Contact lenses after LASIK.

BACKGROUND: The corneal shape is significantly altered after LASIK, necessitating new contact lens designs and fitting techniques for optimal postoperative contact lens performance.

METHODS: Procedures for fitting soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses are described on the basis of the authors' experience. Topographic map options are explored to assess the best curvature and contour data to assist in RGP lens fitting.

RESULTS: Standard soft and rigid lenses are often used with success after LASIK. When fitting standard and reverse geometry RGP lenses, axial topographic maps provide the best curvature values to assist in the fitting of RGP lenses.

CONCLUSIONS: Although patients may be apprehensive to pursue contact lens fitting after elective LASIK refractive surgery, new fitting techniques should turn a potentially difficult fitting into a teachable science.