Contact lens-related deep stromal neovascularization.

We observed five eyes (five patients) with deep stromal neovascularization and scarring in patients wearing soft contact lenses during a six-month period. There was no evidence suggestive of other causes of interstitial keratitis. Two patients were aphakic and required a penetrating keratoplasty. Deep stromal vascularization must be added to the growing list of visually significant soft contact lens complications, and soft lens wear should be considered in the differential diagnosis of deep stromal neovascularization.