Purpose:
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the incidence and prescribefollicular-like conjunctivitis associated with Silicon-Hydrogelcontact lenses (FoCoSi) as a novel subtype of contact lens inducedpappilary conjunctivitis (CLPC).
Methods:
1211 patients who worn Silicone-Hydrogel contact lenses wereincluded in this prospective, non-randomized, single centerstudy. Subjective symptoms and clinical signs were evaluatedfor daily wear (DW) and continuous wear (CW) populations forfour different silicone-Hydrogel lens materials (BalafilconA, Lotrafilcon A, Senofilcon A and Galyfilcon A). A novel gradingscale were developed and utilized for evaluation.
Results:
The clinical presentation for FoCoSi could be confirmed andshowed an indidence of 3.8%. Lotrafilcon A followed by SenofilconA on a CW modality, presented with a risk ratio of 2.49 and1.53 respectively, the highest affinity for developing FoCoSi.Fluorescein positive spots showed the closest correlation withsubjective symptoms reported by patients and divided FoCoSiinto an active and dormant form. The symptoms disappeared completelyafter contact lens time out, wearing modality change or contactlens material change. Besides Protein, Lipid depositions onthe contact lens surface and air pollution like Ozone or fineand ultrafine particles seems to be important factors in developingFoCoSi, whereas mechanical properties played a minor role.
Conclusions:
FoCoSi is a novel and relevant complication of Silicone-Hydrogelcontact lens wear. The active form of FoCoSi causes acute, buttemporary intolerance of specific contact lens materials orwearing modality.
Keywords: conjunctivitis • contact lens • eyelid