Contact lenses can sometimes cause or exacerbate papillae conjunctivitis, a condition where the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids) becomes inflamed.
Aetiology: Conjunctival inflammatory condition associated with contact lenses due to the deposit formed on lenses that causes mechanical trauma to the papillary conjunctiva.
Symptoms:
- Itchiness
- Discomfort
- Lens awareness (more lens movement)
- Blur vision
Signs:
- Palpebral conjunctival hyperaemia
- Giant papillae
- Conjunctival chemosis
- Lens deposits
Management:
- Refit lens
- Change lens material
- Change to daily disposable and replace existing lenses
- Emphasis on rubbing lenses, change care system to preservative free for better lens hygiene
- Anti-histamine or mast-stabilizereye drops
