Corneal edema was induced by a 2-h closed-eye wear of a thick hydrogel contact lens. Corneal edema production and edema recovery responses were measured in the central and mid-peripheral (3 mm inferior) cornea of 10 younger (20.4 +/- 2.0 years) and 10 older (69.0 +/- 3.4 years) subjects using optical pachometry. The amount of edema produced was not significantly different between the two corneal locations nor between the two age groups. The edema recovery rates of the central and mid-peripheral cornea were not significantly different in either the younger or older group. The edema recovery rates at both corneal positions were significantly faster in the younger group than in the older group. The results of this study suggest that the mechanisms that control edema production and recovery in the inferior mid-peripheral cornea are similar to those previously described in central and temporal mid-peripheral locations. Ageing appears to influence the edema production and recovery mechanisms of both the central and mid-peripheral cornea in similar ways.