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.