Question:medium
A patient with contact lens use since 2 years presented with the features shown in the image (giant papillae on the upper tarsal conjunctiva with increased mucus and itching). What is the most probable cause?
A patient with contact lens use since 2 years presented with the features shown in the image (giant papillae on the upper tarsal conjunctiva with increased mucus and itching). What is the most probable cause?
Show Hint
Consider the inflammatory conjunctival complication most classically linked to prolonged contact lens wear.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
- Trachoma
- Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
- OSSN (Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia)
Show Solution
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
The clues are: (1) contact lens use for 2 years, (2) giant papillae in the upper tarsal conjunctiva, (3) increased mucus, itching, and decreased lens tolerance.
This clinical picture defines Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC).
Mechanism: Protein deposits on the contact lens act as antigens, triggering a hypersensitivity reaction. The inflammatory infiltrate includes mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils in the epithelium, and lymphocytes and plasma cells in the stroma.
Why not the others?
- Trachoma: caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, not contact-lens related
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: atopic, young males, seasonal, not contact-lens specific
- OSSN: limbal gelatinous mass, not papillary \[\boxed{\text{Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis}}\]
This clinical picture defines Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC).
Mechanism: Protein deposits on the contact lens act as antigens, triggering a hypersensitivity reaction. The inflammatory infiltrate includes mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils in the epithelium, and lymphocytes and plasma cells in the stroma.
Why not the others?
- Trachoma: caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, not contact-lens related
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis: atopic, young males, seasonal, not contact-lens specific
- OSSN: limbal gelatinous mass, not papillary \[\boxed{\text{Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis}}\]
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