Rethinking Tear Exchange in Sclerals

Scleral lenses exhibit minimal tear exchange, especially compared to other contact lenses, such as soft and corneal rigid lenses.

By: Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS

Contact Lens Spectrum April 6, 2026

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Melissa Barnett

Specialties: Optometry; scleral lenses and ocular surface disease

Bio: Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, writes on contact lens and ocular surface topics for Contact Lens Spectrum. Her clinical writing focuses on the use of scleral lenses in conditions affecting corneal health, including limbal stem cell deficiency. In her 2024 Contact Lens Spectrum article, she discussed the role of limbal stem cells in maintaining the corneal epithelium, the consequences of limbal stem cell deficiency, and the use of scleral lenses to support ocular surface protection, visual stability, and management strategies for affected patients.

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Rethinking Tear Exchange in Sclerals

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