Anterior chamber changes after suspending contact lens wear in keratoconus

Purpose: This study reports on changes in anterior chamber (AC) parameters after suspending RGP (rigid gas-permeable) contact lens wear for one week in 16 patients with moderate to severe keratoconus. Possible alterations in corneal profile parameters were also explored. Method: The AC structural parameters and corneal profile were evaluated using Scheimpflug photography (Oculus Pentacam) performed at two visits seven days apart, after patients had removed their habitual RGP contact lenses. Results: Significant increases in the inferior and temporal AC angles (p < 0.001), AC depth (p = 0.00013), AC volume (p = 0.00011) and the central keratometric readings were found (p ? 0.02) after lens wear was suspended. Simultaneous reductions in corneal volume (p = 0.000004), central corneal thickness (p = 0.0001) and a negative shift in anterior surface corneal asphericity (p = 0.002) were also observed between the two visits. Conclusions: Suspending RGP contact lens wear results in alterations to the AC structural parameters and corneal profile in patients with keratoconus. These results may be of interest to practitioners involved in the management of keratoconic patients.