Continuous contact lens wear may lead to
**Core Concept**
Continuous contact lens wear can lead to a condition known as microbial keratitis, a severe inflammation of the cornea caused by infection with various microorganisms. This condition is a significant complication of contact lens wear and can result in corneal scarring, vision loss, and even blindness.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Microbial keratitis is often caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can colonize the contact lens and cornea. The continuous contact lens wear creates a warm, moist environment that is conducive to bacterial growth. When the lens is not regularly cleaned and disinfected, the bacteria can multiply and infect the cornea, leading to inflammation and potentially severe consequences.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because while contact lens wear can lead to other complications such as dry eye, giant papillary conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers, microbial keratitis is a specific and severe consequence of continuous contact lens wear.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because while contact lens wear can lead to an increased risk of eye infections, including viral and fungal infections, microbial keratitis is a bacterial infection specifically caused by contact lens wear.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because while contact lens wear can lead to an increased risk of eye dryness, microbial keratitis is a separate and distinct complication caused by bacterial infection.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
To minimize the risk of microbial keratitis, contact lens wearers should follow proper hygiene practices, including cleaning and disinfecting the lenses regularly, replacing them as recommended, and attending regular eye exams to monitor for signs of infection.
**Correct Answer:** C. Corneal ulcers