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Contact lens-associated corneal infiltrates
Marc W Robboy1, Timothy L Comstock, Carolyn M Kalsow
1Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Rochester, NY, USA. mrobboy@bausch.com
Eye & Contact Lens
|July 16, 2003
Summary
Contact lens-associated corneal infiltrates (CLACI) are inflammatory responses not caused by infection. Understanding their causes and management is key to preventing these common contact lens complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Disease
- Contact Lens Complications
Background:
- Contact lens-associated corneal infiltrates (CLACI) are a common, non-infectious complication of contact lens wear.
- These infiltrates can cause discomfort and visual disturbances, impacting a significant number of contact lens wearers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on contact lens-associated corneal infiltrates (CLACI) occurring without microbial infection.
- To explore the clinical presentation, incidence, risk factors, etiology, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and management of CLACI.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CLACI.
- Analysis of clinical appearance, incidence, risk, etiology, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and management.
- Discussion of recent insights and future directions for prevention.
Main Results:
- CLACI present in various forms requiring skilled diagnosis.
- Multiple stimuli (mechanical, hypoxic, toxic) from contact lenses can trigger inflammatory responses leading to corneal infiltrates.
- Candidate molecular mediators like cytokines and chemokines have been identified.
Conclusions:
- CLACI affect a notable number of contact lens wearers, causing inconvenience.
- Effective prevention strategies should address mechanical, hypoxic, and toxic stimuli and target the inflammatory cascade.