contact lens -associated corneal infiltrative events (CIEs)

Last reviewed 01/2018

contact lens -associated corneal infiltrative events (CIEs)

  • the main corneal pathological entities associated are known as contact lens-associated corneal infiltrative events (CIEs). These include (1):
    • microbial keratitis (MK)
    • contact lens-induced peripheral ulcer (CLPU)
    • contact lens-induced acute red eye (CLARE)
    • infiltrative keratitis (IK)
  • factors associated with an increased risk of CIE include (2)
    • lens type (greatest risk for extended-wear hydrogel lenses than daily wear hydrogel lenses)
    • sex -males are more suceptible
    • smoking
    • late winter months
  • Clinical presentation of CIE includes
    • eye soreness - commonest
    • irritation
  • Management of contact lens-associated corneal infiltrative events (CIEs) (1)
    • lens wear should be suspended
    • contact lens solutions discontinued
    • anti-microbial therapy initiated immediately
    • changes in contact lens wearing schedules, and materials
    • referred to ophthalmologist immediately (3)

Reference:

  1. Efron N, Morgan PB. Rethinking contact lens associated keratitis. Clin Exp Optom. 2006 Sep;89(5):280-98 2
  2. Morgan PB et al. Risk Factors for the Development of Corneal Infiltrative Events Associated with Contact Lens Wear.Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 2005;46:3136-3143
  3. Suchecki JK et al. Contact lens complications.Ophthalmol Clin North Am. 2003 Sep;16(3):471-84.