The use of high modulus silicone hydrogel (SiHy) lens in the management of epithelial defects

Corneal dystrophies are relatively rare bilateral anomalies. Meesman dystrophy is typically asymptomatic with little effect on visual performance. This case highlights the use of a high modulus silicone hydrogel (SiHy) lens in the management of an atypical presentation of Meesman's dystrophy with associated visual impairment due to epithelial defects. The selection of a SiHy material provided increased oxygenation to re-establish corneal integrity. However, selecting the appropriate modulus was an additional factor to consider in this case since it had a direct effect on the visual outcome. The higher modulus SiHy lenses provided a better visual success for this patient than one with a lower modulus. Modulus consideration may prove to be an additional factor in the lens choice of SiHy in the management of epithelial defects.