Visual rehabilitation with contact lenses after laser in situ keratomileusis.
OBJECTIVE
Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) has become the surgical treatment of choice for moderate myopia and is in widespread use globally. Visual potential is sometimes limited due to irregular corneal topography following surgery.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review of 35 eyes of 22 patients requiring visual rehabilitation following LASIK was performed. Four contact lens designs were used and evaluated for appropriate cornea-contact lens fitting relationship.


RESULTS
Mean best contact lens-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 was significantly better than best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/40. The average time from surgery to contact lens fitting was 8 months, with almost half (10/22) being fitted at 4 months. An aspheric design with 0.17 mm of axial edge lift was used most commonly. Lens diameters ranged from 9.2 to 10.9 mm, with a mean diameter of 10.2 mm. The contact lens base curve to cornea relationship would suggest an initial base curve selection to be approximately 2.1 D steeper than the mean postoperative keratometric power.


CONCLUSIONS
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses can improve visual function in patients with irregular corneal topography after LASIK.
Ward
M A
MA
Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003261:Contact Lenses; D019781:Corneal Topography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014792:Visual Acuity