Visual rehabilitation with scleral lenses after open globe injury repair

To evaluate the visual outcomes with scleral lens (SL) wear in patients who have undergone surgical repair for open globe injuries (OGI).

The medical records of patients with a history of OGI at the Department of Ophthalmology, Marmara University School of Medicine, between 2017 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Eleven patients (8 male, 3 female) with corneal scar and/or irregular corneal astigmatism, and intolerance to corneal rigid lenses (CRLs) were included in the study. Demographics, type and extent of injury were assessed. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before SL trial and with SLs wear were measured.

The median age of the patients was 40.0 years (IQR, 24-42). The patients were followed up for a median duration of 22.0 months (IQR, 17-59) months. Central scarring was observed in 45.5% of cases, and paracentral scarring in 54.5% of cases. Aphakic correction was performed in one patient. The median BCVA improved from 0.50 (logMAR) to 0.10 (logMAR) after SL wear (p = 0.003).

The significant improvement in BCVA observed after SL wear indicates that SLs are an effective option for visual rehabilitation in patients with corneal scarring and irregular astigmatism following OGI repair.