Update on indications, complications, and outcomes of scleral contact lenses

Background

The role of scleral contact lenses (SCLs) has increasingly expanded since the first lens was fitted more than a century ago. While it was initially prescribed for the management of severely compromised corneas, the indications for modern SCL use have expanded to include less severe diseases. In this review, we aimed to provide an up-to-date overview of the current indications, complications, and outcomes for the various types of SCLs.

Methods

In this narrative review, we thoroughly searched the PubMed/MEDLINE database for literature published from January 1980 to November 2021. Only relevant up-to-date English references were included. Furthermore, the figures in this manuscript were derived from our unit's patient documentation.

Results

Currently, SCLs can successfully be used to manage ocular surface diseases, visually rehabilitate irregular corneas, and correct irregular refractive errors. Although newer materials have yielded the same visual outcomes with fewer complications, these consequences still occur in approximately one-third of contact lens wearers, including difficulties in insertion and/or removal, discomfort or pain, and developing either halos, blurriness, or haze. Even though most of these complications are minor and can be easily treated, a good practice is essential to avoid sight-threatening complications such as microbial keratitis.

Conclusions

SCLs are indispensable in ophthalmic clinics. The development of better-quality SCLs has increased the number of indications and improved the achievable visual rehabilitation. The future of developing improvements in SCL design, materials, and fit, and the expansion of their indication range is promising.

Cogan-Reese syndrome: image analysis with specular microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and ultrasound biomicroscopy

Iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome is a progressive clinical spectrum of corneal endothelial abnormalities affecting the cornea, iris, and iridocorneal angle. Three clinical variations are recognized: essential (progressive) iris atrophy, Chandler syndrome, and Cogan-Reese syndrome. Direct slit-lamp visualization of the cornea and anterior segment in cases of ICE syndrome is inadequate for precise and objective assessment of the affected structures. We describe the evolution of corneal and anterior segment structural changes in a woman with Cogan-Reese syndrome using three different methods of image analysis: specular microscopy, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and ultrasound biomicroscopy.

Risk factors for ocular surface damage in Mexican patients with dry eye disease: a population-based study

PURPOSE

To analyze potential risk factors for ocular surface damage in a representative population of Mexican patients with dry eye disease (DED).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective and cross-sectional population-based epidemiologic cohort study was conducted through a survey of patients with symptoms, signs, known preexisting diagnosis, and clinical conditions related to DED. Fluorescein staining, tear break-up time (TBUT), and Oxford lissamine green staining were performed on both eyes of patients enrolled in the study.

RESULTS

A total of 2,725 surveys including 1,543 (56.6%) women and 1,182 (43.3%) men were analyzed. Most common pre-existing diagnosis included dry eye (58%), chronic blepharitis (17%), and ocular allergy (15%). More than 70% of patients had a positive fluorescein test, and this prevalence increased proportionally to the number of reasons for consultation. The same was true for gender (P<0.001) and age (P<0.0001), with women showing a strong correlation with age (R2=0.93912, P=0.001). The association between positive fluorescein staining and diagnosis was significant for dry eye (P<0.0001), Sjögren's syndrome (P<0.0001), and glaucoma (P<0.05). No significant association between TBUT and age or gender was found, but the shorter the TBUT, the larger the prevalence of fluorescein staining. Reduced TBUT was seen more frequently in patients with dry eye (57%), ocular allergy (16%), and chronic blepharitis (15%). Most patients (39%) with Oxford grades III and IV were older, complained of red eye (51.0%), foreign body sensation (47.0%), burning (46.0%), and were using eye drops (67%) and systemic medications (47%).

CONCLUSION

The Mexican profile of patients with significant ocular surface damage related to DED includes women at older ages, complaining of red eye, foreign body, and burning sensation. Diagnoses of dry eye, Sjögren's syndrome, and glaucoma were also risk factors for significant ocular surface damage, along with long-term use of preserved eyes drops and systemic medications.

Long-term Outcomes of Pediatric Penetrating Keratoplasty for Herpes Simplex Virus Keratitis

PURPOSE

To analyze the characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients that underwent pediatric penetrating keratoplasty (PPK) for herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis.

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series.

METHODS

Observational report of outcomes and findings for 9 patients with history of HSV keratitis that underwent PPK and were followed in a single institution. Difference between the median preoperative and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed and the outcomes are reported.

RESULTS

We included 9 eyes; median age at the moment of the PPK was 14 years. The median initial BCVA was 20/400 (range 20/60 to hand motion) and final was 20/50 (range 20/30 to 20/400) (P < .05). Follow-up was a median of 94 months. Complications in these patients included glaucoma (1), graft rejection (1), recurrence of disease (1), and amblyopia (3). No graft failures were present.

CONCLUSION

The long-term outcomes with PPK for HSV keratitis in children provide improvement in BCVA when not compromised by amblyopia.