Complications reported with hydrogel extended wear contact lenses

We conducted a survey to evaluate the incidence of various complications associated with extended wear (EW) contact lenses. Of the 137 surveys sent out, 44 responded, 15 with data. The analysis indicates: (1) EW contact lens patients receive nonuniform care, evident from the fact that the EW follow-up to EW dispensing ratio varied between 1.6 and 16.75; (2) the incidence of epithelial microcysts, striae, and giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) was found to be considerably lower than that reported previously; (3) the incidence of "red-eye" response and corneal ulcers was calculated to be within the lower end of the range of previously reported research; and (4) there may be a seasonal variation in the incidence of GPC and red-eye response as indicated by an increase in both conditions during the month of March as compared to February.