Prevalence of Contact Lens-Related Complications: UCLA Contact Lens Study

Purpose: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of the types and prevalence of contact lens (CL)-related complications among CL wearing patients seen in a university clinic setting. Methods: Data on CL material and design, care system, and ocular complications were recorded and statistically analyzed for CL wearers. Results: Of the 572 patients (846 eyes) recruited during the study, approximately 50% of the eyes had at least one CL-related complication. Rigid gas permeable (GP) CLs had a statistically lower (P<0.01) average number of complications (0.54 +/- 0.68) than soft contact lenses (SCLs) (0.85 +/- 0.82). Papillae and giant papillary conjunctivitis were the most prevalent complications in both GP and SCL wearers. Silicone SCLs (0.79 +/- 0.76) had a slightly lower, although not statistically different (P=0.23), rate of complication than nonsilicone SCLs (0.90 +/- 0.87). Although not statistically significant (P=0.29), extended wear CL use had a higher complication rate (0,93 +/- 0.84) compared with daily wear (0.73 +/- 0.79). Use of other solution, including generic and private label solutions, had the highest rate of complications for both SCLs (1.11 +/- 1.27) and GPs (0.96 +/- 0.93) compared with name brand solutions. Conclusions: The prevalence of CL-related complications, regardless of lens design, material, and wear modality, highlights the importance of early detection with appropriate professional management and treatment.