Giant papillary conjunctivitis
| Classification according to ICD-10 | |
|---|---|
| H10.8 | Other conjunctivitis |
| ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019) | |
The Riesenpapillenkonjunktivitis even Gigantopapilläre conjunctivitis is an inflammatory disease of the conjunctiva of the eye ( conjunctivitis ), the soft especially in carriers of contact lenses occurs.
Pathomechanism
Giant papillary conjunctivitis typically develops after months or years of trouble-free contact lens wear, but it also occurs as a reaction to prostheses (such as glass eyes) or sutures in the eye. The disease appears to be based on an immunological process in which there is an allergic reaction to the antigens of the foreign bodies in the eye.
Symptoms
On the upper tarsal conjunctiva of the eye, the eponymous giant papillae ("gigantopapillary") can be observed, which are reminiscent of "cobblestone-like" growths. In addition, yellowish, stringy mucus collects in the eye due to increased secretion, which can impair vision if not removed from the eye. Those affected also often complain of itching and a reduced tolerance towards contact lenses.
therapy
Especially with contact lens wearers, foreign body avoidance is the first measure: after a long period of time without wearing contact lenses or after a shorter period of time, the giant papillae regress. Often the symptoms can also be contained by improving contact lens hygiene or changing the contact lens manufacturer. Supportive drug therapy with mast cell stabilizers such as cromoglicic acid is sometimes necessary. Treatment with steroids or even mechanical removal of the giant papillae, for example by excision or cryotherapy, are only possible in extreme cases.
literature
- Albert J. Augustin: Ophthalmology. 3rd edition, Springer, Berlin 2007. ISBN 978-3-540-30454-8
- Franz Grehn: Ophthalmology. 30th edition, Springer, Berlin 2011. ISBN 978-3-540-75264-6
