Corneal Sensitivity and Contact Lenses.

IT is a matter of experience that certain persons adjust well to contact lenses while others do not, despite perfect fitting. This adjustment is greatly facilitated if the sensitivity of the cornea is decreased, as it is after cataract extraction. One is therefore tempted to consider corneal sensitivity as a determining factor for the success of a fitting. Previous investigation of the subject has been mainly directed to examining the change in comeal sensitivity after wearing contact lenses (Cochet and Bonnet, 1960; BobergAns, 1955). In the past, prediction of contact lens tolerance seemed difficult as threshold measurements were not helpful. At that time no consideration was given to the factors of pressure, friction, and size of contact area. After investigation of these factors (Schirmer, 1963) and assessment of their effects upon corneal threshold and tolerance, it seemed interesting to apply these procedures on patients before their contact lens fitting. The results obtained were compared with the follow-up history of the individual patient.