The incidence of ophthalmic problems in the contact lens wearing population

Abstract

In a prospective study all contact lens wearers presenting to the ophthalmic casualty department of the University Hospital Nottingham within a six month period were examined to determine the number and pattern of ophthalmic problems occurring in this group. This information was then compared with prescribing information from contact lens dispensers in the city. The incidence of problems associated with contact lens wear within the first six months of starting to use a new contact lens was found to be 0.9% for soft daily wear lenses and 0.8% for rigid lenses. Reservations about these figures are discussed. The similarity between the incidence for the two types of lenses appears to contradict previous suggestions that soft lens wearers are more at risk of developing complications. It may be that the early period of lens wear represents a favoured time with respect to soft lens induced disease while hard lens problems are more common at this time. Both giant papillary conjunctivitis and corneal ulceration were seen in significant numbers but neither were associated with one particular lens type.

Contact Lens Technology: From Fundamentals to Applications

“…Novel case designs to reduce microbial contamination are being studied . Contact lenses handled inappropriately can adversely affect most anterior ocular structures . The most frequent complications based on the eye site are summarized in Table 10 .…”

“…Contact lenses were used as smart delivery systems to achieve extended drug releasing times, and as wearable biosensing platforms . On the other hand, contact lens wear was found to induce adverse effects, the most frequent being discomfort, microbial keratitis, allergies and corneal complications …”

Ophthalmic sensing technologies for ocular disease diagnostics

“…44,[49][50][51] Although contact lenses offer convenience to users, there are disadvantages to their use. 59 One common complaint with contact lens use is a feeling of discomfort. 60 Other adverse effects include allergic reactions, microbial keratitis, and corneal inflammation.…”

The role of Serratia marcescens in soft contact lens associated ocular infections

“…Contact lens solutions contaminated with Serratia marcescens have been associated with corneal ulcers (Bernstein & Maddox 1973;Benson 1976;Cooper & Constable 1977;Reinhardt et al 1979, Parment & Ronnerstam 1981Penley et al 1981;Mayo et al 1987;Lea et al 1990;Sanders et al 1990, Wilson et al 1990). Penley et al (1981) had suggested that S. marcescens should be used as a prime challenge organism for evaluating chemical disinfection systems for contact lenses.…”