Presumed sterile corneal infiltrates and hydrogel lens wear: A case series

Abstract

Some corneal infiltrates have been considered hypersensitivity reactions to preservatives. 1.2 We present six cases of presumed sterile corneal infiltrates related to hydrogel contact lens wear. We considered all of them to be sterile because: (1) the lesions were small; (2) no corneal epithelial defects were present; (3) no anterior chamber reactions were present; (4) no pain was involved; (5) no discharge was present; and, (6) all corneal infiltrates resolved with discontinuation of contact lens wear. Three patients developed their corneal infiltrates while using Polyquad-preserved “cold” disinfecting products, and three patients developed corneal infiltrates using heat disinfection, Polyaminopropyl biguanide—preserved “cold” disinfection, and a chlorhexidine-preserved. “cold” disinfection. Presumed sterile corneal infiltrates occur with hydrogel contact lens wear and are not necessarily related to one specific preservative or type of solution.