Use of new-generation hybrid contact lenses for managing challenging corneas

Average Scleral Lens Replacement Period at a Tertiary Care Hospital

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the average scleral lens replacement period at a tertiary care hospital.

METHODS

Patients were identified retrospectively through electronic medical records. Inclusion criteria included scleral lens patients treated at the USC Department of Ophthalmology who had reordered a scleral lens at least once in one eye. Lens order histories were evaluated, and statistical analysis included a multivariable, mixed-methods, linear, regression model.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-one patients (120 men and 131 women; average age 57.1±17.4 years, range 9-93 years) and a total of 445 eyes (227 OD, 218 OS; 199 irregular corneas, 246 ocular surface disease) were included. The average replacement period for a scleral lens was 23.9±14.3 months (range 5-2,617 days). Patients with greater scleral lens experience had a statistically significant increase in their average scleral lens replacement period; for every one year of additional experience wearing scleral lenses, average replacement period increased by 30.7 days ( P =0.001). There was no statistically significant correlation between average scleral lens replacement period and sex, diagnosis, prior outside scleral lens treatment, lens brand, or lens diameter.

CONCLUSION

The average scleral lens replacement period in this patient cohort at a tertiary care hospital was 23.9±14.3 months (1.99±1.19 years). Further studies are needed to better understand the impact of scleral lens age on ocular health and vision. Certainly, proper scleral lens training and education are essential to ensure optimal lens condition and treatment outcomes.

Evidence of Contact Lenses for Vision Rehabilitation in Corneal Diseases: A Review

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of contact lenses (CL) as a therapeutic option for patients affected by a corneal disease and to determinate which is the best lens modality for each disease.

METHODS

A literature review using PubMed was performed. All relevant articles published during the last 15 years have been included.

RESULTS

Various studies point to CL as the best therapeutic option for some corneal diseases and even as an alternative to surgery in some cases. After fitting, patients show an improvement in their functional vision and quality of life, in some cases being able to drive or work again.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of scientific evidence to determine which lens modality is suitable for each corneal pathology. Currently, according to this review, the reason for choosing between the different options depends on the severity of symptoms, and it is worth mentioning that scleral lenses seem to be the best option in advanced stages of disease. However, the expertise of professionals is also an important factor at the time of choosing a particular CL modality. Standardized criteria are still necessary for correct selection of lens modality for a correct management of the disease.

Refractive Correction After Penetrating Keratoplasty by a New Soft Contact Lens with a Special Design for Astigmatism: A Case Report

YOUSOFT is a new soft contact lens (CL) specifically designed for the correction of astigmatism. It is a conventional FDA Group II soft contact lens (SCL) and the optical zone in its centre is thick, and on its rear surface it has a prism ballast structure to prevent rotation. This lens was prescribed for a 59-year-old male on the eye with irregular corneal astigmatism after receiving penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for refractive correction, whose eye was difficult to wear hard CLs (HCLs). After following the directions in the fitting manual provided by the manufacturer, fitting was good in the right eye and corrected visual acuity was 20/25 in Snellen Chart. He could continue wearing without CL discomfortable YOUSOFT may be useful in patients who have received PKP.