[Soft contact lenses and the corneal epithelium: experimental study with the scanning microscope]

Thick contact lenses 0.70 mm, of 30% water content, base curve 7.2 mm, power 1,18.00 D, have been fitted to rabbit eyes. After 35 minutes the alterations of the corneal epithelium have been studied using the electronic microscope. The following alterations have been noticed: an increased desquamation in superficial epithelial cell was observed, this detachment was observed only in the surface layer of the corneal epithelium, the number of medium and dark epithelial cells was more important and a significant decrease in microvilli was noted. The study demonstrated in vivo changes in surface cells in rabbit corneal epithelium under an hydrophilic contact lens. These alterations may play a role in the pathogenesis of some clinical problems in patients with soft contact lens.