Contact lenses and allergy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ocular allergic conditions and contact lens wear affect a large percentage of the population; the implications for interaction of allergy and changes induced by contact lens wear are significant. In addition, contact lenses are used in the treatment of severe forms of ocular allergic disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

The major themes of this review are the effects of contact lens wear on tear-film dynamics and structure, the effects of ocular allergy on tear dynamics and structure, the intersection of these two influences, management of contact lens wear in the allergic patient and the use of contact lenses to manage severe ocular allergic disease.

SUMMARY

The use of newer oral and topical antiallergic drugs in contact lens patients, changes in recommendation for use and wearing schedules and recommendations for the use of scleral lenses in severe allergic-based ocular surface disease are discussed.