Contact lens assisted pharmacologically induced keratoshaping

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Refractive Error Correction

Background:

• Consecutive hyperopia can occur after excimer laser procedures like laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
• Managing this induced hyperopia is crucial for patient visual outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent with a soft contact lens to correct consecutive hyperopia post-excimer laser surgery.
• To describe the treatment process for pharmacologically inducing keratoshaping.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 14 eyes from 12 patients who developed consecutive hyperopia after LASIK or PRK.
• Treatment involved a tightly fitted, extended-wear soft contact lens combined with ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% (Acular) eyedrops.
• Weekly assessments of uncorrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, and slitlamp examination were conducted.

Main Results:

• Over 78% of eyes showed a reduction in hyperopia by at least 0.50 diopters (mean change of 1.05D).
• Nearly 89% of eyes experienced an improvement in uncorrected visual acuity by at least one line (mean improvement of three lines).
• The mean time to observe an effect was approximately 1.7 weeks, with a mean of 8.3 weeks to reach the endpoint.

Conclusions:

• Contact lens-assisted pharmacologically induced keratoshaping is an effective treatment for consecutive hyperopia following excimer laser surgery.
• This method offers a viable option for visual rehabilitation in patients experiencing hyperopic shift post-LASIK or PRK.