Application of soft contact lenses for children with congenital nystagmus

ABSTRACT

The use of contact lenses has been reported to result in increased visual acuity and reduced nystagmus in subjects with congenital nystagmus. The authors investigated the effect of the wearing of soft contact lenses in five children with congenital nystagmus (four cases of jerky type, one of pendular type) ranging in age from six to 11 years to see whether similar results could be achieved. Three of the five cases showed a reduction of the amplitude of the nystagmus and a remarkable inhibitory effect, about 0 degree fixation, was noticed. From these results the authors concluded that there exists some relation between corneal tactile sensation and the reduction of nystagmus, and that the soft contact lenses are suitable for the first trial as well as actual clinical use.

Key words:

• congenital nystagmus
• soft contact lenses
• corneal tactile sensation
• electrooculography