CLEAR – Medical use of contact lenses. Issue 2 (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jacobs, Deborah S.; Carrasquillo, Karen G.; Cottrell, Paul D.; Fernández-Velázquez, Fernando J.; Gil-Cazorla, Raquel; Jalbert, Isabelle; Pucker, Andrew D.; Riccobono, Kellen; Robertson, Danielle M.; Szczotka-Flynn, Loretta; Speedwell, Lynne; Stapleton, Fiona
• Is Part Of: Contact lens & anterior eye. Volume 44:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 289
• Page End: 329
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Therapeutic contact lens -- Bandage lens -- Scleral lens -- Irregular astigmatism -- Aphakia -- Ocular surface disease; Anterior segment (Eye) -- Periodicals; Contact lenses -- Periodicals; Segment antérieur (Œil) -- Périodiques; Lentilles de contact -- Périodiques; 617.752305
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2021.02.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1367-0484

Abstract

Abstract: The medical use of contact lenses is a solution for many complex ocular conditions, including high refractive error, irregular astigmatism, primary and secondary corneal ectasia, disfiguring disease, and ocular surface disease. The development of highly oxygen permeable soft and rigid materials has extended the suitability of contact lenses for such applications. There is consistent evidence that bandage soft contact lenses, particularly silicone hydrogel lenses, improve epithelial healing and reduce pain in persistent epithelial defects, after trauma or surgery, and in corneal dystrophies. Drug delivery applications of contact lens hold promise for improving topical therapy. Modern scleral lens practice has achieved great success for both visual rehabilitation and therapeutic applications, including those requiring retention of a tear reservoir or protection from an adverse environment. This report offers a practical and relevant summary of the current evidence for the medical use of contact lenses for all eye care professionals including optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, and orthoptists. Topics covered include indications for use in both acute and chronic conditions, lens selection, patient selection, wear and care regimens, and recommended aftercare schedules. Prevention, presentation, and management of complications of medical use are reviewed.