Complications associated with therapeutic soft contact lenses.

The complications of therapeutic hydrophilic contact lens wear are systematically outlined. Hypoxia is the major cause of initial patient failure as well as the long-term problems of corneal edema, neovascularization, and susceptibility to infection. The common difficulties with lens breakage, lens deposits, poor lens retention, and other entities are discussed. Suggestions for avoiding and treating various complications are given, including updated indications and contraindications for fitting these lenses. Careful patient selection and meticulous follow-up are essential.