What are common contraindications to soft contact lens wear?

• A. Active ocular infection or inflammation, severe dry eye, contact lens intolerance, corneal ulcers, or conditions compromising lens safety.
• B. Healthy eyes with no symptoms.
• C. Past successful lens wear.
• D. Temporary redness from allergies.

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that soft contact lens wear is unsafe when the ocular surface isn’t healthy or when there are conditions that raise the risk of infection, poor healing, or lens-related injury. The best choice lists clear contraindications: an active ocular infection or inflammation, severe dry eye, contact lens intolerance, corneal ulcers, or any condition that compromises lens safety. Each of these situations creates problems for wearing lenses—an infection or inflammation can worsen with a lens acting like a reservoir for microbes and debris; severe dry eye disrupts tear quality and oxygen supply to the cornea, increasing irritation and the potential for damage; contact lens intolerance means the patient cannot wear lenses comfortably or safely; corneal ulcers are open defects that the lens could worsen or harbor infection; and other conditions that compromise safety (like lid or surface abnormalities) raise the risk of mechanical irritation, inadequate tear exchange, or poor healing. In contrast, healthy eyes with no symptoms aren’t a contraindication; past successful lens wear suggests tolerance, not a warning. Temporary redness from allergies isn’t inherently a prohibition—if it’s mild and resolves, wearing lenses can often be reconsidered, but ongoing or significant irritation would warrant halting wear until cleared.