Millennial Generation’s Choice of Contact Lens as the Preference Over Spectacles: A Study of Corneal Endothelial Cell Density

A BSTRACT Introduction: The cornea of the eye is the most vulnerable organ to external insult. Contact lens is no exception. Changes in corneal epithelium, stroma, and loss of hexagonal shape in the endothelium have been taught in contact lens classes. We wanted to understand the cell density of endothelium in prolonged contact lens wear. Methods: It was a prospective, observational, cross-sectional study. The volunteers were divided into two groups: group 1 wore their contact lenses for over 5 years and group 2 never wore contact lenses. Specular microscopy was performed using Topcon SP-3000P. Computerized morphometry was used to evaluate the mean cell density of the corneal endothelial cells. Result: A statistically significant decrease in corneal endothelial cell density was observed in contact lens wearers. Conclusion: The use of contact lenses for a prolonged period significantly decreases corneal endothelial cell density. Suitable intervention may prevent such changes in the cornea.