What is a common cause of mucin balls developing underneath contact lenses?

Mucin balls are small, spherical deposits that can form on the surface of contact lenses, often leading to discomfort and vision disturbances for wearers. The development of these mucin balls is typically associated with the interaction between the tear film and the contact lens material.

When considering the situation described, high Dk (oxygen permeability) lenses can sometimes lead to lens dehydration. Although these high oxygen-permeable lenses are designed to allow more oxygen to reach the cornea, they may not maintain optimal hydration levels if the lens desiccates too quickly. This dehydration could promote the aggregation of mucin from the tear film, ultimately resulting in mucin balls forming under the lens.

A context to consider is that regular hydration in the lens material encourages a healthy balance between the lens and the tear film, preventing such formations. Excessive lens replacement usually enables wearers to utilize fresh lenses regularly, reducing the likelihood of accumulations like mucin balls.

Thus, the key reason why high Dk or lens dehydration is a common cause of mucin ball development lies in the interaction of the lens material with the tear film and how overall lens hydration is maintained during wear.