corneal thickness changes after soft contact lens removal

purpose: to evaluate corneal thickness changes after soft contact lens (scl) removal in lasik candidates. methods: fifty lasik candidates (100 eyes) with history of daily wear scl for at least 6 months were enrolled in this descriptive study. central corneal thickness was measured by ultrasonic pachymetry immediately after lens removal and then repeated daily at the same time, until the thickness became stable. results: subjects were aged between 18 to 40 years (mean, 28.5 years). central corneal thickness immediately after lens removal was 557.4±32 µm and reached 521.8±25 µm when corneal edema completely resolved. after discontinuation of scl wear, corneal edema required 2-15 days to resolve. corneal thickness stabilized in 74% within the 1st week, in 24% during the 2nd week, and in 2% during the 3rd week. older patients and more severe primary corneal edema needed longer time to recover. there was no significant correlation between sex and rate of corneal deswelling. conclusion: it is important to discontinue scl wear at least 15 days before refractive surgery for corneal thickness stabilization to achieve an accurate pachymetry.