Ophthalmologic Disorders Chapter 102. Contact Lenses Refractive Surgery Contact Lenses Contact lenses often provide better visual acuity and peripheral vision than do eyeglasses and are prescribed to correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, anisometropia, aniseikonia, aphakia after cataract removal, and keratoconus. Either soft or rigid lenses may be prescribed. Presbyopia can also be corrected with contact lenses. Rigid and soft bifocal and multifocal contact lenses can also be successful but the fitting procedure is often time-consuming because precise alignment is essential.
Recovery usually is rapid, complete, and without vision impairment in most cases.
An ophthalmologist should be consulted before the lenses are worn again. The manufacturer's instructions for hygiene and handling of either type of lens must be strictly observed by the user. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acanthamoeba castellani infections of the cornea, sometimes associated with poor contact lens hygiene and overnight wear, require decisive and active management. Any contact lens-related corneal ulcer must be treated intensively. Neglected cases may respond poorly or not at all to treatment and could lead to blindness of the affected eye.