Which condition is a common risk factor associated with contact lens wear?

Bacterial and fungal infections are significant risks associated with contact lens wear, making corneal ulcers a common complication. When contact lenses are worn improperly or for extended periods, they can create an environment that favors the growth of microorganisms on the corneal surface. These microorganisms can lead to corneal ulcers, which are open sores or lesions on the cornea that can result in pain, redness, and even vision loss if not treated promptly.

Understanding the nature of contact lens use is key; lenses can sometimes hinder oxygen permeability to the cornea, causing hypoxia and making the cornea more susceptible to infections. Furthermore, inadequate hygiene practices, like not cleaning lenses properly or wearing them overnight, can exacerbate this risk, leading directly to corneal ulcers.

In this context, while the other conditions listed, such as macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and diabetic macular edema, are serious eye conditions, they are not directly linked to contact lens wear in the same way that corneal ulcers are.