One-week vs. 2-week hydrogel extended wear schedules

Fifteen myopic patients wore 58% water content lenses for extended wear. The lens on one eye was removed weekly for 1 night and the lens on the other eye was removed only every 2 weeks. The patients were followed for 3 months. No significant difference in daytime corneal thickness was found between the two eyes at any visit. In comparing the corneal thickness the day before vs. the day after resuming lens wear, the mean thickness was no different for the 1-week schedule and tended to be slightly greater prior to removal for the 2-week schedule but not statistically different. There was no statistical difference in K-readings or corneal shape factor between the eyes. A mean increase in myopia was recorded, but it was only statistically significant for two visits for the 1-week wearing schedule eye. The number of positive biomicroscopic findings were slightly greater with the 2-week schedule. Two eyes developed corneal ulcers, one occurring on the 1-week schedule and one on the 2-week schedule.