What is a common side effect of contact lens wear?

Corneal hypoxia is a common side effect of contact lens wear due to the restriction of oxygen flow to the cornea. While wearing contact lenses, especially if they are not properly fitted or if the wearing schedule exceeds the recommended duration, the corneal tissue may not receive adequate oxygen. This can lead to various issues, including corneal swelling, discomfort, and even serious complications like infections.

In contrast to corneal hypoxia, increased tear production, cataracts, and conjunctivitis are less directly associated with the wear of contact lenses. Increased tear production can occur for various reasons, but it is not a typical result of contact lens wear. Cataracts are primarily age-related and not directly caused by contact lenses, although improper use may contribute to other eye health issues. Conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the conjunctiva, can occur due to various factors, including allergies or infections, but while contact lens wear can contribute to eye irritation, it is not as closely tied to conjunctivitis as corneal hypoxia is to poor oxygenation of the cornea during lens wear.