Long-term Contact Lens Research Articles

Managing advanced pigmentary glaucoma when medical and laser treatment has failed

A 50-year-old dentist was referred for management of advanced pigmentary glaucoma in his left eye. He reported onset of blurring in the left eye approximately 9 months ago, when he was found to have intraocular pressure (IOP) in the 40s. He presented on maximum topical medical therapy to include fixed combination netarsudil + latanoprost, brimonidine + brinzolamide, and timolol in the left eye. He used latanoprost alone in the right eye. The referring ophthalmologist had performed selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) 3 months earlier, which was deemed ineffective. Ocular history was notable for moderate myopia and long-term contact lens wear; the patient stated he required contact lenses underneath his procedural loupes for work purposes. Medical history and medication use was otherwise unremarkable. Examination revealed a corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/25. A relatively afferent pupillary defect was found in the left eye. The IOP was 18 mm Hg in the right eye and 30 mm Hg in the left eye in the setting of mean pachymetry at 552 and 548 in the right and left eyes, respectively. The patient displayed classic findings of pigment dispersion, including Krukenberg spindles in both eyes and midperipheral iris transillumination defects in the left eye. Gonioscopy revealed open angles in both eyes with dense trabecular meshwork pigment. Posterior bowing of the iris near the insertion was evident in both eyes but more dramatic in appearance in the left. This finding was demonstrated on anterior segment imaging (Figures 1 and 2 JOURNAL/jcrsoc/04.03/02158035-202501000-00012/figure1/v/2025-01-30T210536Z/r/image-tiff JOURNAL/jcrsoc/04.03/02158035-202501000-00012/figure2/v/2025-01-30T210536Z/r/image-tiff ). Lenses were clear, and the fundus examination was otherwise unremarkable except for an enlarged cup-to-disc ratio of 0.7 in the right eye and a near total cup with diffusely thin neuroretinal rim in the left. Optical coherence tomography of the nerve fiber layer and retinal ganglion cell layer was received from the referring provider. It was normal in the right eye and showed diffuse thinning of both scans in the left. A visual field was also normal in the right eye. The 24-2 visual field in the left eye showed a central island, and subsequent 10-2 testing demonstrated similar dense constriction (Figure 3 JOURNAL/jcrsoc/04.03/02158035-202501000-00012/figure3/v/2025-01-30T210536Z/r/image-tiff ). Please comment on your management of the patient's left eye.

Candida parapsilosis keratitis: A case series

Candida parapsilosis keratitis: A case series

Corneal endothelial density and morphology in long-term soft contact lens users in Japan: a retrospective cross-sectional study of 17,732 eyes

Purpose There is a lack of long-term and large-scale studies on the adverse effects of soft contact lenses (SCLs) on the corneal endothelia of Asian populations. Here, we aimed to examine the effects of long-term SCL use on corneal endothelial density and morphology. Materials and Methods This retrospective study involved consecutive patients at the Miyata Eye Hospital (Miyazaki, Japan), who had used SCLs for more than 1 year. Patients with ophthalmological disorders without refractive errors were excluded. The period of SCL use, SCL type, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), appearance rate of hexagonal cells (HEX), and coefficient of variation of cells (CV) were analyzed. Results In total, 17,732 eyes of 8866 patients were included in the analysis (age, 26.0 ± 8.8 years). The mean period of SCL use was 6.3 ± 5.4 years. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that ECD and HEX were significantly negatively correlated with the period of SCL use, age, and sex (p < 0.001 for all). The CV was significantly positively correlated with the period of use (p < 0.001), sex (p = 0.002), and age (p < 0.001). Conclusions Corneal ECD, HEX, and CV were significantly associated with the period of SCL use in long-term users. It is essential to regularly check the corneal endothelium in patients with a history of long-term SCL use.

Self-Lubricating, Living Contact Lenses.

