Journal of Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology of Shandong University ›› 2026, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1): 149-154.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1673-3770.0.2024.100

• Review • Previous Articles    

The efficacy and safety of scleral lenses in treating severe ocular surface disease

LI Yuchen1, WANG Xu2   

  1. 1. Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261000, Shandong, China2. Department of Ocular Surface Diseases, Jinan Second People's Hospital, Jinan 250000, Shandong, China
  • Published:2026-02-13

Abstract: Scleral contact lens, commonly called scleral lens, is a new type of large-diameter, highly oxygen-permeable, rigid ocular surface contact lens that can cover the cornea, limbus and part of the sclera. Compared to the traditional rigid gas permeable(RGP)corneal contact lens, the scleral lens has a wide range of indications and can effectively reduce pain and irritation. It also has advantages in maintaining ocular surface hydration, promoting corneal epithelial repair and prolonging drug action. These properties enable it to demonstrate significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of ocular surface diseases such as keratoconus, dry eye, post-keratoplasty astigmatism, refractive errors, corneal degeneration or dystrophy and corneal trauma. What's more, scleral lenses can solve problems that are difficult to overcome with traditional RGPs. This article mainly provides a detailed summary of the treatment principles, efficacy and safety of scleral lenses in the treatment of ocular surface diseases, as well as the advantages and limitations of clinical treatment, with the aim of giving full play to their clinical therapeutic value.

Key words: Scleral lens, Eye surface diseases, Conus cornea, Dry eye disease, After corneal transplantation

CLC Number: 

  • R778.3
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