Corneal rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses still represent the most common and successful management option for mild to moderate cases of keratoconus because these lenses can mask relatively high levels of irregular astigmatism and thus substantially improve visual acuity.1 Additionally, most keratoconus subjects report wearing these lenses comfortably throughout the day.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 subjects4,5 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.5 It has been reported that apical-touch fitting causes central corneal flattening in keratoconus,7 whereas apical-clearance fitting causes central corneal steepening,8 which could be confounded with the normal progression of keratoconus disease, so apical-clearance fitting approach is not normally used. Zadnik and Mutti9 previously discussed that apical-touch fitting of RGP lenses might ‘mold’ the keratoconic cornea by exerting pressure on the cone apex, thereby forcing the anterior surface to conform with the RGP lens’ back surface. Hwang et al. have reported RGP contact lens wear fitted with three-point-touch fitting approach in keratoconus subjects caused corneal flattening after two years of wear.2 More recently, Jinabhai and co-workers reported that both visual acuity and thickness at the thinnest corneal point decreased and corneal curvature and corneal higher-order aberrations (HOA) increased after ceasing RGP contact lens wear for 1 week in keratoconus subjects who had been wearing these lenses, mostly fitted with the apical-touch fitting approach, for an average of 7 years.10 Therefore, corneal curvature, shape, thickness and anterior surface higher-order aberrations are altered following RGP lens wear in keratoconus subjects who have been wearing corneal RGP contact lens for a long period of time. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have reported corneal changes induced by a short period of corneal RGP lens wear in neophyte contact lens wearers with keratoconus in a clinical context. Those changes might have implications in the lens-to-cornea relationship, lens parameters and lens power prescribed. To clarify this question it is necessary to know whether corneal changes observed after short periods of time within the initial period of fitting and adaptation are similar to the changes reported by other authors. Thus, the present study assessed changes on the anterior corneal surface induced by RGP lenses fitted according two different approaches over a period of 14 days. This time of contact lenses adaptation was decided because subjects were neophyte contact lens wearers. As it is known, some subjects experienced some discomfort when they begin to wear RGP contact lenses and it takes longer for them to be able to wear lenses 8 or more hours a day. In order to be sure that subjects were wearing contact lenses at least 8h a day, we decided to give them two weeks to get used to contact lenses and wearing them at least 8h a day before to acquire a new topography.

Subjects with keratoconus and no previous history of contact lens wear were included in the study. Comprehensive optometric and ophthalmic examinations were performed in all subjects including the assessment of uncorrected and corrected logMAR visual acuities, anterior segment biomicroscopy, fundus examination, and keratometry. In addition, a corneal topographic examination was performed using the Pentacam Eye Scanner (Software version 1.16.r:23, Oculus Inc., Wetzlar, Germany). All topographic examinations were taken by the same examiner (M R-J). The Pentacam system is based on a rotation Sheimpflug camera that can take 12–50 single captures to reconstruct a 3D anterior segment image. In the present study, anterior segment Pentacam examinations were produced with 25 single captures within 2s. The results obtained with Pentacam were checked under the device's quality specification window; only the correct measurements (i.e. “quality specifications” reads OK) were accepted; if the comment was marked yellow or red, the examination was repeated. As it has been previously reported that the Pentacam instrument provides high sensitivity and specificity in keratoconus detection,11,12 as well as high reproducibility and repeatability in measuring corneal thickness13,14 and corneal power15 a single Pentacam examination was acquired for each eye.

Keratoconus diagnosis was performed according to the keratoconus severity score described by the CLEK study group.16 The keratoconus grading was based on average central corneal power (ACP) and HOA Root Mean Square error (RMS) as mild (ACP≤52.00D or RMS>1.50, ≤3.50), moderate (ACP>52.00D, ≤56.00D, or RMS>3.50, ≤5.75) and severe (ACP>5600D or RMS>5.75) The worst of the two variables (i.e. ACP or RMS) carries the greater weight to select the appropriate grade.11 Eyes with a previous history of acute corneal hydrops, corneal surgery or any other ocular disease were excluded from the study. All subjects were older than 18 years of age. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects prior to the start of all experimental work and data collection. The study protocol followed the Tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee Review Board of MGR Doctores ophthalmology clinic and the scientific committee of the School of Sciences at the University of Minho.

