title: Contact lenses and associated anterior segment disorders: dry eye disease, blepharitis, and allergy.
abstract: This article discusses the use of contact lenses in patients suffering from dry eye and ocular allergy. The diagnosis of dry eye is outlined along with the relationship between contact lenses, the tear film, and the ocular surface. A practical approach to the recognition and management of the dry eye patient wishing to wear contact lenses is presented. In addition, a consideration of a careful strategy to identify patients with ocular allergy and manage the use of contact lenses in these patients is developed with an emphasis on the avoidance of complications.
authors.affiliation: Georgetown University School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA. malemp@lempdc.com
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Lemp
authors.forename: Leonard
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bielory
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology*; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001762:Blepharitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens