Giant papillary conjunctivitis can be due to an allergic reaction as in soft contact lens wearers and allergic palpebral conjunctivitis, or can result from a cut exposed suture end that abrades the upper palpebral conjunctiva. The syndrome of suture barb giant papillary conjunctivitis consists of a mucoid ocular discharge with blurred vision, a foreign body sensation, upper lid edema and blepharoptosis concomitant with giant papillae of the upper palpebral conjunctiva. Removal of the offending suture(s) results in resolution of the papillae and symptoms.