Abstract ID: 26-587
Pregnancy-Associated Contact Lens Intolerance: A Case Report
Author: Ons Najjar Base Hospital / Institution: ophthalmology department, Taher Sfar university hospital
Presentation Type: ePoster Presentation
Purpose
To report a case of contact lens intolerance occurring during pregnancy and to highlight practical management considerations
Methods
case report
Results
A 36-year-old highly myopic woman in the first trimester of pregnancy, wearing contact lenses since 2014, presented with blurred vision and foreign body sensation that had worsened since the beginning of pregnancy. Slit-lamp examination showed conjunctival hyperemia with a tight-fitting contact lens. Fluorescein staining was negative. Schirmer test measured 10 mm in the right eye and 12 mm in the left eye. Tear break-up time was reduced to 8 seconds in the right eye. Further history revealed monthly silicone hydrogel contact lens wear, prolonged daily wear of up to 10 hours, delayed lens replacement, and inappropriate use of mineral water for lens neutralization. Management included immediate replacement of the contact lenses, lens case, and care solution, initiation of contact lens-compatible artificial tears, and recommendation of alternating glasses and contact lens wear according to daily activities.
Conclusion
Pregnancy may induce or worsen contact lens intolerance through tear film instability, meibomian gland dysfunction, and transient corneal changes. These factors may lead to reduced lens mobility, increased ocular surface friction, discomfort, and inflammatory signs. Management should include reduced wearing time, strict hygiene education, preservative-sparing lubrication compatible with contact lens wear, and alternation between glasses and contact lenses. Refractive changes and contact lens fitting modifications should preferably be reassessed after delivery.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| asma | zaghdoudi | taher sfar university hospital |
| nada | sakli | taher sfar university hospital |
| sameh | mbarek | taher sfar university hospital |
| emna | boukettaya | taher sfar university hospital |
| abdesslem | marwa | taher sfar university hospital |
| wafa | ammari | taher sfar university hospital |
| anis | mahmoud | taher sfar university hospital |
| riadh | messouad | taher sfar university hospital |