Shuaibu Ayishetu, Topah Efioshiomoshi Kings, Suleman Ayuba, D'Esposito Fabiana, Tognetto Daniele, Gagliano Caterina, Zeppieri Marco, Musa Mutali
Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Department of Optometry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.
Adv Exp Med Biol. 2025 Jan 23. doi: 10.1007/5584_2024_842.
Contact lenses have become integral tools in the realm of ocular therapeutics, extending beyond their primary function of refractive correction to encompass a diverse array of therapeutic applications. This review explores the evolving role of contact lenses in managing various ocular conditions, highlighting their efficacy in enhancing patient outcomes. Initially developed to correct refractive errors, contact lenses now serve as effective vehicles for delivering medications directly to the ocular surface, offering targeted treatment for conditions such as dry eye syndrome and corneal ulcers. Their ability to provide sustained moisture and facilitate drug absorption makes them indispensable in promoting corneal healing and managing chronic ocular surface diseases. Specialized contact lenses designed for irregular corneas, such as those affected by keratoconus, provide both optical correction and structural support, significantly improving visual acuity and patient comfort. Additionally, orthokeratology lenses have shown promise in controlling myopia progression in children by reshaping the cornea overnight, thereby reducing reliance on corrective eyewear during waking hours. In post-surgical settings, therapeutic contact lenses aid in epithelial regeneration and minimize discomfort, accelerating recovery and improving surgical outcomes. They also play a crucial role in protecting the cornea from external irritants and promoting a stable tear film, crucial for maintaining ocular health. Looking ahead, ongoing advancements in contact lens materials and designs promise further innovation in ocular therapeutics, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies and improved patient care. As such, contact lenses continue to evolve as essential therapeutic tools, offering tailored solutions for a spectrum of ocular conditions and contributing to enhanced quality of life for patients worldwide.
隐形眼镜已成为眼部治疗领域不可或缺的工具，其作用已超越屈光矫正的主要功能，涵盖了各种各样的治疗应用。这篇综述探讨了隐形眼镜在管理各种眼部疾病中不断演变的作用，突出了它们在改善患者治疗效果方面的功效。隐形眼镜最初是为矫正屈光不正而开发的，现在已成为将药物直接递送至眼表的有效载体，为干眼症和角膜溃疡等病症提供靶向治疗。它们提供持续湿润并促进药物吸收的能力，使其在促进角膜愈合和管理慢性眼表疾病方面不可或缺。为不规则角膜设计的特殊隐形眼镜，如受圆锥角膜影响的角膜，既能提供光学矫正又能提供结构支撑，显著提高视力和患者舒适度。此外，角膜塑形镜已显示出有望通过在夜间重塑角膜来控制儿童近视进展，从而减少清醒时间对矫正眼镜的依赖。在术后环境中，治疗性隐形眼镜有助于上皮再生并将不适感降至最低，加速恢复并改善手术效果。它们在保护角膜免受外部刺激物影响和促进稳定泪膜形成方面也起着关键作用，这对维持眼部健康至关重要。展望未来，隐形眼镜材料和设计的不断进步有望在眼部治疗方面带来进一步创新，为个性化治疗策略和改善患者护理铺平道路。因此，隐形眼镜作为重要的治疗工具不断发展，为一系列眼部疾病提供量身定制的解决方案，并为全球患者提高生活质量做出贡献。
