Contact lens fitting after corneal collagen cross-linking

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Ectasia Research
• Contact Lens Technology

Background:

• Contact lenses (CLs) are essential for vision correction in keratoconus.
• Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a common treatment for corneal ectasia.
• Assessing the impact of CXL on existing CL fitting is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in contact lens (CL) fitting after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL).
• To determine if pre-existing CLs can be reused post-CXL.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patient records from a tertiary center.
• Collected data included demographics, pre- and post-CXL refraction, corneal topography, and CL fitting details.
• Compared pre- and post-CXL data using descriptive analysis and paired t-tests.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in refraction or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens parameters were observed post-CXL.
• Significant changes in RGP lens fitting characteristics were noted, indicating corneal shape alterations.
• Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and RGP lens visual acuity showed no significant difference pre- and post-CXL.

Conclusions:

• Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) does not significantly alter refractive error or RGP lens parameters.
• Post-CXL corneal shape changes necessitate reassessment of RGP lens fitting.
• Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are effective for visual rehabilitation after CXL in corneal ectasia.