Giant papillary conjunctivitis is caused by an immune system response to something on the eye. People with other immune system overreactions like hay fever or asthma may be at greater risk of developing giant papillary conjunctivitis. This condition is often attributed to contact lenses, the plastic composition of contact lenses, or the chemicals used to clean contact lenses. Giant papillary conjunctivitis can also be caused by sutures, the use of a glass eye, or other irregularity or irritant of the eye.

The symptoms of giant papillary conjunctivitis are redness of the eye and eyelid and swelling of the eyelid and lesions or swollen bumps on the underside of the eyelid. This condition can cause sensitivity to light, itchiness, burning sensations, and discharge from the eyes.

This condition is diagnosed by a doctor’s visual examination of the eye and eyelid. Though the old standard used to be one millimeter, the swollen bumps on the underside of the eyelid must be at least one third of a millimeter for a diagnosis of giant papillary conjunctivitis. The doctor will also consider whether or not the patient uses contact lenses.

Is giant papillary conjunctivitis contagious? Because giant papillary conjunctivitis is caused by the individual’s immune system and not be a bacterial or viral infection, giant papillary conjunctivitis is not contagious.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis treatment may include the use of antihistamines to calm the allergic reaction of the immune system. Eye drops may be used to rinse away any allergens present that may be irritating the eyelid. The use of eye drops may also help the person’s eye feel more comfortable. Many people who develop giant papillary conjunctivitis also have had a dry eye condition. Some people with this condition find using cold compresses to be soothing.

Medicated ointment may be prescribed for the treatment of giant papillary conjunctivitis. Giant papillary conjunctivitis treatment includes discontinued use of contact lenses or using contact lenses that are thrown away every day to prevent its recurrence. Doctors may encourage patients with giant papillary conjunctivitis to at least lessen the time they wear contact lenses. Giant papillary conjunctivitis may occur in up to twenty percent of contact lens wearers.

Wearing dirty or damaged contact lenses can make the person susceptible to developing giant papillary conjunctivitis. If contact lenses feel irritating for any reason, they should not be worn. Even though giant papillary conjunctivitis can be caused by any contact lenses, this condition is more common in wearers of soft contact lenses than hard ones.