All contact lenses used in the study were standard Rose K2 lenses manufactured in tisilfocon A material (Menicon Z, Menicon Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Japan). In subjects with bilateral keratoconus, lens fitting was performed on both eyes using the same fitting approach.

Fitting method

Following manufacturer's recommendations, the first trial lens’ BOZR was selected 0.20mm steeper than the average central keratometry and fitted on the eye. Enough time to stop reflex tearing caused by contact lens was allowed, and then sodium fluorescein was instilled for fitting assessment (Haag-Streit, Koeniz, Switzerland). Then, the lens’ BOZR was flattened (i.e. increased) or steepened (i.e. decreased) in 0.10mm steps until the first definite apical clearance lens (FDACL) was found following the methodology previously described by the CLEK Study Group.17 Subsequently, subjects were randomly allocated to either the apical-touch or three-point-touch fitting groups, and lenses with BOZR 0.40mm and 0.10mm flatter than the FDACL, respectively, were fitted (Fig. 1) accordingly to a method previously described by the authors.18 Once the subjects were randomly allocated to a group (apical-touch three-point touch), the selected RGP lens was inserted on the eye. Following 30–60min after lens insertion, the overall diameter and edge lift were assessed to ensure the lens was well centered and showed a fluorescein band of 0.5–0.7mm in width along the lens edge. Once an acceptable trial lens fit was achieved, the lens was ordered from the manufacturer, and subjects were rescheduled for a dispensing visit. At the dispensing visit, corneal topography was performed in all subjects prior to lens insertion. Subsequently, subjects were trained in procedures for insertion, removal and cleaning/disinfection of contact lenses, and instructed to wear their contact lenses for 2–4h a day, increasing 1–2h for each following day until reaching at least 8h of continuous wearing time. Subjects were scheduled for visits after 1, 7, and 14 days of contact lens wear. Subjects were required to attend the follow-up visits wearing their lenses. A new topography over the naked eye was taken following 14 days of contact lens wear. This topography was taken within 1min after RGP lens removal.

Figure 1.

Contact lens fitting fluorescein patterns showing: (A) apical-touch fitting approach and (B) three-point-touch fitting approach.

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All measurements reported are from the anterior corneal surface. Differences between baseline and 14-days of RGP lens wear in maximum and minimum simulated keratometry (Steepest SimK and Flattest SimK, respectively), average corneal power, maximum tangential curvature, central corneal astigmatism, anterior corneal surface asphericity for an 8mm chord diameter and in the thinnest corneal thickness were compared between fitting approaches. Additionally, differences between groups following contact lens wear were also assessed in anterior corneal surface HOA coefficients (3rd to 6th order) and total HOA root mean square (RMS). The corresponding RMS error values were evaluated for the following types of optical aberrations: HOA from the 3rd- to 6th-order Zernike terms inclusive; spherical-like aberrations for the 4th and 6th order Zernike terms; coma-like aberrations for the 3rd and 5th order Zernike terms; and secondary astigmatism aberrations for the 4th and 6th order Zernike terms. Despite Pentacam is capable to measure until the 10th Zernike term, the analysis of corneal aberrations is normally undertaken until 6th term.10,19 All corneal HOA were calculated for a 6.0mm pupil diameter.19

Thirty-one subjects (50 eyes) with keratoconus were included in the study. Sixteen subjects (25 eyes) and 15 subjects (25 eyes) were fitted with an apical-touch fitting approach and with a three-point-touch fitting approach, respectively.

Grade of severity did not show statistically significant differences between groups either at baseline or over the follow-up period (all p>0.05) (Table 1). However, the KSS range decreased in apical-touch group after contact lens wear (Table 1).

The flattest SimK was found to be flatter following CL wear in the apical-touch group (p=0.030), but no significant differences were found in the three-point-touch group over time or between groups either at baseline or after 14 days of CL wear (all p>0.05) (Table 2). The steepest SimK was found to be flatter following contact lens wear in comparison to baseline in apical-touch group (p<0.0001), but no significant differences were found in the three-point-touch group or between groups either at baseline or after the follow-up period (all p>0.05) (Table 2). Average corneal power was found to be significantly flatter following contact lens wear in comparison to baseline in apical-touch group (p=0.003), but no statistically significant differences were found in three-point-touch group over time or between groups at any of the study visits (all p>0.05) (Table 2). A statistically significant difference in maximum tangential curvature power was found between groups at baseline (p=0.026) but not after 14 days of CL wear (p=0.118). The maximum tangential curvature power was significant reduced with 14 days of contact lens wear in comparison to baseline in both groups (both p<0.001) (Table 2).

