RK4 (reverse-geometry) contact lens fitting after penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the performance of the RK4 (reverse-geometry) contact lens in patients with flat central and steep peripheral corneal topography after penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed of post-PK patients fitted with RK4 lenses on the Cornea Service at Wills Eye Hospital, between March 2000 and February 2002.

RESULTS

Fifteen eyes of 13 post-PK patients were fitted with RK4 lenses and monitored for more than two months (range, 2.1-23.5 months; mean, 8.1 +/- 7.0 months). The average number of lens refits per eye was 1.0 +/- 1.2 (range, 0-4). Ninety-three percent (14/15) of the eyes that were fitted achieved at least 20/30 visual acuity, and 53% (8/15) of eyes achieved 20/20 visual acuity. A comparison of prefitted and post-fitted corrected visual acuity demonstrated a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.01). RK4 lenses were successfully worn full time or part time in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The RK4 lens can provide well-tolerated visual correction in cases with central flat, peripheral steep corneal contour following PK.