Contact lenses and corneal shields.

Contact lenses are widely used all over the world. If fitted and handled properly, contact lenses can be good cosmetic and therapeutic tools. In this review, the different indications for contact lens wear are discussed. Contact lenses can also lead to serious problems. Tear film and morphologic alterations of the cornea, as well as corneal infections of microbial origin, are reviewed. Collagen bandage lenses have been used for some time in the treatment of corneal epithelial defects. Currently, these lenses are being tested as drug delivery systems, especially for use with poorly penetrating drugs, in serious infections of the cornea.