What makes ocular surface anatomy attractive for a scleral lens?

Abstract

SummaryThe ocular surface consists of the moist mucosal organs at the anterior eye surface. They are a continuous anatomical unit from the lacrimal gland over conjunctiva & cornea into the lacrimal drainage system. Joined by the flow of tears and governed by regulatory systems, e.g. nerves, hormones & immune system ‐ thus they also form a functional unit as a constant moist chamber (for details please see: WWW.OSCB‐BERLIN.ORG). The main function is to provide the environment for vision by the entrance of light and its refraction.“MOISTURE is KEY” because it keeps the cornea transparent and establishes the pre‐ocular tear film as main refraction unit. At the same time the moist chamber is highly endangered in our humid environment.SCLERAL CONTACT LENSES are large contact lenses that rest on the sclera and vault over the cornea by providing a pool underneath, with the patient′s own tears including all factors for nutrition & regulation. Sclerals are thus a unique medical tool to restore both essential functions when the ocular surface and particularly the cornea is altered: constant moisture and a homogeneous refraction interface. In addition they shield the cornea against the chronic mechanical forces in eye movements and blinking.