Current indications for scleral contact lenses

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Contact Lens Science

Background:

• Corneal contact lenses have largely replaced scleral contact lenses.
• Scleral lenses are a treatment of choice for specific patient groups who have failed other interventions or are unsuitable for surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey successful long-term scleral contact lens wearers.
• To review the indications for scleral lens use in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted.
• 44 successful long-term scleral contact lens wearers at Moorfields Eye Hospital were included.
• Indications for lens wear were reviewed.

Main Results:

• 21 patients wore scleral lenses for visual acuity improvement.
• 20 patients used them for therapeutic indications, particularly ocular surface disorders like Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
• 3 patients used them for cosmetic reasons.
• Scleral lenses were highly effective for visual rehabilitation in patients with irregular corneal topography.
• All patients benefited, with no serious complications reported.

Conclusions:

• Scleral contact lenses are beneficial for specific patient populations.
• They are particularly useful for ocular surface disorders and visual rehabilitation with irregular corneas.
• Access to scleral lenses should be available in all ophthalmic departments.