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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
09:03
Trabecular Meshwork Response to Pressure Elevation in the Living Human Eye
Published on: June 20, 2015
Corneal and Intraocular Pressure Responses to Scleral Lens Wear: A Meta-Analysis
Clara Martinez-Perez1, María Carmen Sánchez-González2, José-María Sánchez-González3
1Applied Physics Department (Optometry Area), Facultade de Óptica e Optometría, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Summary
Scleral contact lens wear causes minor, reversible changes in corneal thickness and intraocular pressure. Modern high-oxygen lenses are generally safe for daily wear, but monitoring is advised for high-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Physiology
- Contact Lens Technology
Background:
- Scleral contact lenses offer therapeutic benefits for various ocular surface diseases.
- Understanding the physiological impact of scleral lens wear on the cornea and intraocular pressure is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effects of scleral contact lens wear on central corneal thickness, corneal swelling, and intraocular pressure.
- To identify factors influencing these physiological outcomes during and after scleral lens wear.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on scleral lens wear.
- Searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases without restrictions.
- Pooled mean differences and confidence intervals using random- or fixed-effects models; meta-regressions explored influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Scleral lens wear caused a small, significant increase in central corneal thickness while worn (7.93 µm), which was reversible upon removal.
- A small increase in corneal/stromal swelling (0.88%) was observed, with minimal and non-significant changes in intraocular pressure post-removal.
- Heterogeneity analysis indicated variability in swelling measurements (I²=83%) but not in corneal thickness (I²=0%).
Conclusions:
- Scleral contact lens wear induces minimal and largely reversible physiological changes in the cornea and intraocular pressure.
- Modern high-oxygen permeable scleral lenses appear safe for daytime wear.
- Selective monitoring is recommended for high-risk patients undergoing scleral lens therapy.
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