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Scleral lenses as a high tech, versatile and cost efficient tool for the treatment of ocular surface disease in less developed countries
Author(s) -
MEKKI MB,
YAHIAOUI S,
BELAOUDMOU R,
MOKHTARI MA
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2014.2475.x
Subject(s) - keratoconus , medicine , cornea , ectasia , scleral lens , ophthalmology , contact lens , lasik , surgery
Scleral lens has a double interest: Thanks to its anterior optically perfect surface without any contact with the cornea nor the limbus, it erases the irregularities of cornea whatever the degree of ectasia. On the other hand, it provides a favorable microenvironment for regeneration of diseased corneal epithelium. We present our short Algerian experience in cases of challenging cornea, typically requiring keratoplasty (expensive, often unavailable and with unpredictable results), fitted with scleral lens: Primary corneal ectasia (stage IV keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, globus), secondary post Lasik ectasia, failure of corneal reshaping surgery (Lasik, PKR, radial keratotomy and intracorneal ring segment implantation), irregular corneal graft and traumatic or post infectious corneal scar. We present the functional outcome and the quality of life of these patients. Therapeutic scleral lenses have a magical result, we illustrate it with trophic ulcer cases of various etiologies, resistant to conventional treatment and who healed very quickly under scleral lens wear alone. Finally, we present our pilot study on total UV filter scleral lens to protect ocular surface of children with Xeroderma Pigmentosum.Commercial interest