The effects of wearing RGPCL on anterior surface morphology in keratoconus

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of wearing RGPCL on visual acuity and anterior surface morphology in keratoconus. Methods Patients diagnosed with keratoconus in the KK2 stage using Pentacam software were recruited for a retrospective, comparative case series study. Twenty-two patients (28 eyes) who were prescribed RGPCL were included in the lens-wearing group. Eight patients (9 eyes) who wore glasses and seldom wore RGPCL were included in the control group. Subjects were fitted using the three-point-touch fitting method. The mean follow-up period was 12 months. Visual acuity was evaluated for both groups. The changes in the morphologic parameters on the anterior corneal surface were measured with Pentacam for comparisons between the lens-wearing and control groups. Data were analyzed with a paired t test. Results Corrected visual acuity improved after wearing RGPCLs, and the improvement was significantly better than for those who wore glasses. The Pentacam study showed there was a statistically significant flattening of the steep simulated keratometry (t=4.420,P 0.05), corneal astigmatism decreased (t=4.271,P 0.05). No serious eye complications were observed during the follow- up period. Conclusion Proper RGPCL fitting improves visual acuity and reshapes the ocular surface. These lenses are an effective and safe non-surgical treatment for keratoconus patients. Key words: Keratoconus; Pentacam; Contact lenses, rigid gas-permeable; Morphological parameter