Contact lens wear induced a statistically significant reduction in central corneal astigmatism in comparison to baseline in both groups (RM-ANOVA, test p<0.0001, Table 3). However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups in central corneal astigmatism (p=0.808) or in the time*group interaction (p=0.176, Table 3).

Corneal asphericity was found to be significantly reduced following contact lens wear (RM-ANOVA test, p<0.0001), but no significant differences were found between groups (p=0.337) or in the time*group interaction (p=0.114) (Table 3).

The thickness at the thinnest point was significant thinner in the apical-touch group in comparison to the three-point-touch group at both baseline and after 14 days of CL wear (RM-ANOVA test, p=0.010). A statistically significant increase in thickness at the thinnest corneal point was found over time (p<0.0001), but no statistically significant differences were found for the time*group interaction (p=0.134) (Fig. 2).

Figure 2.

Comparison of the Thinnest Corneal Thickness between both fitting approaches. BL: Baseline; AT: apical-touch fitting approach; 3PT: three-point-touch fitting approach.

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No statistically significant differences were found in spherical-like anterior corneal aberration over time in any of the groups (Wilcoxon signed rank test all p>0.05) or between groups at any visit (Mann–Whitney U test all p>0.05) (Fig. 3). Statistically significant reduction in secondary astigmatism aberration in apical-touch group and in coma-like aberration and in higher-order RMS in both groups was found following contact lens wear in comparison to baseline (Wilcoxon test all p<0.05) (Fig. 3). However, no significant differences were found between groups at any visit in secondary astigmatism, coma-like or higher-order RMS anterior corneal aberrations (Mann–Whitney U test all p>0.05) (Fig. 3).

Figure 3.

Analysis of anterior corneal surface higher-order aberrations for both fitting approaches. Sphe: spherical-like aberration; 2° Ast: secondary astigmatism; RMS: root mean square error; BL: baseline; AT: apical-touch fitting approach; 3PT: three-point-touch fitting approach.

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To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess short-term corneal changes caused by apical-touch and three-point-touch RGP contact lens fittings approaches in neophyte contact lens wearers with keratoconus. As expected, this study found RGP contact lens wear to induce central corneal flattening. In the apical-touch group, significant anterior corneal surface flattening was found on average corneal power. This flattening was greater in the steepest in comparison to the flattest corneal meridian, which is in agreement with previous reports.10,24 This is favorable to a reduction in corneal toricity and can be attributed to how RGP lenses settle on eyes with keratoconus. Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses tend to move toward the direction of the steepest (and more elevated) axis leading to increased lens’ bearing and thus greater flattening on this corneal meridian. In the three-point-touch group, although these changes were not statistically significant, the steepest corneal meridian flattened and the flattest meridian steepened, which is in agreement with a previous report.24 A significant flattening in the maximum tangential curvature was also found in both groups following RGP lens wear, that was greater in the apical-touch group in comparison to the three-point-touch group. The flattening in maximum tangential curvature was found to be greater, in magnitude, than the flattening in average corneal power. This is attributed to greater lens’ bearing on the cone apex in comparison to other corneal locations. In the present study, anterior corneal surface flattening was found to be greater in apical-touch group in comparison to the three-point-touch group. This greater reduction in anterior corneal surface curvature in apical-touch group caused the improvement on the KSS staging in this group. This reduction in corneal curvature with RGP contact lens wear could be misinterpreted as an improvement on keratoconus staging, but once the subject discontinues contact lens wear, corneal curvature increases.10,26

We found that central corneal astigmatism was reduced with contact lens wear and this is attributed to the fact that the steepest meridian flattened more than the flattest meridian in both groups after contact lens wear. A greater, not statistically significant but clinically significant, reduction of corneal astigmatism was found with the three-point-touch fitting approach compared to the apical-touch fitting approach. The amount of central corneal astigmatism reduction in three-point-touch group was 0.69D. Hwang et al. found a reduction in central corneal astigmatism of 0.70D after two years of RGP contact lens wear in keratoconus subjects fitted with three-point-touch fitting approach.2 In the three-point-touch approach, lens’ bearing on the cone apex tends to be slight and it mainly occurs over the steepest and more elevated corneal axis, which may imply lens clearance over the flattest corneal axis. It has been reported apical-clearance fitting to cause corneal steepening,8 so the flattest axis in three-point-touch approach is likely to remain unchanged or becomes steeper.24

