Clinical Report: Unconventional Uses of Scleral Lenses

Overview

Scleral lenses (SLs) offer diverse applications beyond vision correction, including therapeutic uses for ocular surface diseases. Their innovative designs can address various ocular challenges, enhancing patient outcomes and expanding treatment options.

Background

Scleral lenses have traditionally been used for vision correction; however, their potential extends into therapeutic applications for conditions such as keratoconus and severe dry eye. Understanding these unconventional uses is crucial for eyecare professionals to maximize patient care and explore alternative solutions when standard treatments are inadequate.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• Scleral lenses can be used for oblate designs to manage keratoconus and high myopia.
• Reverse geometry designs help reduce lens thickness and improve centration, enhancing visual quality.
• High-powered scleral lenses are more prone to decentration, which can negatively affect comfort and vision.
• Therapeutic applications of scleral lenses include drug delivery and low-vision rehabilitation.
• Recent studies support the use of scleral lenses in managing ocular surface diseases, including severe dry eye.

Clinical Implications

Practitioners should consider scleral lenses as a viable option for patients with complex ocular conditions, particularly when conventional management strategies are insufficient. Expanding knowledge of scleral lens applications can lead to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Conclusion

Scleral lenses represent a versatile tool in modern eyecare, with significant potential for therapeutic applications. Continued education and exploration of their uses will enhance clinical practice and patient care.

References

1. Deborah S. Jacobs, MD, MS, Corneal Physician, 2021 -- Therapeutic Applications of Scleral Lenses
2. Karen G. Carrasquillo, OD, PhD, FAAO, Contact Lens Spectrum, 2014 -- Scleral Lens Applications in Unique Populations
3. Roxanne Achong-Coan, OD, Contact Lens Spectrum, 2020 -- SCLERAL LENSES FOR REGULAR CORNEAS
4. Dry Eye Syndrome Preferred Practice Pattern®, 2024
5. Scientific Reports, 2026 -- Prospective pilot randomized controlled study of mini-scleral lenses versus rigid gas permeable lenses in irregular cornea with dry eye
6. BostonSight PROSE (Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem) and Scleral Contact Lenses - EyeWiki
7. Contact Lens Spectrum — Modern Scleral Contact Lens Fitting
8. Dry Eye Syndrome Preferred Practice Pattern®
9. Prospective pilot randomized controlled study of mini-scleral lenses versus rigid gas permeable lenses in irregular cornea with dry eye | Scientific Reports
10. BostonSight PROSE (Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem) and Scleral Contact Lenses - EyeWiki