Post-Penetrating Keratoplasty Assessment of Endothelial Function With a Scleral Lens Challenge.

ABSTRACT: Patients who have undergone penetrating keratoplasty may have corneal edema because of endothelial cell dysfunction. Scleral lens wear may exacerbate edema, particularly if lens fit is suboptimal. Distinguishing between edema because of inherent endothelial cell dysfunction and swelling because of scleral lens-related hypoxia can be challenging. It is necessary, however, to identify the most likely cause of increased corneal thickness to determine whether the patient simply needs refitting for a different lens design or needs additional surgical intervention. This case report describes the utility of corneal tomographic imaging before and after scleral lens wear both to estimate endothelial cell function and to direct decisions when designing a scleral lens for a post-transplant eye.

Patient-Reported Dry Eye Treatment and Burden of Care.

OBJECTIVES: Dry eye is a common condition that can decrease the quality of life. This survey-based study of persons with dry eye investigated self-reported treatments (initial, current), out-of-pocket expenses, time spent on self-management, sources of care, and sources of information about their condition. METHODS: Online dry eye newsletters and support groups were emailed a link to an electronic survey asking members to participate. Survey respondents were not required to answer every question. RESULTS: In total, 639 persons with self-reported dry eye responded (86% women, 14% men [n=623]; mean ± SD age, 55 ± 14 years [n=595]). Artificial tears were the most reported intervention (76% initially, 71% currently). The median (interquartile range) out-of-pocket treatment cost annually was $500 ($200-$1,320 [n=506]). In addition, 55% (n=544) estimated 5 to 20 min daily on self-management; 22% spent an hour or more. Ophthalmologists provided most dry eye care (67%, n=520). Only 48% (n=524) reported that their primary source of dry eye information came from their eye care clinician. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial tears are the primary treatment for dry eye. Ophthalmologists provide most dry eye care, but half of patients report that their eye care provider is not their primary source of information. Almost one fourth of patients spend an hour or more daily on treatments.

Process and Outcomes of Fitting Corneoscleral Profilometry-Driven Scleral Lenses for Patients With Ocular Surface Disease.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of obtaining cornea scleral profile (CSP) measurements using Scheimpflug imaging and report on the fitting process of free-form custom scleral lenses (SLs) for patients with ocular surface disease (OSD). METHODS: This prospective study of patients fit with free-form SLs collected data on the following: demographics, indications for wear, corneal and scleral tomography, scan acquisition process, and SL fitting process. RESULTS: Cornea scleral profile scans were acquired on 15 eyes of nine patients. Mean scan time for right eyes was 10.7, and 9.7 min for left eyes. A mean of 2.9 follow-up visits were required to complete SL fitting, with a mean of 2.1 lenses ordered. One eye did not tolerate lens wear, and one eye could not be fit using the CSP scan because of insufficient data. The initial lens ordered was dispensed at the first follow-up visit for seven of the remaining 13 eyes, all of which were ultimately fit successfully in free-form lenses. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of profilometry-guided SL fitting for eyes with OSD and low magnitude corneal astigmatism, the number of lenses and follow-up visits required were similar to outcomes of previous studies that described the diagnostic approach to SL fitting. In addition, imaging technology does not negate the need for skilled clinical observation while fitting SLs.

Ten-Year Changes in Vision, Refractive Error, and Corneal Thickness After Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty for Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to determine changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, and central corneal thickness (CCT) during the first decade after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). METHODS: Outcomes of all consecutive eyes undergoing DSAEK for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) were reviewed; eyes with untreatable comorbidities before DSAEK were excluded. DSAEK was performed through a temporal incision and all eyes were pseudophakic postoperatively. Changes in BCVA, manifest spherical equivalent, manifest cylinder (vector analysis), and CCT were assessed by using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: BCVA improved between 6 months (0.18 ± 0.12 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR); Snellen equivalent, 20/30) and 5 years (0.10 ± 0.10 logMAR; 20/25; n = 74, P < 0.001) and then remained stable at 10 years (0.09 ± 0.10 logMAR, n = 48, P = 0.22). There was a myopic shift of -0.20 ± 0.51 D between 6 months and 5 years (n = 65, P = 0.002) that remained stable at 10 years (-0.09 ± 0.44 D; 20/25; n = 34, P = 0.33). Manifest cylinder drifted with-the-rule between 6 months and 5 years (n = 65, P < 0.001) and between 5 and 10 years (n = 34, P < 0.001). CCT was stable between 6 months (672 ± 57 µm) and 5 years (677 ± 55 µm, n = 67, P = 0.47), but increased at 10 years (702 ± 60 µm, n = 39, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Excellent BCVA can be achieved during the first decade after DSAEK for FECD, although improvement seems to plateau after 5 years. Changes in manifest refractive error were not clinically significant. The gradual increase in CCT was consistent with longer-term changes found after other types of keratoplasty.

