Ocular Surface Homeostasis After Scleral Lens Usage

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this prospective study is to examine the effects of 5 hours of well-fitted, mini–scleral contact lens (mini-SL) wear on the tear film cytokine expression in healthy eyes. Methods: Twenty-three healthy participants were included in the study. One eye of each participant was selected at random, and a mini-SL measuring 16.5 mm in diameter was fitted by an experienced contact lens specialist. The contact lens remained in place for 5 hours. Precorneal tear fluid was collected using capillary tubes at three different time points: baseline before SL insertion (T0), after 5 hours of SL wear (T1), and 3 hours after SL removal (T2). The concentration of 40 inflammatory cytokines at the three different time points was determined using multiplex bead assay. Results: Mini–scleral lens wear did not result in significant changes in the cytokine-to-protein ratio after 5 hours of wear on a healthy eye. Conclusions: Although a well-fitted mini-SL reduces the rate at which the precorneal tear film is refreshed, 5 hours of lens wear did not appear to significantly affect the tears cytokine-to-protein ratio, suggesting that scleral lenses have minimal impact on corneal cytokine expression.