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Contact lenses (CL) are artificial devices worn over the eye's front surface. The lenses substitute for the anterior surface of the cornea, and in addition to vision correction, they correct the corneal irregularities. If not taken care of properly, CL worn over the eye may result in conjunctival and corneal complications secondary to hypoxic changes, chemical toxicity, hypersensitivity reactions, mechanical trauma, infection, and desiccation. The various corneal complications include epithelial edema, microcysts, abrasions, superficial punctate keratitis, peripheral corneal staining, sterile corneal infiltrates, corneal neovascularization, microbial infection, and infection keratitis, warpage, and endothelial changes. The conjunctival complications include allergic conjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, and superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis. The other listed complications can be physical damage to the lens and discoloration. CL-related complications have decreased with CL materials, manufacturing techniques, and ocular hygiene advances. This activity deals with the CL complications, issues of concern, and clinical significance of CL. Objectives: Review the etiology of contact lens–related problems and complications. Discuss the clinical significance of contact lens–related problems and complications. Explain the pathophysiology of contact lens–related problems and complications. Outline the role of the interprofessional team in the management of contact lens–related problems and complications. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Contact lens (CL) use has increased tremendously owing to different indications and varied benefits.[1] The common indications of contact lenses are cosmetic, therapeutic, treatment of refractive error, and correction and control of myopia. There are approximately 140 million contact lens users globally, which is ever-increasing.[2] Many different types of contact lenses are available in the market to give every patient a spectacle-free life.[3] Contact lenses act as a foreign body over the ocular surface and, despite their numerous benefits, are known to cause many complications.[4] With improvements in contact lens technology and continued research, the contact lens market has multiplied manifolds. Healthcare workers prescribing contact lenses must keep themselves updated regarding the benefits and problems associated with contact lenses. The complications can be broadly classified as infective and non-infective and conjunctival and corneal complications.[5] The various corneal complications are epithelial edema, microcysts, abrasions, superficial punctate keratitis, contact lens-related peripheral ulceration, peripheral corneal staining, sterile corneal infiltrates, corneal neovascularization, microbial keratitis, bacterial keratitis, fungal keratitis, acanthamoeba keratitis, warpage, and endothelial changes.[6] The conjunctival complications include allergic conjunctivitis, giant papillary conjunctivitis, and superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis. The other listed complications can be physical damage to the lens and discoloration. CL-related complications have decreased with CL materials, manufacturing techniques, and ocular hygiene advances. This activity focuses on various problems and complications associated with contact lenses and the necessary interventions to safeguard the patient from irreversible changes.[7]

Avoiding problems and complications with contact lenses is of prime importance for the patient and the treating surgeon. While prescribing CL to a patient, the treating surgeon must weigh the risk and benefits for a particular patient based on the primary indication.[49] The patient undergoes refraction by an optometrist; the nursing and the allied staff help in patient recruitment, follow-up, and counseling, the treating surgeon, decides the type of contact lens; and the contact lens specialists and paramedical staff help in lens fit and counseling. Hence, this multidisciplinary approach help in patient management with a good outcome.[50]

The nursing staff, allied health professionals, and the interprofessional team play a key role in deciding the type of contact lens, comfort with the contact lens, a preliminary diagnosis of any complications associated with the contact lens, and patient management with regular follow-up.[51]

The nursing staff, allied health professionals, and the interprofessional team play a key role in monitoring the patients who are regular contact lens wearers and determining any problems associated with the regular use of contact lenses.[52]