MedicineOphthalmologySurgeryOcular DiseaseOcular PathologyOphthalmic SurgeryContact Lens Clinical PracticeContact Lens InterventionsContact Lens MaterialsCorneal DisordersScleral LensesScleral SurgeryContact Lens-related Ocular Surface DiseaseGas Permeable Lens MaterialsScleral Lens MaterialsScleral Lens OpticsScleral Lens Oxygen PermeabilityScleral Lens Vision CorrectionScleral Prosthetic LensesTerrien Marginal Degeneration
BACKGROUND: Scleral contact lenses provide unique therapeutic and vision rehabilitative properties that overcome the therapeutic gaps encountered with conventional contact lens therapies. CASE REPORTS: Four case reports are presented in which serious visual impairment was remediated with the application of scleral contact lenses: kerataconus, Terriens marginal degeneration, penetrating keratoplasty from Fuchs' dystrophy, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. CONCLUSION: The availability of new and diverse materials--in particular, the use of highly oxygen-permeable materials for scleral contact lenses--has allowed reevaluation of the clinical role of scleral lenses in the management of irregular corneal surface disorders and ocular surface disease.