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Purpose: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of the types and prevalence of contact lens (CL)-related complications among CL wearing patients seen in a university clinic setting.

Methods: Data on CL material and design, care system, and ocular complications were recorded and statistically analyzed for CL wearers.

Results: Of the 572 patients (846 eyes) recruited during the study, approximately 50% of the eyes had at least one CL-related complication. Rigid gas permeable (GP) CLs had a statistically lower (P<0.01) average number of complications (0.54 /- 0.68) than soft contact lenses (SCLs) (0.85 /- 0.82). Papillae and giant papillary conjunctivitis were the most prevalent complications in both GP and SCL wearers. Silicone SCLs (0.79 /- 0.76) had a slightly lower, although not statistically different (P=0.23), rate of complication than nonsilicone SCLs (0.90 /- 0.87). Although not statistically significant (P=0.29), extended wear CL use had a higher complication rate (0.93 /- 0.84) compared with daily wear (0.73 /- 0.79). Use of "other" solution, including generic and private label solutions, had the highest rate of complications for both SCLs (1.11 /- 1.27) and GPs (0.96 /- 0.93) compared with name brand solutions.

Conclusions: The prevalence of CL-related complications, regardless of lens design, material, and wear modality, highlights the importance of early detection with appropriate professional management and treatment.

(C) 2009 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.