Corneal asphericity was also found to reduce with contact lens wear and this might be also related to the corneal flattening induced by contact lens wear. This corneal asphericity reduction with RGP contact lens wear in keratoconus was previously reported.10 A flattening of the mean central curvature reduces the difference between central and peripheral corneal curvatures thus reducing corneal asphericity.25 Clinically greater reduction in corneal asphericity was found in apical-touch group in comparison to three-point-touch group, which is presumably attributed with the greater corneal curvature flattening in the apical-touch group in comparison to the three-point-touch group.

The significant difference found between groups in thinnest corneal thickness is likely to be related to baseline differences between groups in thickness despite randomization of subjects into the two different groups. Interestingly, an increase in thickness at the thinnest point was found following contact lens wear. This finding is in agreement with Jinabhai et al. who reported a decrease in thinnest corneal thickness after discontinuation of RGP contact lens wear for 1-week in long-term contact lens wearers with keratoconus in two previous studies.10,26 More recently, Romero-Jiménez et al. found greater thickness at the thinnest corneal point in a group of keratoconus subjects who had been wearing RGP lenses for at least six months compared with a control group of non-contact lens wearers with keratoconus.27 Thinnest corneal thickness increase with RGP contact lens wearing might be the result of lens-induced corneal inflammation from mechanical effect. The latter increase in thickness was present since subjects were initially fitted with contact lenses and lasted as long as subjects wore the lenses, suggesting that contact lens wear induces a slight and chronic inflammation of the ocular surface. The increasing in thinnest corneal thickness was found to be greater in three-point-touch group in comparison to apical-touch group. This might be caused because in apical-touch group the pressure of the lens over the corneal epithelium is greater than in three-point-touch group, which lead to a greater reduction of corneal epithelium layer masking the possible local corneal inflammation caused by RGP contact lens wearing. Despite keratoconus has been classically described in the literature as a non-inflammatory disease, recent studies have shown it is accompanied by an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the tears in comparison to normal subjecs,28 with the inflammatory response being even greater with contact lens wear.29 The mechanical rubbing of the RGP lens over the cornea might cause a subtle inflammatory response on the cornea leading to increased corneal thickness. However, studies should be conducted to corroborate the latter.

The reduction in anterior surface corneal aberrations found following RGP lens wear is attributed to the corneal flattening induced by lens wear. In addition, the reduction of higher-order corneal aberrations was greater in the apical-touch group, in comparison to three-point-touch group, a finding in agreement with a previous report which found that the flatter the BOZR, the greater the reduction in higher-order ocular aberrations.30

In conclusion, our study shows RGP contact lens wear to flatten the anterior cornea, to reduce corneal asphericity and corneal stigmatism, and to reduce anterior corneal surface higher-order aberrations in keratoconus subjects after a short period of wear. The greater contact lens bearing, the greater corneal flattening. Three-point-touch fitting approach causes a greater reduction in central corneal astigmatism in comparison to apical-touch. In addition, RGP contact lens wear might cause a local and slight chronic corneal inflammation whose clinical relevance should be ascertained. Changes found on anterior corneal surface with short period of RGP contact lens wear are clinically relevant in terms of corneal curvature flattening, especially in apical-touch fitting approach, because they could be misinterpreted as a keratoconus improvement. On the other hand, it is necessary to evaluate whether changes on anterior corneal surface observed after a short period of time are maintained or they evolve along the time.

Differences found between apical-touch and three-point-touch fitting approaches after a short period of RGP contact lens wear on corneal surface are not clinically relevant, except on central corneal curvature. Therefore, is not possible to state that one of the RGP contact lens fitting approach evaluated is better than the other in terms of corneal impact.

Miguel Romero-Jiménez is undertaking a PhD partly funded by Menicon Co. Ltd. at the Clinical & Experimental Optometry Research Lab, Center of Physics, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. Jacinto Santodomingo-Rubido is a full-time employee of Menicon Co. Ltd.

All contact lenses and maintenance solutions used in the present work were provided by Menicon Co. Ltd. without cost for the subjects.