[Corneal damage due to contact lenses (author's transl)].

Severe subepithelial opacification and ingrowth of vessels with a marked reduction of visual acuity were observed in a patient who bought soft corneal contact lenses (HEMA) from an optician. He was given no information on possible side-effects nor was he advised to see an ophthalmologist at regular intervals to have the condition of the cornea checked. The patient had been aware for some time of a continuous deterioration of visual acuity when he used his spectacles, although it at first appeared almost unchanged when he wore the contact lenses. This encouraged him to use the contact lenses more often, until inflammation and pain made it impossible. Stopping the use of contact lenses and topical application of vitamins (drops and ointment) and ethylmorphine ointment resulted in slow but nearly complete recovery.