Effectiveness of scar-induced astigmatism correction by rigid contact lenses

Abstract

Purpose: to compare the effect of rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RCL) in the improvement of visual functions vs. spectacle correction in scar-induced astigmatism of the cornea and concomitant posttraumatic conditions. Material and methods. A total of 147 patients (147 eyes) aged from 3 to 67 yrs with scar-deformed cornea as a result of injuries and diseases of the eye were examined. All patients underwent a comprehensive clinical and instrumental ophthalmologic examination. RCL were prescribed to 121 patients (82%). Results. All patients wearing RCL showed an increased visual acuity as compared with the maximum spectacle correction. The study was also used to assess a newly proposed material, Hydro GP, which combines the optical properties of RCL and the comfort of soft contact lenses. The use of RCL made of this material ensures the highest possible visual acuity while reducing the incidence of complications associated with lens wearing, as well as raises the level of comfort. Conclusions. RCL are a more effective means of scar-induced astigmatism correction than the spectacles. The former contribute to the recovery and the improvement of monocular and binocular visual functions // Russian Ophthalmological Journal, 2016; 3: 50-53. doi: 10.21516/2072-0076-2016-9-3-50-53.

Keywords

• контактные линзы
• астигматизм
• рубцы роговицы
• contact lenses
• astigmatism
• corneal scarring