Efficacy of spherical aberration correction based on contact lens power

PurposeTo investigate the efficacy of spherical aberration (SA) correction with aspheric contact lenses (aspheric lenses) based on lens power, and compare the results with those of spherical contact lenses (spherical lenses).MethodsOcular higher-order aberrations were measured with a wavefront sensor, in 11 myopic subjects wearing an aspheric lens (Medalist Fresh fit (PUREVISION 2 HD); Bausch + Lomb) or a spherical lens (ACUVUE Oasys; Johnson & Johnson). Six different lens powers (−7.00 diopters (D), −5.00 D, −3.00 D, −1.00 D, +1.00 D, +3.00 D) were used for all subjects. The amount of SA correction from the contact lens at each power was calculated as the difference between SA with the contact lens on-eye and SA of the eye alone.ResultsFor the spherical lenses, SA correction was close to 0.00 μm for the +1.00 D lens, became more positive as the labeled lens power increased and became more negative as the labeled lens power decreased. For the aspheric lenses, SA correction was consistent, from −0.15 to −0.05 μm, for all lens powers except for the −1.00 D lens. SA correction for the spherical and aspheric lenses was significantly different at −7.00 D (p = 0.040), −3.00 D (p = 0.015), −1.00 D (p < 0.001), +1.00 D (p = 0.006), and +3.00 D (p < 0.001) powers.ConclusionAn aspheric lens is capable of correcting SA at different lens powers, and has SA correction in the range of −0.15 to −0.05 μm over a 6 mm aperture.     

Corneal changes following short-term rigid contact lens wear

PurposeThe aim of this cross-over study was to investigate the changes in corneal thickness, anterior and posterior corneal topography, corneal refractive power and ocular wavefront aberrations, following the short term use of rigid contact lenses.MethodFourteen participants wore 4 different types of contact lenses (RGP lenses of 9.5 mm and 10.5 mm diameter, and for comparison a PMMA lens of 9.5 mm diameter and a soft silicone hydrogel lens) on 4 different days for a period of 8 h on each day. Measures were collected before and after contact lens wear and additionally on a baseline day.ResultsAnterior corneal curvature generally showed a flattening with both of the RGP lenses and a steepening with the PMMA lens. A significant negative correlation was found between the change in corneal swelling and central and peripheral posterior corneal curvature (all p ≤ 0.001). RGP contact lenses caused a significant decrease in corneal refractive power (hyperopic shift) of approximately 0.5 D. The PMMA contact lenses caused the greatest corneal swelling in both the central (27.92 ± 15.49 μm, p < 0.001) and peripheral (17.78 ± 12.11 μm, p = 0.001) corneal regions, a significant flattening of the posterior cornea and an increase in ocular aberrations (all p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionThe corneal swelling associated with RGP lenses was relatively minor, but there was slight central corneal flattening and a clinically significant hyperopic change in corneal refractive power after the first day of lens wear. The PMMA contact lenses resulted in significant corneal swelling and reduced optical performance of the cornea.     

Rehabilitation of vision disabling corneal opacities: Is there hope without corneal transplant?

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of contact lenses in visual rehabilitation of a series of patients with corneal scars/opacities.MethodRetrospective review of case records of 158 patients (n = 162 eyes) with poor vision subsequent to corneal scar/opacity, who underwent contact lens fitting, was done. Primary outcome assessed was quantum of additional improvement in vision with rigid gas permeable (RGP) or soft lenses over spectacles. Success was defined as visual improvement of ≥2 lines over that of spectacles and/or improvement of vision to ≥20/60 (LogMAR 0.48).ResultsRigid gas permeable lenses were fitted in 137 eyes and soft contact lenses in 25 eyes. Lenses were successful in improving visual acuity by two or more lines over that of spectacles in 70% eyes (113 of 162 eyes), of which RGP lens accounted for 85% (96 of 113 eyes). Alternative outcome of success was defined as attainment of reasonable functional vision of >20/60 (LogMAR 0.48). This could be achieved in 65% cases (105 of 162 eyes) of which 83% (88 eyes) were with use of RGP lenses. Almost one-fourth (23.4%) patients were children less than 15 years old. Soft contact lenses were attempted in 25 instances, where RGP lens could not be fitted and were successful in 17 (68%) of these. All these 17 patients were aphakes.ConclusionsRehabilitation of corneas with visually disabling corneal opacities is possible with usage of appropriate contact lenses even in young children.     

