Clinical correlations and ımpact of conjunctivochalasis in soft contact lens wearers

Purpose To evaluate the correlation between clinical tests, patient symptoms, and conjunctivochalasis in contact lens wearers and non-wearers. Methods This study comprised 40 eyes of 40 current soft contact lens users and 40 eyes of 40 control subjects. Cross-sectional areas of conjunctivochalasis at three locations (nasal, central, temporal) during straight and downward gazes were determined using anterior segment optical coherence tomography in all participants. Tear film break up time test and Schirmer test with anesthesia were performed and for evaluation of symptoms, the participants completed ocular surface disease index questionnaire. Results During straight gaze, the mean cross-sectional areas of conjunctivochalasis were 0.0112 +/- 0.009 and 0.006 +/- 0.005 mm(2) at nasal, 0.0096 +/- 0.007 and 0.002 +/- 0.004 mm(2) at central, 0.0176 +/- 0.014 and 0.008 +/- 0.009 mm(2) at temporal in contact lens and control groups, respectively. Regardless of location and gaze direction, the mean cross-sectional conjunctivachalasis areas of the contact lens group were significantly higher than those of the controls (all, p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations between ocular surface disease index score and measured conjunctivachalasis areas (in all sites) during straight gaze and downward gaze were observed in the contact lens group (all, p < 0.05 and r > 0.450). Conclusion Wearing soft contact lenses is associated with increased conjunctivochalasis areas. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography determined conjunctivochalasis area is an objective clinical measurement value that is positively correlated with patients' symptoms in soft contact lens wearers.