Objective:
To understand the influence of scleral lens (SL) wear on corneal thickness and curvature changes and their relation to visual performance in keratoconus patients, emphasizing the importance of visual performance.
Key Findings:
- In the KC-ICRS group, corneal thickness significantly increased, while the KC group showed no significant changes in thickness.
- Curvature changes included inferior steepening and superior flattening in the KC group, and generalized anterior flattening in the KC-ICRS group.
- Visual acuity remained stable across both groups despite corneal changes.
Interpretation:
Long-term SL wear leads to measurable corneal morphological changes without adversely affecting visual acuity, indicating SLs as a safe option for keratoconus management, with implications for clinical practice.
Limitations:
- The study focused on a specific duration and type of lens, which may not generalize to all keratoconus patients or lens types.
- The sample size was limited to 65 participants.
- The specific lens design may influence the results and should be considered.
Conclusion:
Individualized fitting and ongoing monitoring of corneal topography are essential for optimizing patient outcomes and satisfaction with scleral lenses, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches.
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