Bilateral corneal neovascularization and opacification associated with unmonitored contact lens wear.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of severe bilateral deep stromal neovascularization and opacification associated with unmonitored contact lens wear.


METHODS
Observational case report.


METHODS
A 46-year-old woman who had been using hydrogel contact lenses bought on the Internet without a prescription for 5 years was found to have dense, bilateral corneal opacities with deep stromal neovascularization.


RESULTS
The patient's contact lenses were found to be tight-fitting. Medical history and serological studies were negative for infectious or rheumatologic causes of interstitial keratitis.


CONCLUSIONS
The deep stromal neovascularization and the associated corneal opacification are most likely related to the unmonitored contact lens use and the lack of routine eye examinations. We believe it is critical that all contact lens wearers receive professional eye care on a regular basis regardless of where they obtain their contact lens supplies.
Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
Alison L
AL
Wong
Barry A
BA
Weissman
Bartly J
BJ
Mondino
D003262:Contact Lenses, Extended-Wear / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D055656:Prescriptions; D012648:Self Care