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Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses are a safe and effective means of treating refractive abnormalities in the

M P Shaughnessy1, F J Ellis, A R Jeffery

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Case Western Reserve University, University Hospital of Cleveland, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, OH 44106, USA.

The CLAO Journal : Official Publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc
|December 1, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are safe and effective for children with various eye conditions, with high wear success rates. Proper family education ensures successful daily use of these pediatric contact lenses.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Optometry
  • Contact Lens Technology

Background:

  • Refractive errors and corneal irregularities in children often require specialized optical correction.
  • Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses offer unique optical and physiological benefits.
  • Assessing the long-term outcomes and practicality of RGP lens wear in pediatric patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and tolerance of rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses in pediatric patients.
  • To determine the economic implications associated with RGP contact lens use in children.
  • To assess the feasibility of RGP lens wear for various pediatric ocular conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 12 pediatric patients fitted with RGP contact lenses.
  • Analysis of patient diagnoses including trauma, high myopia, surgical aphakia, corneal scars, and microphthalmia.
  • Evaluation of lens wear duration, daily wear success, extended wear, and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • 83.3% of pediatric patients successfully continued RGP contact lens wear after a mean follow-up of 17.8 months.
  • 80% of patients achieved success with daily insertion and removal routines.
  • No adverse events were reported, though an average of 2.18 replacement lenses were needed per patient every 6 months.

Conclusions:

  • Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are a safe, effective, and well-tolerated option for pediatric refractive abnormalities.
  • Successful daily RGP insertion and removal is achievable with adequate family education.
  • Advantages include high oxygen transmissibility and correction of irregular astigmatism, with frequent replacement being a consideration.
Abstract

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