What is it called when a patient experiences poor vision after removing contact lenses?

The phenomenon where a patient experiences poor vision after removing contact lenses is referred to as spectacle blur. This occurs because the patient's visual system has adapted to the corrective properties of the contact lenses while they were being worn. When the lenses are taken off, the eyes may not immediately adjust back to the prescription strength of the glasses, leading to blurred vision. This can also be exacerbated by other factors such as the difference in refractive error between the contact lenses and the spectacles, or potential changes in the corneal shape due to lens wear.

In contrast, other terms like lazy eye imply a persistent issue with visual acuity that is not specifically related to contact lens removal. Residual acuity refers more broadly to the clarity of vision remaining after adjustments or corrections, not specifically about the transition from contact lenses to natural vision. Surface deposits generally pertain to the accumulation of substances on the lens surface, which can affect vision during lens wear but are not directly responsible for temporary vision issues upon lens removal. Therefore, spectacle blur accurately describes the transient visual disturbance encountered after the removal of contact lenses, making it the appropriate term in this context.