Contact Lenses after LASIK

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Article initiated by:
Majid Moshirfar, M.D.
All contributors:
Shruti Aggarwal, MD, Benjamin Buckner, MD, Vandana Reddy, MD, Majid Moshirfar, M.D., Dylan Griffiths
Assigned editor:
Shruti Aggarwal, MD
Review:
Assigned status Up to Date
 by Shruti Aggarwal, MD on September 18, 2024.


Laser in-situ keratomileusis is the most popular type of refractive surgery. More than 16 million US patients have received LASIK for visual correction since the procedure was approved in the mid 1990s. In the vast majority of cases, the procedure results in successful resolution of the visual complaint, and the patient requires no further intervention; however in some cases LASIK surgery results in complications or suboptimal visual correction. At this point the patient faces a choice: further refractive intervention, spectacles or contact lenses. Given these options, a significant percentage of patients opt for contact lenses.

Fitting contact lenses in a post-LASIK patient is notoriously complicated due to the changes to the corneal surface during surgery. The topography of a post-LASIK cornea is vastly different from a preoperative corneal surface. In myopic corrections, the corneal surface will feature a significantly flattened central region, with a comparatively steep peripheral surface, whereas in hypermetric corrections, the central area is steepened.

Because of these changes, there are a number of challenges to fitting contact lenses in these patients. Traditional soft lenses are often not an option; rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, reverse geometry lenses or combination “piggyback” are usually required. Additionally, these patients require more appointments and follow-up to ensure a proper fit.

Corneal Anatomy

The corneal is responsible for two-thirds of the eye’s overall refractive power[1]. The transparent, avascular corneal tissue is maintained anteriorly by a tear layer and posteriorly by the aqueous humor of the anterior chamber. Oxygen is delivered via diffusion through the tear layer anteriorly. The cornea is prolate in shape; flatter peripherally and steeper centrally, which creates an aspheric optical system[2].

Corneal Layers

The cornea is made up of five distinct layers. The corneal epithelium is the outer-most corneal layer and is the site of the air-tear interface. This interface helps smooth microirregularities on the epithelial surface, which would lead to refractive errors and a degraded image[2]. Deep to the corneal epithelium is Bowman’s layer, a thin layer separating the epithelium from the stroma. The corneal stroma, which represents almost 90% of overall corneal thickness, is composed of highly organized collagen fibrils structured into lamellae, which are responsible for the tensile strength and structure of the cornea. Descemet’s layer follows, which separates the stroma from the endothelium. The deepest layer of the cornea, the corneal endothelium, is charged with maintaining corneal fluid balance; if the endothelium becomes too thin, stromal swelling occurs, which can interfere with transparency and disrupt vision[2].

Corneal Topography

Corneal topography is a non-invasive imaging technique that measures the contours of the cornea. It has become an invaluable tool in preoperative assessment and postoperative management of refractive surgical procedures. Further, topographical analysis of a postoperative cornea is extremely helpful in difficult contact lens fitting. The topography of a typical, unaltered cornea is prolate; with a steeper curvature centrally and a relatively flatter periphery[3].

Types of Contour Maps

Topographical contour maps are the product of corneal topographic imaging, and can be presented in four ways[4].

Axial (Sagittal) Maps

These maps are based on para-axial ray theory. They have good repeatability and are considered the most useful and easiest to verify[5].

Tangential Maps

Tangential maps include extreme curvature values and can better characterize irregular astigmatism, if it is present. They also reflect the apex more accurately. Compared to axial maps, they are less repeatable and will characterize flat areas flatter and steep areas steeper[5].

Corneal Height Maps

Corneal height maps are created based on how the height of the cornea compares to a reference sphere. They are less repeatable then both axial and tangential maps[5].

Refractive Power Maps

Refractive power maps convert detected curvature into a corresponding refractive reading. They are considered the least useful for contact lens fitting[5].

Changes to Corneal Topography After LASIK

Biomechanical Changes

Every kind of refractive surgery alters corneal topography. During LASIK, the stromal lamellae are permanently severed, which reduces tension in the peripheral layers of the stroma. Less tension results in peripheral expansion, which increases the curvature of the periphery. The peripheral expansion generates a radial force that pulls down on the central cornea and flattens it. The biomechanical flattening effect occurs in both myopic and hyperopic LASIK repairs[6],[7].

