Severe Epithelial Edema in Clearkone Synergeyes Contact Lens Wear for Keratoconus

Objective: The aim was to report three cases of severe bilateral epithelial edema (central corneal clouding [CCC]) in association with ClearKone SynergEyes hybrid contact lenses for the vision rehabilitation of keratoconus. Methods: Retrospective case series of six eyes of three patients that developed CCC with ClearKone SynergEyes hybrid contact lens wear shortly after beginning to wear those lenses. Results: Severe CCC was diagnosed on removal of the lenses. Despite attempts to modify the parameters of the lenses to reduce edema, two patients discontinued lens wear entirely, and one patient was able to wear lenses only on a limited basis. Conclusions: Different degrees of CCC have been reported with the use of polymethyl methacrylate lenses; however, the condition may also occur with the use of ClearKone SynergEyes lenses. Although the lenses may provide good subjective responses, careful observation of the corneal response after 5 hrs of wear is advised.