Clinical characteristics of patients in contact lens clinic, Siriraj Hospital.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics of patients attending the contact lens clinic at Siriraj Hospital. Methods: Retrospective chart indicates characteristics of new patients who attended the contact lens clinic at Siriraj Hospital from January 2008 to December 2009. Results: One hundred and thirty three eyes were collected from 85 patients (50 females and 35 males) with the mean age of 31.87 years 40 eyes were low refractive error, 23 eyes were high myopia, 22 eyes were high hyperopia, 18 eyes were high astigmatism, 18 eyes were high myopia and high astigmatism and 12 eyes were keratoconus. The mean pre-fitting visual acuity in all groups was 0.79LogMAR (range 0 to 2.6LogMAR). Soft sphere contact lenses were mostly prescribed in low refractive error patients while PMMA contact lenses were mostly prescribed in keratoconus patients. The mean final visual acuity with contact lenses in all groups was 0.2LogMAR (range 0 to 1LogMAR). No serious contact lens related complications were found in the follow up visit. Conclusion: Many types of contact lenses can be used in different indications. Contact lenses can improve visual acuity substantially in high hyperopia patients. To wear contact lenses is a less invasive option for moderate keratoconus patients to improve vision. Patient’s education for contact lens caring is important and should be emphasized to prevent irreversible contact lens related complications.