The increasing prevalence of dry eye syndrome in aging and digital societies compromises long-term contact lens (CL) wear and forces users to regular eye drop instillation to alleviate discomfort. Here a novel approach with the potential to improve and extend the lubrication properties of CLs is presented. This is achieved by embedding lubricant-secreting biofactories within the CL material. The self-replenishable reservoirs autonomously produce and release hyaluronic acid (HA), a natural lubrication and wetting agent, long term. The hydrogel matrix regulates the growth of the biofactories and the HA production, and allows the diffusion of nutrients and HA for at least 3 weeks. The continuous release of HA sustainably reduces the friction coefficient of the CL surface. A self-lubricating CL prototype is presented, where the functional biofactories are contained in a functional ring at the lens periphery, outside of the vision area. The device is cytocompatible and fulfils physicochemical requirements of commercial CLs. The fabrication process is compatible with current manufacturing processes of CLs for vision correction. It is envisioned that the durable-by-design approach in living CL could enable long-term wear comfort for CL users and minimize the need for lubricating eye drops.

Relationship Between Contact Lens Wear and the Risk of Acquired Blepharoptosis

Abstract&#x0D; Introduction &amp; Objectives : Contact lens wear has been reported to be associated with acquired blepharoptosis. This literature review aims to summarize and evaluate the risk of acquired blepharoptosis in contact lens wearers.&#x0D; Methods : Literature searching was conducted using three online databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Search terms such as “contact lens”, “ptosis”, and “blepharoptosis” were included. Reference lists of each study were also assessed for potentially relevant sources. Prospective and retrospective studies as well as meta-analyses and systematic reviews were included.&#x0D; Results : Using relevant search terms in various databases, a total of five articles were included in this review. Four studies suggested that wearing hard or soft contact lenses was significantly associated with blepharoptosis. One study indicated hard contact lens wearers presented blepharoptosis 17.38 times more frequently than non-wearers (OR, 17.38, 95% CI=3.71–81.29), while soft contact lens wearers had 8.12 times more risk of presenting blepharoptosis than non-wearers (OR, 8.12, 95% CI=2.68–24.87). Furthermore, long-term contact lens wear, which was 20 years or more, seemed to have a significant effect on the incidence of blepharoptosis. There was only one study which stated that hard contact lens wear did not lead to acquired blepharoptosis in this review.&#x0D; Conclusion : There is evidence of a clear association between hard or soft contact lens wear and an increased risk of blepharoptosis. Patients wearing contact lenses should be informed of the risk of blepharoptosis, and a history of contact lens use should be sought in all patients who have acquired blepharoptosis.

HUBUNGAN ANTARA PEMAKAIAN LENSA KONTAK DAN RISIKO BLEFAROPTOSIS DIDAPAT

Objectives: Contact lenses (CL) wear has been reported to be associated with acquired blepharoptosis. This literature review aims to summarize and evaluate the risk of acquired blepharoptosis in contact lens wearers. Methods: Literature searching was conducted using three online databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Search terms such as “contact lens”, “ptosis”, and “blepharoptosis” were included. Reference lists of each study were also assessed for potentially relevant sources. Results: Using relevant search terms in various databases, a total of three articles were included in this review. All studies reviewed were single-center retrospective studies. The three studies suggested that wearing contact lens was significantly associated with blepharoptosis. Long-term contact lens wear, ranging from 15 to 34 years, seemed to have a significant effect on the incidence of blepharoptosis. Hard contact lens (HCL) wear has a greater risk for ptosis to occur than soft contact lens (SCL) wear. Conclusion: There is evidence of a clear association between hard or soft contact lens wear and an increased risk of blepharoptosis. Patients wearing contact lenses should be informed of the risk of blepharoptosis, and a history of contact lens wear should be sought in all patients who have acquired blepharoptosis.

Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of contact lens-associated dry eye (2024)

The number of contact lens wearers in China is increasing rapidly. Long-term contact lens wearing may induce or exacerbate tear film instability, and consequently affect the visual quality, ocular surface safety, and compliance of the wearers. To promote the safety and effectiveness of contact lens fitting, and to improve the visual quality and satisfaction of contact lens wearers, the Society of Contact Lens Safety Monitoring & Vision Health of Chinese Health Association has targeted to develop an expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of contact lens-associated dry eye. By referring to relevant literature and summarizing clinical experience, the clinical experts in corneal disease, pediatric ophthalmology and optometry have made repeated discussions to form this consensus, including the definition, pathological mechanisms, influencing factors, evaluation, prevention and treatment of contact lens-associated dry eye, for the reference of optometrists and ophthalmologists.

Candida Colonization on the Surface of Contact Lenses in Long-Term Wearers and Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis Patients Presenting as White Mulberry-Shaped Deposits.

