Extended wear contact lenses in pediatric aphakia.

A 100% silicone polymer contact lens can be used successfully for extended wear in pediatric aphakia. Compared to a hydrogel extended wear contact lens, the silicone lens has several advantages. These include easier handling, a less traumatic fitting procedure for the child, fluorescein use for evaluation of the lens-cornea relationship and a lower loss rate. Bacterial and preservative contamination are minimized due to the lower water content. The silicone lens appears to be safe, having no permanent adverse effects on the cornea. It would be more advantageous if the lens could be obtained in higher plus powers; however, the available power (up to +32.00D) is appropriate in almost all cases.