Int Ophthalmol. 2026 Jun 12;46(1):263. doi: 10.1007/s10792-026-04104-9.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between visual acuity (VA) improvement and vision-related quality of life in patients with keratoconus using rigid gas-permeable (RGP) and scleral contact lenses (CLs).
METHODS: This observational study was designed as a cross-sectional study with retrospective collection of pre-contact lens clinical data. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and after CL use was recorded. Pre-contact lens BCVA values were obtained retrospectively from medical records, which may introduce potential documentation bias. After CL usage, vision-related quality of life and CL adaptation were assessed using a validated Turkish version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) and a study-specific questionnaire developed by the investigators to explore practical aspects of contact lens use such as handling, adaptation, comfort, and concerns related to long-term use. The correlations between BCVA improvement and questionnaire responses were analyzed statistically.
RESULTS: A total of 26 patients (mean age 39.7 ± 13.6 years) were included. Mean BCVA improved significantly from 0.21 ± 0.20 to 0.83 ± 0.16 with contact lenses (p = 0.001). The VA improvement showed significant positive correlations with perceived visual improvement (p = 0.032) and vision-related quality-of-life enhancement (p = 0.007). These associations should be interpreted cautiously given the relatively small sample size and exploratory nature of the correlation analyses. The patients continued to express concerns regarding the long-term use of CL, despite the observed improvement in VA.
CONCLUSION: The rigid contact lens use was associated with improvements in both visual acuity and vision-related quality of life in keratoconus. However, due to the limited sample size and cross-sectional design, the findings should be considered preliminary and interpreted as exploratory observations that may inform future prospective studies.
PMID:42283912 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-026-04104-9
