Related Experiment Videos
Contact lens care in keratoconus.
Alana J Zhou1, Keiko Kitamura, Barry A Weissman
1Department of Ophthalmology, The Jules Stein Eye Institute, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 100 Stein Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7003, USA.
Summary
Contact lens fitting for keratoconus (KCN) is more complex, requiring more lenses and visits than for normal eyes. Despite challenges, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses significantly improve vision in KCN patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Corneal Disease
Background:
- Keratoconus (KCN) is a progressive condition causing irregular corneal shape.
- Contact lens fitting is crucial for visual rehabilitation in KCN patients.
- Quantifying the complexity of KCN contact lens fitting is essential for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the complexity of fitting contact lenses for keratoconus patients.
- To compare the contact lens fitting process between keratoconus and normal eyes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of contact lens care for 38 keratoconus (KCN) patients and 38 matched controls.
- Evaluation of diagnostic lenses, ordered lenses, office visits, visual acuity, complications, and wear success.
- Comparison of rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens outcomes between KCN and control groups.
Main Results:
- KCN eyes required more diagnostic lenses, ordered lenses, and office visits compared to controls.
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses improved visual acuity in KCN patients from 20/40 (spectacles) to 20/20.
- Contact lens wear success was 69% for KCN and 95% for controls, with KCN patients experiencing more complications.
Conclusions:
- Contact lens care for keratoconus (KCN) is more demanding, involving increased lens usage and professional time.
- Despite potential complications, RGP contact lenses offer significant visual acuity enhancement for KCN patients.
- Contact lens fitting complexity does not negatively impact overall success rates for motivated KCN patients.