Complications of Continuous-Wear Soft Contact Lenses in a Nonreferral Population

Serious corneal complications occurred in an otherwise successful experience with continuous-wear soft contact lenses (SCLs) for aphakic correction. One hundred twenty eyes were fit, and 92% attained visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Severe corneal complications were observed in 13 eyes, including bacterial ulcers (six), apical erosions (three), and severe superficial vascularization (four). Corneal ulcers occurred in nondiabetic as well as diabetic subjects. Continuous-wear SCLs are not innocuous; as for any other drug or device, continuous, long-term medical supervision is necessary to minimize potentially severe complications and visual loss.