Contact lenses are available for many different patient situations, from relatively straightforward myopic and hyperopic refractive error correction to presbyopia to medically indicated situations such as irregular astigmatism due to disease or injury, or post-surgery. Technological advancements continue to revolutionize the ways in which we address these challenges, in particular those that necessitate specialty contact lens consideration. 

From astigmatism and irregular corneas to myopia progression and ocular surface disease, each require innovative solutions to solve the patient’s particular problems. This supplement delves into the histories of 12 patients whose lives were strongly impacted by the application of specialized contact lenses—scleral, custom soft, hybrids, and orthokeratology (ortho-K).

Within these pages is a compilation of these real-world case reports that show the potential of today’s contact lens technology combined with eyecare practitioner intuition, experience, and expertise. Each case sheds light on diagnosing and addressing unique visual and ocular conditions, while highlighting the pivotal role of how all eyecare practitioners aid in shaping these success stories.

This series will demonstrate the use of scleral lenses where they provide exceptional comfort and visual clarity, allowing patients to regain a quality of life previously unattainable.

Additionally, these case series explores the use of specialty soft lenses, where customization improves vision and wearability of the lens. 

Finally, there is ortho-k, reshaping the cornea overnight, allowing for clear daytime vision without the need for corrective eyewear. Presented will be an example of the potential role large diameter corneal-scleral lenses may play.

In this 3rd edition of Contact Lens Spectrum Case Reports series, 12 outstanding contact lens clinicians have described strategies to achieve successful patient outcomes.

In more detail, here are the types of cases included in these pages:

• An 18.00mm custom soft lens used to treat filamentary keratitis in a patient with graft versus host disease
  
  
• Trans-limbal ortho-K to prevent ptosis induced astigmatism
  
  
• The importance of scleral lens fitting expertise
  
  
• It is never too late to fit a scleral lens – the experience of an 81-year-old
  
  
• Overcoming poor scleral lens alignment with the addition of a bi-elevation lens design
  
  
• Tailored scleral lens design for an advanced glaucoma patient
  
  
• Bringing back contact lenses with breathability
  
  
• Fitting multifocal scleral lenses for a patient with unilateral central corneal scar
  
  
• Contact lenses after intracorneal ring segments
  
  
• Straightforward management of a complex ocular presentation with scleral lenses
  
  
• Overcoming patient misconceptions of scleral lenses
  
  
• Scleral lenses to the rescue for chronic, recalcitrant keratitis

I want to thank each of the authors who have shared their interesting cases. I hope you, our readers, enjoy this 3rd edition of Contact Lens Spectrum Case Reports. 

Best regards,

Craig

Craig W. Norman is an adjunct faculty member at the Michigan College of Optometry’s Vision Research Institute and co-curator of the Contact Lens Museum. He has received speaking honoraria or consulting fees from ABB Optical Group, Contamac, Euclid Systems, GPLI, Lentechs, Oculus USA, and Valley Contax.

NEW THIS YEAR! Watch the authors talk about their case by accessing our digital
publication at Scleral and Specialty Contact Lens Case Reports