Contact Lenses

Soft lenses are available in several types:

1. Conventional lenses (last up to 1 to 1 1/2 year per lens)
2. Planned replacement lenses (last between one and six months per lens, varies among brands)
3. Disposable lenses (last between one and two weeks per lens)
4. Daily disposable lenses (last one day per lens)

Soft contact lenses are available in extended-wear, daily-use, and gas-permeable. Which type of soft contacts are the best for you?

Soft Extended Wear Contacts are Best for Patients Who:

• Are highly motivated to follow the lens care and follow up visit schedule
• Understands the increased risk of corneal ulcers and other complications
• Is in good general health and ocular health

Disposable or Frequent Replacement Lenses are Best for Patients Who:

• Have marginally dry eyes
• Have eyelid inflammatory conditions such as blepharitis
• Have significant allergies
• Use systemic medications, such as antihistamines or calcium supplements
• Work in a dusty or dirty involvement
• Are active in outdoor activities or sports
• Spend a lot of time using a computer or reading

Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses are Best for Patients Who:

• Cannot achieve acceptable vision with soft lenses (some patients with keratoconus, astigmatism or corneal transplant)
• Had problems with soft contact lens deposits
• Have difficulty handling soft contact lenses
• Have moderately dry eyes or poor quality tear film

Possible Contact Lens Complications:

Contact lenses are a reasonable alternative to glasses to attain good vision. However, contact lenses are not without risk. The following conditions are possible complications of contact lenses. You, the patient, must be aware of the potential hazards and accept these relative risks in addition to the benefits of contact lenses.

1. Contact lens overwear.

This occurs when a contact lens is worn longer than the cornea can tolerate. Not enough oxygen gets to the cornea resulting in temporary discomfort and blurred vision. The treatment is to discontinue wearing the contact lenses for a few days.

2. Corneal abrasion.

This is a "scratch" on the surface of the cornea resulting from a poorly fitting contact lens or possibly from foreign material under a contact lens. Overwear can also cause an abrasion. Treatment includes antibiotics and patching of the eye. Infection may result from this condition.

3. Allergic reaction.

In this condition, the eye becomes red and irritated in response to the cleaning and/or storage solutions. It is more often seen with soft contact lenses and usually is a reaction to the preservatives in these solutions. Treatment includes changing to different solutions and storage methods.

4. Tight Lens Syndrome.

This is more often seen with soft and extended wear lenses. The lens, which had previously fit well, "tightens up" and does not allow tears and oxygen to reach the cornea. This can lead to a corneal abrasion. Treatment is to refit the lens.

5. Corneal warpage.

This is more often seen with hard and gas permeable contact lenses. In this condition, the shape of the cornea becomes altered in response to the contact lenses. If severe warpage occurs, the lenses may no longer fit well and discomfort results. Treatment includes discontinuation of lens wear until the warpage resolves, which may take weeks to months. During this healing time, vision may fluctuate, requiring a change in the glasses prescription one or more times. Occasionally, the warpage may not resolve and the astigmatism created may persist.

6. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC).

In this condition there is redness and discomfort when wearing the contact lenses. It is more often seen with soft contact lenses. This most likely results from an allergic reaction to deposits which have formed on the lenses, or to the lens material itself. Treatment includes temporary discontinuation of lens wear, switching to a new or different design lens and may occasionally result in inability to continue lens wear at all.

7. Corneal ulcer.

This is the most severe complication of contact lenses. It is more often seen with extended wear soft contact lenses. In this condition, trauma to the cornea from the contact lens results in an infection. This may require hospitalization for the frequent antibiotic eye drops required to control this infection. Corneal scarring may result in spite of effective treatment, and may result in loss of vision. Corneal transplantation may be required in some cases for restoration of vision.

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