Image- and Impression-Based Technology in Scleral Lens Fitting for Keratoconus: Availability and Utilization.

OBJECTIVE

Scleral lenses (SLs) can be customized using traditional diagnostic lens fitting or by using image- and/or impression-based technologies. This study describes the availability and usage of SL fitting technology in patients with keratoconus.

METHODS

An online survey queried practitioners on the mode of practice, country of residence, and estimated number of SL fits completed for keratoconus. Practitioners were asked whether they had access to image- and/or impression-based technology and to estimate the percentage of fits completed using diagnostic fitting, image-based technology, and impression-based technology. Access and usage of technology was compared between academic and community practices, United States and non-United States, and high-volume (≥60 SLs) and low-volume fitters.

RESULTS

423 practitioners who fit SL for keratoconus participated. Image- and impression-based technologies were more frequently available in academic practices compared with community practices and high-volume compared with low-volume practitioners ( P <0.005). Practitioners with image-based technology used it for a median [interquartile range] 5 [25]% of SL fittings; those with impression-based technology used it for 8 [9]% of fittings, and those with both types of technology used image-based devices for 12 [23]% of fittings and impression-based for 5 [8]% of fittings.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, most participants report using diagnostic lenses to fit SLs for patients with keratoconus.