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Eye Care (Expert Forum)
Retinal detachment and long-term contact lens wear?
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Retinal detachment and long-term contact lens wear?
by S__0, Aug 10, 1999 12:00AM
Posted by SSS on August 10, 1999 at 11:12:16
I am a healthy, strong 60-year old female with no major medical problems and no family history of retinal problems. I had a small retinal hole in my right eye successfully lasered two years ago after experiencing light flashes for weeks, then a large opaque mass blocking my vision. Last week I began experiencing multiple light flashes and new floaters in my other eye, immediately had a thorough exam of both eyes by an opthamologist, who found no further holes or tearing. The doctors have advised me to quickly attend to new problems but not to worry, that there is nothing I can do to prevent further problems. I have reserched retinal tears and detachments, and noted a reference to retinas pulling away possibly because of the weight of scar tissue from a previous surface or internal injury. I've had no injuries, but am wondering about the possibility of retinal detachments in long-term rigid contact lens wearers. I have worn rigid contact lens 16-18 hours a day for 42 years; the last 12 years have worn bifocal rigid gas permeable lens, weighted at the bottom, which are very heavy, thick lens. Has there been any research or findings of the of retinal changes in long-term contact lens wearers? Should I see a retinal specialist? A retinal teaching hospital or school? Thank you.
Posted by HFHS MD-JL on August 10, 1999 at 22:10:13
To my knowledge, there is no assoc between contact lens wear and retinal detachment. Scar tissue directly over a retinal hole or tear could put traction on the retina and lead to detachment however. I would not be concerned. You should follow up as your MD instructed you to. If you wanted a second opinion you could seek out a retina specialist.
This information was provided for educational purposes only.
HFHS MD-JL