Patient Experiences With Therapeutic Contact Lenses and Dry Eye Disease.

OBJECTIVES: To report patient-reported experiences with dry eye disease and therapeutic contact lenses. METHODS: A survey was distributed to patients with dry eye disease. Demographics, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), systemic disease, contact lens history, and burden of care information were collected. Descriptive statistics are presented and categorized by nonlens, soft lens, and scleral lens (SL) wearers. RESULTS: Of 639 respondents, 15% (94/639) were currently using therapeutic soft or SLs (47 soft and 69 SL). Mid-day fogging or clouding of vision was reported by SL (75%, 50/67) and soft lens (62%, 29/47) wearers. Seventy-two percent of SL wearers spent more than 20 min daily on dry eye treatment while 43% of soft lens wearers spent more than 20 min. Median annual expenditure was higher for SL ($1,500, n=63) than nonlens ($500, n=371) or soft lens wearers ($700, n=43). Mean OSDI scores in all groups were in the severe category (51±22 years, n=401 nonlens wearers; mean age; 45±22 years, n=47 soft lens wearers; 60±24 years, n=69 SL wearers). CONCLUSIONS: Mid-day fogging and blurring of vision was reported by most of the individuals using therapeutic lenses for dry eye disease. SL wearers allocate the most resources for dry eye care.

Survey-Based Estimation of Corneal Complications Associated with Scleral Lens Wear.

ABSTRACT: The benefits of scleral lens (SL) wear have been described in cross-sectional and retrospective studies; however, the frequency of complications associated with SL wear has not, to the best of our knowledge, been determined. From a survey of SL practitioners, we estimated the period prevalence over 1 year of corneal complications that required SL wearers to discontinue lens wear. In a sample of 72,605 wearers, SL wear was discontinued for the following complications: corneal edema, 1.2%; corneal neovascularization, 0.53%; microbial keratitis, 0.45%; and limbal stem cell deficiency, 0.20%. This study design allowed for calculation of period prevalence of these complications rather than complication incidence rates. Information presented in this report may be useful in clinical decision-making and for future study design.

Current Trends in Scleral Lens Prescription, Management, and Evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: To report current trends in scleral contact lens prescription and management, including lens designs prescribed, care products recommended, and procedures performed during routine scleral lens (SL) evaluation. METHODS: An online survey was designed by the Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice Evaluation study team and administered to eye care practitioners attending a specialty contact lens meeting. The survey was available from November 8, 2019, through March 31, 2020. Participants' demographic data were collected, along with information on lens diameters, landing zone (LZ) designs, recommended care products, and components of routine SL evaluation. RESULTS: In total, 715 participants responded to at least one of the survey items of interest. Most lenses prescribed (63%) were 16 mm or more in diameter. Lenses with toric LZs were the most frequently prescribed (48%), followed by spherical (40%), quadrant-specific (8%), and impression-based or image-based designs (3%). Most participants (61%) recommended hydrogen peroxide products for lens care. Nonpreserved saline in a single-use vial was most frequently recommended to fill the bowl of the lens before application. Intraocular pressure was measured during SL evaluation by 45% of participants; 38% of participants routinely measured corneal thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Practitioners increasingly are prescribing SLs with advanced LZ designs. Most practitioners recommend hydrogen peroxide-based disinfection systems and single-use vials of nonpreserved saline for lens care and application. Because differences in components of routine SL evaluations were reported, clinicians may benefit from reaching a consensus on essential components of SL evaluation.

Scleral lens prescription and management practices: Emerging consensus.

