Subject: Corneal Blood Vessels and Contact Lenses
If a person has blood vessels growing into his or her cornea, what type of contacts should the person wear? Also, please give some general pros and cons of each type of contacts. Thank you.
Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D.
If there are blood vessels growing into the cornea in a contact lens wearer, it usually means that the cornea is being deprived of nutrients and oxygen -- a result of the barrier effect of the contact lens. The "best" type of contact lens in this situation is NO CONTACT LENS AT ALL. Giving the cornea a "holiday" from contact lens use will often cause these abnormal blood vessels to regress. Soft contact lenses are more likely to cause blood vessel growth in the cornea than hard lenses.
In general, hard (PMMA) and rigid gas permeable contact lenses give the crispest vision, the lowest risk of infection, and the easiest care. They are also the least comfortable. Soft lenses provide a "softer" contrast to vision, a greater risk of infection, a more complex cleaning/sterilizing routine, but considerably greater comfort and wearing time.
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained on this system is not intended to supplant individual professional consultation, but is offered as a community education service. Advice on individual problems should be obtained directly from a professional.
Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
Last Modified: August 23, 1996