Intracorneal Hemorrhage Associated With Scleral Lens Wear

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Disease
• Ocular Surface Disease

Background:

• Scleral lenses (SLs) improve vision and protect the ocular surface in patients with corneal irregularities.
• SL wear can cause anterior ocular pathology due to metabolic or mechanical stress.
• Complications like microbial keratitis and hypoxia are common, but mechanical interactions are less documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare complication of scleral lens wear.
• To describe intracorneal hemorrhage caused by mechanical stress from scleral lenses.
• To highlight the importance of considering mechanical interactions in scleral lens complications.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with keratoconjunctivitis and keratoconus.
• Observation of complication development within 4 hours of scleral lens application and removal training.
• Review of literature on scleral lens-related complications.

Main Results:

• The patient developed intracorneal hemorrhage on the first day of scleral lens wear.
• The complication occurred shortly after training, suggesting a link to mechanical forces.
• This contrasts with more commonly reported complications like microbial keratitis or hypoxia.

Conclusions:

• Intracorneal hemorrhage is a potential, albeit rare, complication of scleral lens wear.
• Mechanical forces, including suction, can cause significant ocular pathology.
• Further research is needed to understand and mitigate risks associated with scleral lens mechanical interactions.