Changes After Myopic Repairs

The post-surgical cornea takes on an oblate topography – flatter centrally with a relatively steep periphery. As the degree of correction (and therefore amount of ablation) increases, this effect is increased; the greater the correction, the bigger the difference between flat center and steep periphery[8].

Changes After Hypermetropic Repairs

In hypermetropic repairs, the central cornea is heightened compared to the periphery[5].

Corneal Irregularities After LASIK

High order aberrations can occur after LASIK, as the result of corneal irregularities created by the laser ablation during surgery[9]. Reported HOAs include decreased night vision, glare, halos and visual distortion.

Contact Lenses After LASIK

LASIK surgery, while often very successful, can produce a number of outcomes that require additional visual correction. These include under- and over-corrections, refractive error shifts, irregular astigmatism, central islands, corneal haze and multifocal corneas[10],[11]. Patients have several options to address these issues including additional surgery, spectacles and contact lenses.

Indications for Contact Lenses

The indications for contact lenses after LASIK are residual ametropia, irregular astigmatism, anisometropia and decentered ablation zone. Bandage contact lenses are occasionally used after LASIK for corneal protection[5].

Types of Lenses

Therapeutic (Bandage) Lenses

Therapeutic (bandage) contact lenses (TCLs) were traditionally used after older refractive surgical procedures, like photorefractive keratectomy, to protect the cornea from inflammatory cells in the postoperative period[12],[13].

Although not commonplace, TCLs can be used in the initial 1-2 days after LASIK to protect the flap, prevent epithelial ingrowth and provide additional patient comfort[14],[15]. The best lens to use in this setting is generally a silicon hydrogel disposable lens[16].

There are some complications that have been linked with TCLs after LASIK, which may explain why they are not widely used. They include: infection[17], flap edema, and blurred vision[10],[18].

Soft (Hydrophilic) Contact Lenses

Traditional soft contact lenses can occasionally be used in post-LASIK patients as long as the primary postoperative complaint is anisometropia[19] and they only require small refractive corrections. Patients with significant residual refractive errors, astigmatism or other corneal abnormalities are not good candidates for these lenses. The advantages of soft contact lenses are patient comfort and good centration. The disadvantages are poorer acuity and difficult fitting[20].

Small studies on contact lens fitting in post-LASIK patients reveal that between 10-25% of those requiring corrective lenses after surgery are able to achieve adequate vision correction with hydrophilic lenses. In a study of 29 eyes with irregular astigmatism induced by LASIK, 26% of patients were fit successfully with hydrophilic lenses[21].

There is one soft contact lens specifically designed for use in post-refractive surgery eyes, the Harrison Post Refractive Lens (Paragon Vision Sciences, Mesa, Arizona)[22]. These soft lenses are FDA approved for use specifically in post refractive surgery patients. The lens has a flatter central optical zone compared to mid-periphery. The reverse geometry design with thin periphery allows the lens to drape over the steeper parts of the cornea.

Toric Soft Contact Lenses

These lenses are appropriate for post-LASIK patients with minor astigmatism. They are associated with atypical rotation when fit on oblate (vs prolate) corneas, therefore fitting may be more difficult and empiric fitting is not recommended[23].

Toric lenses are not recommended for higher-degree astigmatism due to instability issues, nor are they capable of correcting irregular astigmatism[20].

Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Rigid Gas Permeable lenses are considered the lens of choice when fitting patients after LASIK surgery[21]. There are a number of qualities inherent in RGP lenses that make them the most-used lens in these patients. They are able to correct high degrees of both regular and irregular astigmatism, have high oxygen permeability and offer good visual acuity correction[10],[20]. They are also fairly well tolerated by patients.

Despite this, fitting the RGP lens to a post-LASIK cornea is difficult, especially in a higher order corrections. Markedly flattened central regions can result in instability, central pooling and trapped bubbles, therefore it is important use pre- or postoperative topography of videokeratoscopy measurements when fitting patients with these lenses[5],[10],[20].

