The typical pattern of superficial punctate keratopathy in wearers of extended wear disposable contact lenses.

PURPOSE: We investigated both the incidence and types of corneal epithelial complications associated with extended wear of the Acuvue disposable soft contact lens, in particular with respect to risk factors for the typical pattern of superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 5,478 eyes. Clinical characteristics of the corneal epithelial complications, tear volumes, and patient compliance were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 3.6% (197 eyes/5,478 eyes) were observed to have a corneal epithelial complication on at least one examination during the entire follow-up period. Among the 197 eyes, 112 eyes were observed to have a complication during the initial 2 weeks of trial lens use. This included nine eyes that developed SPK with only daily wear use of the lenses. Sixty-eight eyes were beginners with no previous contact lens experience. SPK was observed in 193 eyes and corneal infiltrates in four eyes, although there were no cases of corneal epithelial erosion or corneal ulcer. With respect to type of SPK, a "smile mark" pattern confined to the area below the pupil was observed in 179 eyes (3.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The typical pattern of SPK was observed in 3.3% of users of extended wear disposable soft contact lenses, although the condition usually improved with the use of artificial tears.