Abnormal ingrowth of blood vessels in the cornea, especially at the edges of the cornea (corneal neovascularization) is often due to corneal hypoxia (wearing contact lenses that do not have a high permeability to oxygen). It is a common sign associated with soft contact lens wear.The cornea, which normally has no blood vessels, derives its oxygen directly from air and not from the bloodstream. Contact lenses reduce the cornea's ability to derive oxygen. The cornea responds chronic oxygen deprivation (which can occur during extensive contact lens wear) by growing new, abnormal blood vessels.

Sometimes by changing the type of contact lens material or your waering schedule the new blood vessel growth can be reversed. More often you may simply need to stop wearing your lenses completely. If the presence of this new blood vessel growth prevents you from wearing contact lenses and you do not want to return to wearing eyeglasses, LASIK may be an option instead of eyeglasses or contact lenses for you.You may want to consider LASIK Eye Surgery or another another type of Laser Eye Surgery by having a LASIK consultation with a competent LASIK surgeon in your area who is also familiar with contact lens problems.

fit related problems :: dry eye :: corneal infections :: blood vessel growth :: protein deposits
giant papillary conjunctivitis :: legal disclaimer :: home

©2002-05 The Medical Management Services Group, L.L.C.
The information contained within this web site is for informational and educational purposes only,
and does not replace the necessity for an eye care examination by a trained professional..
If you wear contact lenses, it is essential to see your eye care professional for both periodic examinations
and whenever a problem with your eyes arise.