Extended wear aphakic contact lens fitting in high-risk patients
Carpel, E.F.; Parker, P.J.
Clao Journal Official Publication of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists Inc 11(3): 231-233
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0733-8902 PMID: 3862467 Document Number: 266363
Experience with extended wear (EW) hydrogel contact lenses for aphakia was reviewed. Patients with poor cooperation, blepharitis, tear film abnormalities, or dry eyes were not excluded from contact lens fitting. The rate of success with soft contact lenses (follow-up minimum of 6 mo.) was 86%, with 94% of patients achieving a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Two factors may have contributed to this result: the relative lack of high expectations allowed continuous wear when minor problems occurred; the lenses were handled only minimally by the patient, as they most often returned to the office for cleaning and replacement. The most common complications were tight lens syndrome and corneal ulcers. Although abandoning patient selection before fitting contact lenses is not advocated, negative factors should not necessarily dissuade one from fitting EW hydrogel lenses. This is particularly important in those cases where some contraindications to intraocular lenses also exist.