News in contactology – silicone hydrogel contact lenses. How much safer are they for the patient?

Abstract:

Silicone hydrogel contact lenses combine the good characteristics of silicone, such as high oxygen permeability, with comfort of hydrogel material from which conventional soft contact lenses are made. The greatest progress is seen in the reduction of hypoxia, a common problem in conventional soft contact lens wearers, especially after extended wear. However, despite these advantages, there are possible complications. Mechanical induced complications include mucin balls, superior epithelial arcuate lesions, giant papillary conjunctivitis and erosions. Inflammatory complications are the same as with conventional soft contact lenses, although the frequency of infections seems to be lower with extendedwear silicone hydrogel lenses. New clinical studies will bring more accurate information, as silicone hydrogel contact lenses have been in use for a relative short period of time.

Key words:
complications; contact lenses; contact lenses, extended-wear; contact lenses, hydrophilic