Episodic astigmatism heralding generalized myopathy: report of a case managed with a new type of soft contact lens.

Abstract A 29-year-old woman presented with marked variations in refraction. A few minutes of physical exertion or reading at a close distance induced up to 2D of myopia and 2D of myopic astigmatism, which regressed upon resting with closed eyes. Cycloplegic agents did not affect the refractive changes, which were shown to be due to variations in corneal curvatures. The eyes were otherwise clinically normal. A few months later the patient developed signs of a progressive, generalized myopathy of unknown origin. The muscular disease was resistant to treatment. The refractive changes were effectively controlled by means of a new type of soft contact lens, with a semi-rigid center.