Corneal vascularization in hydrogel contact lens wearers

Limbal injection, peripheral corneal edema, and adjacent leukocyte infiltration may all be involved in the neovascularization of corneal tissue. Hydrogel lenses should be made with a minimum average thickness an maximum water content to increase oxygen transmission to the cornea. Lenses should not compress the limbal area in order to decrease the risk of limbal injection and, therefore, possible leukocyte invasion. Following these guidelines will decrease the risk of corneal vascularization in the hydrogel contact lens wearer. Keeping these principles in mind will also help the practitioner evaluate corneal health in all patients.