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Contact lens induced giant papillary conjunctivitis: a retrospective study
D E Hart1, J A Schkolnick, S Bernstein
1Contact Lens Research Foundation, Jericho, NY 11753.
Journal of the American Optometric Association
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Younger contact lens wearers face a higher risk of developing giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC). This study found no link between GPC and gender or tear film break-up time in hydrogel lens users.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Epidemiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) is a common complication associated with contact lens wear.
- Understanding risk factors and development mechanisms is crucial for prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological factors associated with contact lens-induced GPC.
- To explore the relationship between GPC and specific contact lens characteristics.
- To propose a model for GPC development based on tear film-lens interactions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective epidemiological study utilizing patient records from a contact lens department.
- Random selection and review of patient data.
- Statistical analysis to identify associations between GPC and various factors.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between contact lens-induced GPC and an FDA-classified sub-category of lenses.
- Younger patients exhibited a higher risk of developing GPC.
- No significant association was observed with gender or tear film break-up time.
- The mean replacement time for hydrogel lenses was 10.8 months.
- GPC was predominantly bilateral, with a mean onset of 31.4 months of wear.
Conclusions:
- Younger age is a key risk factor for developing contact lens-induced GPC.
- A proposed model highlights tear film interactions with hydrogel lens surfaces in GPC pathogenesis.
- Further research into lens materials and wear parameters may help mitigate GPC incidence.