The incidence of ophthalmic problems in the contact lens wearing population.

In a prospective study all contact lens wearers presenting to the ophthalmic casualty department of the University Hospital Nottingham within a six month period were examined to determine the number and pattern of ophthalmic problems occurring in this group. This information was then compared with prescribing information from contact lens dispensers in the city. The incidence of problems associated with contact lens wear within the first six months of starting to use a new contact lens was found to be 0.9% for soft daily wear lenses and 0.8% for rigid lenses. Reservations about these figures are discussed. The similarity between the incidence for the two types of lenses appears to contradict previous suggestions that soft lens wearers are more at risk of developing complications. It may be that the early period of lens wear represents a favoured time with respect to soft lens induced disease while hard lens problems are more common at this time. Both giant papillary conjunctivitis and corneal ulceration were seen in significant numbers but neither were associated with one particular lens type.