A comparison of two techniques of refitting long-term polymethyl methacrylate contact lens wearers

Two techniques for fitting long-term polymethyl methylcrylate (PMMA) lens wearers with a gas-permeable hard lens are compared. These are: complete cessation of all lens wear for the period necessary to achieve stability in the patient's refraction and corneal curvature, and immediate refitting with a Polycon lens. Eleven patients who had worn hard contact lenses for at least 3 years and had wearing times of at least 8 hr per day were refitted with each technique. Refitting with Polycon lenses slowed but did not otherwise inhibit the recuperative changes taking place in the cornea after PMMA lens removal; vision was better and more stable with this group.