Researchers in Valencia, Spain, assessed visual quality from corneo-scleral contact lenses (CScL) fitted for patients with keratoconus. Previously, the patients experienced unsatisfactory visual quality with their prior contact lenses and eyeglasses.

Published in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, the study monitored 27 eyes of 27 patients for one year. Eye examinations included visual acuity assessment, anterior eye biomicroscopy, ocular fundus examination, corneal topographic analysis, endothelial cell count, contrast sensitivity and aberrometry. The study also reported subjective visual quality and comfort, and contact lens wear time. 

The researchers found that the total higher-order aberrations decreased by about 55%, and the spatial frequencies of contrast sensitivity all improved to normal range values. They also reported high subjective visual quality and comfort ratings, as well as prolonged use. The researchers found no adverse ocular effects or clinically relevant changes in corneal parameters, visual quality, comfort or usage time after the one-year period.

The study concluded that corneo-scleral contact lenses could be a safe alternative option for patients with keratoconus.