Scleral Lenses Improve Ptosis in Patients with Concurrent Ocular Surface Disease: A Case Series

Abstract

Scleral lenses are a well-established contact lens option for patients with corneal irregularity and/or ocular surface disease. They provide a unique design by vaulting over the limbus of the cornea and rest on the conjunctiva with no blood vessel compression. Scleral lenses have an additional benefit of improving eyelid ptosis; however, this use has been minimally reported in the literature. This use has probably not been reported as frequently because the primary goals of fitting these lenses are most often improvement in vision, protection/support of the ocular surface, and/or improvement in comfort. It is hypothesized that the increased bulk of scleral lenses contribute to an increase in lid aperture size and the marginal reflex distance. Scleral lenses offer a non-surgical and non-pharmacological option for ptosis improvement, particularly in cases of mild ptosis and/or when the patient is not a good surgical candidate. They are a good option for improving ptosis in patients with concurrent ocular surface disease as they offer corneal protection as the eyelid retracts. They serve as an appropriate option for patients who are susceptible or experience adverse side effects of topical ophthalmic solutions for ptosis including dry eye, pain, and headache.1 The following case series highlights several cases in which scleral lenses improved ptosis measurements following scleral lens fitting. CE Notification: This article is available as a COPE accredited CE course. You may take this course for 1-hour credit. Read the article and take the qualifying test to earn your credit. Click here to Enroll (https://www.crojournal.com/scleral-lenses-improve-ptosis-in-patients-with-concurrent-ocular-surface-disease-a-case-series). Please check COPE course expiry date prior to enrollment. The COPE course test must be taken before the course expiry date.