Reverse Geometry Lenses

These lenses are a type of RGP lens that is indicated with there is a significant difference between the flat center and the steep periphery[5],[24]. These lenses have a steep secondary curve to accommodate the flattened central region.

Combination Lenses

Occasionally, a patient may be hypersensitive to RGP lenses or experience lid sensation. Soft lenses would be the ideal solution, however these lenses cannot achieve the same visual acuity that is possible with RGP lenses. In these cases, a “piggyback lens” (RGP lens fitted on top of a soft lens) can be used. Silicon hydrogels are the soft lens of choice in this combination, as their increased rigidity avoids draping of corneal abnormalities, and they have higher oxygen permeability than conventional soft lenses[25].

Hybrid lenses may be another option as they combine a GP center with a soft lens skirt. SynergEyes lenses, specifically Ultrahealth Flat Curve are useful for post refractive surgery flat and irregular corneas.

Lenses for Post-Hypermetropic Repairs and Iatrogenic Corneal Ectasia

In the post-hypermetropic patient, the central cornea is steeper than the periphery[5]. The cornea takes a similar shape (steep centrally and flatter peripherally) in iatrogenic corneal ectasia, a rare[26],[27] but serious post-LASIK complication, wherein the weakened cornea bulges out, similar to keratoconus[28].

Contact lenses are indicated for repairs of mild-moderate hypermetropic repairs and iatrogenic corneal ectasia. Sometimes RGP lenses can be used, but there are also a number of specifically designed multi-curve lenses that can be used in hard to fit cases. There include the Woodward design and the Rose K lens[5].

Scleral Lenses

These lenses are a type of RGP lens considered “the lens of last resort” in patients who have failed other lenses. Scleral lenses are wide enough to be almost entirely supported by the sclera, which allows the lens to overcome corneal surface abnormalities for a relatively easy fit[5]. This makes them a good option for larger corneral abnormalities found in moderate to severe post-refractive ectasia. Scleral lenses may provide an advantage of improving dry eye symptoms after LASIK.[29]

Approach to Fitting

Patients requiring contact lenses for vision correction after LASIK can be fitted for lenses 8-12 weeks after surgery, once refraction and topography have stabilized[22].

Fitting contact lenses in post-refractive patients is more difficult than in nonsurgical eyes. Yeung et al found that post-LASIK patients required significantly more diagnostic lenses to establish an initial order, a higher number of trial lenses ordered to complete the fitting, and almost double the amount of office visits while fitting lenses[10].

Selected lenses should have a moderate-to-high oxygen transmissibility to ensure the cornea has adequate oxygen supply[22].

A general guideline for selecting an initial fit-trial lens was outlined by Steele & Davidson in their review of contact lenses after LASIK[5].

  • If the patient can achieve good vision correction with a spectacle prescription, soft contact lenses can be tried first, with preference for spherical, aspheric and toric designs.
  • If the patient had a significant amount of tissue ablated the best choice for initial lens fit is a RGP lens based on either pre- or postoperative topography information.
  • If a large amount of tissue has been ablated, large diameter RGP lenses or reverse geometry lenses may be the better option.
  • Patients who received hypermetric LASIK or whose postoperative course if complicated by iatrogenic corneal ectasia should be fit with lenses designed for keratoconus.
  • Scleral lenses can be considered as a last resort.

RGP Lens Fitting

Most studies recommend starting with RGP lenses. Initial diagnostic lens selection should be selected based on pre- or postoperative topography[24]. If this is not available, empirically selected lenses can be used. Between 70-80% of patients who require contact lenses for visual correction after LASIK end up receiving a specialty contact lens, which is almost always a RGP lens type. Trial lens fitting is recommended[21].

According to Steele & Davidson, the lens should be present in the mid-periphery along the horizontal meridian approximately 3.0-4.0 mm from the center of the cornea. The back optic zone radii (BOZR) should be 0.1 mm steeper than the mean keratometry reading and 9.2-10 mm in diameter. Fit can be assessed with fluorescein staining. Good movement (between 0.5-1.5 mm), adequate pupil coverage and good tear exchange should be insured[5].

