Complications Associated With Contact Lenses

The eye has a range of natural defence systems which very effectively protect the eye’s tissues from inflammation and infection. The placement of a contact lens on the eye, however, places an added burden on these systems, which can sometimes result in an adverse response or event.

The Brien Holden Vision Institute has been a major contributor to the development of contact lens products, including the silicone hydrogel lens and soft toric contact lens.

The Institute conducts research in the area of complications associated with contact lenses, including:

A range of projects that aim to develop further understanding of infection and inflammation, and to develop strategies to prevent or cure these conditions. To learm more about these projects click here.
Anti-microbial contact lenses and solutions.To learn more about these projects click here.

To learn more about these complications see below.

Microbial Keratitis

Microbial keratitis is a serious but rare infection of the front surface of the eye (the cornea). Corneal infection associated with contact lenses occurs when the lens is contaminated by micro-organisms (usually bacteria, but can also be fungi or amoebas), which then attack the cornea.

Contact lens related infections are rare, affecting approximately 4 in 10 000 daily wear and 20 in 10 000 extended wear contact lens wearers annually.
The risk of infection can be significantly reduced by following good lens care and hygiene practices and not sleeping in lenses.
Microbial keratitis in the eye is usually associated with moderate to severe pain of rapid onset, severe redness, discharge, puffiness of the lids, light sensitivity and blurred or hazy vision.
A key characteristic of microbial keratitis is that the symptoms and signs worsen with time.
Clusters of inflammatory cells known as infiltrates, appearing as small, white lesions on the cornea can also be present with microbial keratitis.
Microbial keratitis is the only contact lens related condition that is potentially sight threatening.
Prompt treatment of microbial keratitis is important to prevent vision loss. If you have pain and redness that persists and worsens after you remove your lenses, visit your eye care practitioner as soon as possible. Antibiotics and close monitoring will be required.
To view the Institute's guide to ensuring contact lens safety click here.

Contact Lens Papillary Conjunctivitis (CLPC)

CLPC is an inflammatory reaction of the upper eye lid during contact lens wear.
CLPC is characterised by small, red bumps on the inflamed tissue on the underside of the upper eyelids.
CLPC is usually associated with itchiness, discharge, increased lens awareness and decreased lens tolerance.
It is recommended that patients discontinue lens wear until the condition resolves, and pharmaceutical eye drops such as anti-histamines may be required.
Your eye care practitioner must monitor this condition.
To help prevent CLPC occurring contact lens wearers should schedule regular practitioner visits, follow contact lens care guidelines by practicing proper lens care and lens case hygiene and ensuring regular lens replacement schedules are followed.
To view the Institute's guide to ensuring contact lens safety click here.

Contact Lens Induced Peripheral Ulcer (CLPU)

CLPU is an inflammatory reaction of the cornea due to toxins produced by bacteria on the contact lens surface.
CLPU may be associated with discomfort, redness or it may not have any symptoms at all.
CLPU may involve clusters of inflammatory cells known as infiltrates appearing as small, white lesions on the cornea.
CLPU normally heals rapidly but treatment may be required. However, it is strongly recommended that any potential CLPU be monitored closely as any worsening of the condition could indicate a potentially much more serious infection.
It is recommended that patients discontinue lens wear until the condition has resolved.
Your eye care practitioner must monitor this condition.
To view the Institute's guide to ensuring contact lens safety click here.

Contact Lens Induced Acute Red Eye (CLARE)

CLARE is an inflammatory reaction of the cornea and conjunctiva (a thin and transparent membrane that covers the sclera, the white part of the eye).
CLARE is associated with sleeping in contact lenses and is characterised by waking with red eyes.
In most cases no treatment is required. It is recommended that patients discontinue lens wear and this normally brings about rapid resolution.
Your eye care practitioner must monitor this condition.
To view the Institute's guide to ensuring contact lens safety click here.

Infiltrative Keratitis

Infiltrative keratitis is an inflammatory reaction of the cornea characterised by infiltrates, redness and occasional discharge.
It is recommended that patients discontinue lens wear until resolution.
Your eye care practitioner must monitor this condition.
To view the Institute's guide to ensuring contact lens safety click here.