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The Effect of Contact Lenses on the Conjunctiva

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Advances in Corneal Research

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review the effects contact lenses have on the conjunctiva. A review of the literature of the effects of contact lenses on conjunctival sensitivity, epithelial cells, bacterial flora, and inflammation reveals that contact lenses have no effect on bulbar conjunctival sensitivity, but appear to cause a decrease in the sensitivity of the tarsal conjunctiva and the lower lid margin. However, contact lens wear does cause an increase in mucous production and an increase in mucous-containing vesicles in the epithelial cells, as well as an increase in goblet cells. They may also cause squamous metaplasia with enlarged flattened epithelial cells, without evidence of keratinization, as well as snake-like changes in the conjunctival epithelium. Contact lenses do not have a significant effect on the conjunctival flora, but may affect the eye’s ability to eliminate microorganisms that are introduced. In addition, contact lens care solutions can cause a toxic or allergic reaction causing conjunctival erythema and chemosis with involvement of the cornea. Chlorhexidine and thimerosal appear to be two solutions with the highest incidence of allergic response. Also, either a poor contact lens fit or the use of thimerosal cancause a syndrome that mimics superior bulbar conjunctivitis of Theodore. The contact lens, especially when coated, can cause giant papillary conjunctivitis. Results of this review indicate that in the majority of patients, contact lens wear has little effect on the conjunctiva. However, a contact lens is a foreign body and can cause changes that can affect the conjunctiva

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Ophthalmology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut, USA

    Peter C. Donshik

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  1. Peter C. Donshik
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Jonathan H. Lass

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© 1997 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Donshik, P.C. (1997). The Effect of Contact Lenses on the Conjunctiva. In: Lass, J.H. (eds) Advances in Corneal Research. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-5389-2_38

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-5389-2_38

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-7460-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-5389-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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