Pathogenesis and treatment of "sterile" midperipheral corneal infiltrates associated with soft contact lens use.

PURPOSE

To demonstrate the sterile nature of presumed sterile midperipheral corneal infiltrates associated with soft contact lens (SCL) use and to show that withholding antibiotics or the occasional use of a topical corticosteroid alone may, with strict guidelines, have a role in the treatment of this entity.

METHODS

Nine consecutive patients presenting with typical midperipheral corneal infiltrates after SCL wear were seen in the office (O.H.D.) during a 2-year period, 1996-1998. All patients were initially placed on topical fluorometholone as the only treatment.

RESULTS

Eight of the nine patients experienced a rapid relief of symptoms and the infiltrates were noted to be smaller and less dense in 3-4 days. Therapy was discontinued after 7 days, by which time the lesions had cleared. The ninth patient developed a microbial keratitis from which Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultured. With appropriate therapy, visual acuity returned to 20/25. Two different algorithms are offered for the treatment of a putative sterile infiltrate associated with SCL use.

CONCLUSION

The use of a topical corticosteroid alone may have a role in the treatment of presumed sterile midperipheral corneal infiltrates associated with SCLs when strict guidelines are followed. Such therapy suggests that the infiltrates are not the result of infection.