The effects of rigid gas-permeable contact lens wear on tear film of eyes with keratoconus

Abstract

Aim: This is a comparative retrospective study aimed to determine the effect of contact lens wearing on the tear film of patients with keratoconus. Material and Methods: A total number of 150 were screened and 66.67% (100 patients) were found to fulfill the criteria of selection (35.7% males and 64.3% females). The patients were divided into two groups wearing RGP (medium Dk) (50%) and not wearing contact lenses (50%). The tear film quality and quantity were evaluated using tear break-up time (TBUT) and Schirmer test. Results: One hundred patients were included in the study, of which 66% were in the age group of 21 - 31 years. Eighty eight percent of the patients wearing contact lenses between 6 months and one year, and 82% of them have moderate keratoconus. Ninety one percent (46% wearing contact lens and 45% not wearing contact lenses) were found with tear break up time less than normal. About 65% (36% wearing contact lenses and 23% not wearing contact lenses) of patients showed abnormal tear volume (6% dry eye and 59% watery eye). Independent sample t- test showed significant differences in TBUT and Schimer test between males and females wearing and not wearing contact lenses (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Tear quality and quantity were abnormal in patients with keratoconus wearing contact lenses than those with keratoconus not wearing contact lenses. Eye care practitioner may benefit from these findings in the care and management of keratoconus patients.