To report Candida colonies on the surface of the contact lens in long-term contact lens wearers and patients with Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis (KPro I). A retrospective study was performed based on analyzing cultures from bandage contact lenses with small whitish mulberry-shaped deposits on their surface. Eight samples (from seven patients) were positive for Candida. Seven of the eight were positive for Candida parapsilosis. The whitish deposits on contact lenses are often Candida colonies that colonize the surface but do not cause an active infection in the eye. C. parapsilosis is well-known for colonizing prosthetic devices. We underline the importance of including Candida species in the differential diagnosis of lens deposits, especially in susceptible patients such as keratoprosthesis carriers.

Kontaktlinsenhygiene - kleiner Aufwand, große Bedeutung

Purpose. The aim is to update the knowledge of hygiene guidelines related to contact lens wear. Material and Methods. The following literature review high- lights the causes of microbial keratitis and provides an over- view of the current research on contact lens hygiene, with particular emphasis on the use of tap water. In addition, a case report is used to highlight rare consequences of non- compliant behavior. Results. The main causative agents of microbial keratitis are bacteria, such as staphylococci and pseudomonas aeruginosa, fungi, and acanthamoeba. Because infection often requires rapid medical therapy and can lead to complications that reduce visual acuity, great importance should be placed on patient counseling and preventative measures. This includes conscientious hand hygiene, information on the problem tap water, and the use of the correct care product with necessary compliance. Conclusion. Good and correct contact lens hygiene is es- sential for long-term, low complication and safe contact lens wear. Especially the care of the contact lens case should not be ignored. To improve patient compliance, it is important to know the exact reasons for any non-compliant behavior in order to develop adapted and individual strategies. It is also relevant that hygiene guidelines are standardized to avoid confusing patients with different recommendations. Keywords Contact lens hygiene, tap water, microbial keratitis, compliance

Kontaktlinsenhygiene ein Literatur-Review

Purpose. Contact lens hygiene is a crucial factor for a success- ful contact lens fitting and, above all, for long-term healthy contact lens wear. A review of the literature is intended to summarize the most important points especially in relation to recent publications. Material and Methods. A narrative literature review was performed to identify relevant publications. PubMed (www. pubmed.gov) was used as the platform for the search. The search term used was “contact lens hygiene”. Results. Successful contact lens hygiene depends on the effectiveness of the care solution, the instruction of the pa- tient by the contact lens practitioner and the correct imple- mentation of the recommended care steps. Basically, either multipurpose solutions (combination solutions) or peroxide systems are available for care. The advantage of peroxide systems is the higher disinfection performance compared to multipurpose solutions. For rigid gas permeable contact lenses, manual surface cleaning in combination with a surface cleaner is essential. The likelihood of occurrence of microbial keratitis is lower in wearers of rigid gas permeable contact lenses than in wearers of soft contact lenses. Conclusion. In addition, to hand hygiene, the selection of the care product and regular instruction of the user by the eye care practitioner play a vital role. From a hygienic perspective, daily disposable contact lenses are the safest option. Keywords Contact lens hygiene, contact lens compliance, contact lens storage case, microbial keratitis, RGP contact lenses, soft contact lenses

Proteomic profiling of human corneal stroma from long-term contact lens wearers reveals activation of inflammatory responses

To investigate the association between proteomic changes and potential pathogenesis in the human cornea with respect to the duration of wearing soft contact lenses (SCLs). A total of 96 corneal stroma samples, obtained via small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), were equally grouped according to the duration of wearing SCL: 0Y, did not wear SCL; 5Y, wore SCL for<5years; 5-10Y, wore SCL for 5-10years; O10Y, wore SCL for>10years. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify and quantify protein profiles in the corneal stroma. Expression levels of CO1A1, CO4A1, NFKB1, and IL6RB were determined using western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. This study quantified a total of 5,668 proteins across samples and identified 2,379 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) with significantly increased abundance in the three SCL-wearing groups compared with that in the non-SCL-wearing group. Compared with those in the 0Y group, the molecular functions of DEPs in the 5Y, 5-10Y, and O10Y groups were mainly related to translation regulator activity, antigen binding, peptidase inhibitor activity, participation in extracellular matrix (ECM) production, complement activation, and inflammatory responses. Pathway enrichment analysis of DEPs showed that the sphingolipid, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathways were activated in the human corneal stroma after long-term SCL use. Inflammation-related proteomic components in human corneal stroma increased after long-term use of SCL and may act as an essential factor in the molecular pathogenesis of corneal stroma damage.