If fitting a reverse geometry lens, fit should have slight central clearance, good centration and a mid-peripheral alignment[5].

Soft Lens Fitting

Soft (hydrophilic) lenses are a good choice for patients with pure anisometropic errors who only need small refractive corrections, or patients who cannot tolerate RGP lenses[21].

When fitting soft lenses on a post-LASIK patient, the first lens choice should have a BOZR that is 0.3 mm flatter than the flattest keratometry reading. The lens should have adequate centration and movement on blinking (0.5-1.5 mm) and an absence of central bubbles[5]. There is variability in rigidity among soft contact lens brands, so failure with one type of lens does not necessarily mean failure with all hydrophilic lenses[22].

Combination Lens Fitting

The best approach is to fit the hydrogel soft contact lens with a low plus back vertex power and then measure keratometry with the lens in place. The BOZR should be between 7.80 – 8.00 mm. The RGP lens should center well over the soft lens[5].

Complications of Contact Lenses After LASIK

Complications of wearing contact lenses after LASIK are very rare, but not unheard of. Bandage lenses are associated with corneal edema, infection and increased risk for corneal striae[15]. Lenses that do not allow adequate oxygen diffusion can compromise the integrity of the corneal stroma[22].

There is one reported case in the literature of late onset inflammation in a post-LASIK patient linked to cosmetic lenses. The patient was treated with high dose steroids and symptoms ultimately resolved without any significant visual compromise[30].

Corneal biomechanical parameters have shown to change after CL wear post LASIK. Corneal resistance factor was seen to change signficantly after 1 year of CL use after LASIK. Central corneal thickness, corneal hysteresis and cornea-compensated intraocular pressures also showed changes, although not significant.[31]

Summary and Recommendations

Contact lenses after LASIK are occasionally necessary when LASIK results in residual ametropia, irregular astigmatism, anisometropia and decentered ablation zones. Corneal topographical changes after surgery can make contact lens fitting challenging and labor intensive, thus a systematic approach should be used when fitting lenses in these patients. There are a number of different lenses available for use in these patients, but most practitioners recommend initiating fitting with a rigid gas permeable lens. In most cases, with appropriate fitting techniques, post-LASIK patients who need further vision correction should be able to successfully wear contact lenses.

