Visual rehabilitation after severe alkali injury with piggyback hyper O2 contact lenses.
OBJECTIVE
To report successful visual rehabilitation following severe bilateral alkali injury using piggyback hyperoxygen-transmissible (hyper O2) contact lenses.


METHODS
Case report and literature review.


RESULTS
More than 15 years after a severe bilateral alkali injury, multiple surgical procedures including repeat bilateral penetrating keratoplasty, severe tear deficiency, and chronic ocular surface disruption, the patient achieved 20/30 best-corrected vision through the simultaneous use of a hyper O2 rigid gas permeable contact lens over a hyper O2 soft contact lens in his right eye. The patient has tolerated this piggyback combination without any adverse reactions or complications, and his corneal graft remains clear and healthy.


CONCLUSIONS
Visual rehabilitation for conditions that compromise the ocular surface can be accomplished by utilizing newer soft and rigid contact lens materials that facilitate oxygen transmission, thereby promoting epithelial healing and improving safety in extended wear situations. These newer materials may potentially reduce complications previously associated with extended wear therapeutic lenses.
Randleman
J Bradley
JB
Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University, 1365 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Ward
Michael A
MA
Stulting
R Doyle
RD
D000328:Adult; D000468:Alkalies / Q000009:adverse effects; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000293:injuries; D003261:Contact Lenses; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D010100:Oxygen; D012086:Reoperation; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000468:Alkalies; D010100:Oxygen