Clinical Scorecard: Research Review: Scleral Lenses as Drug Delivery Systems
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Condition | Ocular surface diseases |
| Key Mechanisms | Scleral lenses provide sustained drug delivery and longer retention of medications, enhancing bioavailability while minimizing side effects. |
| Target Population | Patients with dry eye disease, persistent epithelial defects, and corneal neovascularization. |
| Care Setting | Ophthalmology clinics and practices. |
Key Highlights
- Scleral lenses can deliver preservative-free cyclosporine effectively.
- Autologous serum tears in scleral lenses show faster healing for persistent epithelial defects.
- Prophylactic antibiotics can mitigate the risk of microbial keratitis during scleral lens wear.
- Scleral lenses reduce the frequency of topical drop administration for conditions like fungal keratitis.
- Anti-VEGF therapy via scleral lenses has shown regression of corneal vascularization.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Assess ocular surface disease severity and suitability for scleral lens use.
Management
- Utilize preservative-free medications in scleral lenses for optimal outcomes.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regularly evaluate corneal health and lens fit during follow-up visits.
Risks
- Monitor for microbial keratitis, especially with overnight lens wear.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals with ocular surface diseases requiring enhanced drug delivery.
Scleral lenses can improve medication adherence and therapeutic outcomes.
Clinical Best Practices
- Ensure all medications used in scleral lenses are preservative-free.
- Educate patients on proper lens care and hygiene to minimize infection risk.
- Consider scleral lenses for patients with refractory ocular surface conditions.
References
- Rykowska et al, 2021
- Yang et al, 2023
- Zhao et al, 2023
- Nakhla et al, 2024
- Harthan and Shorter, 2018
- Frogozo, 2022
- Ciralsky et al, 2015
- Bian and Jacobs, 2025
- Yin and Jacobs, 2019
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