Rigid gas-permeable contact lens fitting after corneal refractive surgery

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (RGP) in visual correction and visual symptom control after corneal refractive surgery. Methods Eleven eyes of 7 cases after myopic corneal refractive surgery from optometry clinic were fitted with RGP in different designs after routine eye checks. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) before RGP fitting and best contact lens corrected visual acuity (BCLCVA) after RGP fitting were recorded. Wave front aberrations of some patients before and after RGP fitting were measured. Fitting state and complications were recorded at follow-ups. Results Three kinds of lens design were applied: keratoconic design, reverse geometry design and aspheric design with larger diameter. BCLCVA was much higher than UCVA and BSCVA. Spherical aberration, coma and trefoil were reduced by 88.7%, 92.9% and 18.9% respectively after RGP fitting. Visual symptoms of all patients after RGP fitting were improved. The main complication was corneal staining of iatrogenic keratoconus. All patients can tolerate wearing RGP in the day time after an average follow-up of 21.5 months. Conclusions Specially designed RGP fitted after corneal refractive surgery can raise the best corrected visual acuity and improve the quality of vision. No serious complications related to RGPwearing are observed. Key words: Corneal refractive surgery ; Contact lenses ; Higher order aberrations ; Iatrogenic kerato-conus ;