Which soft contact lens power is better for piggyback fitting in keratoconus?

PurposeTo evaluate the impact of differente soft contact lens power in the anterior corneal curvature and regularity in subjects with keratoconus.MethodsNineteen subjects (30 eyes) with keratoconus were included in the study. Six corneal topographies were taken with Pentacam Eye System over the naked eye and successively with soft lens (Senofilcon A) powers of −3.00, −1.50, 0.00, +1.50 and +3.00 D. Corneal measurements of mean central keratometry (MCK), maximum tangential curvature (TK), maximum front elevation (MFE) and eccentricity (Ecc) at 6 and 8 mm diameters as well as anterior corneal surface high order aberrations (i.e. total RMS, spherical- and coma-like and secondary astigmatism) were evaluated.ResultsNegative- and plano-powered soft lenses flattened (p < 0.05 in all cases), whereas positive-powered lenses did not induce any significant changes (p > 0.05 in all cases) in MCK in comparison to the naked eye. The TK power decreased with negative lenses (p < 0.05 in both cases) and increased with +3.00 D lenses (p = 0.03) in comparison to the naked eye. No statistically significant differences were found in MFE with any soft lens power in comparison to the naked eye (p > 0.05 in all cases). Corneal eccentricity increased at 8 mm diameter for all lens powers (p < 0.05 in all cases). No statistically differences were found in HOA RMS and spherical-like aberration (both p > 0.05). Statistically differences were found in coma-like and secondary astigmatism (both p < 0.05).ConclusionNegative-powered soft contact lenses provide a flatter anterior surface in comparison to positive-powered lenses in subjects with keratoconus and thus they might be more suitable for piggyback contact lens fitting.     

Objective and subjective visual performance of multifocal contact lenses: Pilot study

PurposeThe aim of the present study was to compare the objective and subjective visual performance of three different soft multifocal contact lenses.Methods10 subjects (habitual soft contact lens wearers) between the ages of 40 and 45 years participated in the study. Three different multifocal silicone hydrogel contact lenses (Acuvue Oasys, Air Optix and Biofinity) were fit within the same visit. All the lenses were fit according to the manufacturers’ recommendation using the respective fitting guide. Visual performance tests included low and high contrast distance and near visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, range of clear vision and through-focus curve. Objective visual performance tests included measurement of open field accommodative response at different defocus levels and optical aberrations at different viewing distances.ResultsAccommodative response was not significantly different between the three types of multifocal contact lenses at each of the accommodative stimulus levels (p > 0.05). Accommodative lag increased for higher stimulus levels for all 3 types of contact lenses. Ocular aberrations were not significantly different between these 3 contact lens designs at each of the different viewing distances (p > 0.05). In addition, optical aberrations did not significantly differ between different viewing distances for any of these lenses (p > 0.05). ANOVA revealed no significant difference in high and low contrast distance visual acuity as well as near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity function between the 3 multifocal contact lenses and spectacles (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThere was no statistically significant difference in accommodative response, optical aberrations or visual performance between the 3 multifocal contact lenses in early presbyopes.     

Kerasoft IC compared to Rose-K in the management of corneal ectasias

PurposeTo determine the efficacy of the KeraSoft^® IC (KIC) (Ultravision International Limited, Bedfordshire, UK), a silicone hydrogel contact lens, for the optical management of non-surgical corneal ectasias and to compare it with the Rose-K 2 RGP contact lens.MethodsIn a retrospective study ninety-four eyes fitted with KIC (group A) were compared with seventy-seven eyes fitted with Rose-K^® RGP lenses as a control group. Ocular diagnoses, corneal curvature by topography, refraction, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and age at time of fitting were noted. Outcome data included average daily wearing time, contact lens complications, visual acuity with the lens (BCLCVA), power of the lenses and length of follow-up.ResultsDifferences in either BCLCVA or wearing time could not be statistically established (p = 0.63, p = 0.15) between both groups. More biomicroscopic complications were found in the RGP group, basically corneal staining (P < 0.0001). In the KIC group, BCLCVA was statistically similar between types of ectasia (p = 0.19) as well as in mild and moderate keratoconus (p = 0.45).ConclusionsKIC is a good alternative for the optical management of irregular corneal astigmatism in non surgical corneal ectasias such as keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration.     

