The long-term use of the SoftPerm lens on pellucid marginal corneal degeneration

Pellucid marginal corneal degeneration (PMCD) is a corneal degeneration often confused with keratoconus because of the presence of high regular and irregular astigmatism. Vision correction can be achieved with rigid contact lenses, but the asymmetric topographic profile often makes obtaining a stable lens fit difficult. This study describes the fitting and satisfactory daily wear during 4 years of a combination lens design (2 years Saturn II and 2 years SoftPerm) on a patient with PMCD. The lens consisted of a central rigid gas permeable portion surrounded by a soft hydrophilic "skirt." Although the degree of astigmatism was high, 1.6 mm (8.00 D) by keratometry and 12.00 D by refraction, the patient was able to wear the lens comfortably 12 hours per day and achieve visual acuity of 20/20. Routine keratometry, pachymetry, and slit lamp examination showed no significant corneal changes resulting from lens wear.