Update on Contact Lens Treatment of Keratoconus

Abstract

Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive disease that leads to major losses of visual quality and related quality of life. Contact lens (CL) application has a primary place and importance in the correction of the optic problems due to the disease. The corneal changes and increased irregular astigmatism that occur with KC progression necessitate special CL designs and fitting methods. In addition to disease stage, the patient’s lens tolerance also plays a role in the application of CLs in KC patients. With recent advances in materials and design technology, the CLs used in the treatment of KC have developed considerably and there are various types available. In this review, we discuss the wide range of CLs, including rigid and soft lenses, hybrid and scleral lenses, and even custom lens designs, in light of recent scientific advances.

Keywords

• keratoconus
• contact lenses
• rigid gas-permeable lenses
• soft lenses
• piggyback lenses
• hybrid lenses
• scleral lenses