This article highlights advancements in wavefront-guided scleral lenses, summarizing the pioneering work of Dr. John Gelles and his team at the Cornea and Laser Eye Institute (CLEI). Their expertise and contributions have helped define the transformative potential of this technology for patients with complex corneal conditions. This summary draws from peer-reviewed publications and abstracts presented at leading conferences, including:
- Eye & Contact Lens 2024: “Visual Improvement With Wavefront-Guided Scleral Lenses for Irregular Corneal Astigmatism.”
- Global Specialty Lens Symposium 2024: “The Effect of Malposition and Positional Compensation in Wavefront-Guided Scleral Lenses.”
- American Academy of Optometry 2023: “Visual Improvement in Wavefront-Guided Scleral Lenses: Interim Prospective Clinical Trial Results.”
- American Academy of Optometry 2023: “Visual Improvement in Wavefront-Guided Scleral Lenses in Keratoconus: A Retrospective Review.”
- Global Specialty Lens Symposium 2023: “Visual Improvement with Wavefront-Guided Scleral Lenses After Penetrating Keratoplasty.”
- Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology 2022: “Neural Adaptation with Wavefront-Guided Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus.”
- Global Specialty Lens Symposium 2022: “Visual Improvement with Wavefront-Guided Scleral Lenses for Keratoconus After Intracorneal Ring Segment Implantation”
- American Academy of Optometry 2021: “Visual Improvement with Wavefront-Guided Scleral Lenses for Corneal Ectasia.”
Clinical Benefits of Wavefront-Guided Scleral Lenses
Studies conducted by Dr. Gelles and his team consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of wavefront-guided scleral lenses in achieving significant visual improvements. Key outcomes include:
- Improved Vision: Patients often gain 1-2 lines of vision on an eye chart, with some experiencing improvements of up to 5 lines.
- Reduction in HOAs: Research indicates a 50-60% reduction in HOAs, contributing to clearer and more stable vision.
- High Patient Satisfaction: Most participants report preferring wavefront-guided lenses over traditional scleral lenses due to their superior visual performance.
Applications Across Conditions
Wavefront-guided scleral lenses are effective in managing a range of corneal conditions and complications, including:
- Keratoconus: Providing sharper vision for patients with this progressive disorder.
- Post-Cornea Refractive Surgery Ectasia: Restoring visual clarity after refractive surgery complications.
- Radial Keratotomy (RK): Addressing irregularities resulting from earlier refractive surgeries.
- Corneal Transplants: Enhancing outcomes in post-keratoplasty patients.
- Post LASIK: Reducing issues with persistent halo and glare.
- Normal Corneas: Offering improved performance for individuals seeking optimal vision.
Recent Findings
The most recent paper by Gelles et al., published in Eye & Contact Lens (2024), evaluated wavefront-guided scleral lenses in 31 eyes with irregular corneal astigmatism. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial included patients with keratoconus, post-corneal refractive ectasia, and post-penetrating keratoplasty. Participants alternated between wearing traditional and wavefront-guided scleral lenses for four weeks each.
Key Outcomes:
- HOA Reduction: Wavefront-guided lenses reduced HOAs by 56%, significantly enhancing visual clarity compared to traditional scleral lenses.
- Vision Improvement: Wavefront-guided scleral lenses improved vision by 1 or more lines in 71% of participants, with a maximum improvement of 4 lines.
- Strong Preference: Seventeen of 18 participants favored wavefront-guided lenses, citing enhanced clarity and stability.
This publication reinforces earlier findings and highlights the real-world advantages of wavefront-guided lenses. The data is also consistent with the original research out of University of Houston and University of Rochester.
Practical Considerations
Achieving optimal results with wavefront-guided scleral lenses depends on precise fitting and lens stability. Some patients may require an adaptation period to fully benefit from the advanced optics.
Transforming Vision with Precision
Wavefront-guided scleral lenses represent a breakthrough for patients with complex visual challenges. By addressing higher-order aberrations and improving satisfaction, these lenses deliver unmatched clarity and quality of life improvements. The work of Dr. Gelles and his team at CLEI continues to advance the standard of care in specialty contact lenses.
Patients interested in exploring wavefront-guided scleral lenses are encouraged to schedule a consultation with one of CLEI’s eye care providers, who are experienced in this innovative technology.