Efficacy of two silicone-hydrogel contact lenses for bandage use after photorefractive keratectomy

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of two silicone hydrogel (SiH) contact lenses, approved for continuous wear for one week, following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).MethodsForty seven myopic patients (94 eyes) undergone bilateral PRK were enrolled in this prospective, double-masked, comparative study. One eye of each patient was fitted with a Lotrafilcon B lens (Ciba Vision, Duluth, US; 30-day recommended replacement) whereas the fellow eye was fitted with an Asmofilcon A lens (Menicon, Nagoya, Japan; 14-day recommended replacement). Epithelial defect size was assessed using slit lamp biomicroscopy on the day of surgery and at days 1–4 post-operatively. Uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity and retinal straylight (C-Quant, Oculus Optigerate, Germany) were evaluated pre-operatively and one month post-operatively.ResultsAverage epithelial defect size for Asmofilcon A and Lotrafilcon B was 25.5 ± 11.0 mm² vs. 27.1 ± 9.9 mm² at day 1 (p = 0.007) and 6.3 ± 7.0 mm² vs. 9.2 ± 9.5 mm² at day 2 (p = 0.012) post-operatively. Re-epithelialization at day 3 was completed in 87.2% of the eyes fitted with Asmofilcon A lenses, compared to 74.5% with Lotrafilcon B lenses (p = 0.012). At the 3rd post-operative day 29.8% of re-epithelialized eyes showed irregular suture with Lotrafilcon B, compared to 12.8% eyes with Asmofilcon A lenses (p < 0.001). Finally, no statistically significant differences were found post-operatively between the two lenses retinal straylight (p = 0.98) and best-corrected visual acuity (p = 0.68).ConclusionsSiH lenses can be used as an effective bandage after PRK due to the limited time requested for achieving complete corneal re-epithelialization. Faster and smoother epithelial healing is provided with Asmofilcon A over Lotrafilcon B lenses.     

The effect of tinted soft contact lens wear on functional visual acuity and higher-order aberrations

PurposeTo investigate the differences of functional visual acuity (FVA) and high order aberrations (HOAs) in relation to tinted and clear hydrogel soft contact lens (SCL) wear.MethodsA prospective comparative study was performed in 16 eyes of 16 healthy volunteers. Dynamic visual acuity (using a FVA measurement system) and higher-order aberrations (using a wavefront sensor) were compared in subjects wearing two types of soft contact lenses: 1-day Acuvue^® (Vistakon, Jacksonville, FL) clear and the 1-day Acuvue^® Define^TM (Vistakon, Jacksonville, FL) tinted lens. The blink rates were recorded during FVA testing. The correlation between the difference of HOAs and differences in FVA values was analyzed.ResultsThe mean LogMAR FVA scores with clear and tinted SCLs were 0.07 ± 0.13 and 0.14 ± 0.17 (P < 0.05). The mean blink frequencies with clear and tinted SCL wear were 18.4 ± 8.3 and 25.3 ± 4.7 blinks/min (P < 0.05). Both 3rd-order aberrations and total HOAs showed statistically significant differences between the two types of soft contact lenses for 6 mm pupil measurements (P < 0.05). A significant positive linear correlation was observed between ΔHOAs and ΔLogMAR FVA for 6 mm pupil measurements (R = 0.53, P = 0.04).ConclusionsTinted contact lens wear appears to induce a reduction in optical quality. Functional visual acuity measurement is a useful procedure to study the changes of visual performance and quality in tinted contact lens wear.     

