[Contact lens fitting after keratoplasty for keratoconus]

The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of contact lens fitting after corneal graft for keratoconus. Contact lens types, visual acuity and complications were examined.

A retrospective medical chart review from patients admitted to Pellegrin Hospital at CHU Bordeaux, between January 2001 and December 2006, for contact lens fitting after keratoplasty for keratoconus.

This retrospective study involved 39 eyes of 29 patients with an average age of 34.3 years and an average follow-up of 31.3 months. The mean time between grafting and contact lens fitting was 50.9 months. Large-diameter rigid gas permeable contact lenses were the most frequent lenses used. Average visual acuity after contact lens fitting was 8/10. Intolerance to contact lenses was observed in 8 eyes (20.5%) eyes and the complications associated with their use responded well to medical treatment.

Patients with keratoconus must be alerted to the possible necessity of fitting contact lenses after corneal graft. They can play an important role in the improvement of visual function without significant complications.