Scleral contact lenses for astigmatism

“The main advantage of scleral contact lenses is that they bridge the entire cornea and rest only on the sclera,” said Dr Halina MaÅ„czak MD, PhD.

“This gives a nice fluid layer between the lens and the cornea, which greatly neutralises surface irregularities.”

Dr Mańczak presented her experience with scleral contact lenses for astigmatism at the EuCornea Congress.

Besides severe keratoconus and posterior polymorphous dystrophy, indications include post-penetrating keratoplasty cases,

in which the huge astigmatic variability makes it difficult to use even reverse-geometry rigid lenses.

Post-trauma cases can also benefit, regardless of the eye’s phakic status. Scleral lenses reduce corneal scarring in this case, said Dr MaÅ„czak.

Other possibilities include various immunological conditions, bullous keratopathy and after surgery for lagoftalmos in which inferior corneal drying is a problem.