Vision-related function after scleral lens fitting in ocular complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

PURPOSE: To describe the therapeutic benefits of scleral lenses in the management of severe ocular surface disease attributable to toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

Clinical records of 39 patients (67 eyes) fitted with scleral lenses for refractory ocular surface disease attributable to SJS or TEN were reviewed. To assess vision-specific quality of life, each patient completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25). Slit-lamp examination was performed at regular intervals to detect side effects. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (VA) and OSDI and NEI VFQ-25 composite score before and 6 months after scleral lens fitting.

RESULTS

The mean age was 35.8 +/- 13.9 years. Scleral lens fitting failed in 3 patients. The mean follow-up was 33.3 +/- 17.6 months. Among fitted patients, VA in the better eye (36 patients, 36 eyes) progressed from 0.73 to 0.50 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (P = .0001) 6 months after scleral lens placement. The mean OSDI improved from 76.9 +/- 22.8 to 37.1 +/- 26.7 (P = .0001). Thirty-two NEI VFQ-25 composite scores were available. The mean NEI VFQ-25 composite score improved from 25.1 +/- 16.8 to 67.4 +/- 22.1 (P = .0001). No serious adverse events attributable to the scleral lenses occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Scleral lens use appears to be efficient and safe for visual rehabilitation of refractory ocular surface disease attributable to TEN and SJS.