Which Lenses Stress the Surface?
Clinical Scorecard: Which Lenses Stress the Surface?
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
| Condition | Dry Eye Disease (DED) and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) in Keratoconus (KC) |
| Key Mechanisms | Association between contact lens modality and ocular surface health |
| Target Population | Individuals with keratoconus (KC) |
| Care Setting | Ophthalmology/Optometry clinics |
Key Highlights
- DED and MGD prevalence similar across contact lens modalities
- RGP lens wearers showed worse visual acuity and higher ocular aberrations
- Soft contact lenses associated with longer TBUT and less lid margin issues
- Regular ocular surface monitoring is crucial for RGP wearers
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Use Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and tear break-up time (TBUT) for DED diagnosis
- Define MGD as DED with >25% meibomian gland loss
Management
- Monitor ocular surface health regularly, especially in RGP wearers
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Assess visual acuity, aberrometry, tear break-up time, and meibomian gland function
Risks
- RGP lenses associated with greater meibomian gland loss and ocular surface staining
Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals with keratoconus, both contact lens wearers and non-wearers
Soft lenses may provide better ocular surface outcomes compared to RGP lenses
Clinical Best Practices
- Encourage regular follow-up for ocular surface assessment in KC patients
- Educate patients on the potential risks associated with different contact lens types
References