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Surveillance of keratoconus contact lens wearers crucial in the early months to prevent discontinuation
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PARIS — Most keratoconus patients who discontinue the use of rigid gas permeable contact lenses do it within the first 2 years mostly because of subjective symptoms of discomfort, according to a survey carried out in France.
 Florence Malet |
“We have also found that most of these patients have monolateral keratoconus. Bilateral patients seem to adapt better,” Florence Malet, MD, said at the meeting of the French Society of Ophthalmology.
Follow-up visits at 3 to 6 months and surveillance during the first 1 to 2 years are recommended in these patients, particularly in monolateral cases. In case of manifest intolerance, there are alternatives to consider.
“A piggyback contact lens system, fitting the rigid lens on top of a soft lens, might be a good solution for patients who show intolerance. Mini-scleral contact lenses have proved to relieve symptoms. [Silicone hydrogel] soft contact lenses for keratoconus are also a good option,” Dr. Malet said.
New geometry rigid gas permeable lenses, such as the Aphex KC or the Rose K, have been shown to improve comfort in previous contact lens wearers but not in patients who are intolerant to rigid gas permeable lenses, so therefore they are not recommended, she said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Malet has no relevant financial disclosures.