The effect of daily wear time on contact lens complications.

Complications of contact lens wear include limbal neovascularization, corneal edema, keratitis, and spectacle blur. The incidence of complications was studied in a population of new clinic patients previously fitted for contact lenses. Patients whose daily wear time was greater than 12 hours had a significantly greater incidence of complications. Factors that are presumed to contribute to this difference include hypoxic effects, mechanical trauma, and hygiene. Patient education is stressed for the treatment and prevention of contact lens related complications.