Rosy22
The causes of GPC include contact allergy and perhaps immune system reactions. Typically, GPC results from: exposure to chemicals and preservatives in contact lens solutions, the plastic material itself, pollens and other airborne allergens, or can occur secondarily to a bacterial infection. Hay fever is considered to be a primary precipitatory factor, as are chemical preservatives in lens care products and eye drops. Additionally, overwear and mis-use of contact lenses, especially worn, damaged or soiled lenses can cause GPC.
Treatment and Management : First, you must remove the source causing the inflammatory response. Contact lens wear is discontinued, often until the symptoms completely resolve. The previously used lenses, if soft, are discarded, as the contaminants might be attached to the lens material. As it is possible that the type of plastic used to manufacture the contact lens is the irritant, a lens of different material may be advised. Lens care solutions are altered to reduce or eliminate potential chemical irritants. If hay fever is the primary cause of GPC, medication to address that condition systemically is required, as well as medications to treat the ocular surface condition.
Medications can be used to inhibit the papillary reaction while waiting for the conjunctival membrane to de-toxify and repair damage.
Pharmacological agents applied as drops include: mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn sodium (Cromlon, B&L), lodoxamide (Alomide, Alcon) and histamine blockers such as levocabastine (Livostin, Ciba). Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl and Chlortrimeton may be used. In acute symptomolgy, for rapid relief of symptoms, anti-inflammatory drops such as ketorolac (Acular, Allergan) or corticosteroid drops can be used to quiet the reaction.
I hope this is helpful for your 17 year old daughter. Optometrists (member of American Academy of Optometry), who specilizes in Contact Lenses,will have a lot of experience with contact lens related GPC.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis - BIG Name which has become BIG problem
My 17 year old daughter has been struggling with what seems to be becoming a chronic problem. Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis is a big name for the bumps that form on inside of eyelids. This causes swelling, dropping of lid because of the swelling, discharge and discomofort. We have gotten advice from doctors ranging from this will never go away and you can never wear contact lenses again to just limit the contact lens use. She has used steriod/non drops which help temporarily but it always returns. I am concerned about her vision, her appearance and the effect this seems to be having on her self-esteem. She has been wearing CLS since she was ten years old and I have no idea why this has become issue now. Any/all advice is welcome. We live in south Florida near Fort Lauderdale, recommendations for opthomologists would be particularly welcomed since I don't think we have fournd right one. This seems to be a fairly rare problem since the use of disposbile lens began. I have read it was common before then. Thanks!
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