What is it about?
PURPOSE: To determine the influence of the base curve on the movement, on the corneal surface mechanical alterations and on the subjective comfort of Senofilcon A contact lens for corneas having central curve radius flatter than 7.80 mm. METHODS: In this prospective, double-masked, contralateral, rando mized study, 40 eyes of 20 participants, with keratometric readings above 7.80 mm, were randomly fitted with Senofilcon A contact lenses: one having an 8.80 mm base curve in one eye and another one having 8.40 mm base curve in the other eye. Lens movement, corneal surface mechanical alterations and comfort were assessed in both eyes 15 days after contact lens fitting. RESULTS: At 15 days of contact lens fitting, no statistically signi ficant differences were found regarding lens movement between the lens with the 8.40 mm base curve and the lens with the 8.80 mm base curve. There were not statistically significant differences between groups neither in peripheral nor in central staining, and absence of clinical significance was found. There was a statistically significant difference on comfort rate between the lenses. The mean comfort score for the 8.80 mm base curve was 3.5±0.92, whereas for the 8.40 mm base curve it was 4.39±0.5 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In corneas with keratometry flatter than, 7.80 mm, 8.80 and 8.40 mm base curves, show acceptable fitting characteristics. Nevertheless, 8.40 mm base curve is more comfortable than 8.80 mm base curve. These results suggest that silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses may require steeper base curve selection criteria than the con ventional hydrogel soft lenses in order to improve the comfort.
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Why is it important?
This study is important because it addresses optimizing contact lens fitting for corneas with flatter curvature (radius > 7.80 mm) using Senofilcon A silicone hydrogel lenses. It shows that although lens movement and corneal surface effects are similar for two base curve options (8.40 mm vs. 8.80 mm), the steeper base curve (8.40 mm) provides significantly better subjective comfort. Understanding this helps eye care practitioners choose the appropriate base curve to enhance comfort without compromising corneal health, especially for silicone hydrogel lenses which may differ from conventional hydrogel lenses in fitting needs. This can improve wearer satisfaction and reduce contact lens dropout or complications linked to discomfort.
Perspectives
As an author, I consider that this article provides relevant value for clinical practice in contact lens fitting, especially when using silicone hydrogel lenses. The research shows that by adjusting the base curve more appropriately—choosing a steeper base curve (8.40 mm)—the user’s comfort is significantly improved without negatively affecting corneal health or lens movement. From my perspective, these results emphasize the need to review and adapt the traditional fitting criteria used for conventional hydrogel lenses when working with silicone hydrogel lenses. This has important practical implications for enhancing patient experience, reducing the risk of dropout due to discomfort, and optimizing long-term eye health. Moreover, the prospective, double-masked, contralateral design of the study adds robustness to the results, although expanding the sample size or follow-up time would be advisable to validate these findings in different populations or clinical conditions. In summary, I believe this study guides professionals toward a more personalized and effective fitting of next-generation contact lenses.
Octavio Corral Pazos de Provens
Universidad Internacional de La Rioja
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Base Curve Influence on the Fitting and Comfort of the Senofilcon A Contact Lens, Journal of Optometry, January 2009, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.3921/joptom.2009.90.
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