Clinical Report: Is the End of Specialty CL Labs the New Norm?

Overview

This report discusses the critical role of specialty contact lens laboratories in providing advanced solutions for patients with keratoconus and other conditions requiring specialized lenses. A case study illustrates the successful fitting of scleral lenses, highlighting the importance of tailored vision correction options.

Background

Specialty contact lenses are essential for patients with irregular corneas and ocular surface diseases, as standard lenses often fail to provide adequate vision correction. Despite advancements in mainstream lens options, a significant number of patients still require customized solutions. Understanding the need for specialty lenses is crucial for practitioners to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the article.

Key Findings

• A 48-year-old female patient with keratoconus was successfully fitted with scleral lenses.
• Best-corrected visual acuity improved to 20/15 for both eyes with scleral lenses.
• Specialty lenses remain indispensable for patients with irregular corneas, as evidenced by a multicenter study showing significant visual gains.
• Practitioners must identify patients needing specialty lenses and provide appropriate referrals or solutions.
• Large lens manufacturers are expanding options for astigmatism and presbyopia, but complex cases still require specialty designs.

Clinical Implications

Practitioners should be aware of the importance of specialty lenses in managing conditions like keratoconus. Identifying patients who may benefit from these lenses and providing them with appropriate options is essential for improving visual outcomes.

Conclusion

Cite specific examples of how the decline of specialty labs could affect patient outcomes.

References

1. Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, David L. Kading, OD, FAAO, Contact Lens Spectrum, 2026 -- Is This the New Norm?: Is the End of Specialty CL Labs the New Norm?
2. Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, David L. Kading, OD, FAAO, Contact Lens Spectrum, 2014 -- Is This the New Norm?
3. Mile Brujic, OD, FAAO, David L. Kading, OD, FAAO, Contact Lens Spectrum, 2014 -- Is This the New Norm?
4. Contact Lenses 2025 | Contact Lens Spectrum, 2026 -- Contact Lenses 2025
5. Contact Lens Spectrum — Is This the New Norm?
6. Contact Lenses 2025 | Contact Lens Spectrum
7. Visual outcomes of scleral lenses in different stages and cone locations of keratoconus: A retrospective observational study - PubMed
8. https://www.escrs.org/channels/eurotimes-articles/the-second-global-consensus-on-keratoconus?utm_source=openai