Relationship Between Long-Term use of Soft Contact Lenses and Dry Eye Symptoms in Students

Contact lenses are usually attached to the cornea of the eye contact lenses usually have a corrective purpose like glasses but the difference is that contact lenses are lighter and almost invisible. Dry eye caused by contact lenses is one of the health problems is developing in the community, one of the reasons and ultimately has an impact on vision problems where eventually vision becomes blurry. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how contact lenses affected dry eyes. This study used a quantity method for its survey investigation. DTA collecting methods use a nominal scale questionnaire. Using a straightforward linear regression test, the study sample consisted of 49 respondents who are students at the University Pembangunan Panca Budi Medan Faculties Agama Islam Dan Humaniora. It was determined from the results that there is no significant correlation between the dependent variable, namely dry eye symptoms, and the independent variable, the length of time using soft contact lenses. The R square values indicate that there is only a 19,8% correlation between the symptoms of dry eyes and long-term contact lens usage.

Adverse Events of Scleral Contact Lens

Scleral contact lens is defined as a lens fitted to vault over the entire cornea, including the limbus, and to land on conjunctiva overlying the sclera. Scleral contact lens-associated adverse events or complications have not been frequently reported, as the modern scleral contact lens has high oxygen permeability. However, complications can occur anytime during long-term scleral contact lens wear. Infection is the most important complication which can lead to permanent visual loss. In addition, hypoxia, problems coming from asymmetric scleral shape, lens seal-off, conjunctival prolapse, limbal bearing, and mid-day fogging are unique problems associated with scleral contact lens wear.

International multi-centre study of potential benefits of ultraviolet radiation protection using contact lenses

To examine the effects of long-term ultraviolet radiation (UVR) blocking wearing contact lenses on ocular surface health, eye focus and macular pigment. 210 pre-presbyopic patients were recruited from Birmingham UK, Brisbane Australia, Hong Kong China, Houston USA and Waterloo Canada (n=42 at each site). All patients had worn contact lenses for≥5years, half (test group) of a material incorporating a UVR-blocking filter. Ocular health was assessed using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and UV autofluorescence. Accommodation was measured subjectively with a push-up test and overcoming lens-induced defocus. Objective stimulus response and dynamic measures of the accommodative response were quantified with an open-field aberrometer. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) was assessed using heterochromatic flicker photometry (MPS II). The two groups of participants were matched for age, sex, race, body-mass-index, diet, lifestyle, UVR exposure, refractive error and visual acuity. Limbal (p=0.035), but not bulbar conjunctival redness (p=0.903) was lower in eyes that had worn UVR-blocking contact lenses compared to controls. The subjective (8.0±3.7D vs 7.3±3.3D; p=0.125) and objective (F=1.255, p=0.285) accommodative response was higher in the test group, but the differences did not reach significance. However, the accommodative latency was shorter in eyes that had worn UVR-blocking contact lenses (p=0.003). There was no significant different in MPOD with UVR filtration (p=0.869). Blocking the transmission of UVR is beneficial in maintaining the eye's ability to focus, suggesting that presbyopia maybe delayed in long-term UVR-blocking contact lenses wearers. These lenses also provide protection to the critical limbal region.

