Contact Lenses and GPC go hand in hand, and you don't want anything to do with it.

Have you been told you have cobblestones under your lids? This is a way of describing the effect of contact lenses and GPC. More often than not, it is soft contact lenses and GPC.

GPC is an acronym for Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis. Why do contact lenses and GPC go hand in hand? Because in most cases your lenses may be responsible for GPC.

In its simplest explanation, GPC is an allergic reaction to your own tear secretions. Contact lenses can cause GPC if they are not cleaned and/or replaced frequently enough.

Soft contact lenses are made up of plastic and water. By nature, they absorb whatever they come in contact with. For example, when your lenses soak in solution, they absorb that solution like a sponge. The same holds true for your tear film as the lens rests on your eye.

In time, they lens gets a permanent buildup of salts, mucus, protein, and other properties not intended to be there.

For lenses we replace frequently, there is not enough time to create a serious buildup. When lenses are worn beyond there recommended replacement time, they bind all these properties and hold them against your lids all day.

This in turn can cause an allergic reaction known as GPC.

Signs of GPC are itching, sticky lenses, and discomfort.

If you have been diagnosed with GPC, the usual action is to stop wearing lenses until the reaction is under control. Once the GPC is at a point where it can be controlled and monitored, lenses can be slowly reintroduced.

Most contact lens fitters will change you to a frequently replaced soft lens, or a gas permeable contact lens. There are contact lenses designed for those who have had GPC in the past. The CSI lens by Ciba Vision was created for this specific purpose.

If you have or have had GPC previously, follow your eye care provider's direction to get those cobblestones under control. And remember in most cases, once under control, it is possible to wear lenses again.