Causes, Concerns and Management of  Vascularization and Neovascularization

J.E. Josephson; B.E. Caffery

doi:10.65636/cjo.v50i1.6945

Authors

J.E. Josephson
B.E. Caffery

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65636/cjo.v50i1.6945

Keywords:

Vascularization, neovascularization, contact lens

Abstract

One of the complications of contact lens wear that is often talked about yet poorly defined is corneal vascularization. Cosmetic contact lens wear is designed to enhance sight and ideally should not interfere with the natural physiology of the eye. Any change in normal clarity of the cornea including new growth of vessels is considered an adverse response and is an unwanted finding in any contact lens wearer. The affected corneal tissues are prone to opacification by lipid deposition¹. In addition, these vascularizated corneas have a higher rate of graft rejection because of the presence of immunological substances associated with vascularization². Vascularized corneas are subject to bleeds if trauma occurs. If vascular growth is allowed to continue, the vessels may cover the visual axis and cause loss of vision, although this is very rare³.

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