These small bumpsknown aspapillaeoften form in response to wearing contact lenses or other chronic irritation.
In GPC, the bumps grow and combine, forming very large bumps that sometimes resemble a cobblestone appearance.
This article presents GPC symptoms and common causes of giant papillary conjunctivitis.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin for Verywell Health
The main symptom of GPC is itchy, irritated eyes.
Some people may notice an increase in symptoms during the spring and summer months.
GPC can also be brought on by the constant act of blinking over a contact lens.
The eye interprets the contact lens as a foreign body and a mild throw in of mechanical trauma occurs.
At some point, the eye’sinflammatory processeskick in and the result is GPC.
Diagnosing Papillary Conjunctivitis
Your eye doctor will take a careful medical history and listen to your complaints.
They will then observe your eyes and contact lenses under aslit lamp, a special upright microscope.
While contact lens wearers are generally not very happy to hear this, it does speed healing.
How Long Does It Take for GPC to Go Away?
Your eye doctor may prescribe steroid eye drops to lessen the inflammation.
Note that steroids can cause high pressure which can lead toglaucomaand vision loss.
Try a New Contact Lens
Changing from conventional or monthlydisposable contact lensesto daily disposables often helps considerably.
Summary
Giant papillary conjunctivitis occurs due to inflammation of the inner eyelid.
The small bumps and other symptoms of GPC typically occur due to contact lens use.
An eye doctor can diagnose and treat GPC, while offering advice on prevention.
Proper contact lens hygiene and wearing habits are very important to lower the risk of developing giant papillary conjunctivitis.
Numerous studies have shown that the frequency of lens replacement correlates closely to the development of GPC.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Giant papillary conjunctivitis.
Yeung KK.Giant papillary conjunctivitis.
Azari AA, Arabi A.Conjunctivitis: A Systematic Review.J Ophthalmic Vis Res.
2020 Aug 6;15(3):372-395. doi: 10.18502/jovr.v15i3.7456.