An acute clinical comparison of corneal staining and comfort associated with contact lens care solutions

PurposeThis study compared the biocompatibility and comfort of 4 lens care solutions currently marketed in France.MethodsThis was a randomized, interventional, double-masked, single-center crossover study assessing balafilcon A silicone hydrogel contact lenses, bilaterally, straight from the blister pack solution (control) and pre-soaked in the following lens care solutions: Regard^® (containing sodium chlorite), ReNu^® (containing a PHMB [polyhexamethylene biguanide] derivative), CyClean™ and MeniCare™ Soft (both containing PHMB). Subjects were randomized to the order of test solution use. For each of the 5 solutions tested, subjects attended a baseline/lens dispensing visit and an intervention visit 2 h later. At both visits, evaluation included slit-lamp examination, corrected-distance visual acuity, corneal staining, and subject-assessed photophobia, ocular comfort, and ocular redness.ResultsThirty subjects were enrolled and 28 were evaluable. Corneal staining severity was significantly worse than baseline after 2 h of wearing lenses soaked in CyClean, MeniCare, or ReNu (P ≤ 0.001). The MeniCare group alone demonstrated a significant improvement in ocular comfort after 2 h of lens wear (P = 0.02). No group demonstrated significant changes in ocular redness or photophobia. Corrected-distance visual acuity was similar between baseline and intervention visits for each test solution. No adverse events were reported during the study.ConclusionsSilicone hydrogel contact lenses presoaked in lens solutions containing PHMB or a PHMB derivative produced an increase in corneal staining after 2 h of lens wear. The higher levels of corneal staining in the 2 solutions did not correlate with increased discomfort within this 2-h timeframe.     

RGP contact lens fitting in keratoconus using FITSCAN technology

PurposeTo assess and compare the base curve (BC) of rigid gas permeable contact lens (RGP) that were calculated by FITSCAN using corneal topography (Orbscan IIz) and the diagnostic contact lens fitting method in keratoconus eyes.Materials and methodsA prospective comparative study of 85 keratoconus eyes was conducted. Two masked observers calculated the contact lens parameters of RGP lens by diagnostic fitting method and using FITSCAN technology. The base curves calculated by two methods were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test and agreement between two methods were analysed using Bland–Altman plot.ResultsEighty-five eyes from 55 keratoconus patients were included in the study. The mean age was 17.63 ± 2.78 (range: 12–23) years and among them 46 were males. The keratoconus was graded into mild, moderate and severe based on average keratometry values. The base curve calculated by the FITSCAN is on average 0.22 mm higher than that calculated by diagnostic method (P value <0.0001, 95% CI = 0.155, 0.245, Wilcoxon signed rank test) and the bias between the two methods was found to be 2.7% (Bland–Altman plot), indicating systematic bias between the two modalities. By single linear regression analysis, the base curve of RGP contact lens could calculated by using the formula, base curve (BC) = (FITSCAN calculated BC × 0.86563) + 0.78738.ConclusionOur study showed that selecting the BC of the initial trial lens 0.22 mm steeper than the FITSCAN calculated base curve, may help to reduce the complexity of RGP contact lens fitting in keratoconus.     

High myopia-partial reduction orthokeratology (HM-PRO): Study design

PurposeTo report the study design and preliminary results of a pilot study, High Myopia-Partial Reduction Orthokeratology study.MethodsChildren with myopia of 6.00D or above and who satisfied the recruitment criteria were randomly assigned to partial reduction orthokeratology (PR ortho-k) and spectacle-wearing control groups. The myopia of the PR ortho-k children were partially reduced using custom made 4-zone ortho-k lenses of target 4.00D. Residual refractive errors were corrected with single vision spectacles. Control subjects were fully corrected with single vision spectacles. PR ortho-k subjects were also required to return for assessment after the first overnight lens wear, and one week and one month after lens wear.ResultsFifty-two eligible subjects were randomly assigned to PR ortho-k group (n = 26) and control group (n = 26). The median age of each group was 10.00 years. The median (range) subjective myopia of the right eye at baseline was 6.41D (5.00–8.00D) and 6.22D (6.00–8.00D) for PR ortho-k and spectacle groups, respectively (p > 0.05). Nineteen (79%) PR ortho-k subjects achieved successful lens fit at the one month visit and the median myopic reduction was 3.75D in the right eye. The incidence of (mild) corneal staining in PR ortho-k subjects reduced from 30% at the first overnight lens wear to 16% at the 1-month visit. Corneal pigmented arc was observed in 32% of PR ortho-k subjects at the 1-month visit.ConclusionsPR ortho-k was successfully applied to high myopic children with no significant changes in ocular health/best corrected visual acuity after one month of lens wear.     

