Scleral lenses in the management of different diseases (case studies)

Abstract

Scleral lenses are large-diameter rigid gas permeable lenses. They can range from 14 mm to over 20 mm in diameter. Scleral lenses functionally replace the irregular cornea with a perfectly smooth optical surface to correct vision problems caused by keratoconus and other corneal irregularities. Aim: of the study is to demonstrate the benefit of the scleral lenses in the management of different diseases (case studies), based on the results provided by the subjective & objective findings and corneal topography where was possible. Method: The authors present clinical cases of 7 patients, aged between 25-59 years old, who came to the Medical Center "Oculus Prim" with different complaints as: gradual decrease of the visual acuity (VA) or other eye problems. In some cases at the corneal topography were detected different complex deformation of the cornea. Within the center were chosen chosen the suitable scleral lenses. Result: Several types of corneal abnormality as keratoconus, pellucid corneal degeneration, severe astigmatism, condition after CrossLinking, corneal dystrophy were managed successfully with modern scleral lenses. The main indication was optical correction of an irregular corneal surface. Satisfactory clinical performance meant that all the patients could continue to wear their scleral lenses. Conclusion: Scleral contact lens represents a promising alternative in contact lens treatment for corneal problems considered to be difficult to fit with more traditional rigid lenses.