Quality of life in the pediatric population wearing scleral lenses.

PURPOSE: To understand the visual performance of scleral lens (SL) and to investigate whether SLs have any impact on quality of life (QOL) in the pediatric population.

METHODS

Twenty-five eyes, diagnosed with keratoconus (n = 14), ocular surface disease (n = 7), and corneal tear repair (n = 4) were fitted with SL. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS), fluid reservoir thickness, compliance, average wear time, and QOL assessment through PedEye-Q questionnaire were measured before and after 1 month of SL wear.

RESULTS

The baseline best corrected distance visual acuity with spectacles averaged 0.50 (0.40-0.80) logMAR [median (IQR)], which improved to 0.10 (0-0.45) logMAR [median (IQR)] with SL (P < 0.001). CS also showed significant improvement, rising from a median of 0.15 (0-0.60) logCS with spectacles to 1.10 (0.52-1.5) logCS with SLs (P < 0.001). QOL for the child improved markedly with SLs compared to spectacles (P < 0.001). Additionally, a significant improvement in parental QOL was observed post-SL wear (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SL's fitting is feasible and should be considered as an effective therapeutic option in pediatrics. The significant improvement in QOL of parents suggests compliance of caregivers or parents should be considered a chief priority when fitting pediatrics with SLs.