PURPOSE: To describe international scleral lens prescription and management practices across multiple practice types. METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, scleral lens practitioners were asked to complete an electronic survey that requested information about a single scleral lens patient. Data collected included practitioner demographics (practice type, country, years of experience) and patient indications for scleral lens wear, fitting process, lens design, and care products. RESULTS: Data were collected for 259 patients (419 eyes). Most participants (60%) practiced in the US, 75% worked primarily in community practice, and 58% claimed more than 5 years' experience fitting scleral lenses. Indications for scleral lens wear were corneal irregularity (87%), ocular surface disease (9%), and uncomplicated refractive error (4%). During the fitting process, the mean (SD) number of lenses ordered was 2.4 (1.6) (range, 1-16 lenses) during 3.8 (2.4) visits (range, 1-18 visits). Of patients, 62% used a daily surfactant cleaner, 47% used hydrogen peroxide disinfection, and 67% used single-use vials of nonpreserved saline. Mean lens diameter was 16.2 (1.1) mm (range, 11.8-23.0 mm). The landing zones were spherical (64%), toric (26%), quadrant-specific (7%), and custom (3%) designs. Optical power was spherical in 70%, toric in 27%, and higher-order aberration correcting in 3% of lenses. Only 5 lenses had multifocal optics. CONCLUSIONS: General consensus regarding prescribing patterns (lens design, wearing schedules, care products) between US vs non-US, community vs academic, and new vs established providers is reported in this study. Relatively low percentages of patients wearing lenses with advanced landing zones or optical designs suggest that these new options have not been widely adopted.

Trends in Scleral Lens Fitting Practices: 2020 Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice Evaluation Survey.

OBJECTIVES: To explore trends in demographic characteristics of scleral lens (SL) practitioners and primary indications for SL fitting over 5 years. METHODS: An online survey similar to the 2015 Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice Evaluation (SCOPE) study was designed and administered from November 8, 2019, through March 31, 2020, to attendees at two international contact lens meetings, members of the Scleral Lens Education Society, and participants in the 2015 SCOPE study. Practitioners reporting at least five completed SL fits were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Of 922 respondents, 777 had fit at least five SLs: 63% from the United States (59 other countries were represented), findings similar to the 2015 survey, in which 799 respondents (72%) were US-based and 49 from other countries. Most practitioners were in community practice (76%) than academic practice (24%). In 2015, 64% were in community practice and 36% in academic practice. A median of 84% of SLs were fit for corneal irregularity, 10% for ocular surface disease, and 2% for uncomplicated refractive error. In comparison, the 2015 indications were 74%, 16%, and 10%, respectively. The median number of fits completed per practitioner was 100 (range, 5-10,000; mean [SD] 284 [717]; n=752). In 2015, the median was 36 (range, 5-3,600; mean [SD] 125 [299]; n=678). CONCLUSIONS: The number of experienced SL practitioners is increasing, as is international representation. Most practitioners practice in community rather than academic settings. SLs continue to be primarily prescribed for corneal irregularity and are rarely used solely for correction of refractive error.

Tear Exchange, Intraocular Pressure, and Wear Characteristics of Quadrant-specific Versus Spherical Haptic Scleral Lenses.

OBJECTIVES: To compare scleral lenses (SLs) with a quadrant-specific (study lens) or a spherical (habitual lens) landing zone in a crossover study. METHODS: Seven participants (eight eyes) wore each of two lenses for 2 weeks before measurements. We measured visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, intraocular pressure (IOP), fluid reservoir clearance, corneal thickness, tear exchange, and lens experience. Variables were compared between lenses and before and after 2 hr of wear. RESULTS: The visual acuity was not different between the study lens, 0.12 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), and habitual lens, 0.18 logMAR (median, P = 1.0). Contrast sensitivity was 1.3% under the study lens and 1.6% under the habitual lens ( P = 0.94). IOP did not change after 2 hr of wear for either lens (study lens, P = 0.33 and habitual lens, P = 0.74), and corneal thickness did not change during wear of either lens ( P = 0.44). The fluorescein concentration under the study lens did not change after 2 hr (99% of initial concentration; P = 0.84) but decreased to 46% of initial concentration under the habitual lens ( P = 0.008). Lens comfort was slightly better with the study lens (5.0 vs. 4.0, respectively; P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SLs with spherical or quadrant-specific landing zones provide good vision and do not affect IOP or corneal thickness. However, tear exchange is greater under spherical lenses than under quadrant-specific lenses. The quadrant-specific lens provides greater patient comfort.

Microbial Keratitis Associated With Penetrating Keratoplasty and Scleral Lens Wear: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: To report on microbial keratitis (MK) in three scleral lens (SL) wearers who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). METHODS: This retrospective case series describes 3 cases of MK in patients who wore SLs after PKP. RESULTS: All three patients wore SLs for visual rehabilitation for corneal irregularity induced by PKP; all three also had concurrent ocular surface disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca and corneal exposure). Cultures identified the causative organism in two patients, and septated hyphae suggestive of fungal infection were identified in tissue removed during therapeutic PKP in the third patient. All three patients were receiving either topical or systemic immunosuppressive therapy before the infection developed. CONCLUSIONS: Scleral lenses are often used to manage complex ocular disease, which can make it difficult to determine the precise cause of complications that arise after wearing the lenses. Multiple factors, including SL wear, may have contributed to the initial development of MK in the three patients in this case series. Patients who wear SLs after PKP should be monitored closely.