Bacterial and viral keratitis

Milda Vabalaitė1*, Lauryna Ivanauskaitė1 1Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine Abstract Introduction. Infectious keratitis is a microorganism-induced damage to the cornea that often results in severe and often irreversible visual disturbances. This pathology is caused by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The aim of this review: to analyze literature about risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of bacterial and viral keratitis. Methods. We analyzed medical publications using international databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library. Results and conclusions. The most commonly detected bacterial pathogens are Staphylococcus aureus, plasma non-coagulating Staphylococci, Pseudomona aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae. Of the viral pathogens, keratitis is most commonly caused by Varicella-zoster virus, Cytomegalovirus, Adenovirus, Herpes Simplex virus. The development of bacterial and viral keratitis is influenced by various risk factors such as previous eye trauma, long-term contact lens wear, previous eye surgery, dry eye syndrome, eyelid deformity, long-term use of immunosuppressants, and topical steroids. The diagnosis of infectious keratitis can be suspected in the presence of decreased visual acuity, eye pain and redness, fear of light, tearing, discharge from the eyes, swelling of the eyelid. To clarify the diagnosis of bacterial and viral keratitis, tests are performed – visual acuity assessment, biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure is measured, corneal scraping smear is performed. The gold standard for detecting the bacterial agent is a culture of corneal scrapings. The main treatment for bacterial keratitis is antibacterial. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), ELISA, and tissue culture studies are performed to confirm the pathological agent of viral keratitis. The main treatments for viral keratitis are antiviral medicines acyclovir or ganciclovir and the inhibition of inflammation by corticosteroids. Common and specific cases of viral keratitis are Adenovirus and Herpes Simplex-induced keratitis, the diagnosis and treatment of which require knowledge of specific symptoms and treatment options. Keywords: viral keratitis, adenoviral keratitis, bacterial keratitis, infectious keratitis, Herpes simplex virus.

Long-term effect of contact lens wear: A citation network study

Contact lenses can cause complications in 2/3 of the total population, but in most cases, they are mild and easy to manage. However, most of the studies are short-term. The aim of the study was to analyze the publications on the long-term effects of contact lens wear to understand the current research landscape through the analysis of dating networks as well as determining the different research areas and the most cited publications. The Web of Science database was used to perform the publication search, looking for the terms "Long-term" AND "contact lens wear" within the period between 1977 and January 2021. The CitNetExplorer and CiteSpace software were then used to conduct the publication analysis. To obtain the graphics, the VOSviewer software was used. A total of 721 publications were found with 2999 citations generated within the network. The year 2010 was singled out as a "key year", considering the number of publications that emerged in that year and increase in adaptations of contact lens worldwide. The most widely cited publication was "Effects of long-term extended contact lens wear on the human cornea", an article by Holden et al., which was published in 1985. By using the clustering function, we were able to establish three clusters that encompassed the different research areas within this field: morphological changes, the loss of corneal sensitivity, tear film characteristics and longitudinal changes in ocular physiology. The main research topic in this field focuses on the morphological changes that take place in the corneal endothelial cell layer.

Effects of long‑term soft contact lens wear on corneal epithelial thickness after small incision lenticule extraction

The present study investigated changes in corneal epithelial thickness after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in patients with long-term preoperative soft contact lens (SCL) wear, the impact of SCL wear on the efficacy of surgical outcomes and the effects of long-term SCL wear on postoperative corneal aberrations. Patients were assigned to three groups according to the duration of SCL wear: Group A, the non-SCL-wearing group; group B, those with SCL wear ≤1 year; and group C, those with SCL wear >1 year. Epithelial thickness was recorded in nine zones by anterior segment optical coherence tomography across a 5-mm diameter before surgery and at 1 week, and 1, 3 and 6 months post-surgery. Corneal epithelial thickness and corneal aberrations among the three groups were compared, as well as the effects of changes in corneal epithelial thickness on postoperative visual acuity and manifest refraction. No significant differences were noted with regard to age or preoperative spherical equivalent among groups A (22 eyes), B (17 eyes) and C (18 eyes). Preoperative corneal epithelial thickness in the inferonasal, inferior and inferotemporal zones was thinner in group B compared with that in group A, and corneal epithelial thickness was thinner in all nine zones in group C compared with that in group A (P<0.05). At all follow-up time points, in the central, nasal, inferonasal, inferior, inferotemporal and temporal areas, the epithelial thickness was thinner in group C compared with that in group A (P<0.05). At 3 months postoperatively, the epithelial thickness was thinner in the inferonasal and inferior sectors in group C compared with that in group B (P<0.05), and at 6 months postoperatively, the epithelial thickness in the inferior region was thinner in group C compared with that in group B (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in visual acuity or manifest refraction among the three groups at all postoperative time points. The total higher-order aberrations were greater in group C compared with those in group A for all time points (P<0.05) and were greater in group C at 1 and 3 months postoperatively compared with those in group B (P<0.05). The spherical aberrations at 3 and 6 months postoperatively were greater in group C compared with those in group A (P<0.05). The coma aberrations were greater in group C compared with those in groups A and B for all time points (P<0.05). In conclusion, long-term SCL wear will result in corneal epithelial thinning, which does not impact visual acuity or manifest refraction after SMILE.