Comparison of conventional method of contact lens fitting and software based contact lens fitting with Medmont corneal topographer in eyes with corneal scar

PurposeTo compare conventional method of contact lens fitting with software based contact lens fitting using Medmont corneal topographer in eyes with nebular and macular corneal scars.MethodsFifteen participants who were diagnosed with nebular and macular scars were fitted with rigid gas permeable lenses using conventional method of contact lens fitting. During the lens dispensing visit, participants underwent Medmont corneal topography. Agreement between the two methods of contact lens fitting was studied.ResultsParameters of contact lenses which were concluded using conventional method was compared to that of software based fitting. Mean difference in base curve of contact lens between the two methods was 0.094 mm ± 0.147 mm (95% CI: +0.383 to −0.194). Mean difference in diameter of contact lens between the two methods was 0.16 mm ± 0.172 mm (95% CI: +0.497 to −0.177). Contact lens parameters that were achieved using two different methods of fitting showed good correlation. Correlation coefficients, as comparison of two methods in base curve and diameter were 0.96 (P < 0.05) and 0.94 (P < 0.05), respectively.ConclusionSoftware based contact lens fitting would be useful for contact lens practitioners to predict initial base curve of contact lens in corneal scars.     

Piggyback multifocal IOLs for a hyperopic–presbyopic surprise after cataract surgery in high myopic patients

PurposeTo demonstrate the utility of piggyback multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) for a hyperopic–presbyopic surprise after cataract surgery in highly myopic patients.MethodsCase report.ResultsA 43-year-old woman with high myopia presented with dense subcapsular cataracts. The IOL power calculated with the Haigis formula gave a lens of −7 D for emmetropia in the right eye. The refractive result was a spherical equivalent refractive error of +2.25. To overcome refractive surprise, a refractive multifocal +3 D Sulcoflex 653F with an additional 3.5 D for near vision was implanted, achieving a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40. The lens offered her good intermediate vision for computer work.ConclusionsWith a Sulcoflex IOL, it is possible to achieve good near-intermediate visual acuity and spectacle independence, especially in highly myopic eyes with good near visual acuity. In addition, the implantation of these IOLs might correct residual refractive errors following previous implantation of a monofocal IOL.     

Comparison of fitting stability of the different soft toric contact lenses

PurposeTo compare lens orientation and rotational recovery of five currently available soft toric lenses.MethodsTwenty subjects were recruited and trialed with each of the study lenses in a random order. Study lenses were PureVision^® Toric (B&L), Air Optix^® for Astigmatism (Alcon), Biofinity^® Toric (CooperVision), Acuvue^® Advance for Astigmatism (Vistakon), and Proclear^® Toric (CooperVision). Lens orientation in primary position to determine the lens rotation form the vertical position and rotational recovery to primary gaze orientation following a 45° manual misorientation for the different lenses was compared.ResultsThe Biofinity Toric showed the lowest rotation from the vertical position and the Proclear Toric the highest. Also, the highest and the lowest reorientation speed were related to the Biofinity Toric and the Acuvue Advance for Astigmatism, respectively. The Repeated Measures ANOVA showed a significant difference in the lens rotation (P = 0.004) and rotational recovery (P < 0.001) among different contact lenses and the performed multiple comparisons indicated differences in rotation and also in reorientation speed were only seen between the Biofinity Toric when compared to four other lenses (P < 0.05).ConclusionAlthough there was appropriate fitting, based upon lens orientation and reorientation speed, with each of the study lenses it would appear that the optimized ballast technique used in the design of the Biofinity Toric helps reduce lens rotation and improve rotational recovery compared to others.     