Monoallelic IFT140 pathogenic variants are an important cause of the autosomal dominant polycystic kidney-spectrum phenotype.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), characterized by progressive cyst formation/expansion, results in enlarged kidneys and often end stage kidney disease. ADPKD is genetically heterogeneous; PKD1 and PKD2 are the common loci (∼78% and ∼15% of families) and GANAB, DNAJB11, and ALG9 are minor genes. PKD is a ciliary-associated disease, a ciliopathy, and many syndromic ciliopathies have a PKD phenotype. In a multi-cohort/-site collaboration, we screened ADPKD-diagnosed families that were naive to genetic testing (n = 834) or for whom no PKD1 and PKD2 pathogenic variants had been identified (n = 381) with a PKD targeted next-generation sequencing panel (tNGS; n = 1,186) or whole-exome sequencing (WES; n = 29). We identified monoallelic IFT140 loss-of-function (LoF) variants in 12 multiplex families and 26 singletons (1.9% of naive families). IFT140 is a core component of the intraflagellar transport-complex A, responsible for retrograde ciliary trafficking and ciliary entry of membrane proteins; bi-allelic IFT140 variants cause the syndromic ciliopathy, short-rib thoracic dysplasia (SRTD9). The distinctive monoallelic phenotype is mild PKD with large cysts, limited kidney insufficiency, and few liver cysts. Analyses of the cystic kidney disease probands of Genomics England 100K showed that 2.1% had IFT140 LoF variants. Analysis of the UK Biobank cystic kidney disease group showed probands with IFT140 LoF variants as the third most common group, after PKD1 and PKD2. The proximity of IFT140 to PKD1 (∼0.5 Mb) in 16p13.3 can cause diagnostic confusion, and PKD1 variants could modify the IFT140 phenotype. Importantly, our studies link a ciliary structural protein to the ADPKD spectrum.

Quadrant-Specific Changes in Corneal and Tear Fluid Reservoir Thickness for After 2 Hours of Wear.

OBJECTIVE: To measure corneal swelling and thickness of the tear fluid reservoir (TFR) after wearing scleral lenses (SLs). METHODS: Thirty-five participants had 1 eye fitted with each of three SLs (15.0-mm Jupiter, 18.2-mm Jupiter, and 18.0-mm Digiform). Scheimpflug images were obtained before wear, after application, after 2 hr of wear, and after removal. Initial and final TFR thickness and corneal thickness were measured in the central cornea and 3 mm from the center in the superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal quadrants. RESULTS: Corneal thickness increased with wear, but no between-lens differences were observed in the superior (P=0.09), inferior (P=0.38), or temporal (P=0.53) quadrants. The greatest change in central and nasal cornea thickness was with the 15.0-mm SL (P<0.001). All areas showed settling, with no between-lens differences. Greater final TFR thickness was noted for the superior and nasal quadrants with the 18.0-mm SL (P<0.001), and less final TFR thickness was noted in the inferior (P<0.001) and temporal (P<0.001) quadrants with the 15.0-mm SL. Corneal thickness was not associated with the final TFR thickness. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest corneal swelling was observed in the inferior quadrant with the 15.0-mm SL, although this lens had the least TFR thickness inferiorly. TFR thickness alone did not account for observed corneal swelling.

Current U.S. based optometric scleral lens curricula and fitting recommendations: SCOPE educators survey.

OBJECTIVES: To describe current components of scleral lens curricula at U.S. based optometry colleges and universities. METHODS: Contact lens educators were surveyed between June 2019 and August 2019 regarding their optometric scleral lens curriculum. Respondents were asked to describe their experience and involvement in optometric scleral lens education as well as to describe components of scleral lens curricula. Educators were also asked to identify sources of information upon which they rely on in order to stay informed about new developments and best practices in scleral lens prescription and management. RESULTS: Most programs begin scleral lens education during the 3rd year of optometric education (71.2 %; n = 52). Students complete an estimated 18.0 ± 18.1 (range 2-100) scleral lens evaluations during training (n = 36). Ideal fitting characteristics taught include central corneal clearance of 206.3 ± 44 microns (range 150-350, n = 40), limbal clearance of 62.1 ± 23.6 microns (range 20-100, n = 36) with one clock hour or less of conjunctival vascular compression (n = 41). Educators ranked in-person continuing education (61 %, 22/36) followed by contact lens laboratory consults (22 %, 8/36) as the two most important sources of information on best practices in scleral lens prescription and management. CONCLUSIONS: Educators are uniquely positioned to guide the next generation of eyecare providers by incorporating and disseminating new research findings into their scleral lens curricula.

