giant papillary conjunctivitis


giant papillary conjunctivitis

conjunctival inflammation characterized by large papillae and associated with sensitization to antigenic material present on the surface of a contact lens.

gi·ant pap·il·la·ry con·junc·ti·vi·tis

(jī'ănt pap'i-lar-ē kŏn-jŭngk'ti-vī'tis) Conjunctival inflammation characterized by large papillae and associated with sensitization to antigenic material present on the surface of a contact lens.

giant papillary conjunctivitis

Abbreviation: GPC
An immune/foreign body response of the conjunctiva to contact lenses, esp. if left in place for 4 or more weeks, to nylon, or to prosthetic materials. It causes itching of the eye, redness, photophobia, swelling, and blurry vision. Examination reveals giant papillae on the superior tarsus.

Patient care

Changing or removing disposable contact lenses frequently decreases the likelihood of contracting GPC. All contact lens wearers should be advised to use good hand hygiene esp. before handling lenses, and to replace lenses according to prescribed schedule, using prescribed cleaning and storage guidelines, and a “rub and rinse” cleaning method rather than no rub. If such symptoms occur, the individual should remove the contact lens immediately and seek evaluation and treatment from the primary care provider or ophthalmologist.

See also: conjunctivitis