Scleral gas permeable contact lenses as a possible way of visual rehabilitation of patients with age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

Low visual acuity, loss of the central visual field, metamorphopsia, distortion of lines and decreased contrast sensitivity cause reduced quality of vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Currently existing methods of visual rehabilitation for patients with AMD, such as telescopic intraocular and scleral lenses, are functionally and cosmetically unacceptable. The use of intraocular telescopic lenses is limited by the high risk of postoperative complications, low functional parameters, as well as by difficult ophthalmoscopy and lasting adaptation of patients. Telescopic scleral lenses have а low resolution, contain impermeable to oxygen parts and require wearing special switching glasses. However, scleral lenses have potential in developing an optimal method for vision correction in patients with AMD due to the presence of following advantages: wide optical zone, gas permeability, correction of refractive astigmatism in presbyopic patients and alleviation of dry eye symptoms. In conclusion, further clinical researches are required to develop a method for improving the quality of vision in patients with AMD by using scleral lenses with an objective test for evaluating the effectiveness of correction – the 3D computer-automated threshold Amsler grid test (3D-CTAG).