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Corneal Sensitivity Testing Procedure for Ophthalmologic and Optometric Patients
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Contact Lens-Associated Ocular Surface and Corneal Disorders
Omar Abdelaziz1, Seyyedehfatemeh Ghalibafan1, Raul E Ruiz-Lozano1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, 1855 W Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Methods and Protocols
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Contact lens wear can cause eye complications, from mild discomfort to serious infections like microbial keratitis. Early recognition and proper lens hygiene are crucial for preventing vision loss in contact lens wearers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal disease
- Contact lens complications
Background:
- Contact lens wear is a common vision correction method globally.
- It is associated with various ocular complications, ranging from mild to severe.
- Noninfectious conditions like dry eye and papillary conjunctivitis are frequent, while microbial keratitis is a sight-threatening risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the spectrum of contact lens-related ocular complications.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges, particularly in distinguishing inflammatory from infectious conditions.
- To emphasize the importance of early recognition and management in frontline settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of contact lens-related ocular complications.
- Analysis of clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges.
- Discussion of management strategies including risk assessment and patient education.
Main Results:
- Contact lens complications span from noninfectious issues (discomfort, dry eye) to inflammatory conditions (acute red eye, ulcers) and infectious keratitis.
- Microbial keratitis is the most severe complication, often presenting subtly and requiring prompt diagnosis.
- Diagnostic uncertainty exists between inflammatory and infectious conditions.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of contact lens wear necessitates distinguishing benign from infectious complications.
- A risk-based approach, prompt triage, and referral are essential.
- Patient education and proper contact lens hygiene are critical for preventing serious outcomes.
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