Lens parameter changes under in vitro and ex vivo conditions and their effect on the conjunctiva

PurposeTo quantify changes in contact lens parameters induced by lens wear and determine whether these changes are associated with contact lens-induced conjunctival staining (CLICS).MethodsIn vitro: Lens diameter, sag, edge shape, base curve of six contact lens brands (balafilcon, comfilcon, etafilcon, lotrafilcon B, omafilcon and senofilcon) measured at 21 °C and 35 °C (eye temperature). Ex vivo: Diameter of lenses collected from a prospective, randomised, contra-lateral, cross-over clinical trial from 36 subjects wearing all lens types for 1 week daily wear, measured in 35 °C PBS after removal. Ocular surface was examined for lens-induced conjunctival staining by masked examiner.ResultsIn vitro: Changes in diameter and base curve outside ISO tolerance were found with etafilcon A and omafilcon A. Ex vivo: Comfilcon A and etafilcon A had greatest shrinkage in diameter (0.18 mm) and base curve (0.11 mm steeper) with temperature increase from 21 °C to 35 °C. Senofilcon A, lotrafilcon B and balafilcon A maintained most stable parameters between 21 °C and 35 °C. Changes in diameter and base curve from lens wear were not correlated with CLICS (p > 0.49). Multivariate analysis showed significantly greater levels of lens induced staining were associated with lens modulus (p < 0.001) and knife (p < 0.001) and chisel (p < 0.001) edge shapes.ConclusionsParameter changes induced by lens wear were associated with increasing temperature, but these changes in lens diameter and base curve did not induce CLICS. Modulus and edge shape were associated with increased CLICS. The susceptibility of etafilcon A and omafilcon A lenses to parameter changes might be related to their high water content.     

Ocular aberrations and visual function with multifocal versus single vision soft contact lenses

PurposeTo investigate differences in ocular aberrations induced by centre-near multifocal soft contact lenses (SCL) relative to single vision SCLs and their effect on contrast sensitivity function (CSF).MethodsOcular aberrometry was measured in 18 cyclopleged subjects (19–24 years) while wearing Ciba Air Optix low (AOlow) and high (AOhigh) add, Bausch & Lomb PureVision low (PVlow) and high (PVhigh) add multifocals, and a Bausch & Lomb PureVision single vision (PVsv) control with the same −3.00 D distance back vertex power. Zernike polynomials were scaled to 4, 5 and 6 mm pupils. CSF was measured at equivalent distances of 6 m, 1 m and 40 cm while fully corrected with spherical trial lenses at 6 m.ResultsAOlow, AOhigh and PVhigh induced a negative shift in primary spherical aberration (Z12) from PVsv and all multifocal SCLs induced a positive shift in secondary spherical aberration (Z24) (all p < 0.01), without significantly increasing coma. Area under the CSF (AUCSF) reduced at 40 cm for all multifocals relative to PVsv (p < 0.05), but was not significantly different at 6 m or 1 m. A moderate correlation (r = −0.80, p < 0.005) was found between changes in Z12 and AUCSF at 40 cm for AOhigh, with an increase in negative Z12 reducing multifocal-induced loss of CSF.ConclusionsCentre-near multifocal SCLs induced a negative shift in Z12 and a positive shift in Z24. Although CSF was unaffected at 6 m and 1 m it was reduced at 40 cm, possibly because changes in Z12 and Z24 were not great enough to induce a significant shift in centre of focus and increase in depth of field.     

