Reverse Geometry Contact Lens Fitting After Corneal Refractive Surgery

PURPOSE: To describe reverse geometry rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens fitting in eyes with irregular surface induced by complications after myopic corneal refractive surgery. METHODS: Reverse geometry RGP contact lenses were fit in nine eyes that underwent myopic corneal refractive surgery and experienced a reduction in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) Snellen lines postoperatively. RESULTS: Comparing the BSCVA with contact lenses, 5 (55.6%) eyes improved > or = 2 lines of BSCVA, 2 (22.2%) eyes improved 1 line, and 2 (22.2%) eyes maintained the same BSCVA as the one eye with spectacles (P < .004). No eye lost lines of BSCVA. All patients reported excellent tolerance and subjective visual quality with the contact lenses. The mean time of contact lens wear was 10.44 +/- 0.88 hours per day (95% confidence interval, 9.76 to 11.12). CONCLUSIONS: Reverse geometry RGP contact lens fitting is effective in correcting surgically induced irregular surfaces with improved visual acuity and comfortable wear. These lenses may be the best choice in cases in which surgical retreatment is unfeasible or undesirable.