VARIATIONS IN CENTRAL CORNEAL THICKNESS DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF CONTACT LENS WEAR

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Variations in central [human] corneal thickness during the 1st yr of hard, hydrophilic or silicone lens wear are reported. The mean corneal swelling after 1/2, 3 and 6 mo. was 4.7-3.0% in the first 2 groups (P < 0.001-P = 0.005), but only 1.3-0.8% in the latter group (P = 0.011-0.050). These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001-P = 0.046) and are ascribed to a higher oxygen tension under the silicone lenses. An overall reduction of corneal edema was noted after 1/2 mo. (P = 0.025). A similar and not significant corneal swelling was found 1 yr after fitting in the 3 lens groups. In addition to an inital osmotic adaptation, a further corneal adaptation to hard and hydrophilic lenses may take place between 6-12 mo. after lens fitting. Development of lens intolerance was not correlated to the degree of corneal edema after 1/2 mo. of lens wear.

This publication has 20 references indexed in Scilit: