Attend any lecture about dry eye and you will hear the “I” word, inflammation. It is well established that dry eye is an inflammatory condition. How about contact lens wear?
Ocular inflammation during contact lens wear is associated with serious complications such as microbial keratitis, however, there may be more subtle inflammatory mechanisms. [1] In a January 2017 publication, the authors propose that contact lens wear is intrinsically inflammatory and examined whether uncomplicated contact lens wear meets the classical and the contemporary clinical definitions of inflammation. The classical definition consists of rubor (redness), calor (heat), tumor (swelling), dolor (pain) and functio laesa (loss of function). Cellular and biochemical reactions define the contemporary, sub-clinical definition of inflammation.
If you would like to read more of this article, please signup to become a member!
You do not have access to this post.
Fantastic! There is never a doubt. Contact lens wear is pro-inflammatory under the best of circumstances, especially when you throw solution chemistry into the mix. I am remembering Dr. Christine Sindt’s confocal microscopy work in this area. Langerhans and other inflammatory cells are up-regulated by contact lens wear.
Great point! Thank you for the response.
I have long believed this. From observation, I hypothesize lenses replaced less frequently (i.e. 2 week, monthly and beyond) have a can cause a greater inflammatory response than lenses worn only once.
Good point. Thank you for your response.