Cornea
Contact Lens Acute Red Eye
Also known as: CLARE, contact lens acute red eye, CL acute red eye, contact lens overnight red eye, extended wear keratitis, CL diffuse infiltrates, contact lens infiltrative keratitis, contact lens reaction overnight
Clinical decision support only
Overview
An acute, painful, red eye occurring in contact lens wearers, typically during overnight or extended wear. Characterised by multiple small peripheral corneal infiltrates with conjunctival injection. Believed to result from an inflammatory response to Gram-negative bacterial toxins (Pseudomonas, Serratia marcescens) trapped under the lens. Distinct from CLPU (single large infiltrate) and bacterial keratitis (dense large central ulcer). Self-limiting but requires lens cessation.
What OptoGuide™ covers for contact lens acute red eye
- Recognition patterns — symptoms, signs, and differentiators
- Don't-miss risks and escalation triggers
- Management tiers with linked Australian therapeutics
- Referral urgency, specialty, and letter drafting
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