Miniscleral Contact Lens in Pediatric Age Group: Indications, Safety, and Efficacy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Diseases
• Contact Lens Technology

Background:

• Pediatric eye care often presents unique challenges in achieving optimal visual acuity and comfort.
• Conventional spectacle correction and standard contact lenses may be insufficient for children with complex corneal irregularities or ocular surface diseases.
• Miniscleral design (MSD) lenses represent an advanced contact lens modality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the indications for fitting miniscleral design (MSD) lenses in pediatric patients.
• To assess the feasibility and safety of fitting MSD lenses in children.
• To determine the visual and comfort outcomes associated with MSD lens wear in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of medical records was conducted for pediatric patients (<18 years) fitted with MSD lenses.
• Data collected included indications for lens fitting, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and best-corrected vision with the lens (CCVA).
• Comfortable daily wearing time (CDWT) and lens parameters were also documented.

Main Results:

• Seventy-two eyes of 52 pediatric patients were fitted with MSD lenses over a 9-year period.
• Primary indications included keratoconus (29 eyes), corneal scarring (16 eyes), and ocular surface diseases (25 eyes).
• Significant improvements in visual acuity were observed (mean CCVA-BSCVA difference of 0.55 logMAR), even in patients with ocular surface diseases, with a mean CDWT of 10 hours/day.

Conclusions:

• Miniscleral design (MSD) lenses are a safe and effective option for improving vision in children.
• MSD lenses provide good visual acuity and comfort for pediatric patients with ectatic disorders, traumatic corneal scars, and ocular surface diseases.
• This modality offers a valuable solution for complex pediatric eye conditions where other treatments may be inadequate.