Hyper oxygen-permeable rigid contact lenses as an alternative for the treatment of pediatric aphakia

Purpose. To establish the safety and efficacy of a hyper oxygen-permeable rigid contact lens material, Menicon Z, for the fitting of aphakic infant eyes. Methods. A prospective study was performed on 16 eyes of 10 newly aphakic infants. Aphakic fittings were performed postoperatively with the Dyna Z intralimbal design of lenses, made exclusively from Menicon Z material for this study. Examinations were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, during which the lenses were used on a 1-week extended-wear basis. The following outcome measures were evaluated at each visit: Fit Characteristics, Ocular Integrity, Usability, and Contact Lens Integrity. Results. When used for the treatment of pediatric aphakia, the Menicon Z material provided excellent Fit Characteristics, was not damaging to the ocular structures, was relatively easy to manipulate for caregivers, and maintained its integrity well throughout the course of the study. Because there were no observable increases in the rate of microbial infection during the course of the study, the hyper oxygen-permeable nature of the Menicon Z material seems to provide adequate corneal oxygenation for aphakic children when used on a 1-week extended-wear basis. Conclusions. The Menicon Z contact lens material provides a safe and effective alternative for the treatment of infants and children requiring aphakic correction. This hyper oxygen-permeable material offers sufficient corneal oxygenation at the lens powers and thicknesses demanded by newly aphakic eyes combined with a low risk for associated complications.