cornea Conditions
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

What is Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis?
For people who wear contact lenses, giant papillary conjunctivitis or GPC is a common cause of itchy and irritated eyes. It is thought to result from an allergic reaction to chemicals absorbed by the contact lens or microscopic deposits that have accumulated on the lens. One chemical that has been found to be associated with GPC is a preservative in many contact lens solutions called thimerosal. Irrigation of the underside of the eyelids has been found to aggravate the condition.

Symptoms of Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
Most often, the symptoms of GPC occur while the contact lenses are in place; however, they may persist after removal of the lens from the eye. Commonly, the symptoms are an itchy eye. Redness and irritation may be present. Many persons who are afflicted with GPC notice that their contact lenses seem to ride up on their eyes as though the eyelid were grabbing the lens with each blink.

Diagnosis of Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
Large bumps with red, inflamed tissue is usually visible on the underside of the upper eyelid in severe cases of GPC. Milder cases result in smaller bumps.

These bumps on the underside of the upper eyelid are thought to be the cause of the contact lens riding high on the eye with each blink reflex. In very mild cases where the bumps are not readily visible, the diagnosis is often based on this tendency of the contact lens to ride up on the eye.

Treatment of Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
In most cases, treatment of giant papillary conjunctivitis involves discontinuing the use of contact lenses to allow the eye to recover. This may be for several days or several weeks. More severe cases may require even longer to resolve.

Sometimes, professional cleaning and polishing of the contact lenses may remove the deposits and buildup of deposits triggering the allergic reaction. Often, the lenses must be discarded. Changing the type of lenses worn may help. Also, changing contact lens solutions to other types that do not contain thimerosal or other preservative may help. Prescription eye drops can help alleviate the symptoms, especially the itchy feeling.

Follow-up care is important. GPC is difficult to control. If the condition is not treated properly and steps taken to prevent a recurrence, it can become a chronic condition. It may even prevent further use of contact lenses.