The Confocal Microscopic Findings of Cornea In Soft Contact Lens Wearer

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the change of morphometric characteristics of the corneal cells by confocal microscopy in long-term soft contact lens wearer. METHODS: Confocal microscopy (ConfoScan 2.0, Fortune Technology, Italy) was used to obtain data from healthy volunteers and soft contact lens wearers for 10 years. We evaluated the morphological images of the corneal epithelium (superficial cell, wing cell), Bowman's membrane, stromal cells (anterior, middle, and posterior keratocyte), Descemet's membrane, and endothelium. RESULTS: In comparison with control, the wing cells from corneal epithelium of contact lens wearer appeared to have irregular and blurred cell borders, and enlarged subepithelial nerve plexus. The bowman's membrane and the anterior stroma showed an increased reflectivity. The keratocyte from a highly reflective area showed no definite cell border anteriorly and more distinct shape with less cellularity posteriorly. Descemet's membrane showed an evidence of vertical fold and keratocytes with long processes were arranged in parallel. The endothelial layer showed polymegathism and polymorphism with some gutta. CONCLUSIONS: According to these data, it would be suggested that a long-term wearing of soft contact lens could influence the morphology of corneal epithelium and stroma as well as of corneal endothelium.