RGP lenses help restore vision in patients with corneal ectasia after LASIK

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses can be used to restore functional vision in patients who have developed corneal ectasia after LASIK and to postpone penetrating keratoplasty, according to Maria Woodward, MD, Emory Eye Center, Atlanta.

In a retrospective review, Dr. Woodward and colleagues analyzed the visual outcomes of patients who had developed corneal ectasia after LASIK and then were treated with either RGP lenses, intracorneal ring segments (Intacs, Addition Technology), collagen crosslinking, or penetrating keratoplasty.

"The majority of patients (76%) who were treated with RGP lenses had good long-term success," Dr. Woodward reported. "Of those that could no longer wear RGP lenses (24%), three eyes received intracorneal ring segments, two eyes were treated with corneal crosslinking, and six eyes eventually had penetrating keratoplasty (PK)."

The final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/40 or better in 70% of the patients and 20/60 or better in 90%. Those who had PK had a final BCVA ranging up to 20/300.