Objective: To evaluate corneal biomechanical parameters wearing corneoscleral contact lenses (CScL) in patients with irregular corneas after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).
Methods: Data from patients fitted with CScL because of corneal surface irregularities after complicated LASIK surgery were selected by two eye clinics. Previously and after 1 year of CScL fitting, corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc), and central corneal thickness were evaluated. In addition, visual acuity, subjective comfort, and wearing time CScL were reported.
Results: The study comprised 27 eyes. Statistically significant differences were found in visual acuity between the best spectacle-corrected vision and after CScL fitting [mean±SD, 0.16±0.03 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and 0.01±0.06 logMAR, respectively; P<0.001]. In addition, the patients reported high subjective comfort ratings (22 eyes were comfortable or very comfortable) and prolonged usage times (mean±SD, 12.67±1.98 hr of continuous wear a day). Statistically significant differences were found in the CRF between before CScL fitting and after 1 year of CScL wear (mean±SD, 7.57±0.87 and 7.68±0.84 mm Hg, respectively; P=0.015). Central corneal thickness, CH, and IOPcc showed slight differences after 1 year of CScL wear (1.78 μm, 0.04 and 0.21 mm Hg, respectively).
Conclusion: Corneal biomechanical parameters increased slightly, although significantly for CRF, apparently without adverse clinical effects in post-LASIK eyes with irregular corneas after wearing CScL for 1 year.