Clinical Report: Scleral Lens Wear and IOP Stability
Overview
This study evaluates the impact of long-term scleral lens wear on intraocular pressure (IOP) in Chinese individuals with both regular and irregular corneas. Findings indicate that IOP remained stable across study visits, with minimal variation and only a small percentage of participants showing significant increases.
Background
Understanding the effects of scleral lens wear on IOP is crucial, especially in populations at higher risk for glaucoma. Previous studies have shown varying results regarding IOP changes with scleral lens use, necessitating further investigation in diverse populations. This study contributes valuable data on IOP stability in a Chinese cohort, which may inform clinical practices for managing patients with scleral lenses.
Data Highlights
| Group | Mean Age (years) | Mean SER (D) | IOP Variation (mmHg) | Participants with IOP Increase ≥ 2 mmHg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irregular Cornea Group (ICG) | 31.5 ± 8.2 | -8.0 ± 5.8 | ±0.3 | 3 (10%) |
| Regular Cornea Group (RCG) | 27.6 ± 4.3 | -5.4 ± 2.5 | ±0.3 | 3 (10%) |
Key Findings
- Mean IOP variation was less than ±0.3 mmHg across all visits in both groups.
- 10% of participants in both groups experienced a sustained increase in IOP of ≥2 mmHg.
- IOP remained stable after 3 months of scleral lens wear in both regular and irregular cornea groups.
- Different tonometers were used for IOP measurement in the two groups, which may affect comparability.
- Future studies are needed to evaluate IOP changes with scleral lenses in situ and their effects on anterior chamber anatomy.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should be aware that scleral lens wear does not significantly alter IOP in most patients, but individual monitoring is essential, especially for those with a history of elevated IOP. Regular follow-ups and assessments using consistent tonometry methods are recommended to ensure patient safety.
Conclusion
The study supports the notion that scleral lens wear is generally associated with stable IOP in Chinese individuals, although careful monitoring of individual cases is warranted due to the observed outliers.
References
- Yang M, Wang F, Xu A, et al., Cont Lens Anterior Eye, 2025 -- Intraocular pressure following long-term scleral lens wear in Chinese eyes
- Contact Lens Spectrum — THE IFSLR ROUNDUP
- contact lens spectrum — GP INSIGHTS
- Contact Lens Spectrum — SCLERAL LENS TROUBLESHOOTING
- Contact Lens Spectrum — THE SCLERAL LENS VAULT
- THE IFSLR ROUNDUP
- GP INSIGHTS
- SCLERAL LENS TROUBLESHOOTING
- The Impact of Scleral Lenses on Intraocular Pressure - PMC
- Research Finds IOP Stable During Scleral Lens Use
- EVIDENCE-BASED CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINECare of the Patient
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