Comparison of Hybrid Contact Lenses and Rigid Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses in Moderate and Advanced Keratoconus

We aimed to compare the clinical results and topographic data of the new generation hybrid contact lens (HCL) and rigid gas-permeable contact lens (RGPCL) in patients with moderate and advanced keratoconus.

In this prospective study, HCL users comprised group 1 and RGPCL users comprised group 2. Snellen uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and lens-corrected visual acuity (LCVA); manifest spherical-cylindrical values; corneal topography measurements (flat keratometry [K1], vertical keratometry [K2], mean K, maximum K [K_max], central corneal thickness [CCT], and thinnest corneal thickness [TCT]); and cone location were recorded.

The study included 83 eyes of 51 patients in group 1 and 61 eyes of 40 patients in group 2. The groups were similar in age and gender (p>0.05). Mean LCVA (logMAR) was significantly lower than BCVA in both groups (p<0.001). The mean visual gain with contact lenses (Snellen chart) was 3.4±1.8 lines in group 1 and 4.0±2.1 lines in group 2. There was no significant difference between the two groups in BCVA, LCVA, or lines gained (p>0.05). There was also no significant difference between the two groups in terms of keratoconus stages, mean K_max, CCT, TCT, or cone location (p>0.05), while mean UCVA (logMAR) and mean K were higher in group 2 (p<0.05). In both groups, the visual gain with lenses was higher in eyes with central cones, and there was significantly greater visual increase in group 2 (p=0.039).

In moderate and advanced keratoconus, HCLs improved vision as much as RGPCLs and both lenses were more effective for central cones. Nevertheless, longer term of follow-up and larger numbers of patients are needed for long term follow-up results of HCL.