Contact lenses and collagen shields.

Contact lenses may change the topography of the eye of asymptomatic patients. Complications continue to occur requiring extreme attention to be paid to fitting techniques, care instructions, and follow-up. All physicians must be alert to complications. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. The pediatric aphakic patient and the presbyopic contact lens wearer present a challenge. The contact lens fitter must understand the way these lenses function to fit patients more successfully. Collagen shields may be of some benefit in cataract surgery and symblepharon, but may exacerbate the effects of alkali burns on the eye.