An immunological study of papillary conjunctivitis due to contact lenses

Abstract

Serum and tear levels of IgE were compared in patients with contact lens papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC), vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VC), healthy contact lens wearers (CLW), and healthy controls without lenses. The mean of serum IgE was elevated only in the VC group. Tear IgE levels were significantly higher for CLPC and VC than for CLW and healthy controls. Tear IgG levels were also increased in CLPC patients. With serum albumin (HSA) as a marker for leakage of proteins from the circulation to the tear fluid, the data indicated, that tear IgG was blood-borne whereas tear IgE was essentially a product of local synthesis. In one of the 10 CLPC patients, high titers of IgE type antibodies to housedust mites and cat epithelium were demonstrated in both serum and tears. We conclude that CLPC is usually an IgE mediated reaction to the lens material or to contaminations of allergenic material that sticks to the lenses.

Two Presentations of Contact Lens-Induced Papillary Conjunctivitis (CLPC) in Hydrogel Lens Wear: Local and General

“…The evidence for the importance of a hypersensitivity response in the pathogenesis of CLPC comes from similarity of the cytologic, histologic, and clinical findings with those of VKC. 38,39 It is believed that these deposits or exposure of the upper lid to allergens on the contact lens surface is the initiating factor and subsequent immunologic reaction that occurs. 24,25 It has been reported in the literature that age, gender, contact lens powers, and previous lens wear experience is not associated with CLPC.…”

Microbiome analysis of contact lens care solutions and tear fluids of contact lens wearers: Possible involvement of streptococcal antigens in allergic symptoms related to contact lens wear

“…cLPc, the allergic conjunctivitis associated with cL wear, is considered to be related to type I and type IV allergies (33). Studies have reported that IgE of the ocular surface of cLPc patients was significantly increased, compared with that of healthy cL wearers, owing to the involvement of type I allergy (34,35). However, Zhao et al examined only the total IgE eluted from the CL and did not examine allergen-specific IgE; thus, the antigen has not been clarified (34).…”

“…However, Zhao et al examined only the total IgE eluted from the CL and did not examine allergen-specific IgE; thus, the antigen has not been clarified (34). Barishak et al examined the specific antigen of IgE in tear fluids of CLPC patients using radioallergosorbent test, and they detected IgE against house dust mites and cat epithelium only in one of those (35). In the present study, the western dot blotting method was used to identify bacteria-specific IgE in the tear fluids of subjects.…”

Papillary conjunctivitis

“…Some authors have found no connection between atopy and CLPC, 2,30 whereas others have reported an increased prevalence of allergies in patients exhibiting CLPC. 40 Buckley 41 found elevated serum IgE levels in patients suffering from CLPC, suggesting the presence of an IgEmediated atopy in these patients.…”