the rules of care for them. The polymers themselves, 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 more often caused by components that are part of the lens care products. Insufficiently cleaned lens with traces of protein deposits can also become a source of toxic-allergic complications.
Most often, conjunctivitis, superficial keratitis, sterile infiltrates in the corneal stroma, and pinpoint defects in the corneal epithelium are observed.
Most complications are easily stopped. In some cases, it is enough to stop using lenses for a while.
In the case of prolonged wearing of lenses, changes in the posterior epithelium of the cornea are possible - cellular polymorphism, the formation of microcasts. Biomicroscopic examination sometimes reveals neovascularization of the cornea. This indicates chronic corneal hypoxia. In these cases, the patient should be advised to temporarily abandon the lens or use another type.
Severe effects of bacterial and viral keratitis and kerato-conjunctivitis. The development of severe complications is usually associated with late treatment of the patient to the doctor.
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