Objective:
To summarize key insights and discussions from the 8th Annual International Forum for Scleral Lens Research (IFSLR) held in January 2025, emphasizing its role in advancing scleral lens research.
Key Findings:
- Most scleral lens research articles are case reports and reviews, with a gradual increase in research manuscripts, indicating a need for more robust studies.
- Challenges in patient recruitment and variability in fitting techniques hinder robust study designs, impacting the quality of research outcomes.
- Scleral lenses may provide benefits for dry eye disease patients, but more evidence is needed to support their earlier use, particularly in diverse populations.
- Scleral lenses continue to settle over time, affecting ocular surface tissue and potentially intraocular pressure, necessitating further investigation.
Interpretation:
The forum highlighted the need for improved study designs, multidisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practices in scleral lens research to enhance clinical outcomes, with specific examples of successful collaborations.
Limitations:
- Lack of standardized outcome measures in scleral lens studies, which complicates comparisons across research.
- Insufficient evidence-based peer-reviewed reports on scleral lens use in dry eye disease management, limiting clinical application.
Conclusion:
The IFSLR 2025 emphasized the importance of rigorous research methodologies and the potential of scleral lenses in various ocular conditions, while calling for further investigation and collaboration in the field to address existing gaps.
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