The significance of the microcyst response: a review.

Epithelial microcysts have been identified as a significant corneal response to contact lens wear. The characteristics of the microcyst response are outlined and factors which influence the level of microcysts including lens type, oxygen transmissibility (Dk/L), and wear schedule are discussed. Understanding of the morphology, pathology, etiology, and clinical significance of microcysts is currently incomplete and various hypotheses are discussed.