Abstract
Purpose: :
To discuss the results of fitting SynergEyes hybrid contact lenses (SynergEyes Inc, Carlsbad CA) for keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration.
Methods: :
The charts of patients fitted with SynergEyes lenses during the first 7 months the lens was available in the cornea service at Wills eye hospital between 8/3/2006 and 3/5/2007 were retrospectively reviewed. The flat and steep curvatures on corneal topography were recorded. SynergEyes contact lens data included initial and final base curves dispensed, flat/steep skirt and power .The outcome data included visual acuity, duration of follow up and complications. Reason for contact lens discontinuation was documented.
Results: :
61 eyes of 44 patients were reviewed all were diagnosed with keratoconus except 3 eyes that had pellucid marginal degeneration. The mean age of patients was 40+12.6; the mean follow up period was 5.4+4.3 months. 19 eyes achieved visual acuity ranging from 6/6 to 6/7.5, 38 eyes achieved 6/9 to 6/12, 3 eyes had visual acuity of 6/15 to 6/30 and only one eye had a 6/60 visual acuity .The total number of refits was 22 eyes, total base curve changes was 17, 9 tighter, 8 looser; 5 eyes had skirt changes only . 13 eyeshad power changes. The discontinuations were 18 eyes, 5were refit, 14 resumed. The complications documented were as follows: 12 eyes with GPCs/allergies, 5 DES, 1 corneal abrasion, 1 torn contact and one eye had a small corneal ulcer less than 1 mm, edema and pannus. A total of 9 eyes stopped the contact and were considered failures 5 were due to discomfort 1 of which underwent PK, 2 are considering PK, 2 resumed in soft perm and one went back to RGP. 3 failures were due to unsatisfactory vision 2 went back to RGP and one stayed without correction.
Conclusions: :
SynergEyes is a promising alternative to RGP in keratoconus and PMD patients who are intolerant or cannot be fit with rigid gas permeable lenses.
Keywords: contact lens • keratoconus