A pilot study investigating the effect of extended contact lens wear on limbal and central corneal morphology

To investigate the effect of long-term extended soft contact lens wear on limbal and central corneal cell morphology, and limbal architecture. Each participant attended a study visit involving in vivo confocal microscopy of central corneal and limbal epithelium. Scans were graded by five masked graders for three features: central epithelial irregularity, limbal epithelial irregularity and the prominence of palisades of Vogt. The variability of grades between different graders and the difference of grades between extended wearers and daily soft/non-contact lens wearers were assessed. Nineteen participants (9 extended soft contact lens wearers and 10 daily soft/non-contact lens wearers) aged 31-65years were enrolled in this study. Scans from 37 eyes were included in the analysis. Agreement between graders for each feature was moderate to good with inter class correlation >0.7. While there were no significant differences in central epithelial cell irregularity (p=0.527) and the prominence of palisade of Vogt (p=0.182) between extended or daily soft/non-contact lens wearers, limbal epithelial cell irregularity showed a trend with increased irregularity in extended soft contact lens wearers (p=0.091). While no differences in limbal cell morphology and structureor central epithelial cell wasfound in thissubjective grading study of extended wearers compared to daily soft/non-contact lens wearers, further studies using a larger sample size or a longitudinal study design are warranted.

Evaluation of corneal topography, tear film function and conjunctival impression cytology after long-term scleral contact lens wear in keratoconus patients

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the impact of long-term scleral contact lens (ScCL) wear on corneal curvature, corneal thickness, tear film function, and ocular surface in patients with keratoconus.Methods: Sixteen keratoconus patients wearing ScCLs for 6 months were enrolled in the study. Corneal topography, tear osmolarity test, Schirmer 1 test, tear film break-up time (TBUT) test, and impression cytology analysis were assessed at baseline and follow-up examinations.Results: There were no significant differences in visual acuity, keratometric and pachymetric values after 6 months of ScCL wear compared to baseline (p>0.05 for all). Tear osmolarity, Schirmer 1 test, and TBUT test results showed no significant change during follow-up (p>0.05 for all). Median goblet cell density and grade of squamous metaplasia did not differ significantly at 1-month. However, there was a gradual deterioration in goblet cell density and Nelson grade until the third-month visit compared to baseline (p for goblet cell, p=0.003; p for Nelson grade, p=0.003). These impaired cytological features observed at 3-month visit persisted at 6-month visit (p for goblet cell, p=0.008; p for Nelson grade, p<0.001).Conclusion: Six months of ScCL wear did not induce any changes in corneal curvature and thickness and also did not affect tear function tests in keratoconic eyes. The only significant changes observed were a decrease in goblet cell density and metaplastic changes in conjunctival epithelium in impression cytology analysis. Further investigations may be needed to better understand the cause of impairment in cytological features of ocular surface and its clinical implications.

Impact of contact lens wear on NLRP3 gene expression: Implications for ocular frailty in middle-aged adults

The inflammatory process plays a crucial role in frailty syndrome, which can appear in middle age and is associated with a poor health outcome. Consequently, gerontologists recommend screening inflammatory biomarkers in middle-aged adults to detect frailty and, therefore, prevent chronic diseases and mortality. External factors could be a risk factor for frailty because they can generate and extend the inflammatory process. For these reasons, we analysed the effect of long-term contact lens wear on mRNA level of genes linked to inflammation (IL-6, NLRP3, NK1R, CD73, MUC16 and TRPV1 genes) in conjunctival cells of middle-aged individuals, by quantitative PCR. Middle-aged contact lens wearers presented a significant increase of NLRP3 and MUC16 mRNA level as well as a decrease of CD73 mRNA level, in comparison with non-contact lens wearers. Additionally, we checked for a potential correlation between these transcript levels and clinical changes of the participants' ocular surface. Unlike molecular analysis, clinical examination fails to detect inflammation in contact lens wearers. These data suggest that long-term contact lens wear could trigger an inflammatory response in middle age orchestrated by NLRP3 inflammasome and modulated by CD73 and MUC16 proteins. Further studies are needed to confirm our gene expression findings at the protein level as well as to investigate the potential role of long-term CL wear in the onset of ocular frailty.