Patient-induced power changes in rigid gas permeable contact lenses: a case report and literature review

The tendency for rigid gas permeable contact lenses to suffer parameter changes is well known. The following case report identifies an infrequently reported instance of marked power change associated with inappropriate abrasive cleaning.

A patient presented to our clinic with contact lens-related decrease in vision that was determined to have been the result of a patient-induced lens power change. A review of the literature uncovered similar reported cases. Further evaluation revealed the existence of common etiological factors.

Consideration of elements common to this particular case and the available literature allows for the construction of a profile of a patient at risk for this lens complication. These include prior history of PMMA wear, use of an abrasive cleaner, silicone-acrylate lenses, and digital cleaning.

Contact lens patients may present with complaints of decreased vision that are secondary to a number of different causes. One potential problem identified in this report is that of lens power change induced by inappropriate patient cleaning. It is hoped that this will serve to alert other practitioners to patients who correspond to this profile.