References

  1. ↑ Goldstein, E. Bruce. Sensation & Perception. 7th Edition. Canada: Thompson Wadsworth, 2007
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Farjo AA, McDermott ML, Soong HK. Corneal anatomy, physiology and wound healing. Part 4: Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases. Yang & Duker: Ophthalmology 3rd Edition 2008; accessed via MD Consult on June 10, 2012
  3. ↑ Holmes-Higgin DK, Baker PC, Burris TE et al. Characterization of the aspheric corneal surface with intrastromal corneal ring segments. J Refract Surg 1999; 15: 520-528
  4. ↑ Eperjesi F, Wolffshon JS. In: Philips AJ, Speedwell L, editors. Clinical instrumentation in contact lens practice. Contact Lenses 5th Edition. 2006. p 159-62. Chapter 7
  5. ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 Steele C, Davidson J. Contact lens fitting post-laser in situ keratomileusis. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye 2007; 30: 84-93
  6. ↑ Roberts C. Biomechanics of the cornea and wavefront laser guided refractive surgery. J Refract Surg 2001; 18: S371-373
  7. ↑ Dupps WJ, Roberts C. Effect of acute biomechanical changes on corneal curvature after photorefractive keratectomy. J Refract Surg 2001; 17: 658-669
  8. ↑ Oshika T. Klyce SD, Applegate RA, et al. Comparison of corneal wavefront aberrations after photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis. Am J Ophthalmol 1999; 127: 1-7
  9. ↑ Tan G, Chen X, Xie RZ, et al. Reverse geometry rigid gas permeable contact lens wear reduces high order aberrations and the associated symptoms in post-LASIK patients. Current Eye Research 2010 35: 9-16
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Stevens, SX, Young DA, Polack PJ, et al. Complications of radial keratotomy. In: Krachmer JH, editor. Cornea. St Louis: Mosby, 1997: 2101 - 2116
  11. ↑ Yeung KK, Olson MD, Weissman BA. Complexity of contact lens fitting after refractive surgery. Am J Ophthalmol 2002; 133: 607-612
  12. ↑ Lum-Bong-Siong R, Vslluri S, Gordon ME et al. Efficacy and safety of the Protek therapeutic soft contact lens after photorefractive keratectomy. Am J Ophthalmol 1998; 125: 169-176
  13. ↑ Dantas PE, Nishiwaki-Dantas MC, Ojeda VH, et al. Microbial study of disposable soft contact lenses after photorefractive keratectomy. CLAO J 2000; 26: 26-29
  14. ↑ Gemoules G. Therapeutic effects of contact lenses after refractive surgery. Eye Contact Lens 2005; 12-22
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Montes M, Chayet AS, Castellanous A, et al. Use of bandage contact lenses after laser in situ keratomileusis. J Refract Surg 1997; 13(5 suppl.): S430-1
  16. ↑ Ahmed II, Breslin CW. Role of the bandage soft contact lens in the postoperative laser in situ keratomileusis patient. J Cataract Refract Surg 2001; 12: 1932-1936
  17. ↑ Detorakis ET, Siganos DS, Houlakis VM, et al. Microbial examination of bandage soft contact lenses used in laser refractive surgery. J Refract Surg 1998; 14: 631-635
  18. ↑ Kanellopoulos AJ, Pallikaris IG, Donnenfeld ED, et al. Comparison of corneal sensation following photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis. J Cataract Refract Surg 1997; 23: 34-38
  19. ↑ Zadnik K. Contact lens management of patients who have had unsuccessful refractive surgery. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology 1999; 10: 260-263
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Pederson K, Coral-Ghanem C. In: Mannis MJ, Zadnik K, Coral-Ghanem Editors. Contact Lenses in Ophthalmic Practice. Chapter 15: Fitting Contact Lenses After Refractive Surgery. Springer: New York 2008
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Alio JL, Belda JL, Artola A, Garcia Llebo M, et al. Contact lens fitting to correct irregular astigmatism after corneal refractive surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg 2002; 10: 1750-1757
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 Szczotka LB, Aronsky M. Contact lenses after LASIK. Journal of the American Optometric Assoc 1998; 69: 775-784
  23. ↑ Chou B, Wachier BS. Soft contact lenses for irregular astigmatism after laser in situ keratomileusis. J Refract Surg 2001; 6: 692 - 695
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Martin R, Rodriguez G. reverse geometry contact lens fitting after corneal refractive surgery. J refract Surg 2005; 6: 753-756
  25. ↑ Edwards K. Silicone hydrogel contact lenses Part 2. Therapeutic applications. Optomet Today 2002; 26-29
  26. ↑ Randleman JB. Post laser in-situ keratomileusis ectasia: current understanding and future direction. Curr OPin Ophthalmol 2006; 4: 406-412
  27. ↑ Kohnen T. Iatrogenic keratectasia: current knowledge, current measures. J Cataract Refract Surg 2002; 12: 2065-2066
  28. ↑ Eggnik FA, Beekhuis WH. Contact lens fitting in a patient with keratectasia after laser in-situ keratomileusis. J Cataract Refract Surg 2001; 7: 1119-23
  29. ↑ Parminder A, Jaobs DS. Advances in scleral lenses for refractive surgery complications. Curr Opin Ophthalmol 2015 Jul;26(4):243-8.
  30. ↑ Choi HW, Moon SW, Nam KH, et al. Late-onset interface inflammation associated with wearing cosmetic contact lenses 18 months after laser in situ keratomileusis. Cornea 2008; 27: 252-254
  31. ↑ Montalt JC, Porcar E, Espana-Gregori E, etal. Corneal Biomechanical Parameters With Corneoscleral Contact Lenses in Post-Laser In Situ Keratomileusis Eyes. Eye Contact Lens 2018;44 Supp 2:S65-S69.
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