Multicenter review of impression-based scleral devices.

OBJECTIVE: To describe outcomes using impression based-scleral devices for the management of anterior segment disease. METHODS: Retrospective chart review identified all patients who were fitted with impression-based scleral devices between January 1, 2013 and June 30, 2019 at three specialty contact lens practices. Patient demographic data, indication for device use, visual and physiological outcomes, as well as details of the fitting process and survival of device use were determined. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (70 eyes) were included in the study. Primary indications for device use included corneal irregularity (28 patients, 44 eyes) and ocular surface disease (16 patients, 26 eyes). Fifty-four percent of patients had more than one ocular surface condition, and 39 % of patients had undergone at least one anterior segment surgical procedure. Twenty-nine patients had unsuccessfully attempted to wear standard scleral lenses prior to being fit with impression-based devices. Visual acuity improved significantly with impression-based devices compared to habitual correction (p < 0.001). Completion of the fitting process (including visit to acquire the impression and post-fitting assessments) required an average of 4 [1.5] visits.Ideal haptic alignment was achieved with 74 % and complete limbal clearance was achieved in 83 % of fits. Device use was discontinued due to complications in two eyes. CONCLUSION: Patients with complex eye disease who are unable to successfully wear standard scleral lenses successfully may achieve visual and therapeutic success with impression-based devices.

Comparison of Pneumatonometry and Transpalpebral Tonometry Measurements of Intraocular Pressure during Scleral Lens Wear.

SIGNIFICANCE: As scleral lens wear becomes more common, understanding the impact of these lenses upon ocular physiology is critically important. Studies on the effect of scleral lens wear upon intraocular pressure (IOP) have used different instruments and have reported conflicting results. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare assessment of IOP during scleral lens wear using pneumatonometry and transpalpebral tonometry. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects wore a small-diameter (15.2 mm) and a large-diameter (18.0 mm) scleral lens on the right eye, each for 1 hour in randomized order. IOP was assessed with pneumatonometry and transpalpebral tonometry on both eyes before lens application, immediately after lens application, after 1 hour of lens wear, and immediately after lens removal. Paired t test compared mean IOP in the study eye to the control eye. Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed to take instrumentation, lens diameter, and their interaction into account in an analysis of the change in IOP in the study eye. RESULTS: Mean peripheral IOP measured with pneumatonometry was not significantly different from baseline at any subsequent measurement. Measurements with transpalpebral tonometry, however, were significantly different during scleral lens wear immediately after application and after 1 hour of wear with both diameter lenses (P < .005), but were not significantly different after either sized lens was removed. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that the instrument used to measure IOP was a significant factor in IOP changes found during lens wear (P ≤ .001). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of IOP during scleral lens wear varies based upon the instrument that is used. Although further studies are clearly needed to further elucidate this issue, clinicians should continue to monitor optic nerve structure and function in scleral lens wearers, as they do in all patients.

Factors associated with patient-reported midday fogging in established scleral lens wearers.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of patient-reported midday fogging and to identify risk factors for midday fogging. METHOD: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted with an electronic survey that was distributed to scleral lens practitioners. The survey asked them to describe their most recently examined established scleral lens patient. Respondents provided data about patient-reported midday fogging, patient demographic characteristics, indication for lens wear, lens-wearing schedule, lens design, and care products. RESULTS: Of the 248 survey respondents who indicated whether their patients had midday fogging, 64 (25.8 %) had patients who self-reported such issues. Midday fogging was not associated with demographic characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity), indications for scleral lens wear, mean lens diameter (P = .30), haptic design (P = .29), use of a daily cleaner (P = .12), disinfection/storage solution used (P = .71), or filling solution (P = .65). Patients who reported midday fogging more commonly reported redness or irritation associated with scleral lens wear compared with those who did not experience midday fogging (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of midday fogging in this study was similar to previously reported rates. No specific lens design or care product was associated with patient-reported midday fogging. If inflammatory mediators are elevated in the postlens fluid reservoir of patients with midday fogging, as previously described, the redness or irritation associated with scleral lens wear suggests that ocular surface inflammation may be contributing to this phenomenon.

