Statistics regarding keratoplasty rates for keratoconus typically are quoted to be somewhere between 10% and 25%, however, it seems that rates significantly vary between countries and ranges from 16% in Canada to 47% in Italy (Fasolo et al. 2006). One of the primary indications for performing keratoplasty for keratoconus is “contact lens intolerance”. It is a term that is commonly used in the eye care field and suggests to patients with the disease that they have come to the end of the road with contact lenses.

As you would think, that would be quite a frightening thing to hear as a patient. However, it is a very subjective term and often left to the opinion of the individual providing care for the patient. So we need to explore what actually does contact lens intolerance mean?

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