Prevalence of contact lens-related complications: UCLA contact lens study

This study is a cross-sectional analysis of the types and prevalence of contact lens (CL)-related complications among CL wearing patients seen in a university clinic setting.

Data on CL material and design, care system, and ocular complications were recorded and statistically analyzed for CL wearers.

Of the 572 patients (846 eyes) recruited during the study, approximately 50% of the eyes had at least one CL-related complication. Rigid gas permeable (GP) CLs had a statistically lower (P<0.01) average number of complications (0.54 +/- 0.68) than soft contact lenses (SCLs) (0.85 +/- 0.82). Papillae and giant papillary conjunctivitis were the most prevalent complications in both GP and SCL wearers. Silicone SCLs (0.79 +/- 0.76) had a slightly lower, although not statistically different (P=0.23), rate of complication than nonsilicone SCLs (0.90 +/- 0.87). Although not statistically significant (P=0.29), extended wear CL use had a higher complication rate (0.93 +/- 0.84) compared with daily wear (0.73 +/- 0.79). Use of "other" solution, including generic and private label solutions, had the highest rate of complications for both SCLs (1.11 +/- 1.27) and GPs (0.96 +/- 0.93) compared with name brand solutions.

The prevalence of CL-related complications, regardless of lens design, material, and wear modality, highlights the importance of early detection with appropriate professional management and treatment.