Will higher-Dk materials give better corneal refractive therapy results and fewer complications?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the current status of materials in use for corneal refractive therapies.


METHODS
The most up-to-date data available on rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, corneal swelling, and corneal infection are reviewed.


RESULTS
Despite 125 Dk/t units or greater, studies have shown differences in overnight swelling between RGP and silicone hydrogel materials. There is a small but significant overnight swelling with RGP lenses in this class when compared with silicone hydrogels, yet studies of Pseudomonas adherence to human epithelium have shown that RGP-wearing corneas bind the least bacteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Corneal refractive therapies are on the verge of international acceptance as a standard alternative for treating refraction. Continually using newer, more permeable lens materials is a necessity to ensure safety, efficacy, and, in turn, long-term acceptance.
Sakamoto
Randall
R
private practice, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA. sakamoto@pixi.com
Sugimoto
Keiji
K
D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003261:Contact Lenses; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism; D015715:Corneal Edema / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D009216:Myopia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism*; D010539:Permeability; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D012826:Silicone Elastomers
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate; D010100:Oxygen