Objective: To estimate the impact of rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (RGPCLs) on the vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) of keratoconic patients as assessed by the visual function quality of life questionnaire (VF-QOL). Methods: This prospective study recruited 70 keratoconus patients from the Eye Hospital,Wenzhou Medical University who were fitted with RGPCLs between July 2014 and October 2016. Before fitting each patient for RGPCLs, the best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and self-reported results using VF-QOL questionnaire were determined. After wearing the lenses for 1 month, the visual acuity of each patient was measured while wearing the contact lenses (RGPCLVA) and the VR-QOL was again assessed. BSCVA and RGPCLVA were compared, and the VR-QOL, assessed by self-care,
daily-activities, social function, and mental health, were compared by the Wilcoxon signed-ranked test. Results: The median BSCVA of the better eye of each patient before lens fitting was 4.8 (range, 4.0 to 5.0). After one month of lens wear, the RGPCLVA increased to 5.0 (range, 4.8 to 5.1). The median BSVCA of the worse eye of each patient before lens fitting was 4.5 (range, 4.0 to 4.9). After one month of lens wear, the RGPCLVA increased to 4.9 (range, 4.0 to 5.1). The differences in visual acuity before and after one month of RGPCLs wear in the better eyes and in the worse eyes were each significant (Z=5.92, 6.28, respectively, P<0.001 for each). The median of the 12 items in the visual function questionnaire befor fitting RGPCLs was 27 (range, 12 to 48). After one month of RGPCLs wear, the median decreased to 19
(range, 12 to 30). There was a significant difference in visual function from before and after wearing the RGPCLs (Z=6.64, P<0.001). VF-QOL included self-care, daily activities, social function, and mental health. The median scores for abilities were 4, 4, 4, and 5 respectively. After wearing RGPCLs for one month, the median scores were 4, 3, 2, and 4 respectively. The differences of score for each ability from before and after wearing RGPCLs were statistically significant (Z=3.74, 5.18, 5.20, 4.98, P<0.001 for each). Conclusions: RGPCLs not only contribute to increased visual acuity for keratoconic patients, but also improve vision-related quality of life.