Evaluating the effect of splitting cylindrical power on improving patient tolerance to toric lens misalignment

PurposeEvaluating the impact of splitting toric power on patient tolerance to misorientation such as with intraocular lens rotation.SettingUniversity vision clinic.MethodsHealthy, non astigmats had +1.50D astigmatism induced with spectacle lenses at 90°, 135°, 180° and +3.00D at 90°. Two correcting cylindrical lenses of the opposite sign and half the power each were subsequently added to the trial frame misaligned by 0°, 5° or 10° in a random order and misorientated from the initial axis in a clockwise direction by up to 15° in 5° steps. A second group of adapted astigmats with between 1.00 and 3.00DC had their astigmatism corrected with two toric spectacle lenses of half the power separated by 0°, 5° or 10° and misorientated from the initial axis in both directions by up to 15° in 5° steps. Distance, high contrast visual acuity was measured using a computerised test chart at each lens misalignment and misorientation.ResultsMisorientation of the split toric lenses caused a statistically significant drop in visual acuity (F = 70.341; p < 0.001). Comparatively better acuities were observed around 180°, as anticipated (F = 3.775; p = 0.035). Misaligning the split toric power produced no benefit in visual acuity retention with axis misorientation when subjects had astigmatism induced with a low (F = 2.190, p = 0.129) or high cylinder (F = 0.491, p = 0.617) or in the adapted astigmats (F = 0.120, p = 0.887).ConclusionMisalignment of toric lens power split across the front and back lens surfaces had no beneficial effect on distance visual acuity, but also no negative effect.     

Correlation of Back Optic Zone Radius measurement of rigid contact lenses with radiuscope and keratometer

PurposeTo investigate the accuracy of Back Optic Zone Radius (BOZR, base curve) measurements with manual keratometer for spherical polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) lenses.Methods100 spherical PMMA contact lenses were selected randomly from the trial sets. One investigator measured the BOZR with radiuscope. The second investigator measured the BOZR with keratometer. The two investigators were masked to each other's readings. As the keratometer is designed to measure a convex corneal surface, the BOZR readings are less than actual radii. A correction factor of 0.025 was used to have corrected keratometers readings.ResultsThere was a high correlation between the BOZR measurement with radiuscope and the uncorrected (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r = 0.99) and corrected (r = 0.99) measurements with keratometer. The mean difference between BOZR measurement with radiuscope and the uncorrected and corrected measurements with keratometer were 0.003 mm (p = 0.62) and ?0.024 mm (p < 0.001) respectively. The 95% limits of agreement for the BOZR measurements with radiuscope and the uncorrected and corrected measurements with keratometer were ?0.11 to 0.11 mm and ?0.14 to 0.09 mm respectively.ConclusionWe found that the uncorrected BOZR measurements with keratometer were similar to the BOZR measurements with radiuscope. With unavailability of radiuscope in majority of contact lens practice, keratometer can be used to measure the BOZR of contact lenses.     

Predicting estimates of oxygen transmissibility for scleral lenses

Background/PurposeAlthough scleral contact lenses are prescribed with increasing frequency, little is known about their long-term effects on ocular physiology. The main goal of this paper is to predict values of oxygen transmissibility of scleral lens systems by applying the concept of resistors in series to parameters characteristic of current scleral lenses. A second aim is to find the maximal lens and post-lens tear layer thickness combinations above which hypoxia-induced corneal swelling would be found.MethodsTheoretical calculations were used to predict the oxygen transmissibility of scleral lens systems, considering several material permeabilities (Dks 100–170), varying lens thicknesses (250–500 μm), the known tear permeability (Dk of 80) and expected post-lens tear layer thicknesses (100–400 μm). The Holden–Mertz Dk/t criteria of 24 Fatt units for the central cornea and the Harvitt–Bonanno criteria of 35 Fatt units for the limbal area were used as reference points.ResultsOur calculations of oxygen transmissibility, with varying tear layer and lens thicknesses, ranged from 10 to 36.7 at the scleral lens centers and from 17.4 to 62.6 at the peripheries. Our calculations of maximum central lens thicknesses show a practical range of 250–495 μm, in conjunction with a post-lens tear layer thickness of 100–250 μm.ConclusionOur computations show that most modern scleral lenses, with recommended fitting techniques, should lead to some level of hypoxia-induced corneal swelling. Recommendations are made to minimize hypoxia-induced corneal swelling: highest Dk available (>150) lens with a maximal central thickness of 250 μm and fitted with a clearance that does not exceed 200 μm.