Effect of contact lens wear on central corneal thickness measurements

Abstract

There was a clinically significant reduction in corneal thickness measurements associated with full-time contact lens wear.

Discrepancy between central and midperipheral corneal thickness measurements obtained with slit-scanning pachymetry and noncontact specular microscopy

“…1 However, other contemporary studies indicate no predictable differences in central and peripheral corneal thickness values between those who do not wear contact lenses and soft contact lens wearers and that long-term daily soft contact lens wear likely results in slight thinning of the central cornea. 9,[26][27][28] Overall, the discrepancy between CCT measurements from the 2 instruments applied to all subjects, regardless of refractive error. However, although nasal-temporal asymmetry (with nasal measurements being greater) was generally observed in all subjects, it was notably less in the myopic subjects than in the emmetropic subjects.…”

Central Corneal Thickness Measurement in Clinical Practice

“…This finding agrees with several other studies that determined that full-time contact lens wear appears to significantly reduce corneal thickness, while increasing corneal curvature and surface irregularity. 24,25 A small amount of corneal edema is demonstrated with frequent replacement contact lenses. 26 Corneal changes associated with edema lead to low readings of corneal thickness, in contrast to increased collagen content, which leads to larger CCT values.…”

Short-term corneal changes with gas-permeable contact lens wear in keratoconus subjects: A comparison of two fitting approaches

“…1,2 Three fitting approaches have been described to fit corneal RGP in keratoconus: (1) apical-touch (lens bears on corneal apex), (2) three-point-touch (lens' bearing is shared between corneal apex and mid periphery), and (3) apical-clearance (lens bears on mid periphery without apical-touch). 3 The use of corneal RGP contact lenses has been shown to induce topographical changes on the cornea in normal control subjects 4,5 as well as in subjects with keratoconus. 6 In normal subjects, corneal curvature changes observed following RGP contact lens wear are related to the type of contact lens worn and the number of years of lens wear.…”