PROSE scleral lens: a novel aid for staged eyelid reconstruction

A 50-year-old man presented with a papillomatous tarsoconjunctival tumor involving the medial two-thirds of the left upper eyelid. Office biopsy revealed papillary squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). Rapid tumor growth with caruncular and forniceal conjunctival involvement continued, despite a trial of weekly interferon-α2b intralesional injection therapy. Surgical excision with clear margins resulted in a large upper eyelid defect. The suspicion for recurrence remained, given the aggressive nature of the tumor. A temporary prosthetic replacement of the ocular surface ecosystem (PROSE) scleral lens was fit for preservation of the ocular surface and visual function during a 1-month observation period. No evidence of recurrence was noted, and the eyelid defect was successfully reconstructed with a Cutler-Beard procedure. Local disease was controlled; unfortunately, metastatic disease was found in the ipsilateral parotid gland 1 year later. Aggressive surgical removal is recommended in interferon-α2b nonresponsive SCCA tumors. The PROSE scleral contact lens may serve as a useful adjunct for the maintenance of a healthy ocular surface and visual function during delayed eyelid defect repair.