The use of computerized videokeratography as an aid in fitting rigid gas permeable contact lenses.

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy of computerized corneal topography in (1) fitting cosmetic rigid gas permeable contact lenses on normal corneas and (2) patients who have keratoconus.

METHODS

In study 1, 26 patients were fitted with cosmetic contact lenses. In 13 patients, the first rigid gas permeable lens was chosen on the basis of corneal topography using the EyeSys videokeratoscope and contact lens software version 2.11w. Thirteen control patients were fitted with rigid gas permeable contact lenses by means of diagnostic contact lenses. The number of parameter changes required in each group to reach the best fit were compared. In study 2, the records of 28 patients (41 eyes) with keratoconus who had been successfully fit with rigid gas permeable lenses were reviewed. Topographic analysis using the EyeSys videokeratoscope was conducted. The following 8 data points were analyzed: maximum dioptric curvature with respect to the central visual axis, the power at the visual axis (VK), the average keratometry readings within the 3-mm zone, the average flat K at 3-mm central and 5-mm paracentral regions, and the K reading at 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm superior to the visual axis.

RESULTS

Study 1: In 10 eyes (38%) fitted with cosmetic contact lenses utilizing corneal topography and the EyeSys contact lens program, the first lens chosen by the computer program was correct with no additional changes in lens parameters required. In the other 16 eyes, 21 parameter changes were required. In the control group, 14 eyes (53%) required no additional change in parameters from the original contact lens that was fitted using diagnostic lenses. In the other 12 eyes, 12 parameter changes were required. Study 2: In the keratoconus group, of the 9 measurements analyzed, the final base curve of patients' rigid gas permeable lenses was correlated most closely with the average flat corneal curvature at the 3-mm central zone.

CONCLUSION

Study 1: In fitting cosmetic rigid gas permeable contact lenses, the videokeratoscope with the EyeSys software 2.11w contact lens program proved to be inferior to diagnostic lenses in selecting the final correct contact lens parameters. However, it may be useful in selecting an initial diagnostic lens with which to begin rigid gas permeable fitting. Study 2: In patients with irregular corneas such as keratoconus, corneal topography is helpful in determining the initial base curve of the contact lens. In patients with keratoconus, it appears to be the average flat corneal curvature at the 3.0-mm zone.