A STUDY OF 530 PATIENTS REFERRED FOR RIGID GAS-PERMEABLE SCLERAL CONTACT-LENS ASSESSMENT

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to analyse the current applicat ion of scleral contact lenses in two specialist centres. Methods, The case notes of 530 patients assessed for fitting or refitting with rigi d gas permeable (RGP) scleral lenses were retrospectively analysed to determine the indication for contact lenses and the outcome. Scleral l enses had been offered as a conservative management option in suitable cases for a variety of visual and medical indications. Results, Vario us types of primary corneal ectasia, ranging from low grade to advance d, including keratoconus, keratoglobus, and pellucid marginal degenera tion, formed 53.0% of the total referred for assessment. The other pri ncipal indications for contact lenses were corneal transplant (15.8%), aphakia (10.3%), high myopia (8.9%), and various ocular surface disor ders (8.2%). Sixty percent continued to use scleral lenses, 42.9% RGP, and 17.1% polymethylmethacrylate lenses. Twenty-two percent discontin ued scleral lens wear or failed a trial of scleral lenses, with 9.3% i n progress at the time of assessment and 8.7% lost to follow-up. Concl usions, In the authors' opinion, scleral lenses have retained their tr aditional role in the management of complex ametropia and ocular surfa ce disease. That role has been further enhanced by the application of gas permeable materials.