Short-Term Adaptation of the Human Corneal Endothelium to Continuous Wear of Silicone Hydrogel (Lotrafilcon A) Contact Lenses After Daily Hydrogel Lens Wear

Abstract

The results indicate that, in silicone hydrogel lens wearers exhibiting positive external eye signs thought to be associated with improved oxygen availability, subtle morphologic changes (marginally decreased polymegethism and pleomorphism) in the central region of the corneal endothelium can occur. It remains to be established, however, whether these changes can be directly attributed to oxygen effects (reduced hypoxia and hypercapnia altering the endothelial cells) or to a mechanical effect (in which changes in corneal thickness result in a reorganization of the corneal endothelium).