Changes in Optical Density of Postlens Fluid Reservoir During 2 Hours of Scleral Lens Wear.

OBJECTIVES: Debris accumulation in the postlens fluid reservoir during scleral lens wear is clinically observed. We evaluated a method to quantify increases in turbidity of the postlens fluid reservoir by assessing changes in optical density of the fluid over time and compared these changes during 2 hr of scleral lens wear using three different lens designs. METHODS: Thirty-five patients (age, mean [SD], 29 [7] years) with no history of eye disease were enrolled in the study. Participants were fit with a 15.0-, 18.0-, and 18.2-mm scleral lens on one randomly selected eye during the enrollment examination. During each of three subsequent visits, one of three lenses selected during enrollment was placed on the eye. Scheimpflug images were acquired within 5 min of lens placement and at 20-min intervals for the ensuing 2 hr. Fluid reservoir optical density was assessed using Pentacam (Oculus Inc) analysis software. RESULTS: Increases in fluid reservoir optical density were significant between each time interval with all lenses until 100 min. No significant increases in fluid reservoir optical density were noted with the 15.0- and 18.0-mm lenses between 100 and 120 min; fluid reservoir optical density increased with the 18.2-mm lens between 100 and 120 min. Optical density increased by 105% (15.0-mm lens) and 117% (18.0- and 18.2-mm lenses) at 2 hr. CONCLUSIONS: Optical density of the postlens fluid reservoir can be quantified during scleral lens wear. During 2 hr of wear, fluid reservoir optical density doubled with all lens designs evaluated.

Region-Specific Changes in Postlens Fluid Reservoir Depth Beneath Small-Diameter Scleral Lenses Over 2 Hours.

OBJECTIVES: Scleral lenses settle on the eye with time, and the depth of the postlens fluid reservoir decreases. We measured changes in central, superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal clearance beneath a small-diameter scleral lens after 2 hr of lens wear in healthy eyes. METHODS: Thirty-one participants (age, mean±SD, 29±7 years) with no history of eye disease or scleral lens wear were fitted with a 15-mm scleral lens in 1 eye. Scheimpflug images were acquired by a camera system within 5 min of lens placement and again after 2 hr of continuous lens wear. The central cornea was located in both horizontal and vertical meridians, and lens clearance was measured at that point. Lens clearance was also measured 2 mm superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal to the center of the cornea. RESULTS: After 2 hr of lens wear, central clearance was reduced 46% (mean [SD], from 227 [77] to 122 [61] µm; P<0.001). Superior clearance was reduced 48% (from 168 [62] to 87 [61] µm); inferior clearance, 54% (from 241 [82] to 111 [55] µm); temporal clearance, 45% (from 224 [79] to 124 [74] µm); and nasal clearance, 52% (from 166 [73] to 80 [49] µm) (P<0.001 for all). Statistically significant decreases in clearance were noted at all points assessed after 2 hr of lens wear. CONCLUSIONS: Fluid reservoir depth beneath small-diameter scleral lenses decreased nearly 50% after 2 hr of lens wear in normal eyes.

Scleral Lenses in the Management of Corneal Irregularity and Ocular Surface Disease.

PURPOSE: To describe current practice patterns regarding the use of scleral lens therapy in the management of corneal irregularity and ocular surface disease among eye care providers who fit scleral lenses. METHODS: The Scleral Lenses in Current Ophthalmic Practice: an Evaluation (SCOPE) study group conducted an electronic survey of eye care providers from January 15 to March 31, 2015. Respondents ranked management options for corneal irregularity in the order in which they would generally consider their use. Respondents also ranked options for the management of ocular surface disease in the order in which they would use each of the treatments. Results for each option were analyzed as percentage first-place ranking; percentage first-, second-, or third-place ranking; and mean rank score. RESULTS: Survey responses were obtained from 723 providers who had fit 5 or more scleral lenses. Of these respondents, 629 ranked options for management of corneal irregularity and 612 ranked options for management of ocular surface disease. Corneal rigid gas-permeable lenses were the first option for management of corneal irregularity for 44% of respondents, and scleral lenses were the first option for 34% of respondents. Lubricant drops were the first therapeutic recommendation for ocular surface disease for 84% of respondents, and scleral lenses were ranked first by 6% of respondents. CONCLUSION: Scleral lenses rank second only to corneal rigid gas-permeable lenses for management of corneal irregularity. Scleral lenses are generally considered after other medical intervention and before surgery for the management of ocular surface disease.