Rigid gas permeable contact lens correction of aphakia following congenital cataract removal during infancy.

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses were prescribed and worn with little difficulty by 10 consecutive aphakic infants. Fluoroperm 92 lenses were used instead of silicone lenses (Bausch & Lomb) because of their lower cost, ease in handling, flexibility in design, and better neutralization of astigmatism. Lenses were worn on a daily wear basis (with occasional overnight wear) to reduce the risk of keratitis. Keratometry readings were taken at the time of surgery with the patient in a supine position. Trial lens fitting was performed 1 to 7 days later using a Burton Lamp. None of the patients developed keratitis, corneal neovascularization, or the sucked-on-lens syndrome. The lenses were well tolerated and the parents soon became adept at handling them. We now use RGP lenses as our lens of choice when treating aphakic infants.