Soft contact lenses are a widely used method for vision correction; however, prolonged use may induce subtle changes in the delicate cellular layers within the eye—particularly the corneal endothelium, which plays a vital role in maintaining corneal transparency and hydration balance.<br />In a recent study conducted on 394 young participants in Iraq, the effect of wearing soft contact lenses (including hydrogel and silicone hydrogel types) on endothelial cell characteristics was evaluated using non-contact specular microscopy. The study focused on three primary indicators:<br />• Endothelial Cell Density (ECD)<br />• Coefficient of Variation in cell size (COV)<br />• Percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX)<br />The results showed that contact lens wearers—particularly those who had worn lenses for more than seven years—experienced a decrease in ECD, an increase in cell size variability, and a reduction in hexagonality. Furthermore, traditional hydrogel lenses with lower oxygen permeability were associated with more significant effects than newer lens designs.<br />Additionally, the study identified differences in cellular response between males and females, as well as a correlation between lens wear duration and the degree of myopia, indicating the need for personalized clinical guidance based on individual characteristics.<br />In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of routine ocular examinations for contact lens users, especially in harsh environmental conditions such as those found in Iraq. It also underscores the need for greater public awareness regarding safe contact lens practices and the risks of unsupervised long-term usage, to preserve long-term eye health.<br />