What Is GPC?
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is a non-contagious, chronic inflammatory reaction that affects the delicate tissue lining the underside of the eyelids. It is most commonly triggered by extended contact lens wear or allergic responses to lens materials, cleaning solutions, or even environmental allergens like dust, makeup, or fabric softeners.
Despite its name, GPC is not an infection, but rather a mechanical and allergic irritation, where small inflammatory bumps (papillae) form under the upper eyelid. If left untreated, these papillae can grow large enough to disrupt vision and make contact lenses intolerable.
What Causes GPC?
GPC is typically the result of constant micro-trauma to the conjunctiva from the blinking motion over contact lenses or other ocular devices (e.g. sutures, prosthetics, or corneal scars).
Additional risk factors and triggers include:
- Wearing reusable or poorly cleaned contact lenses
- Sleeping with contact lenses
- Using expired lens solutions or harsh preservatives
- Allergies (pollen, dust, animal dander, etc.)
- Makeup or skincare products
- Conditions like eczema, asthma, or hay fever
Even pillows, detergents, or cosmetic ingredients can irritate the eyelids and contribute to GPC.
Signs and Symptoms of GPC
Symptoms often develop gradually, and early signs may go unnoticed until discomfort becomes more pronounced. Look out for:
- Itching, burning, or gritty eyes
- Redness and lid inflammation
- Stringy or watery mucus discharge
- Blurry vision
- Contact lenses feeling loose, sticky, or constantly out of place
- Increased lens intolerance and discomfort while blinking
Often, the only way to detect early-stage GPC is through a professional eye exam—especially for regular contact lens wearers.
Diagnosis and Risk Groups
GPC is most commonly diagnosed during a routine slit-lamp exam by your optometrist. If you wear contact lenses—especially for extended periods—or have chronic allergies, you are considered high risk.
You’re more susceptible if you:
- Wear soft reusable lenses
- Sleep in lenses
- Suffer from allergies or asthma
- Have poor lens hygiene
- Use lens solutions with preservatives
Treatment and Management of GPC
Effective treatment focuses on eliminating the cause, soothing symptoms, and preventing recurrence.
Initial Management
- Stop contact lens use for several weeks
- Switch to glasses temporarily
- Identify and eliminate allergen or irritant triggers
- Consider switching to daily disposable lenses
Medications and Therapies
- Cold compresses to reduce itching and swelling
- Antihistamine or mast cell stabiliser eye drops
- Lubricating drops to reduce irritation
- Topical corticosteroids (for severe cases, under supervision)
- Oral antihistamines
- Immunotherapy (in very persistent allergic cases)
Long-term, the goal is to reduce recurrence through good lens hygiene, frequent lens changes, and avoiding high-risk products or environments.
Wearing contacts and noticing discomfort or blurry vision?
Book a professional eye exam at Davida van der Merwe Optometrist to detect early signs of GPC and get expert advice on lens care and allergy management.
