RESUMO
PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between corneal neovascularization (CNV), corneal hypesthesia and dry eye syndrome. METHODS: From July 2003 to November 2004, patients who had history of weraing soft contact lenses were selected and administered the Schirmer test; those with conjunctival inflammation and corneal complications were tested using an esthesiometer, and were given a dry eye questionnaire. RESULTS: A longer period of soft contact lens wear was related to CNV and corneal hypesthesia (p<0.01), and theses two complications showed a significan relationship with symptoms of dry eye syndrome (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal neovascularization and corneal hypesthesia should be considered in cases of long term wear of soft contact lenses. The eyes with CNV and corneal hypesthesia had more severe symptoms of dry eye syndrome.