Posters

Keratoconus: a case of mistaken identity

Poster Details

First Author: S. Mahajan INDIA

Co Author(s):    A. Khanna   R. Om Parkash                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To report a case of corneal warpage secondary to hydrogel contact lens wear that was initially mistaken as a case of keratoconus.

Setting:

Dr Om Parkash Eye Institute, Amritsar, India

Methods:

A 24-year-old female hydrogel contact lens wearer since 6 years presented with an interest in refractive surgery. After routine eye evaluation, corneal topography was performed and an initial diagnosis of keratoconus for her left eye and suspect keratoconus for her right eye was made. The best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/40 in the left eye. Keratoconus management was delayed because of the presence of superficial punctate keratitis and a lack of previous topographic evaluation.

Results:

After 3 weeks of discontinued contact lens wear, corneal topography was performed again. The maps showed regular with-the-rule astigmatism, and none of the previous evidence of keratoconus. Central pachymetry reading were also normal. The patient regained a best corrected visual acuity of 20/20 in both eyes.

Conclusions:

Soft hydrogel contact lens wear can induce corneal warpage mimicking keratoconus. Serial topography is useful to monitor the cornea for resolution of the condition. Contact lens wearers presenting with corneal curvature irregularities such as keratoconus should be cautiously managed because of the possibility of contact lens-induced warpage.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE