Post-cessation corneal topographic changes in refractive and non-refractive soft contact lens users

Maheen Faizan; Muhammad Shaheer; Muhammad Anwar Awan; Amarah Rasheed

doi:10.53685/jshmdc.v7i1.350

Authors

Maheen Faizan College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences/ King Edwared Medical University Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Shaheer Department of Ophthalmology, King Edward Medical University Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Anwar Awan College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences/ King Edwared Medical University Lahore, Pakistan
Amarah Rasheed King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53685/jshmdc.v7i1.350

Keywords:

Contact Lenses, Corneal Topography, Refractive Errors

Abstract

Background: The use of soft contact lenses (SCLs) can alter corneal thickness, curvature, and surface regularity. Understanding these effects is important for optimizing lens use and preventing long-term corneal complications.

Objective: To compare corneal topographic changes between refractive and non-refractive cosmetic soft contact lens users and to assess recovery after a two-week cessation period.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted after approval by the Ethical Review Board of the College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS), King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan, from 1st May, 2024 to 30th July, 2025 A total of 56 participants (28 refractive and 28 non-refractive SCL users), aged 18–35 years, who had used SCLs for at least 6 months (10 hours/week), were included in the study. Corneal topography was performed immediately after lens removal and two weeks after cessation of SCL use. Quantitative variables were summarized as mean ± SD. Paired and independent t-tests were performed using SPSS 25; p ≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Following a two-week cessation of soft contact lens wear, both refractive and non-refractive lens users demonstrated statistically significant increases in corneal thickness. In refractive users, the thinnest corneal thickness and central corneal thickness increased by 14.18 µm and 14.34 µm, respectively (both p<0.001). However, comparison of mean changes between refractive and non-refractive users revealed no statistically significant differences for any corneal parameter (all p>0.05).

Conclusion: Reversible changes in corneal topography are observed in refractive and non-refractive soft contact lens users. A two-week cessation period appears sufficient to allow corneal recovery.

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