Serious corneal complications associated with extended-wear soft contact lenses for myopia

Three patients wearing extended wear contact lenses for correction of myopia presented with severe corneal complications including corneal ulcers and corneal infiltrates. All cases were assembled over a four-month period, reflecting the alarming rise in severe corneal complications related to increased usage of these lenses. We feel indiscriminate dispensing and lack of proper follow-up care are primary contributing factors in the near epidemic rise in severe corneal problems related to this usage. Two of our three patients had significant permanent visual loss following resolution of their contact lens problems.