Corneal edema and vertical striae accompanying the wearing of hydrogel lenses

Changes in corneal thickness and the ocurrence of vertical striae were monitored on 27 patients who wore both the "F" and "N" series Bausch and Lomb Soflens-TM (polymacon) contact lenses. Changes in corneal thickness were observed with both lenses; however, the "N" series lens caused slightly more corneal swelling. Vertical striae occurred in about 50% of the patients and was correlated with the development of corneal edema. In most cases where significant corneal edema was measured, it was possible to observe the edema using the biomicroscope.