Current perspectives in the management of keratoconus with contact lenses

Our aim is to review current and significant articles on contact lens wear in keratoconus patients. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed was performed for the following topics on contact lens wear in keratoconus patients: (1) characteristics of contact lens wearers, (2) safety and efficacy, (3) complications, (4) fitting techniques, (5) contact lens wear after procedures/surgeries, (6) patient satisfaction. A total of 104 studies were finally selected and reviewed. Gas permeable (GP) lens wear provided significantly better vision than glasses. Special cone design lenses had better patient comfort levels though there was no difference in best corrected visual acuity among the GP lenses. Soft lenses showed good efficacy for the treatment of mild-to-moderate keratoconus with newer designs improving visual performance such as customised hydrogel and novel pinhole lenses. Scleral and hybrid lenses provide good visual acuity and comfort for keratoconic patients previously intolerant to RGP lenses. RGP lens wear post-cross linking (CXL) is relatively well-tolerated. Contact lenses may still be required post intrastromal corneal ring procedures and post keratoplasty. Scheimpflug imaging and anterior segment optical coherent tomography (ASOCT) are useful in contact lens fitting. Computerized contact lens fitting techniques could reduce the chair time of lens fitting as well as improve comfort and visual performance. Contact lenses play an important role in the visual rehabilitation of keratoconus patients. New contact lens designs and materials have significantly expanded the available fitting options for keratoconus patients. Imaging technology can be utilized to guide contact lens fitting.