Corneal endothelial changes associated with contact lens wear

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Physiology
• Contact Lens Science

Background:

• Contact lens wear is a common practice for vision correction.
• The cornea's endothelial layer is crucial for maintaining corneal clarity and health.
• Previous studies suggest potential impacts of contact lenses on corneal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the short- and long-term effects of contact lens wear on corneal endothelial morphology.
• To identify specific changes in endothelial cell size (polymegethism) and shape (pleomorphism).
• To examine these changes across different contact lens materials and wear modalities.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on contact lens-induced corneal endothelial changes.
• Analysis of morphometric data from contact lens wearers.
• Comparison of endothelial cell characteristics between different patient groups and corneal regions.

Main Results:

• Contact lenses can induce a short-term, reversible endothelial bleb response.
• Long-term wear is associated with polymegethism and pleomorphism in the corneal endothelium.
• These changes are observed with various contact lens types (PMMA, RGP, soft daily/extended wear).
• Similar morphometric changes are noted in myopes, aphakes, and corneal transplant recipients.
• Differences in endothelial morphometry exist between central and mid-peripheral cornea in hard lens wearers.

Conclusions:

• Contact lens wear can lead to significant, long-term alterations in corneal endothelial cell structure.
• The clinical significance of these morphometric changes warrants further investigation.
• Understanding these effects is vital for contact lens fitting and patient eye care.